TQ HPR50 E-MTB motor: Small, light, quiet! Is this the new high-flyer?

Over ten years ago, the Bavarian electronics specialist TQ-Systems surprised the bike industry with its own e-bike motor. With 120 Newton metres of torque, the HPR120 delivered record values. But the really special thing about this e-drive was a completely unique, patented transmission technology. The Harmonic pinring technologyThis is what the abbreviation HPR. Now the Upper Bavarians have further developed their HPR drive - and shrunk it. With this special technology, the family-run company wants to set the benchmark in the booming category of lightweight and compact e-bike motors.

Striking is the Low construction dimensions of the newcomer. The small engine disappears completely behind the chainring and is therefore not visible from the drive side. The unit is said to weigh 1.85 kilos - We have never had a lighter e-MTB drive in our hands. For comparison: Specialised's SL 1.1 motor is very close at 1.9 kilos, as is the the new Fazua Ride 60 with 1.96 kilos. The EP8 RS in the popular Rise from Orbea is clearly above these values at 2.65 kilos.

How powerful is the TQ HPR50?

If you look at the weight, you also have to look at the performance, because these two parameters are closely intertwined. 50 Newton metres of maximum torque and maximum 300 watts of power is what TQ specifies for the HPR50. This puts the e-bike motor at the lower end of the light class. However, the torque is still well above the 35 Nm of the Specialized SL 1.1. The Fazua Ride 60, the second brand-new light drive, is said to land a whole lot higher with 60 Newton metres and 450 watts of peak power. The Shimano EP8 RS (60 Nm) is similarly positioned in the Orbea Rise.

Test of the TQ HPR50

We have already been able to test the HPR50 in direct comparison with some of these competitors and have not only used our instincts, but also modern measurement technology. All test data and facts can be found in the EMTB Magazine 4/2022 - in stores from 16 August!

The facts about the e-bike motor from TQ

• 50 Newton metres max. torque
• 300 watts max. power
• Motor weight: 1.85 kg
• Q-factor: 135 mm
• Three support levels: Eco, Mid and High
• Pushing aid
• Produced in Germany
• For the time being exclusively in the Trek Fuel EXe installed, other manufacturers are to follow

TQ HPR50: The battery

The power supply for the new drive is provided in Trek's new Fuel EXe a slim battery with 360 watt hours. This can be removed from the American carbon trail bike. At 1880 grams, the energy source is light. If the 360 Wh is not enough, an additional range extender can be added. This 160 Wh battery fits, modelled on Specialised and Orbeainto the bottle cage. A special feature is that the additional battery can supply the motor with power independently and without restrictions. The bike can therefore 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. It is unclear whether this battery system will also be used in other bikes with the TQ drive in the future. However, TQ has signalled that it is also open to other battery sizes and concepts.

TQ HPR50: The controls

The controls of the new TQ drive on the Trek Fuel EXe are also absolutely convincing. A very slim and simple control unit, which fits directly next to the handlebar, is responsible for changing the support levels. Two rubberised, very grippy buttons are sufficient for operation. The feedback during operation is crisp. The riding data is displayed on a stylish screen embedded in the top tube, which allows various display options.

TQ HPR50: The app

Of course, there will also be an app for the new e-bike drive from TQ, which can be used to customise the support levels to personal preferences, among other things. In the case of the Trek Fuel EXe takes over this function with a new Trek app. This was still in progress before the product launch, which is why we were unfortunately unable to test the details.

Made in Germany: TQ production

TQ Systems is based in Bavaria, where it operates several production facilities for electronic components. Even the smallest tasks, such as assembling circuit boards and winding copper coils, are carried out in Bavaria during the production of the lightweight HPR50 e-bike drive. TQ also endeavours to use suppliers from the region for the materials. We were able to take a look at motor production in Inning am Ammersee during the presentation of the new light drive.

In our photo gallery, we take you on a journey through the production of the new TQ HPR50 light engine:

The TQ HPR50 in practice

The newcomer is small and inconspicuous in the bottom bracket area. But how does the HPR50 feel? The background noise is remarkably inconspicuous. And that was one of the most important development goals of TQ and Trek. The drive noise is quieter than almost any other e-bike drive we have ever ridden. The closest drives are Ride60 from Fazua and Bikedrive Air from Maxon. However, the TQ HPR50 engine feels one step below it. We have not yet been able to drive the three whisperers in a direct comparison - this is of course at the top of our list.

However, the HPR50 is not inaudible either. If you call up 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 tyres. Extremely pleasant! 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. With this drive, the motor is in no way an obstacle to a quiet bike.

Away from the ears, towards the legs. The direct, noiseless engagement of the gearbox and engine 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. We would describe the power delivery in a similar way. No flashy, obtrusive display of power, more a dignified push. Compared to the classic Bosch and Shimano motors, this is of course simply due to the lower power. With a maximum of 300 watts, the small motor only has around half the power of the larger standard motors. The classic uphill flow feeling does not materialise. At least not when the going gets a little steeper.

But where does the HPR50 fit into the light drive class? With its discreet power delivery, we see the newcomer more in the lower power range of the new e-bike drive class. Although it pushes harder than a Specialized SL (max. 240 watts), both drives feel at a similar level. We would categorise motors such as the new Fazua Ride 60, a Shimano EP8 RS or the light drives from BH Bikes and Forestal as noticeably more powerful.

Detailed data and tests on the newcomer can be found in the EMTB Issue 4/2022, on sale from 16 August. The best way to read EMTB subscription. Of course also digitally as an app for iOS and Android available!