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TQ HPR 50 in laboratory and practical testsQuiet, light and small - how powerful can a mini motor be?

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 24.05.2024

The small TQ HPR 50 weighs just under 1.9 kilos. One kilo less than a Bosch Performance CX.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Maximum minimalism - that's the TQ HPR 50 e-bike motor. Quiet, light and small - with these features, the mini motor aims to create a package that is particularly close to classic mountain bikes. Pleasant additional thrust without unpleasant e-bike noise. Does the concept work?
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The HPR 50 shows a clear edge like no other drive. Low weight, quiet drive noise and a natural ride feel are top priorities for the motor from Bavaria. What's more, the round TQ is barely bigger than a can of cola, making it the smallest and most visually unobtrusive mid-motor on the market. The target group is therefore clearly defined: Anyone who is unfamiliar with "fat" e-bikes but still fancies an extra boost will find an exciting mix here. You can't build an e-mountainbike lighter and more inconspicuous than the TQ HPR 50. But how much thrust can this little silent pedal deliver and how does it compare to the competition? To find out, we tested it extensively in the lab and in practice.

The TQ HPR 50 even disappears completely behind a small 32 mm chainring. No other mid-motor can be installed in a more visually unobtrusive way.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe TQ HPR 50 even disappears completely behind a small 32 mm chainring. No other mid-motor can be installed in a more visually unobtrusive way.

The facts about the TQ HPR 50

  • Weight: 1.9 kilos
  • Battery sizes: 360 Wh (1.8 kg) or 250 Wh (red deer)
  • Optional: Range extender with 160 Wh
  • Speed levels: 1, 2, 3
  • Performance data (max.) from the laboratory: 38 Newton metres, 283 watts
  • No system updates possible via the app
The compact TQ HPR 50 weighs just under 1.9 kilos, which is one kilo less than a Bosch Performance CX.Photo: Christoph BayerThe compact TQ HPR 50 weighs just under 1.9 kilos, which is one kilo less than a Bosch Performance CX.

The character of the TQ HPR 50

Have we already mentioned that the HPR 50 is a minimalist? This also applies to its drive character. Finely dosed and moderate, instead of bold and rough. There is hardly any real e-bike feeling with the TQ motor. On the one hand, this is simply due to the lower maximum output, but also to the way in which the HPR50 releases its power. In addition, the special pin ring gear (HPR stands for Harmonic Pin Ring) makes power transmission very direct and therefore particularly natural. With the HPR 50, there is no idle travel until the power is applied.

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The Mini TQ is also clearly at the top of the mid-engine field in terms of background noise. It doesn't rattle downhill and the discreet drive sound is drowned out by the ambient noise in many situations. Every e-biker would probably welcome this expertise on their bike - but the discreet support of the minimalist motor limits the potential user group.

We measured all drives on a roller dynamometer in the PT Labs test laboratory. The power is measured at the rear wheel.Photo: Adrian KaetherWe measured all drives on a roller dynamometer in the PT Labs test laboratory. The power is measured at the rear wheel.

With its natural, unobtrusive drive character, the TQ makes sense for anyone who doesn't want an intrusive e-bike feeling. However, the thrust should not be underestimated. Compared to a non-motorised MTB, the average biker can easily go twice as fast with TQ power. However, if you demand full support from the TQ all the time, you will have problems with stability on long climbs. And in a direct comparison, the range with the 360 battery is slightly less than with comparably equipped systems.

The power delivery of the TQ HPR 50

Not only our laboratory test but also various practical tests and experiences clearly show: Maximum power and torque are clearly behind all other test specimens in our comparison of eight mid-drive motors. The thrust is roughly at the level of a Specialized SL 1.2 (not in the test), but clearly behind the Fazua Ride 60 or Bosch Performance SX. When pedalling at a leisurely pace, the HPR 50 only pushes moderately, which promotes the natural, unobtrusive riding feel. It responds clearly to stronger rider input and then releases its maximum power of a good 280 watts. With its moderate torque of 38 Nm (measured in the EMTB test on the test bench in the PT Labs laboratory), it only provides moderate support at low cadence. It feels better when pedalling faster, but at extremely high pedalling frequencies it does not fully pull through.

At very high cadence, the TQ HPR 50 does not pull fully.Photo: PT LabsAt very high cadence, the TQ HPR 50 does not pull fully.When pedalling at a leisurely pace, the TQ HPR 50 pushes only moderately, then reacts clearly to stronger rider input. However, at 283 watts, the maximum power remains moderate. This is roughly the level of a Specialized SL 1.2.Photo: EMTB MagazinWhen pedalling at a leisurely pace, the TQ HPR 50 pushes only moderately, then reacts clearly to stronger rider input. However, at 283 watts, the maximum power remains moderate. This is roughly the level of a Specialized SL 1.2.The comparison with the other E-MTB motors shows: The performance of the TQ HPR 50 is significantly lower. In the low cadence range, the level is still comparable to the Bosch Performance SX in constant operation, but at a good 280 watts it stops, where the SX pulls significantly higher.Photo: PT LabsThe comparison with the other E-MTB motors shows: The performance of the TQ HPR 50 is significantly lower. In the low cadence range, the level is still comparable to the Bosch Performance SX in constant operation, but at a good 280 watts it stops, where the SX pulls significantly higher.

Display and remote

Little frippery, little choice, but a high-quality appearance and simple operating logic. TQ also remains true to its simple line when it comes to the controls. There is only one version of each display and shifter. This means that every TQ-E-MTB is equipped with the stylish, flat screen in the top tube. Up to ten display pages can be individually configured and customised via the app. You can only scroll through the views on the display using the on/off button, not from the handlebars. The TQ bikes from Trek have a slightly different display view, which we like better than the variant of the other TQ displays.

The remote is slim, has a high-quality look and provides clear feedback at the touch of a button. The buttons are also rubberised and fit ergonomically in the hand. Simple, unobtrusive, successful. Too bad: To get from the first level to the "Off" position, you need to press the minus button for a very long time.

Every TQ-E-MTB is equipped with this stylish, flat screen in the top tube. Up to ten display pages can be individually configured and customised via the app.Photo: Georg GrieshaberEvery TQ-E-MTB is equipped with this stylish, flat screen in the top tube. Up to ten display pages can be individually configured and customised via the app.The remote is slim, has a high-quality look and provides clear feedback at the touch of a button. The buttons are also rubberised and fit ergonomically in the hand. Simple, unobtrusive, successful.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe remote is slim, has a high-quality look and provides clear feedback at the touch of a button. The buttons are also rubberised and fit ergonomically in the hand. Simple, unobtrusive, successful.

The batteries for the TQ HPR 50

The TQ battery delivers 360 watt hours and weighs 1.9 kilos. Depending on the bike model, it is either permanently integrated into the down tube or can be removed for charging and changing. The optional range extender (1050 g) provides an additional 160 Wh and fits easily into a bottle cage on the down tube. Rotwild has developed its own battery for the TQ HPR50. The minimalist part has a slim 250 watt hours and is firmly integrated into the down tube of the Downcountry speedster Rotwild R.X 275 installed. There are currently no other options.

The TQ battery with 360 watt hours can be permanently integrated or removed from the down tube. There is also the option to pack the additional battery with 160 watt hours into the bottle cage.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe TQ battery with 360 watt hours can be permanently integrated or removed from the down tube. There is also the option to pack the additional battery with 160 watt hours into the bottle cage.

App and connectivity

The app for the TQ motor is kept very simple. The core feature is the individual setting of the support levels. The three parameters max. power, support factor and pedal response can be adjusted here - separately for each of the three support levels. Another exciting feature is the individualisation of the display. The display is also very simple here, the individual additional information such as kilometres, rider or motor power etc. can be arranged on different sides of the display view according to personal preferences and added or deactivated.

The core feature of the TQ app is the individual setting of the support levels. The three parameters max. power, support factor and pedal response can be adjusted here.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe core feature of the TQ app is the individual setting of the support levels. The three parameters max. power, support factor and pedal response can be adjusted here.

Too bad: system updates are only possible at the dealer. The latest version of the app now at least shows the software version of the components. This allows you to check whether the system is up to date. However, this is much more intuitive and user-friendly with other drives.

EMTB evaluation of the TQ HPR 50

The TQ HPR 50 has a clear edge: no other e-MTB motor is as quiet and pedals as discreetly and naturally as the mini motor from Bavaria.Photo: EMTB MagazinThe TQ HPR 50 has a clear edge: no other e-MTB motor is as quiet and pedals as discreetly and naturally as the mini motor from Bavaria.

Strengths

  • Quietest drive on the market, uphill and downhill
  • Smooth and natural ride feel
  • Small and light

Weaknesses

  • Weaker power and torque in comparison
  • Not very stable under continuous load
  • Moderate range

Conclusion on the TQ HPR 50

The HPR 50 is the minimalist among electric motors: Best in test for weight, size and background noise. If you are looking for an e-MTB that is as inconspicuous as possible, this is the perfect choice. However, you will have to make do with lower performance, stability and range. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine

Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.Photo: Max FuchsFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.

Bikes with TQ HPR 50

There is now a large selection of bikes with TQ HPR 50. Many well-known manufacturers have a bike with the mini motor in their programme. These include BMC, Trek, Mondraker, Stevens, Scott, Rotwild, Rose and Simplon. You can find all the information and details about the bikes in the links:

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Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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