Electric Bike Torque Sensor: Importance and Benefits
Among the key innovations that have revolutionised the e-bike industry, the electric bike torque sensor stands out as a game-changer. (Maybe you might be asking: what is a torque sensor on an e-bike?)
In simple words, the electric bike torque sensor is a component that measures the rider's pedalling effort. This crucial device provides the rider effort to the controller that will adapt the e-bike performance and power delivery to the user's needs. The final result will be a natural ride experience and efficient electric assistance.
Incorporating torque sensors into electric bicycles (e-bikes) traces back to the European EPAC legislation for safety reasons. To clarify, this legislation necessitated the usage of sensors to ensure that electric bicycles comply with the EN15194 requirements, which mandate the provision of electrical power assistance only when the rider is pedalling. However, not all e-bike sensors are created equal.
Types of Electric Bike Sensors:
E-bike torque sensor vs cadence sensor
The e-bike industry primarily deploys two types of sensors: cadence sensors and torque sensors. In short, while cadence sensors detect the rotation speed of the pedals, torque sensors measure the force applied to the pedals by the rider.
However, AUTORQ Torque Sensors incorporate a cadence sensor to measure your pedal rotations, which means two signals in one sensor.
So, whether you're an e-bike enthusiast or a manufacturer seeking to enhance your offerings, electric bike torque sensors have several benefits compared to cadence sensors, which we'll share below.
Benefits of an Electric Bike Torque Sensor
From unbeatable ride feel and safety enhancement to energy efficiency and extended lifespan, find below five benefits of equipping electric bikes with torque sensors.
1. Intuitive Ride Feeling and More Fun to Ride
Torque sensors provide a natural riding experience to the riders. They ensure the motor's power delivery is proportionate to the rider's pedalling force. Moreover, this seamless connection replicates the authenticity of traditional biking and makes every journey feel intuitive and exciting.
2. Improved Safety
The torque sensor's responsive nature means the bike adapts quickly to the rider's effort. Further, this real-time adaptability makes the bike easier to control, enhancing safety.
3. Higher Efficiency
Equipping electric bikes with torque sensors can boost efficiency by up to a third. Also, this improved efficiency can be leveraged in two ways:
Keeping battery size - torque sensors increase the bike range and enhance user experience.
Opting for a smaller battery - bike designers gain components integration flexibility within the electric bike and reduce the bike's weight, decreasing the associated costs and enhancing the riding experience.
4. Extended Lifespan and Reduced Wear and Tear on Components
The durability and longevity of any technology are crucial factors in its adoption and integration. Moreover, torque sensors play a pivotal role in elevating the lifespan of e-bikes and minimising strain on vital e-bike components:
Brakes - By empowering riders with greater control over e-bike speed through pedalling, there's less reliance on brakes to manage low-speed scenarios, reducing wear on brake components.
Controller, Battery and Motor - Torque sensors ensure smoother current flow, resulting in fewer abrupt energy peaks and overall current draw. This starkly contrasts cadence sensors, which can cause sudden power surges, decreasing the lifespan of the controller, battery and motor.
5. Brand Image Enhancement
E-bike manufacturers prioritising the rider's experience by integrating torque sensors inevitably create lasting impressions. In addition, a memorable ride leads to positive word-of-mouth, significantly elevating the brand's image.
In conclusion, this component contributes to a longer-lasting e-bike that maintains its performance over time. Indeed, it benefits the rider's investment, reduces the frequency of replacements and minimises electronic waste.
Choose Torque Sensors For Your Electric Bike
In the e-bike industry, opting for cheaper components like cadence sensors might seem economical initially. However, the long-term benefits offered by torque sensors, from efficiency gains to brand image enhancement, suggest that cadence sensors might, in fact, be a false economy.
By embracing the power of torque sensors, e-bike brands can exceed riders' expectations, setting a new standard where every ride is a seamless blend of innovation and excitement. Moreover, torque sensors present a worthwhile investment, guaranteeing riders a more pleasurable, efficient, and safer biking experience.
Contact us today to transform your e-bikes and make an incredible ride feel universal.