This article is part of our big 2026 motor group test. Click here to read about all 11 systems we tested, discover the latest trends and dive into detailed results from both the lab and real-world testing.
With the HPR50, the Bavarian tech company hit the mark in the light eMTB segment a few years ago: ultra-compact design, whisper-quiet operation and so discreet on the trail that you’d barely notice it was there. While its limited power and relatively low torque figures can leave you working hard on steep climbs, they fit perfectly with its minimalist assist concept. That said, when it came to efficiency, the HPR50 had its shortcomings. The compact design led to significant heat build-up, which noticeably reduced efficiency under sustained load. Especially with the small 360 Wh battery, range was more limited than it needed to be.
The new HPR60 promises improvements in exactly that area – and more power too. The trend towards more powerful motors hasn’t passed TQ by: with the HPR60, the Bavarians have raised the bar for both output and torque. But does that come at the cost of its signature natural ride feel? We’ll also let you know whether TQ have managed to iron out the issues of the previous model – and how the new motor stacks up against the rest of the light-assist and minimal support competition.
The TQ HPR60 in detail – an evolution that keeps its cool
At first glance, you could easily mistake the new HPR60 for its predecessor, the HPR50. And it’s no wonder: tThe distinctive round design, built around the patented Harmonic Pin-Ring transmission that gives it its name, remains unchanged. As before, the motor and gearbox sit compactly around the crank axle, a design approach that sets it apart from rivals like FAZUA or maxon, who mount both components in line, resulting in a longer form factor.
This compact layout gives frame manufacturers more freedom in their designs and makes it easier to position the battery lower in the frame in order to achieve a better centre of gravity. Still, the new version isn’t entirely identical. Thanks to new cooling fins on the underside, which are designed to improve thermal stability and boost efficiency during sustained use, the HPR60 takes up slightly more space than its predecessor. In terms of weight, however, not much has changed – at a measured 1.94 kg, the HPR60 is the lightest motor in the test field and only about 70 g heavier than the HPR50.
Despite that, TQ have managed to give the new HPR60 a noticeable power boost. With 350 watts, it has 17% more peak output than the HPR50, which brings it in line with the FAZUA Ride 60 – although FAZUA’s motor can briefly push up to 450 watts in Overboost mode. Torque has also been increased by 20%, now hitting 60 Nm, which puts it on par with its direct rival from TQ. The assistance factor, a key contributor to the motor’s natural ride feel, remains unchanged from the HPR50 at a maximum of 200%. There’s also news when it comes to battery options: a new 290 Wh battery joins the existing 360 Wh and 580 Wh variants, offering a third option for lightweight builds. The 960 g 160 Wh range extender remains part of the line-up and is compatible with all three main batteries.
For our practical test, we picked the € 12,500 Yeti MTE T3, which combines the HPR60 drive and a 580 Wh battery.
TQ have also reworked the user interface. The new 2-inch display is still seamlessly integrated into the top tube, but now features a full-colour screen and, at last, an intuitive ride mode indicator. True to form, the new display keeps things minimal: a single button ensures a clean look and handles multiple functions at once. A long press turns the system on or off, a single press scrolls through the display pages, and a double press switches between ride modes.
Three different menu pages can be customised to your preferences via the app. The display hits a sweet spot in terms of size, resolution and readability.
For the main controls, TQ use a slim, rubberised handlebar remote that offers decent grip but lacks a truly ergonomic shape. The icons could also be clearer and more intuitive. Visually, however, the remote fits in well with the minimalist design language.
The clearly structured TQ app is one of the best in this test. Alongside the fast, hassle-free pairing, we particularly like the ability to access a range of technical insights. You can check the number of charge cycles, the self-discharge rate or the time spent in extreme temperatures – all of which are especially useful when buying a second-hand bike.
We’re also impressed by the app’s options for improving battery sustainability. It lets you activate a gentle charging mode and a dedicated storage mode – both of which can be selected independently. It’s a smart feature for long-term battery care, and something we’d love to see offered across all motor systems.
The ability to customise all three modes (Eco, Mid and High) individually is another strong point of the TQ app. Maximum power output, support level, responsiveness and top speed can all be adjusted with precision using sliders. There’s just one thing missing at the moment: a feature for recording ride data. In terms of functionality, the TQ app still can’t quite match the offerings from Specialized or the Avinox Ride app.
TQ supply a 4 A charger for recharging the batteries. Our Yeti test bike came with the 580 Wh battery, which charged from 0 to 100% in just 205 minutes with an average charging power of around 200 watts. That’s an impressive figure, making the TQ system faster to charge than most others on the market.
| Parameter | Our measurement | Manufacturer’s spec |
|---|---|---|
| Motor weight (kg) | 1,943 kg | 1,924 kg |
| Battery capacity (nominal, Wh) | 561,5 Wh | 580 Wh |
| Charge time (0–100%) | 3 h 25 min | – |
| Support ratio (%) | – | 200 % |
| Max power output (W) | – | 350 W |
| Max torque (Nm) | – | 60 Nm |
| Range* (km) | 25,9 km | – |
| Vertical range* (metres climbed) | 2.189 hm | – |
*All values were measured on the same test track with an average incline of 8.5%, using the maximum support mode, a consistent rider output of 150 watts, rider weight of 72 kg, and standardised tyres: MAXXIS HighRoller (DD, MaxxGrip) up front and MAXXIS Minion DHR II (DD, MaxxTerra) on the rear.
The TQ HPR60 on test – It’s you, only slightly faster
The TQ HPR60 motor on the trail
There’s no leaning back and letting the motor do all the work on climbs. Despite the power and torque boost, the HPR60 still keeps things sporty thanks to its low support ratio. On steep or technical climbs in particular, you’ll need to put in plenty of your own effort. But if you’re willing to dig deep, you’ll be rewarded: the motor responds quickly, delivers consistently high traction and provides a smooth, predictable push – all while staying impressively quiet. There’s still no noticeable overrun, which makes rolling over obstacles and tackling tricky uphill sections more demanding. But that’s exactly in line with TQ’s philosophy: the ride feels especially natural, with no unnatural surges of power.
The HPR60 isn’t a motor that hauls you up the hill – it amplifies what you’re already putting in. And for sporty riders, that can be a real advantage. The predictable power delivery and, compared to the Bosch SX, more forgiving start-up behaviour give it some of the best perceived climbing performance in the light-assist category. It’s a perfect example of how the raw numbers on paper don’t always tell the full story.
Patience pays off: the TQ shines in our range test. It might take its time getting you to the top of the hill, but it’ll get you there – and for more laps than most motors. In our real-world range test, the TQ managed an impressive 1,911 vertical metres, which makes it one of the top performers. This is largely down to the combination of low motor output and a relatively large battery, but the improved motor efficiency also plays a key role. While the motor was predictable and consistent on the trail, the same couldn’t always be said for the drive units in our test bikes. We experienced occasional drivetrain imbalances and inaccurate rider power readings, which sometimes led to noticeably reduced support. That slightly took the edge off an otherwise very positive riding impression. According to TQ, these issues have since been resolved in the production models.
The TQ HPR60 on the test bench
The TQ couldn’t be measured on the test bench, as its torque sensor didn’t respond under the test conditions, preventing the motor from starting. We’re currently working with the manufacturer to find a way to carry out these measurements in future.
In the noise analysis, we struggled to distinguish the motor sound from the background. Only a very faint tonal element made it audible at all.
Tuning tip for the manufacturer: Enable a ride recording feature in the app.
Who should take a closer look at the TQ HPR60? – and who should look elsewhere?
Despite the increased power, the TQ HPR60 remains a motor system for riders who don’t shy away from physical effort and value clean integration and a particularly natural MTB feel. If you’ve got strong legs, you’ll still be able to tackle tough technical climbs, even with the low support ratio. Thanks to the big battery option, the HPR60 is also well suited for long rides that demand plenty of leg power. The smaller battery options, on the other hand, allow for very lightweight builds with agile handling. But if you’re after a powerful, high-assist motor system with a shuttle-like feel, the TQ HPR60 won’t be the right fit.
Conclusions about the TQ HPR60
More power and better efficiency, without sacrificing its balanced, natural character – with the HPR60, TQ stay true to their roots. And that’s a good thing. The motor delivers the most natural ride feel in this test, paired with seamless integration and whisper-quiet operation. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort, you’ll be rewarded with responsive and, above all, predictable support. Only the technical issues we encountered in some test bikes slightly take the edge off what is otherwise one of the best light-assist motors currently on the market.
Tops
- Very light and compact
- Improved efficiency and fast charging
- Quiet operation
- Strong app with useful battery features
Flops
- Initial technical issues in some units
For more information, visit TQ’s website.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to Our big eMTB Motor Comparison – 15 eMTB Motors on Test
All motors in test:
Avinox M1, Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5, Bosch Performance Line CX-R, Bosch Performance Line SX, FAZUA Ride 60, Mahle M40, maxon Air S, Pinion MGU E1.12, Shimano EP801, S-Works 3.1, TQ HPR60
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker
