What does cadence mean in the context of drive units?

Cadence is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) and indicates how fast you turn the cranks of your eBike when pedalling – that is, how fast you pedal. Typical cadence ranges from 60 (relaxed) to 90 (sporty) rpm.

Relationship between cadence and torque

For eBikers, the following applies in principle: At low cadences, you generate high torques, i.e. a high pedal force. Therefore, your pedal force is usually greatest when you start riding and accelerate your eBike. The higher your cadence, the more difficult it is to apply high pedal force at the same time. Thus, the faster you pedal, the lower the torque and vice versa.

Relationship between cadence and shifting system

If two eBikers are riding in the same gear, a higher cadence means that this person is riding faster. The faster you pedal, the more your cadence contributes to power. This means that you have to apply less pedal force. If you ride on the flat at 25 km/h, you need a higher cadence and less pedal force in a low gear. If you ride in a high gear, you need a lower cadence but more pedal force – that is, you pedal slower but also harder.