Technical guide
How much motor torque you need to climb mountains
Motor torque (Nm) is the figure you notice most on hills. We explain what it means and how much you need for your terrain.
In Europe, all legal e-bikes have a maximum rated power of 250 W and stop assisting at 25 km/h. That is why power is hardly useful for comparing: what makes the difference on hills is motor torque, measured in newton metres (Nm).
What motor torque is
It is the turning force the motor adds to your pedalling. The more torque, the easier it is to set off on a hill or keep your pace on a ramp. That is why it is so valued in the mountains.
Mid-drive or hub motor
A mid-drive motor (at the bottom bracket) drives the chain, uses the gears and usually feels more natural on long climbs. A hub motor (in the wheel) is simpler and cheaper, and usually has less torque.
The torque of the bikes we have analysed
| Model | Torque | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Rockrider E-FEEL 700 S | 85 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-FEEL 900 S | 85 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-EXPL 520 S | 70 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-EXPL 700 | 70 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Van Rysel E-GRVL AF MD | 70 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Elops LD 920 E | 65 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-EXPL 500 S | 50 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-EXPL 520 | 50 Nm | Mid-drive (bottom bracket) |
| Rockrider E-ACTV 100 (cuadro bajo) | 45 Nm | Rear hub |
| Elops LD 500 (Larga Distancia) | 45 Nm | Rear hub |
| Rockrider E-ST 100 | 42 Nm | Rear hub |
| Riverside 500 E | 42 Nm | Rear hub |
| Van Rysel E-GRVL AF HD | 40 Nm | Rear hub |
| Van Rysel E-EDR AF Shimano 105 | 40 Nm | Rear hub |
| BTWIN E-Fold 500 | 35 Nm | Rear hub |
| Van Rysel E-GRVL AF Discover | 35 Nm | Rear hub |
| Elops 900 E (cuadro bajo) | 35 Nm | Rear hub |
Guidance for your terrain
- Flat city: any motor in the range will do; prioritise comfort and weight.
- Hilly city: look for a mid-drive motor or at least 50 Nm.
- Mountains: the more torque the better, ideally a mid-drive motor with 60 Nm or more, especially if you weigh more than average or carry a load.
These are general guidelines, not rules: your weight, your fitness and the assist mode you use make a big difference. If you can, test-ride it first.
Not sure how hilly your area is? Search it on the map and we'll work it out.