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+--- Thread: cadence senor or torque sensor (/showthread.php?tid=4)
cadence senor or torque sensor - countryguy - August 19, 2025
Got excited about e-bikes and doing allot of reading. I think I am leaning towards a hub motor (not mid drive) to minimize to wear and tear on the drive train, but I'm somewhat undecided if I should get cadence sensor or torque sensor. Do torque sensors feel more natural?
RE: cadence senor or torque sensor - 48v17ah - August 20, 2025
Think of torque sensor as an amplifier of whatever power you put in with your legs. This is what gives it that natural feel. Cadence might feel slightly more snappy.
RE: cadence senor or torque sensor - galaxymorph - August 29, 2025
There are pros and cons to both. It affects how the ride feel. It is important for some, but not for all. Looks like you are you curious so I will do my best to respond.
A torque sensor measures how hard you are pressing on the pedals and adjusts the motor power proportionally. This makes the assistance feel very natural, almost like your legs suddenly became much stronger. Riders who want a more bike-like experience often prefer torque sensors because the support feels seamless and responsive.
Cadence sensors, on the other hand, only measure whether or not you are pedaling and at what speed. They provide motor power once the pedals are turning, regardless of how much force you are applying. This results in a more on-off feeling of assistance that can feel less smooth but still gets the job done. Cadence sensors are usually less expensive, which makes them common on budget-friendly e-bikes.
The downside of torque sensors is that they can add to the cost and complexity of the system. They also require finer calibration, and in some cases, a rider might find that the assistance feels too dependent on their effort, which could be tiring if they just want to cruise with minimal work. By contrast, cadence sensors let the rider “ghost pedal” with very little effort, and the motor will still kick in. This can be appealing for people who want more of a moped-like feel rather than a traditional cycling experience.
However, cadence sensors can sometimes feel jerky, especially at low speeds or when starting from a stop. Riders may notice a lag when the motor engages or disengages, which can make the bike less intuitive to control in traffic or on technical terrain. Torque sensors avoid that issue because the power delivery is immediate and directly tied to pedal pressure.
In terms of battery efficiency, torque sensors often come out ahead. Because they only supply as much power as needed to match the rider’s input, they tend to use less energy over a ride. Cadence sensors can be less efficient since the motor may continue running at a set level of assistance even if the rider is not putting in much effort.
Overall, torque sensors are favored by riders who want a realistic cycling feel, efficient power use, and smoother handling. Cadence sensors are simpler, cheaper, and allow more effortless riding for those who prioritize easy cruising over natural pedaling dynamics. The best choice depends on whether you want your e-bike to feel like a boosted bicycle or more like a low-effort electric vehicle.
RE: cadence senor or torque sensor - Hubert - October 23, 2025
The Velotric Discover 2 Ebike has both cadence sensor and torque sensor and allows you to switch back and forth.
I found a video that demonstrates the difference:
In the video the guy is using the app.
Looking at the manual:
- Long press the M button
- Use the "minus" button to navigate to SensorSwap
- Press M button to enter
- User the "left" / "right" arrow buttons to swap the setting
- Single press M button to save
Reference:
Velotric Discover 2 Owner's Manual and Quick Start Guide
I'm assuming this is the same setting as in the app.