For urban logistics operators, family riders, and commercial fleet buyers alike, motor torque is a key spec that determines how well your cargo bike performs under load. But how much torque is enough — and what’s too much? At Regen, we break it down for you with practical examples and engineering insights.
We have previously written an article about 20 FAQs about Motor Torque for Cargo Bike, which answers most of the core questions about this component. If you are interested, you can read it.
What Is Motor Torque for Cargo Bike?
Torque is the turning force produced by the motor — measured in Newton-metres (Nm). In electric cargo bikes, this directly impacts acceleration, climbing power, and how smoothly the bike moves under heavy loads.
Higher torque = better hill climbing, more hauling power
Lower torque = better energy efficiency and battery range (if lightly loaded)
Typical Range for E-Bikes:
Type of E-bike | Torque Range (Nm) |
---|---|
Regular city e-bike | 35–50 Nm |
Trekking/touring e-bike | 50–65 Nm |
Cargo e-bike | 65–100+ Nm |
Want to understand the other key specs that affect e-cargo performance? See our Key Components of a Cargo Bike guide for a full breakdown.
How Torque Affects Real-World Cargo Bike Use
1. Urban Family Riders
If you’re carrying 1–2 kids or light groceries in a front box:
- Recommended Torque: 60–70 Nm
- Why: Enough to manage hills and traffic stops without excessive battery drain.
- Példa: Egy Long John teherbicikli with a mid-drive 65 Nm motor handles daily school runs and grocery trips with ease — even on slopes around 10–12%.
2. Commercial Deliveries (Light to Medium Loads)
For last-mile deliveries under 150 kg total load (rider + cargo):
- Recommended Torque: 70–85 Nm
- Why: Enables stop-and-go deliveries with stability and less pedal strain.
- Példa: A delivery bike using a 250W motor with 80 Nm torque efficiently manages city centre routes with moderate inclines and multiple drop-offs.
3. Heavy-Duty Cargo Logistics
If you’re hauling >200 kg (e.g. industrial goods, large food containers):
- Recommended Torque: 85–100+ Nm
- Why: Needed for steep ramps, flyovers, and smooth starts under heavy weight.
- Példa: A 3-wheel cargo bike with 120 Nm torque handles up to 300 kg payloads with minimal rider input, making it ideal for municipal or B2B applications.
Front Hub vs Mid-Drive: Does Torque Feel Different?
Yes — torque values feel different depending on where the motor applies force.
Motor típusa | Nyomaték (Nm) | Real-World Feel |
---|---|---|
Front Hub | 35–60 | Direct pull, weaker on hills, good for flat terrain |
Mid-Drive | 60–100+ | Feels stronger due to gear leverage, great on slopes |
Rear Hub | 45–80 | Balanced option; good for two-wheelers with moderate loads |
Torque vs Power: What’s More Important?
Spec | Measures | Importance in Cargo Bikes |
---|---|---|
Teljesítmény | Energy over time (W) | Impacts top speed |
Nyomaték | Rotational force (Nm) | Impacts load handling, acceleration, hill climbing |
For cargo bikes, torque matters more than sheer wattage — especially when starting under load or climbing. A 250W motor with 85 Nm torque can outperform a 500W hub motor with only 40 Nm torque on steep inclines.
How to Choose the Right Torque Level for Your Use Case
Használati eset | Ideal Torque Range | Motor típusa |
---|---|---|
School runs, groceries | 60–70 Nm | Középhajtás |
Urban courier (med. loads) | 70–85 Nm | Mid or rear hub |
Logistics (200 kg+) | 85–120+ Nm | Mid-drive, often with dual battery setup |
Hilly terrain + cargo | 80–100 Nm | High-efficiency mid-drive |
Want to keep long-term costs low as well? Read how to Reduce Maintenance Costs with Modular Part Selection in Cargo Bike Design.
Need Help Deciding? Regen Offers Free Torque Matching Consultations
Choosing the right torque isn’t just about the number — it’s about how your cargo bike integrates frame geometry, payload, terrain, and motor system.
At Regen, our engineering and ID team works closely with B2B partners to fine-tune motor specs to real-world delivery scenarios. Whether you’re building a rental fleet or launching a branded delivery solution, we can simulate loads, slopes, and use frequency to suggest the ideal torque setup.
You can reach us by video call, email, or phone — we’ll even provide a sample setup sketch upon request.
Conclusion: Balance Torque With Real-World Needs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to torque selection in cargo bikes. It’s about understanding your cargo profile, route elevation, and rider expectations — and aligning the motor’s torque output accordingly. Over-torqueing wastes energy; under-torqueing causes rider fatigue and poor performance.
With Regen’s experience in custom frame design és mid-drive system integration, we help our partners hit the sweet spot between power and efficiency.
Reference List (APA Style)
- Bosch eBike Systems. (n.d.). Performance Line and Cargo Line motor specifications. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bosch-ebike.com
- Bafang Electric. (n.d.). M620 Ultra Drive System. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.bafang-e.com
- Shimano STEPS. (n.d.). E6100 and EP8 motor platform for cargo and touring e-bikes. Retrieved from https://bike.shimano.com
- Európai Szabványügyi Bizottság. (2023). EN 17860-1:2023: Cycles — Electrically power assisted cycles — EPAC cargo bicycles. Brüsszel: CEN.
- Electric Bike Report. (2023). Torque vs power: what’s more important for e-bikes? Retrieved from https://electricbikereport.com
- Ebike School. (n.d.). Understanding torque in electric bike motors. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.ebikeschool.com
- Rad Power Bikes. (n.d.). Electric cargo bike buying guide. Retrieved from https://www.radpowerbikes.com
- REI Co-op. (2024). How to choose an electric cargo bike. Retrieved from https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/electric-cargo-bikes.html