Speed Sensor vs Torque Sensor, What Are the Differences? If you are to purchase an ebike and are doing research on which one you should own, you may hear about two kinds of sensors — speed sensor and torque sensor. Different ebikes for sale apply different sensors. As it is an essential component of an ebike, you must understand which one of them fits you and meet your requirements. In this article, we will share with you all the details about both the speed and torque sensors, including their pros and cons and advice for making a choice between them, just stick with us.What Are Ebike Sensors?
Whether it is torque or speed sensor, both of them are all about PAS(pedal assist system). They send a signal to ebike motors to activate the PAS, but how they determine the output of PAS is different, which can have a huge impact on ebike performance. We will talk about exactly how they work in detailA speed sensor is called a cadence sensor as well. Basically, an electric bike with a speed sensor is a better choice for amateurs as it requires fewer efforts to reach a higher speed. It determines the output of PAS by setting it on the display.

A speed sensor could be pretty flexible as it determines the power output of the PAS based on the display settings. However, if you want to gain more comfort with it, it is recommended to shift to a lower gear because it will take fewer efforts to pedal to send the signal.
Taking  an example, it has 7 levels of PAS, and the output of each of them can be set on the display. Once you start to pedal, the speed sensor will send a signal to the motor, making it provide the set power output to the ebike.

Torque Sensor
Compared with a speed sensor, the torque sensor makes use of some kind of pressure gauge to measure how much effort the rider put on the pedals. It allows the ebike motor to provide power output steadily in response to the pressure given to the pedals. The harder the rider pedal, the more power he will get.
An ebike with a torque sensor is much like a traditional bike as it can accelerate or decelerate in accordance with the force exerted on the pedals
Difference between the speed sensor and torque sensor
From literal meanings, the speed sensor mainly concentrates on speed while the torque sensor relies on torque force.

Compared with the torque sensor, a speed sensor doesn’t require constant effort. However, once you want to activate the PAS from a speed-sensor ebike, you have to pedal to make the cranks spin 1 to 2.5 turns while an ebike with a torque sensor doesn’t require that, but it will get power output when the torque sensor feels the pressure from the pedals. Most speed sensor electric bikes are manufactured with throttles, so riders can use both pedals and throttles to get started with the PAS.