Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor on an Ebike

In the world of electric bikes, one of the most hotly contested debates is the one between torque vs cadence sensors.

Both types of sensors provide some form of pedal assistance, but the way in which they do so is different. This results in a different riding experience for each type of sensor, so it’s imperative that you choose the one that best suits your riding preferences and physical capabilities.

In this article, we’ll cover the differences between the torque sensor vs cadence sensor, including their pros and cons.

What are Ebike Sensors ?

An e-bike sensor measures when you apply pressure to the pedals. When you start using the pedals, the sensor detects the rotation of the pedals and communicates this information to the controller.

Then, the electric bike controller instructs the electric motor to kick in and assist with rotating the wheels. This transition of power occurs very quickly, and it continues until you stop using the pedals. The two most common types of ebike sensors are cadence and torque sensors.

What is a Torque Sensor on an Ebike ?

A torque sensor measures when and how hard you apply pressure to the pedals. The amount of pedal assistance you receive is proportional to your pedalling effort.

What does this mean for you? The harder you pedal, the harder the electric motor will work to help you accelerate and maintain speed. On the other hand, as you ease off the pedals, the controller will instruct the electric motor to assist less gradually.

Most electric bikes have pedal assist settings. These settings let you adjust how much pedalling force the electric bike motor provides. For example, the ‘Eco’ mode may increase your pedalling force by 50 percent, while a higher setting may increase your pedalling force by 100 percent.

Pros of Torque Sensor

The main advantages of a torque pedal assist sensor are that they provide:

• A better travel range due to the more precise pedal assistance
• A more natural pedal feel, with minimal lag between when you use the pedals and when the electric motor kicks in
• Enhanced safety and stability in challenging conditions

Cons of Torque Sensor

The downsides to using a torque sensor are that they:

• Require you to pedal harder than a cadence sensor to receive assistance
• Are typically found on more expensive electric bikes
• Can produce a slight surge or drag when you lower the assistance level

What is a Cadence Sensor on an Ebike ?

Unlike a torque sensor, which measures when and how hard you pedal, a cadence sensor measures only when you use the pedals. When you use the pedals, the controller instructs the motor to turn on and assist with rotating the wheels.

How exactly does a cadence sensor work? The system consists of a sensor and a series of magnets. The sensor is installed on the bike frame, typically near the bottom rack. The magnets are attached to a disc mount, which rests on the crank.

When you apply pressure to the pedals, the magnets pass through the sensor. It measures when and how hard you pedal based on the magnets’ movements. Most cadence sensors have between 3 to 14 magnets. The more magnets a sensor has, the more precise the pedal assist system will be.

Pros of Cadence Sensor

The main advantages of a cadence sensor are that they:

• Are typically found on cheaper electric bikes
• Let you accelerate faster with less pedalling effort
• Are cheaper and easier to maintain than a torque sensor

Cons of Cadence Sensor

The downsides to using a cadence sensor are that they:

• Produce some lag between when you pedal and when the electric motor kicks in
• Have a lower travel range than torque sensor electric bikes
• Can produce sharp jolts of acceleration when you switch between modes

Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor: Key Differences

Torque and cadence sensors do a great job of offering pedal assistance. However, they each carry out this task in different ways. The type of sensor you use will influence your riding experience.

Here are the key differences between the two sensor types:

• Riding Experience: Torque sensors provide a smoother riding experience than cadence sensors. They react more fluidly to how hard you apply pressure to the pedals, resulting in a more seamless transition of power from the pedals to the motor.
• Power Efficiency: Torque sensors have a higher travel range than cadence sensors. This is because you must still pedal in order for the electric motor to help rotate the wheels. As a result, a portion of your momentum is still attributed to your pedalling effort, helping you conserve ebike battery life.
• Terrain Compatibility: Torque sensors perform better on steep inclines and unpredictable terrain than cadence sensors. They are better at adapting quickly to changes in pedalling effort, resulting in a more natural pedal feel on varied terrain.
• Cost Considerations: Electric bikes with cadence sensors often sell for less than those with torque sensors. Since they consist of only two main components, a sensor and a series of magnets, they are relatively cheap to manufacture. This helps reduce the upfront and ongoing cost of owning an electric bike with a cadence sensor.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an electric bike that suits your preferences can be hard, especially if you don’t know how certain components work. Trying to make sense of technical terms and concepts can complicate matters, too.

This is where the right knowledge can help. By understanding how cadence and torque sensors work, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right electric bike. You’ll also better understand what to expect from the riding experience with each sensor type.

Now that you understand the basics of ebike sensors, why not explore your options? Check out the full electric bike range at Heybike today. Our commuter electric bikes are designed for maximum comfort and safety, ensuring the bike meets your lifestyle and needs.