Torque sensor vs. Pedal speed sensor on an electric bicycle

In the field of electric bicycles, the debate between torque and cadence sensors is one of the most hotly discussed topics.

Both types of sensors provide a form of pedal assistance, but they differ in how they work. This leads to different riding experiences, so it is crucial to choose the sensor that best fits your preferences and physical conditions.

In this article, we explain the differences between torque and cadence sensors and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

What are e-bike sensors?

An e-bike sensor measures when pressure is applied to the pedals. As soon as you pedal, the sensor detects the turning motion and sends this information to the controller.

The controller then instructs the electric motor to switch on and assist the wheels. This transition happens very quickly and continues until you stop pedaling. The two most commonly used sensor types in e-bikes are the cadence sensor and the torque sensor.

What is a torque sensor on an e-bike?

A torque sensor measures when and how much pressure is applied to the pedals. The pedal assistance is proportional to your pedaling force.

What does this mean for you? The harder you pedal, the more powerfully the electric motor works to help you accelerate and maintain speed. When you reduce your pedaling force, the controller reduces the assistance accordingly.

Most e-bikes have different support modes. These allow you to adjust the strength of the motor assistance. In "Eco" mode, for example, the assistance might increase by 50%, while a higher mode could double the pedaling force.

Advantages of a torque sensor

The main advantages of a torque sensor are:

• More precise pedal assistance for greater range
• Natural pedaling feel with minimal delay between pedal movement and motor support
• Improved safety and stability under difficult conditions

Disadvantages of a torque sensor

The disadvantages of a torque sensor are:

• Requires more pedaling force compared to the cadence sensor
• Often found in more expensive e-bikes
• May cause slight jerking or braking when assistance is reduced

What is a cadence sensor on an e-bike?

Unlike the torque sensor, which measures how hard you pedal, a cadence sensor only detects when you pedal. As soon as you pedal, the controller activates the motor to assist the wheels.

How does a cadence sensor work?
The system consists of a sensor and several magnets. The sensor is mounted near the bottom bracket on the bike frame, while the magnets are attached to a disc on the crank arm.

When you pedal, the magnets pass by the sensor. This allows the sensor to measure the movement and send the information to the controller. The number of magnets—typically between 3 and 14—determines how precise the assistance is.

Advantages of a cadence sensor

The main advantages of a cadence sensor are:

• Cheaper to buy and maintain compared to torque sensors
• Allows quicker acceleration with less pedaling effort
• Often found in more affordable e-bikes

Disadvantages of a cadence sensor

The disadvantages of a cadence sensor are:

• Delay between pedal movement and motor activation
• Lower range compared to torque sensors
• May cause jerky accelerations when switching modes

Torque sensor vs. cadence sensor: The key differences

Torque and cadence sensors both provide good pedaling support but differ in how they work. The choice of sensor type greatly influences the riding experience.

Here are the main differences:

• Riding experience: Torque sensors provide a smoother ride because they respond more precisely to pedaling force and transfer power seamlessly from pedal to motor.
• Energy efficiency: Torque sensors offer greater range because the motor only assists when you actually pedal, which conserves battery life.
• Off-road capability: On steep climbs and rough terrain, torque sensors provide a more natural pedaling feel and react faster to changes in pedaling force.
• Cost: Cadence sensors are cheaper because they have fewer parts and are easier to produce.

Conclusion

Choosing an e-bike that fits your needs can be challenging—especially if you do not fully understand how the individual parts work. Technical terms and concepts can make the decision even harder.

With the right knowledge, however, this task becomes easier. If you understand how torque and cadence sensors work, you can more easily make the right choice and know what to expect from each sensor type.

Why not explore your options right away? Discover the full range of Heybike products today. Our commuter e-bikes are designed for maximum comfort and safety—perfect to suit your lifestyle and needs.