Feature explainedElectric Bikes
Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor
Two different ways an e-bike decides how much to help you.
Simplified schematic — not to scale.
What it is
A cadence sensor simply detects that the pedals are turning and applies a set amount of assist regardless of effort. A torque sensor measures how hard you're actually pushing, scaling assist smoothly with your own effort for a more natural feel.
Why it matters
Torque-sensing systems generally feel more like 'amplified you' rather than 'on or off', though they typically cost more than cadence-based systems.