Updated August 2026
E-bike marketing shouts about watts and newton metres. 850 watts. 1,100 watts. 130 newton metres.
Every e-bike sold in Finland has a rated motor power of at most 250 watts – without exception, regardless of manufacturer. Those big numbers measure something else entirely.
Let's go through what the figures actually mean and what should decide your purchase. Hint: it isn't torque.
The short answer
Every electrically assisted bicycle sold in Finland has a rated power of 250 watts and assistance that cuts out at 25 km/h. The watt and newton metre figures in marketing describe momentary peak values. When buying, weight, noise, the feel of the assistance and – above all – the service network in Finland matter more than peak torque.
250 watts, 25 km/h – and everything else is a peak figure
An electrically assisted bicycle is defined in Finland like this: continuous rated motor power of at most 250 W, assistance cutting out at 25 km/h, and assistance that works only while pedalling. A bike meeting these conditions counts as a bicycle: it may be ridden on cycle paths, it doesn't require motor insurance, and it falls under home insurance.
When a manufacturer quotes 850 or 1,100 watts, that's a momentary peak the motor can deliver in a short load spike. Continuous power stays at 250 watts.
Newton metres, meanwhile, describe torque – how hard the motor pushes at low revolutions, which in practice means setting off on a steep climb. It's a meaningful figure off-road, but rarely decisive on a commute.
Comparison: the most common motors
Below are the manufacturers' published figures. Note that modern motors' values change with software updates, so always check your own bike's software version.
| Motor | Torque | Weight | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| TQ HPR50 | 50 Nm | approx. 1.85 kg | Quietest, lightest, closest to a normal bike |
| TQ HPR60 | 60 Nm | approx. 1.92 kg | Same character, a little more power |
| Fazua Ride 60 | 60 Nm | approx. 1.96 kg | Natural feel, light |
| Shimano EP8 RS | 60 Nm | approx. 2.1 kg | The light option within Shimano's ecosystem |
| Shimano EP801 | 85 Nm | approx. 2.7 kg | Consistent, quiet, wide service network |
| Bosch Performance Line CX | 85–100 Nm | approx. 2.8 kg | The industry benchmark, best service network |
| DJI Avinox M1 | 105 Nm | approx. 2.5 kg | Most power for its weight, a new entrant |
Bosch owners: your bike is probably restricted
This is the most practical piece of information in the article, and it surprises most people.
Bikes fitted with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor ship by default at 85 newton metres and 600 watts, even though the same motor is capable of considerably higher figures after a software update. The increase is enabled through the app – it isn't done for you.
In other words, many people are riding a detuned motor without knowing it. If your bike feels weaker than a friend's identical one, the reason may be this rather than a fault. We carry out e-bike software updates in our workshop for €20.
Torque isn't what you're buying
In 2026, every full-power motor has enough torque for any Finnish hill. The question is no longer whether you'll get up, but what the climb feels like.
These four things separate motors more than newton metres do:
Weight. The difference between the lightest and heaviest is nearly a kilogram. With a light system the bike still feels like a bike when the battery runs out or the assistance is switched off.
Noise. On a commute or a long ride, motor noise is something you either get used to or don't. TQ's motors are clearly the quietest here.
The feel of the assistance. Some motors push hard immediately; others amplify your own pedalling progressively. The latter feels more natural, the former more powerful. You'll only notice this difference on a test ride.
Freewheel drag. Above 25 km/h or with assistance off, some motors spin along with almost no resistance while others noticeably drag.
The most important criterion: what happens when it breaks?
This is almost always left out of comparisons, and it's still what determines the ownership experience.
Bosch and Shimano have wide authorised service networks and parts availability in Finland. A motor fault usually means a few days or weeks off the road.
With newer entrants the service network is still being built. The same fault can mean weeks of waiting if the motor or part has to be ordered from further afield. A technically excellent motor is a poor one in practice if the bike sits idle for a month.
So ask directly in the bike shop: who services this motor, where, and how quickly can parts be obtained? The answer tells you more than any specification table.
Who should choose what?
Commuting and city riding: Bosch or Shimano. Service network, consistent assistance and a good battery range matter more than peak torque.
Light off-road and fitness riding: TQ or Fazua. A light overall package and natural feel make the bike a bike rather than a moped.
Demanding terrain and steep climbs: a full-power Bosch CX or an equivalent high-torque system.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts is an e-bike allowed in Finland?
Rated power may be at most 250 watts, and assistance must cut out at 25 km/h. Assistance may only work while pedalling. Larger watt figures in marketing describe momentary peak power.
What do newton metres mean on an e-bike?
Torque – how hard the motor pushes at low revolutions. High torque helps on steep climbs and when setting off, but doesn't affect top speed, which is limited in any case.
Which is better, a mid-drive or a hub motor?
A mid-drive is better balanced and more effective on hills, because it uses the bike's gears. A hub motor is quieter and needs less maintenance but is weaker on steep climbs. For active use we recommend a mid-drive.
Can an e-bike motor's power be increased?
Yes, with the manufacturer's own software updates, within legal limits. Bypassing the speed limiter, however, makes the bike a vehicle requiring motor insurance, at which point it no longer falls under home insurance and may not be ridden on cycle paths.
Which motor is the quietest?
TQ's HPR series motors are, by virtue of their design, clearly the quietest mid-drive motors on the market.
Will another manufacturer's battery fit my motor?
No. Battery systems are manufacturer-specific – a Bosch battery only works with a Bosch motor. This is also worth considering from a spare parts availability point of view.
Summary
When comparing motors, forget the biggest numbers. Every e-bike sold in Finland is a 250-watt machine assisting to 25 kilometres per hour.
Decide three things instead: how much weight you'll tolerate, how you want the assistance to feel, and who will service the motor when it eventually needs servicing. The first two you'll find out on a test ride; the third by asking.
You can test ride different motor systems at our Tampere store, and we service e-bikes including software updates: myynti@emiliasport.fi or +358 50 470 4686.
Browse our range: electric bikes.
Read also: What does an e-bike cost per year? and The DJI Avinox motor
Written by the Emilia Sport team
Emilia Sport has been a bike shop since 1978. Our own workshop in Tampere services e-bikes from all the most common manufacturers. We're happy to help by phone too: myynti@emiliasport.fi / +358 50 470 4686.
The motors' technical figures are as published by manufacturers and change with software versions and model years. Check current figures with the manufacturer or ask us.
