If you’re researching e-bikes, you’ve probably seen power ratings like 250W, 500W, or even 1000W. But many buyers don’t realise these numbers can refer to two very different things: continuous power or peak power. Continuous power is the sustained output a motor can deliver, and it usually determines whether an e-bike meets legal requirements. Peak power refers to the short bursts of extra output a motor can provide before it overheats.
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of buying an e-bike. It can mean the difference between riding legally or not. In this article, we explain how continuous and peak power work, how they affect your bike’s performance, and what to check when choosing a model that’s both compliant and capable.
What Is Continuous Power?
Continuous power is the amount of power a motor can sustain during normal use without overheating. It gives you the clearest indication of how your e-bike will perform day to day and is the standard used to determine whether a bike is road-legal in your state or territory.
In most parts of Australia, the legal limit for continuous power is 250 watts. New South Wales is the exception, allowing up to 500 watts under the EPAC classification. That’s double the power of other states and more than enough for riding in flat areas, short hills, or carrying extra weight.
Peak power, power delivery, and torque often play a bigger role in how a bike feels to ride. They give you the burst of energy needed to tackle inclines or accelerate from a standstill without stressing the motor. If you’ve used a Lime Bike, you’ve likely experienced a 250W continuous motor and can use it as a general reference for power when buying an e-bike.
If you’re chasing more power than the legal limit allows, it may be time to consider a light moped or road-registered motorbike. E-bikes are built to comply with strict rules, and exceeding the prescribed limits can create legal, insurance, and safety problems.
What Is Peak Power?
Peak power is the maximum power your e-bike motor can deliver in short bursts — for example, when accelerating from a stop or tackling a steep incline.
While continuous vs peak power in e-bikes is often confused, both are important:
- Continuous power = reliable, sustained output
- Peak power = short-term power boost, usually lasting a few seconds or more
A quality 500W continuous motor with a strong peak power rating (e.g., 750W or higher) will feel punchier, more responsive, and more capable under load, especially if you’re riding with a passenger or heavy gear.
Why It Matters When Buying an E-Bike
When comparing e-bikes, you’ll often come across different figures for motor power. Here’s why understanding continuous vs peak power in e-bikes matters:
- Most brands only list one figure
Some manufacturers advertise “750W” or “1000W” motors, without clarifying whether that number refers to peak or continuous power. If it’s 750W or higher chances are it’s the continuous rating and may not be legal in NSW. - Look for the motor label
Most reputable motors (e.g. Bosch, Shimano, Bafang) have the continuous power rating clearly marked on the motor housing. - Performance expectations
Peak power affects how the bike feels under stress, like going up hills, starting from a standstill, or accelerating with weight onboard. If you’re after a more capable bike, look for one with a higher peak-to-continuous power ratio and strong torque figures. - Legal compliance
In NSW, e-bikes must be rated at 500W continuous or less to be legally classified as an EPAC. A higher peak power is fine as long as the continuous rating stays within the limit. Some brands sell bikes with 750W or 1000W continuous motors and claim they’re “digitally restricted to comply with the legal power limit,” but the legislation in NSW clearly defines continuous power as the rating of the motor by the manufacture regardless of any digital restrictions.
Peak Power and Torque: What to Look For
For riders who value performance, torque and peak output still matter, especially when riding in hilly areas, carrying passengers, or prioritising acceleration. Look for:
- Torque ratings of 60Nm or more (for strong hill-climbing ability)
- Peak output of at least 750W (if staying within 500W continuous)
- Motors with well-calibrated assist modes for smoother delivery
At True North, we design our bikes to maximise performance within legal NSW EPAC limits, delivering real-world power where it counts, without overstepping into illegal territory.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to continuous vs peak power in e-bikes, both figures matter but for different reasons. If you’re trying to work out if a bike is legal and road-ready in NSW, focus on the continuous power rating (500W or less). If you’re looking for more responsive acceleration and better hill-climbing performance, check the peak power and torque output.
At True North, we prioritise both. All of our bikes are built to stay within 500W continuous power, while still offering the kind of peak performance and torque that makes for a fast, smooth, and capable ride, even on steep city streets.
