Torque sensor vs Cadence sensor: Which is better?
Both torque sensors and cadence sensors have their own advantages, and which one to use depends on your needs and budget.
What are torque sensors and cadence sensors?
Torque sensors and cadence sensors are both commonly used sensors on electric bicycles. Torque sensors can sense the pedaling force of the rider, and transmit the monitored information to the controller by sensing the pedaling force and speed, so as to control the motor to provide appropriate assistance. . Cadence sensors are usually installed on the cranks or chain rings of the electric bicycle, and are mainly used to detect the rider's pedaling frequency, that is, the number of pedaling per minute. By sensing the changes in the gears and magnetic strips on the gear disc, the mechanical movement is converted into an electrical signal output.
Advantages of using torque sensors in electric bicycles:
- Natural riding experience: The torque sensor can automatically adjust the power of the motor according to the pedaling pressure, making the riding feel more natural and reducing the vibration caused by power switching.
- Accurate assistance: It can detect the size and direction of the torque applied by the rider on the pedal, so as to accurately calculate the required output power and achieve accurate assistance.
- Extend battery life: The motor can be driven by pedaling, which can increase the battery life.
- High precision and stability: Torque sensors usually have the characteristics of high precision, good stability, strong anti-interference, and can adapt to different riding environments.
Disadvantages of using torque sensors in electric bicycles:
- 1.High cost: High-end electric-assisted bicycles usually use torque sensors, which are more expensive, resulting in an increase in the overall price of the vehicle.
- Technical complexity: Torque sensors have high technical requirements, and maintenance and debugging are relatively complex, which increases the difficulty of use.
- Low market penetration: Due to cost and technical reasons, torque sensors are less used in low-end electric bicycles, and the market penetration is relatively low.
Advantages of using cadence sensors in electric bicycles:
- Low cost: The cost of the cadence sensor itself is relatively affordable, so the price of electric bicycles with cadence sensors is also relatively low.
- Effortless riding: The cadence sensor controls the motor output by detecting the rotation frequency of the pedals. It requires almost no effort when riding, which is suitable for the elderly or riders with weak knees.
- Easy to install: The cadence sensor has a simple structure and is relatively easy to install. It is usually installed on the middle axis or crank of the bicycle.
- Easy to use: The electric bicycle with cadence sensor is easy to operate. It is suitable for novices or users who are not familiar with electric bicycles.
Disadvantages of using cadence sensor in electric bicycles:
- The power assist effect is not natural enough：The cadence sensor only provides power assist according to the rotation frequency of the pedal. It cannot adjust the power assist according to the pedaling force like the torque sensor, and the riding experience is not natural enough.
- Low control accuracy：The cadence sensor cannot sense the pedaling force, which may cause the motor output to not match the riding needs, especially when climbing or when rapid acceleration is required.
- Poor experience when starting and stopping：Due to the simple control logic of the cadence sensor, there may be delays or surges when the motor is turned on and off.
- Not suitable for high-intensity riding：For users who pursue higher riding efficiency or need to climb frequently, electric bicycles with cadence sensors may not meet their needs.
In general, cadence sensors are suitable for users who are cost-sensitive and pursue simple operation and labor-saving riding, but they are not as good as torque sensors in terms of battery life and power-assistance experience.In different riding scenarios, both have their own advantages. Speed sensors have a simple structure and are affordable, suitable for city and road bikes; while torque sensors are more suitable for climbing scenarios such as mountain bikes, providing more accurate power assistance.