Watts What

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Watts What: Understanding eBike Power

Ever wonder what all those numbers on an e-bike mean? 250W, 500W, 750W… what does it all add up to? Welcome to Watts What — your beginner-friendly guide to e-bike power, explained in plain language.

What Are Watts, Anyway?

A watt is a unit of power — basically, how much “push” your motor can give you. The higher the wattage, the more power the motor can deliver, and the easier it is to climb hills, carry cargo, or zip along the road.

Think of it like this:

Your legs are the engine
The motor is a turbo boost
Watts measure how strong that boost is

250 watts = gentle helper

500 watts = solid assist for hills

750+ watts = big zoom for adventure

More watts = more power = less effort for you, especially on tough rides.

Torque vs. Watts

If watts are the “size of the engine,” torque is the “twist of the throttle” — how forcefully the motor pushes when you pedal.

Cadence sensor: Motor detects when you pedal, turns on assist. Simple, reliable, common on Nakto and many Extreme bikes.
Torque sensor: Motor measures how hard you pedal and gives power proportionally. Smooth, natural feel, great for hills and precise control.

Battery & Range

Power is nothing without energy. That’s your battery — how much juice the motor can use before needing a recharge.

Battery capacity = watt-hours (Wh)
Range = how far you can ride
Typical ranges: 20–100+ miles, depending on terrain, pedal effort, power level, wind, and your snack breaks 😎

💡 Tip: Pedal a little more and use lower assist levels to stretch your battery further. More exercise, more fun!

Speed & eBike Classes

Watts help your e-bike handle hills and loads, but class limits define legal top speed:

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
Class 2: Pedal-assist + throttle, up to 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph

Even a 500W motor can’t legally exceed these speeds, but it makes reaching them effortless.

Quick Watt Rules

More watts → more motor power → easier hills & faster cruising
Torque sensors = smooth, natural pedal assist
Bigger batteries = longer rides
Pedal more = save battery & get a little workout

Dropsy’s Pro Tip 🐶

“Watts are just your e-bike’s power measure. Don’t chase the biggest number blindly. Find the right power for your style — and remember, your legs still get the credit!”