How much does an electric scooter cost? 2026 price guide
Prices run from light commuters under $500 to hyper scooters past $5,000. Here is what each band buys, what pushes the price up and what you spend after checkout.
Torque sensor vs cadence sensor: how e-bike pedal assist feels
The sensor decides how the motor answers your pedals. One gives a steady push, the other matches your effort, and each suits a different rider.
The short answer
Torque sensor vs cadence sensor is about how pedal assist responds to you. A cadence sensor switches the motor on when the pedals turn and gives a set amount of help for each assist level, so the bike does much of the work with little effort. A torque sensor measures how hard you press, so the help rises and falls with your effort and feels like a regular bicycle with stronger legs. Choose cadence for easy, relaxed riding, and torque for a natural feel, fine control in traffic and smooth climbing.
- A cadence sensor reacts to pedal movement. A torque sensor reacts to pedal pressure.
- Cadence assist feels like a steady push and asks little effort. Torque assist feels natural and matches your effort.
- Torque sensors give finer control in tight spaces and on climbs, and often stretch the battery further.
- In our catalog, the Segway Myon, Hiboy EX9 and Hiboy EX11 list torque sensors, and the Segway MUXI lists a cadence sensor.
How each sensor works
Pedal assist needs a way to know you are pedaling. The sensor is that link, and it shapes how an electric bike feels more than almost any other part.
- Cadence sensor. A ring of magnets near the cranks passes a small sensor as the pedals turn. Once the system sees the pedals moving, the motor delivers a set level of help for the assist level you chose. It does not measure how hard you push, only that you are pedaling.
- Torque sensor. A strain sensor near the cranks or the rear axle measures the force on the pedals many times a second. Press harder and the motor adds more. Ease off and it backs off. A dual-sided sensor, like the one Hiboy lists on the EX9, reads the force from both pedals.
Many torque sensor systems also track cadence, so they know how fast and how hard you are pedaling. With either type, the brake levers on most electric bikes cut the motor the moment you pull them.
How each one feels
Cadence: a steady push. Start pedaling and, after a short pause, the motor comes in at the level you set. Keep the cranks turning gently and the bike holds its pace with very little effort from you. Stop pedaling and the help fades after a moment. On a low assist level it feels like a tailwind. On a high one it can feel like the bike is carrying you along.
Torque: stronger legs. The help arrives as soon as you press, so starts feel smooth and immediate. The bike speeds up when you push and settles when you relax, the way a regular bicycle does, only easier. Riders who come from road or mountain bikes usually find it the more natural of the two.
Where you notice the difference:
- Starting from a stop. Torque assist answers the first push. Cadence assist waits for the pedals to turn, which can feel like a short lag and then a surge.
- Tight spaces and traffic. With torque, a light push gives a little help, so slow riding is easy to control. With cadence, any pedaling brings the full level you set, so riders often drop to a lower level in crowds.
- Hills. Torque assist adds help as you push harder on a climb. Cadence assist gives the same help whatever the slope, so you raise the assist level or shift down as the road tilts up.
- Range. Because torque assist matches your effort, it often uses less battery on easy stretches. Cadence assist draws a steady amount whenever you pedal.
Who each sensor suits
A cadence sensor suits you if:
- You want the bike to do most of the work, for example on a commute in work clothes.
- You are getting back into riding, or you prefer a relaxed, steady pace.
- You like to set a level and cruise without thinking about effort.
- You want a simpler, lower priced system. Cadence sensors are common on budget models, as our guide to the best electric bikes under $1,000 explains.
A torque sensor suits you if:
- You want a ride that feels like a regular bicycle, or you ride for exercise.
- You ride in stop and go traffic or on narrow paths, where fine control matters.
- You climb a lot and want help that grows with your effort.
- You want to stretch the battery on long rides.
A throttle works with either sensor. If an electric bike has a throttle, it moves the bike without pedaling no matter which sensor it uses. Where a throttle is allowed depends on the class of the bike and your state and city rules. See e-bike classes explained for how the classes work.
Getting used to pedal assist
- Start in the lowest assist level and ride a quiet street or an empty lot until starts and stops feel natural.
- With a cadence sensor, stop pedaling a moment before a tight turn or a stop, because the help can run on briefly. Touching the brake lever cuts it at once.
- With a torque sensor, press gently as you pull away. A hard first push brings strong help right away.
- Shift down before you stop, so the next start is easy on your legs and the drivetrain.
Our electric bikes with a stated sensor
These listings name the pedal sensor. Many other models do not, so ask us if it matters to you.
Torque sensor
- Segway Myon: a torque sensor with a 1500W peak motor and 85 Nm, a Shimano Cues 9-speed with electronic auto shifting, and pedal assist up to 28 mph where allowed.
- Hiboy EX11: a torque sensor with 90 N·m, full suspension and a removable 864Wh battery. Hiboy lists up to 100 miles with pedal assist and up to 53 miles on the throttle, both for a 165 lb rider.
- Hiboy EX9: a dual-sided torque sensor on a city commuter with a 750W motor (1000W peak) and hydraulic disc brakes.
- Teewing T20: a torque sensor with a 250W rear hub motor, on a carbon fiber folding frame.
Cadence sensor
- Segway MUXI: a cadence sensor on a step-through cargo frame with a single speed drivetrain and a 717Wh battery. It is listed as class 2.
- Segway MUXI Pro: Segway lists cadence and gyroscope sensors, with 9-speed electronic auto shifting and 70 mm front suspension.
Torque or cadence
- ASAP Zen, ASAP Varna and ASAP Pioneer: ASAP lists pedal assist with torque or cadence sensing on all three fat tire models.
| Model | Top speed (mph) | Range (miles) | Motor power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segway Myon Electric Bike | 28 | 80 | 1,500 |
| Hiboy EX11 Full Suspension Electric Bike | 20 | 100 | 880 |
| Hiboy EX9 Urban Commuter Electric Bike | 20 | 62 | 750 |
| Segway MUXI Electric Bike | 23 | 80 | 750 |
| Segway MUXI Pro Electric Bike | 28 | 73 | 750 |
| ASAP Zen Folding Electric Bike | 28 | 35 | 500 |
| ASAP Varna Electric Bike | 30 | 45 | 750 |
| ASAP Pioneer Folding Electric Bike | 30 | 40 | 750 |
Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.
The sensor and the motor work as a team. A torque sensor makes a mid-drive feel natural, and it smooths out a hub motor too. Read hub vs mid drive motor for the motor side of the choice.
Which one to choose
Think about how you want the ride to feel. For a relaxed ride where the bike carries you, a cadence sensor is easy to live with. For a ride that feels like cycling with help, choose a torque sensor. Riders who want easy mounting and simple controls may also like our guide to choosing an electric bike for seniors.
For the other big decisions, read how to choose an electric bike, then browse every model in the electric bike shop. Every order ships free to the lower 48 states, and you have 14 days to return an order.
Questions riders ask
Is a torque sensor better than a cadence sensor?
It depends on the ride you want. A torque sensor feels more natural and gives finer control. A cadence sensor gives a steady push with less effort and usually comes on lower priced models.
Does a torque sensor give more range?
Often, because the motor only adds as much help as your effort calls for. Real range still depends on rider weight, hills, assist level, temperature and how much you use the throttle.
Can I add a torque sensor to a cadence sensor e-bike?
Usually not easily. The sensor has to match the motor and controller, so it is best to choose the sensor you want when you buy.
Do I still have to pedal with a cadence sensor?
For pedal assist, yes, but only lightly: the pedals just need to turn. If the bike has a throttle, it can move the bike without pedaling where your local rules allow.
Which sensor is better for hills?
A torque sensor adds help as you push harder, which feels smooth on climbs. With a cadence sensor, raise the assist level or shift to a lower gear before the hill starts.
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