Torque Sensors vs. Cadence Sensors: What's The Difference?

The new Aventeon electric bikes are all shipping with torque sensors, showing growth from the cadence sensors we saw on the 2022 models.
But what is a torque sensor? How does it work? How is it different from a cadence sensor? Is it faster? Just how many questions about torque sensors are there?
Calum answers most of the above (not the last one) in our explaination of how torque sensors stack up against cadence sensors.
#electricbike #electricbikereview #ebike #ebikes

[@colinfitzgerald4332]

I received the Aventon level 2 a few months ago. I keep the petal assist on 1 most of the time. When I start off in first or second gear, with little effort, the bike’s torque sensor blasts the bike forward. If I want a softer takeoff, I start in fourth gear. So, any one who wants a workout, stick to the higher gear ratios, and anyone who needs greater assist, use the lower gears or turn up the assist number. Range is outstanding compared to my Rad with cadence sensor ebike.

[@Rip1Outdoors]

Good info

[@roberthaseltine5977]

Would it be correct to say that with a cadence sensor you could hold the same cadence of pedalling and change yoyr speed only by changing the PAS level?

[@electrickicks]

Yes, it would be correct to say that. This can made cadence sensors unpredictable because you can jump from 15 kph to 25 kph at the touch of a button, for example. Some people like that you can reach top speed by just keeping the pedals turning at the bare minimum, others prefer the control a torque sensor gives you. Matter of preference, we suppose. They are both great to use, either way.

[@roberthaseltine5977]

@electrickicks Thanks, I think I would prefer the torque sensor then utilize a throttle that I can control better for any speed boosts.

[@teleruin8686]

My wife bought a e-bike with torque sensor last weekend (50 nm bosh), and yesterday we returned it.
She is a small woman, and need to drag a kid trolly with her, and she told me it was way to hard to drag when she met some upward hills...
After an evening of research on everything e-bike (I knew nothing ahead of this) I am starting to suspect that the reason why it felt heavy for her is that she didn't have the power herself to squise enough help of of the motor ?
If the torque sensor motor only doubles what you put in and you have to add 100kwt yourself to get 100kwt from the motor I guess that will make it a lot harder if yu don't have 100 kwt to add.
So I guess she should buy something with cadens sensor instead ?
Is my theory and reasoning making sense or am I completely wrong in assuming this ?

[@electrickicks]

You're correct. Torque sensors provide a more natural riding experience by matching the motor's assistance to your pedaling effort. However, for riders with limited leg strength, especially when starting from a stop or tackling hills with a load, it can feel demanding. That said, for your wife's situation, a cadence sensor e-bike might be a better fit.

[@user-yp5fn4cg8f]

Just received a bike with a torque sensor. What I don’t like is that on a trail in the park in the lowest level of assistance, I want to get a bit of a workout, but if you pedal hard you haul ass. In that situation I don’t want to go all that fast. Very fun first ride I may get used to it. Like I said , in eco mode I’m easily doing 15 mph, and not even trying!

[@bty2550]

Great explanation. I’ve owned several Ebikes of both types and the torque drive motors are far superior. I would use the analogy of having the experience of riding an analogue bike, but with the legs and cardio ability of an Olympic athlete, even for someone relatively unfit. That is of course until you get to 16mph when you are then dumped back into reality😂

[@electrickicks]

It's a good analogy. We're split 50/50 on torque vs. cadence in our office. Torque is certainly more natural and the responsiveness is better, but some of us prefer the effortless speed that comes with a cadence sensor - you can reach the bike's top speed by just keeping the pedals turning. However, this isn't for everyone and we are finding that more people are interested in torque sensors overall.