60 Nm is more than enough torque for a wheel-mounted electric bike, even on steep inclines. However, a central motor with 60 Nm of torque may not be enough when the climb exceeds 10%, so you'll either have to use more human power, or opt for a more torquey electric assist.
60 Nm torque electric bike: ideal for hilly terrain and climbs?
Choosing an electric-assist bike can be complicated if you haven't mastered the basics of electric assistance. The torque of the electric motor is one of the things you need to know.
Is a torque of 60 Nm enough for everyday use, an electric MTB or load transport? And on what types of terrain? Is it the same on a electric bike with central motor or rear wheel ? We'll help you select the right EAB for your profile.
What is motor torque and why is 60 Nm important for an electric bike?
Defining engine torque and its impact on performance
Bicycle engine torque corresponds to the force it produces to turn the wheels. Its unit is the Newton-meter or Nm. The value of an electric assist varies from 30 to 90 Nm, and is fairly representative of performance between equivalent models. Bear in mind that this number is the maximum torque, i.e. not permanently delivered, and varies according to the level of electric assistance chosen.
60 Nm of torque is enough to tread the bike paths in urban traffic, a versatile use, to reduce your effort, increase your performance, or if you're carrying a moderate load.
When should you opt for an electric bike with 60 Nm of torque?
A torque of 60 Nm is necessary if you're riding on flat ground but with heavy loads (transporting goods, children, luggage) or if your physical condition doesn't allow you to exert too much effort. On hilly or uneven terrain, such a torque on an electric bike to reduce physical effort.
Comparison of different types of motors for electric bikes
Pedal motor vs. wheel motor: what impact on torque?
The wheel motor type - mostly rear-mounted, but can also be found at the front - requires less torque than a crankset (or central) motor. The former drives the wheel directly, while the central motor loses efficiency via the transmission (chainring, chain and sprockets).
The difference is calculated using the number of teeth on a chainring and the number of teeth on the large sprocket. For example, a crankset motor with a high torque of 85 Nm corresponds to a wheel motor with 57 Nm. The latter offers the cyclist a more natural progressive assistance via a torque sensor, and a balanced center of gravity for the electric bike. This is why cyclists prefer these electric motors on a electric-assist mountain bike.
A VAE pedal motor. (©Bosch)
The rear motor keeps the styling close to that of a classic bike, and is often lighter, a feature favored by electric sports bikes.
Make and model: which motors offer torque of 60 Nm or more?
The main brands of electric bike motors offer torques equal to or greater than 60 Nm. The electric bikes with Bosch or Yamaha motorsas well as Shimano Steps EP6/EP8 and Brose are the most popular on the market, with torque ratings of up to 90 Nm.
A compact, lightweight Fazua 60 Nm motor is also more specialized for electric racing or gravel bikes. In wheel motors, the Bafang H610 and higher, and the Ananda R510 are among the most powerful in their catalogs.
Choosing the right electric bike based on motor torque
How engine torque affects driving on uphill and undulating terrain
Better torque means you can maintain a good pedaling cadence even when climbing, or if you have a child on the back. This levels out the effort and improves your riding experience.
Other variables to consider when choosing an electric bike
Torque isn't the only thing to consider when buying an electric-assist bike. Features such as the bike's weight, battery capacity, transmission, component quality and equipment should also be taken into account.
The best electric bikes with 60 Nm of torque in 2024
Top 5 high-performance electric bikes with 60 Nm of torque
Here's a selection of 5 electric-assist bikes, one for each category, with torque motors of around 60 Nm:
- The urban O2feel iVog City Boost 6.1, with practical open frame, assembled in France, including the battery,
- The Cube Hybrid Touring One 500, with its great value, Bosch engine and comfortable ride,
- The Orbea Rise H20 VTTAE for enthusiasts of versatile, agile off-road bikes with good range,
- The Look E-765 racing bike, for lightweight, high-performance bike rides
- The cargo bike Urban Arrow Shorty, the benchmark in short two-wheelers, perfect for transporting goods.
A VAE pedal motor. (©Bosch)
60 Nm electric bikes price and features comparison
Maintenance and optimization of electric bikes with 60 Nm torque
Tips to maximize the life of your engine
Here are a few tips to increase the life of an electric motor on a VAE:
- Shifting electric bike gears optimized,
- Change the level of assistance to suit your driving style and environment,
- Avoid driving constantly in maximum mode,
- Clean your bike regularly (especially off-road or in the rain),
- Serviced every year by a professional approved by the engine manufacturer.
- Protect against shock and extreme temperatures
Tips to maximize the life of your engine
Electric assistance operates within a pedaling cadence range. So make sure you shift your electric bike at the right moment - anticipate downshifting to a lower gear - for an ideal cadence even on uphill gradients, where the motor's torque is delivered more easily. Don't hesitate to change the level of assistance according to your riding style, and modify the modes on your bike application.
An electric MTB . (©Bosch)
Regular maintenance of your other components, in particular the transmission and inflation of your tires, is essential to optimize the operation and performance of your EAB.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about torque and electric bikes
Is 60 Nm enough torque for very steep slopes?
Does motor torque influence battery autonomy?
Torque represents the effort expended by your bike, and is closely linked to energy consumption. The higher the torque, the greater the risk of reducing the electric bike's range. However, two EABs with 60 Nm are not comparable, as other parameters also have an influence: weight, transmission, motor efficiency, etc.
Can I increase the torque on my electric bike?
Theoretically, your torque on an electric-assist bike depends on that of the electric motor and your own strength. However, if you want to ride on steeper slopes and more hilly terrain, you'll need to change motors.
Upgrading to a new motor can only be carried out on a very similar model (such as the Bosch Performance Line Gen 2 (65 Nm) to Gen 3 (75 Nm) motors), since they have the same shape and identical electronics. Even in this case, only a professional should intervene, since the electronics need to be modified, as does the electric bike's transmission (set for a certain torque or power).
On the whole, installing a new motor is not advisable, as the motor is tuned for the bike's electric assistance. You should therefore opt for a new electric bike.
Conclusion
We hope our advice will help you choose the right type of electric bike, and whether a 60 Nm motor torque is right for you. In most cases, this value is more than sufficient as a pedal motor for city bikes or mountain bikes, especially as a rear-wheel motor.
Upgrade to a higher-torque bike (85 Nm) if you ride MTB regularly, on steep inclines, with heavy loads, or if you adopt electric cargo bikes.