Motors & Electronics
Continuous vs peak motor power
What does Continuous vs peak motor power mean?
Continuous power is a motor's sustained output; peak power is a short burst. A peak rating alone cannot establish an e-bike's legal category.
Continuous motor power is the output a drive can sustain without overheating or damage. Peak motor power is the higher output it can deliver briefly under suitable conditions. Bosch eBike Systems explains the difference for its drive units.
Why do the two numbers matter when buying?
A listing that says “750 W peak” has not told you its continuous rating. Great Britain’s EAPC rules use continuous rated power, with a limit of 250 W for a cycle treated like an ordinary bicycle. Other rules use their own definitions. Get the continuous rating, assist cut-off speed and exact market configuration from the maker before assuming a bike meets your local rules.
Our chopper style electric bike buying guide shows a real listing that gives peak power but leaves the continuous figure unclear. If you are comparing batteries too, watt-hours measure stored energy. Motor output is measured in watts.
Also known as: continuous motor power, peak motor power, continuous power