The most exciting developments on the e-MTB market are currently taking place in the light bike class. While the minimalist e-mountainbikes have led a rather shadowy existence in recent years, the category is now really picking up speed. The reason for this is two new motors: Fazua Ride 60 and TQ HPR 50. Two Bavarian companies, of all things, whose headquarters are just 45 minutes apart by car, are shaking up the principles of e-mountain biking. The German-German duel: a dream come true for anyone interested in e-MTBs. And a dream for bike journalists. For us at EMTB Magazine, it was clear that the long-planned comparison test of lightweight e-motors had to happen. Unfortunately, the direct duel in the of our big engine comparison test nothing. Because shortly before the start of the test, TQ Systems and development partner Trek cancelled their participation after all. But don't worry: we still know the TQ HPR 50 very well, have tested it extensively and also subjected it to standardised test rides. All our findings can be found in this article!
You will find these topics in this article:
The technical data: TQ HPR 50
- Motor weight: 1.89 kg
- Battery weight: 1.85 kg (360 Wh)
- Battery options: 360 Wh, either permanently installed or removable, depending on the manufacturer. An optional range extender (160 Wh) will be available shortly.
- Drive levels: Eco, Mid, High
Compared to the rest of the light drives, the compact design of the HPR 50 stands out. Similar to the Maxon Bikedrive Air and Fazua Ride 60, it is hardly bulky in the bottom bracket area. In contrast to these two motors, however, the HPR 50 lacks the elongated attachment that Fazua and Maxon require to be integrated into the frame. The TQ shape is a huge advantage for bike designers. The batteries can be positioned more easily and lower in the down tube. Battery removal, where the battery can be pulled out of the closed down tube in front of the motor, is also much easier to realise. An overview of the weights and facts of the current light motors can be found in the article on our big comparison test!
The battery of the TQ E-MTB motor
All the bikes with HPR50 drive presented so far rely on the TQ battery with 360 watt hours. At 1.85 kilos, the battery is one of the lighter models. Together with the very light motor (1.89 kg), the TQ system is one of the lightest drives on the market. A strong basis for slim and light E-MTBs. TQ offers an optional range extender with 160 watt hours. This additional battery comes in water bottle format and fits in the bottle cage. A special feature is that the additional battery can supply the motor with power independently and without restrictions. This means that the bike can also be ridden without the main battery. Another effect: the range extender delivers full power right up to the last per cent. If the additional battery runs out, the main battery takes over. When charging, the process is reversed. The 360 battery is topped up first, then the additional battery. Both batteries can also be charged in series outside the e-bike, i.e. with one charger. The range extender is not yet on the market, but this is set to change soon.
TQ HPR 50: Test cancellation due to laboratory measurements
As mentioned above, TQ cancelled its participation in our comparison test. The laboratory measurements in particular were a thorn in the side of the manufacturer. As the motor was only available in the Trek Fuel EXe at the time of the test and this bike was not yet on the market in large numbers, we were unable to measure the HPR 50 in the lab.
This is how TQ explains the test cancellation
"From our point of view, in today's e-bike world, bikes are reduced too much to Newton metres and watt hours, with the decisive point increasingly moving out of focus - the riding experience."
"TQ's "Natural Ride Feel" describes the perfect symbiosis between e-bike and rider. This goal was at the forefront of the development of the TQ-HPR50 and enables our unrivalled riding experience. It's like cycling on the fittest day of your life. You almost forget you're riding an e-bike."
"Our patented HPR transmission lays the foundation for this and special sensors and algorithms form the overall package. In our opinion, bare figures and isolated test bench measurements simply cannot do justice to the symbiosis between e-bike and rider. Anyone who has ridden the Trek Fuel EXe with the TQ-HPR50 agrees with us, you have to experience it to get the full picture. difference."
Daniel Theil, TQ E-Bike Product Manager
This is EMTB's position on the reasoning
In addition to objective measurement data, all our tests are based on extensive practical tests and the subjective judgements of several testers. Our aim is to assess the products in a fair, objective and balanced manner. The driving impression from practice is always at the centre of attention. However, a professional test also includes objectively comparable measured values - especially when it comes to motors. We are a long way from reducing an e-drive to Newton metres and watt hours. However, it is obvious that these values must be part of a balanced motor test. After all, they are a decisive factor for many e-bikers when choosing a product. In our tests, every reader can extract the information that is important to them when making a purchase decision. We cannot understand TQ's rejection of the test and our approach after an intensive dialogue.
More light drives in the test
We analysed the new class in detail in our large test series of light drives. Our overview article including comparative values can be found here.
TQ HPR 50: the light e-motor in the test
The HPR 50 is one thing above all: unobtrusive! If you're looking for a bold turbo boost, you're in the wrong place. According to TQ, the drive has been explicitly designed so that it is barely recognisable as an electric motor. The rider should feel like a super-fit professional racer, not like a motorcyclist. But what exactly does that mean? The motor requires a certain level of commitment from the rider and a higher cadence in order to fully utilise its power. Letting yourself be lazily pushed uphill is hardly an option. But don't worry: the power of the drive is definitely noticeable. It feels slightly above the level of a Specialized SL 1.1 - but also clearly noticeably below an EP8 RS from Orbea or Fazua Ride 60. Especially at a low cadence, the HPR 50 only lifts the rider over obstacles to a limited extent.
On the other hand, the driving experience is very smooth. The engine reacts very sensitively to the rider's input and has no intrusive coasting. As a result, it has no life of its own and avoids a mechanical riding sensation. The HPR 50 creates a natural, bike-like riding sensation like almost no other E-MTB motor. The direct, noiseless engagement of the gearbox and motor thrust is also pleasantly unobtrusive. With some other drive systems, the first kick-off clatters metallically into the gearbox. With the HPR50, there is hardly any idle travel and the engagement is smooth and inaudible. This gives a really high-quality impression and emphasises the smooth character of the engine.
Noise development of the TQ HPR 50
Here, the HPR 50 seamlessly continues the smooth impression. No other E-MTB motor is quieter than the HPR 50! We also see the TQ as a step ahead of the Ride 60 from Fazua - even though we have not yet been able to ride both drives back to back in a direct comparison. However, the HPR50 is not inaudible either. If you use a lot of power when riding slowly, the drive noise is clearly audible. Especially when the cadence briefly shoots over the 100 mark. In the vast majority of riding situations, however, the motor noise is drowned out by ambient noise such as the wind and crunching gravel under the tyres. Extremely pleasant! Especially as the noise is pleasantly low-frequency rather than annoyingly high-pitched. Driving off with the HPR50 is also a feast for the ears. The familiar gear rattling of conventionally designed e-bike drives, especially Bosch and Shimano, is completely absent. The motor is therefore in no way an obstacle to a quiet bike with this drive.
How strong is the HPR 50 from TQ?
The Bavarians claim a maximum output of 300 watts for their compact motor. In a practical comparison, this seems to be a realistic figure, as the HPR 50 lands roughly in the middle between an EP8 RS and a Specialized SL 1.1, which according to the manufacturer release 350 and 24 watts respectively. This is also confirmed by our test rides with watt-measuring pedals and the three aforementioned drivetrains. At high cadences, the TQ pulls along well and pushes hard. At low cadences, however, the HPR 50 lacks the traction to lift bike and rider over obstacles. It therefore requires a sporty riding style and only provides moderate support on extreme uphills. The more powerful light drives à la Fazua and Orbea offer noticeably more oomph here.
The bikes with TQ HPR 50 in the picture gallery
Click here for a detailed presentation of the bikes: Trek Fuel EXe, BMC Fourstroke AMP and Simplon Rapcon Pmax TQ.
The TQ HPR 50 in continuous load operation
It is the showpiece discipline of classic e-MTB motors: engaging turbo mode and purring up the mountain at record speed. The extent to which a light motor has to excel in this discipline clearly depends on the area of use and the rider's expectations. In the case of the HPR 50, continuous operation in full throttle mode is not the ideal range of use. During our standardised test rides on a steep asphalt climb over 410 metres in altitude, the compact motor had to contend with significant derating, i.e. a reduction in power. After around 15 minutes, the power dropped noticeably. At the end of the steep 400 metre ascent (12.2% on average), the Fuel EXe display only showed a maximum of 155 to 170 watts. At the beginning it was 300 watts. The outside temperature at the time of the test was 25 degrees.
The other drives were largely able to maintain their maximum power over the entire distance. Even a slightly reduced output of 240 watts could not be maintained by the HPR 50 over the entire ascent. We believe the main reason for the TQ's relatively early cut-off is the small surface area available to it for dissipating heat. The motor housing reached a temperature of just under 70 degrees on the external surfaces. If you tend to drive in medium mode and only switch on the turbo stage briefly, you won't notice this shortcoming. A heavy rider, long, steep climbs and heat exacerbate the problem.
In high mode, we reached around 1050 metres in altitude with the HPR 50, until the drive reduced its power on the last percent of the battery. This allowed us to climb another 200 metres in altitude. The rider data: Rider weight 89 kilos, 150 watts pedalling power, cadence 80 rpm.
The controls of the TQ HPR 50 e-bike motor
The operating elements of the new TQ drive are impressive. Functional, high-quality and stylishly integrated! A very slim and simple control unit, which fits directly next to the handlebar, is responsible for changing the support levels. Two rubberised, very easy-to-grip buttons are sufficient for operation. The feedback when pressed is crisp. The riding data is displayed on a stylish screen embedded in the top tube, which allows various display options.
The support levels can be set in several parameters via the TQ e-bike app. It also provides information about the system such as battery health and mileage. Another exciting feature is that the view pages of the TQ display can be organised and adapted to personal preferences.
Test summary of the TQ HPR 50 e-bike motor
"Top values for noise, weight and ride feel make the HPR 50 the most unobtrusive E-MTB motor. If you value a particularly discreet motor boost, this is the right choice. With its record weight and extremely compact design, the motor also provides the perfect basis for really slim and light E-MTBs. However, the motor power is only average in the light environment. It shows weaknesses in continuous full throttle operation. If higher performance and stability are more important to you, you will find more suitable candidates."
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
