Over the years, AUTORQ has built a reputation for producing precise and reliable torque sensor solutions that remain robust under challenging conditions. “We have become the go-to brand for shared micro-mobility operators as they are looking for continued revenue generation with minimum downtime,” says Joel Pinheiro, director at AUTORQ.
“Investing in a high-quality and reliable torque sensor is essential for electric bicycle manufacturers and shared micro-mobility operators,” says Pinheiro. “From a business perspective, it means cost-efficiency, reliability, customer satisfaction, and better brand image. From the rider's perspective, it allows a smoother, high-performing, and more responsive ride feel.”
To expand the benefits of hub motors, AUTORQ has integrated the torque sensor into the hub motor as one unit. This allows the rider’s torque output to be measured directly in the hub motor. The system is called hubTORQ.
Integrated hub motor torque sensor
AUTORQ recognised the need for a reliable torque sensor solution integrated into the hub motor. “We are in tune with market dynamics, continuously adapting and innovating with agility. As demand for gravel and city bikes grew, we had customers asking for lighter torque sensors and more freedom in selecting the crankset,” Pinheiro explains.
Even knowing that they were not the first in this market segment, they understood the challenges of creating a rock-solid torque sensor for hub motors. Pinheiro explains: “The key challenges in developing the hubTORQ were working within the tight space constraints while ensuring a clean cabling solution, overcoming noise interference from the motor itself, and achieving the reliability we aimed for.”
HubTORQ eliminates the need for a bottom bracket sensor and reducing overall weight by 500-600g”
Fast-forward to two years, and hubTORQ is now ready. Even though the development process took longer, the company wanted to ensure it met the performance and reliability standards of the bottom bracket and mid-motor solutions for which they are known. “It is better to be a little late but truly reliable than to frustrate and stunt our customers’ growth,” Pinheiro says.
Advantages of adopting the hubTORQ line
“Continuing the mission of making an incredible ride feel universal, this solution was created to bring multiple benefits to e-bike manufacturers who develop lightweight e-bikes, such as city, road racing, and gravel e-bikes,” Pinheiro explains.
To start with, the new hubTORQ integrates the torque sensor directly into the hub motor. This eliminates the need for a bottom bracket sensor and reducing overall weight by 500-600g. Additionally, thanks to fewer cables from multiple components, the assembly process becomes faster and easier, reducing costs and production time while giving the e-bike a sleeker look.
Moreover, with hubTORQ, bike brands free up the bottom bracket area and gain the flexibility to choose standard chainsets, allowing the specification of higher-end groupset solutions for premium e-bikes. For the same reason, hubTORQ is also fully compatible with internal gearbox shifting systems, a component that has seen a rise in usage in the e-bike market.
Two hubTORQ models
The company is launching two hubTORQ models to satisfy different market needs. The first model is the Torque hubTORQ, designed for city bikes. With a traditional motor weighing 2.0 kg and the standard 135 mm OLD fixed axle, this set provides up to 45 Nm of motor torque and seamless integration in any e-bike design.
The second model is the Lightweight hubTORQ, a weight-saving and versatile option designed for road and gravel bikes. Featuring a 1.5 kg motor with a maximum torque of 38 Nm, this model has a 142 mm OLD thru-axle to enhance the motor’s durability and rear frame triangle stiffness.
As sensor placement and assembly were crucial factors, AUTORQ will supply the motor and torque sensor as a complete set with a single cable connector for both models.
Outdoor booth at Eurobike
Sample units will be available for testing from April. Following their summer launch, AUTORQ will have an outdoor booth at Eurobike at the end of June, where e-bike enthusiasts, designers, and manufacturers can test out their hubTORQ on different bikes.
This article is sponsored by AUTORQ.
