How E-Bike Motors Are Developed & Produced | Inside The TQ Factory!

Steve Jones has travelled to the TQ group RnD facility to take a look at what it takes to develop and deliver world-leading e-mountain bike motor systems! Steve takes an in-depth look at the new HPR50 EMTB motor and explores its development story from concept, through to prototyping, testing, engineering, designs and beyond to shine a light on what it takes to bring a new EMTB motor to market!
In association with TQ Group - embn.me/TQGroup
Useful Links:
Submit your Photo and Video to us 👉 upload.embn.com/
Check out the EMBN Shop 👉 embn.me/Jerseys
What do you think of the TQ motor systems? Let us know your thoughts down below! 👇
Watch more on EMBN...
📹 Clips Vs Flats 👉 embn.me/ClipsV...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 embn.me/Editor...
📹 Watch our Features Playlist 👉 embn.me/Features
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Cut the Corner - Luwaks
Braver - Jones Meadow
Beleza - Azucares
Knotty - _91nova
Beleza - Azucares
Move It - Donell Mase
On the Sleeping Shores - Chaxti
#embn #ebikes #emtb #ebiking #tqmotors
The Electric Mountain Bike Network (EMBN) is the world’s leading electric mountain bike (eMTB) channel and community.
Dedicated to igniting your passion for eMTBs, EMBN delivers weekly original content to inspire you to take your riding further, faster - and with more fun.
Whether you live to conquer the techiest terrain - both up and down; to access and explore the beautiful backcountry; or simply to pack as much fun as you can into the precious riding time you have, EMBN is dedicated to covering eMTB from every angle.
From inspiring you to go electric - helping you understand what you need, where and how to ride to get the best from your eMTB experience, and more - through showcasing and exploring the latest, most innovative tech, empowering and entertaining features, to skills videos that help you progress and can tackle ever-more adventurous terrain, and much, much more.
Every week we bring you informative and entertaining videos on…
- The know-how…
- The skills…
- The tech…
- The inspiration…
...to go faster and explore more!
EMBN is mountain biking… fully charged: helping you go faster, further, and with more adventures than ever before.
Join the EMBN community:
Facebook:
Instagram: embn.me/instagram
Twitter: embn.me/embntwi...
Thanks to our sponsors:
Specialized: embn.me/special...
Canyon: embn.me/canyon
Husqvarna: embn.me/Husqvarna
Ergon: embn.me/ergon
Garmin: embn.me/garmin
Muc-Off - embn.me/MucOff
Bell Helmets: embn.me/Bell
Nukeproof Pedals: embn.me/Nukepr...
G-Form Protection: embn.me/GForm
Watch our sister channels:
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Tech - / gcntech
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining

[@jonathank4393]

I picked up my fuel exe two days ago and this motor is amazing! The whole bike is very impressive. It is exactly what I’ve been wanting. It’s an ebike that feels like a real mountain bike but helps me go further and faster than I could while still managing slow technical climbs without the bike ever jumping forward or doing anything I don’t want. It’s great!

[@davefreeman9347]

I’ve just picked one up two weeks ago this is my first e-bike and it’s blown me away how good it is but interested to find out how you are getting on 10 months later, any issues ?

[@jonathank4393]

@@davefreeman9347 it’s still all good for me. I haven’t been riding a whole lot lately, but I still get out some. The only issues I’ve had are squeaks and creaks. Some deep cleaning and light lubrication take care of those. I think you get that with most full suspension bikes. Motor still works flawlessly and I really like having the little integrated display. Hope you continue enjoying yours!

[@rjahn3000]

Had my Trek Fuel EX e 9.5 for a few weeks, its truly amazing. The mix of weight and power is perfect!

[@ThatHPIGUY]

I ride exclusively Bosch, but I'm very interested in this technology and take my hat off to TQ. I am a lazy sod tho and like my higher power motors 😂

[@ashpunting]

We have to truly understand to appreciate the amount of work it took to get there 🙌 🙏

[@charleswhite7612]

The “genius” guy is my hero. That is how my brain works day/night. I’m sure there are many others who are “tuned-in” to cosmic consciousness and see the future of MTB products before they ever come out. The guys that can make it happen and actually turn inspiration into tangible/usable products are my heros. Much respect & admiration. And kudos to Steve and the crew for putting together such an awesome & informative video. Thank you.🙏👍😉

[@leocurious9919]

What is "cosmic consciousness" supposed to mean?

[@ianmangham4570]

​@@leocurious9919 Autism

[@chickenclips]

this motor is amazing - have it in my fuel exe. Amazing bike and definitely a move in the right direction for ebike tech!

[@cvaelliott]

I was watching the section about the pinion torque ring with a sense of familiarity then it hit me I have seen this before, I spent 40 odd years in the hydraulics industry and the mechanical motion of the TQ motor is very similar to low speed hi torque hydraulic motors. I am not taking away from the incredible development work done by TQ to refine this system but as they say there is nothing new under the sun. Great video Steve.

[@andrewhillman9632]

Fantastic tech, truly appreciated my time at TQ and experiencing the most amazing e-bike motors. Congratulations to TQ and Trek, two of my favorite companies.

[@TheEventHorse]

The TQ motors are without equal. My old Haibike Flyon was bulletproof. I really hope we see this new motor appear in other bikes soon. Would love to see one in a Mondraker or Yeti.

[@Coolcmsc]

What a great vlog! Thanks 😊 Very informative. Looking forward to the next instalment 🎉

[@andrewbentley8352]

Very interesting seeing harmonic gearing applied in this way, though it's certainly not a new idea!

[@nomad-pq4yw8iy7v]

Interesting how some companies kinda blend into the background till someone realizes their parts are in a lot of things.

[@downhill64]

Great video, thanks team

[@karlwilliams8208]

Very interesting video, thank you 👍🏻

[@embn]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was so interesting to take a look around the TQ factory!

[@franciscoteixeira2771]

Easy to be impressed with the technology inside the motor and the factory ,what is missing is the second face of the coin. Reliability of the motor in the real world face to submitted efforts and environment elements such as dust,water ,hot cold ... And the most important : how is the policy and actiitude and stance from the brand when it comes to repairs and maintenance outside warranty ,and even during warranty.Will they be honest in facing the problems and assuming them ? Will they offer parts and repairs outside warranty and even sell them to the market and repair shops giving them tech support ? If so they are welcome and be a trust partner with the customers, making a diference from some competitors and we can buy TQ with confidence with no fear from to be defrauded and loss. If they close theirs units to secret and no parts /repairs like some ,they can stay at virtual dimension with their top products and we can see them in holograms how they are beatiful.

[@wojciechturek1601]

I wish more motors and frames were more compatible with each other This would help to choose best for you from many

[@surfingmoose]

yup, some sort of universal mount for the motor would be a good start

[@emanuel_antohe]

Riding the TQ 120s on a Haibike Nduro 10, for 4000km now, gotta say i enjoyed as much the behind the scene of their factory.

[@Ndc710]

Great video today really interesting. Can’t wait for when the motor and gearbox become readily available along with belt drive.

[@AndreaBiancucci]

Would be cool to know how this motor connect with compatible Garmin unit and which data are recorded in the file and show on Garmin Connect, would be cool to have rider power for training perspective

[@stevehodson9333]

You guys need to interview the Bearing Man on motor rebuilds and what he has seen as far as what causes motors to go bad. Should be a very interesting video. Thanks

[@alangreenwood4079]

Assuming that's a prototype Fuel ex e at the end? Looks sweet in white with black components!

[@billadmond9450]

It would be very interesting to know motor cost, servicing costs and IF spare parts are available. Nowadays these hi tech brands operate as monopoly businesses so once you buy one of their product, you're stuck all your life with them and your bank loans because they force you to buy the entire new motor instead of providing spare parts!

[@micktheshaggy3977]

How they were they able to gain a patent for the concept that was already known long time ago as the cycloidal drive transmission?

[@TheWebstaff]

I'd be interested to see that patent. I know there was open discussions in the DIY community on harmonic devices way back, so I don't think it's novel idea. Good to see a commercial OEM getting into the space though! And that production lines very nice!

[@SimonBauer7]

most robotic arms use harmonic reducers so idk

[@adamwalker833]

It's the pin ring drive that has the patent, not the harmonic part

[@philomenaenright7235]

Why is my flyon TQ motor on my haibike snatching on full power 🤔

[@craigallan328]

Very fascinating tech

[@MTBs]

Interesting tour, but I have still not found any information about what voltage the system uses. It says something like 50 V on the battery, but is it a 48 V motor and in that case why hasn't this been communicated (as an advantage)? I mean better range, smaller size, lower weight, less voltage drop issues e t c are clear advantages in my book.

[@SimonBauer7]

batteries dont always have the same voltage. so a difference of 2v isnt that much.

[@MTBs]

@@SimonBauer7 Maybe I was unclear, I mean if it is a 36V or a 48V motor system. I know that battery voltage varies somewhat.

[@richardseller3733]

Can't wait to ride one has anyone heard anything about demo rides?

[@mopedmarathon]

Got to be better than a power steering motor?! Right specialized?!!!

[@bigwheelsturning]

Is the motor and system UL 2849 approved?????

[@SimonBauer7]

dodged the insane climb with si...good one mate (ofcourse you already did that)

[@embn]

Steve managed to get out of that one some how! 😅

[@captainzarlon]

I was expecting to learn more but instead I felt like I was watching an infomercial.

[@jerryofthebikes]

this harmonic pin ring looks like a RV reducer

[@mahennaiker5072]

Very interesting with all the Technology what about hearing of Ebikes exploding

[@joebot2127]

Time will tell if it turns out to be more reliable.

[@islandaerial3414]

Exactly. DUs are nothing w/o reliability and durability

[@ianmangham4570]

Very efficient these lot 😅

[@fieldtrailer]

My question is why the lab coat?

[@mayadienes7643]

Wo Elektrogeräte hergestellt werden, muss man ESD Klamotte anziehen

[@ThomasSchmitzSPFC]

Why is no one talking about a Trek Slash with a TQ motor?Trek Slash-e

[@aleszverca]

⚡🤟👍 yes possibly with a TQ HPR85

[@nosaj9167]

Dirt cheap and then a substantial retail markup makes me absolutely sick to my stomach

[@Vorname_Nachnahme]

So what was the reason the highly praised 'Flyon'-TQ-System of the Haibikes only lasted, was it 3ys?, then, without getting any questions answered by Haibike/Winora or ANYone, was kicked completely off the product line and being replaced by Panasonic and Bosch. Strange, for such advanced space-age technology ... :)

[@kilowatt8521]

We will probably never know. Human relationships play a big role in business deals, so maybe somebody at TQ said something rude to a Haibike person.

[@raziel8321]

Haibike had many problems on many fronts. From manufacturing to the quality of the frames. Maybe the Flyon Projet wasn't profitable enough and they could make more money by just using the standard motors and displays. It could hardly have been due to the TQ engine. This motor has been used by M1 for almost 10 years. A German premium bicycle manufacturer. For M1, the TQ 120 has been the primary engine, and part of the overall M1 experience. This would not have been the case for such a long period of time if the TQ engine wasn't good. With bikes over €10,000, you don't forgive many mistakes as a customer.

[@jaketuckey]

I have a Trek EXe 9.7.....the TQ motor is amazing and smooth. Quietest motor on earth and the best ebike you can buy. The TQ display on the other hand is junk, the biggest POS ive seen. How can a conpany like TQ engineer a motor so awesome and then come yp with a display/control unit as junk as what comes on the EXe. It should be 100% water proof on a mountain bike but no, if your sweat falls on it the thing shorts out and stops working. Take this back to the drawing board please!!!

[@Steviewonderwhy]

I think Bosch is better still

[@theokingshango]

All european motors are limited by regulations so... Bafang wins 😎

[@craigmckinnon242]

Looks like a washing machine motor.

[@no_more_free_nicks]

5:26 - this is NOT how you should work on a computer :D

[@Vorname_Nachnahme]

Theory vs praxis: this vid vs the vids of failed (space-age) TQs and pissed customers on YT ...

[@thalesofmiletus2966]

9 grand for an e-bike? That’s double the price of my next door neighbours used Nissan leaf. I think I’ll stick to Chinese made bikes.

[@leedove7255]

Well the space age started in 1957 so these are "Space age" then ... duh

[@DMSGOO]

“Bikers fellings” Key Word.. bosch and shimano they forgot about that, going up and even worse going down.....terrible sounds. Bosch y Shimano se olvidaron de eso, subiendo y aun peor bajando.....terribles sonidos….

[@humzilla707]

I'll take a little noise over a blown motor

[@jasonbull179]

There's a time and place to wear shorts, this ain't it

[@surfingmoose]

it looked like he had a long haired twin in the video

[@kilowatt8521]

That's the way the bike industry rolls.

[@lolshark99b49]

ebikes are a scam, pathetic

[@nwmetalbug]

Until they have a 750 watt nominal motor for the US market ill stick with my Bafang Ultra thanks.