TQ HPR 60: The new TQ - more than just a facelift for the whisper engine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 03.06.2025
The TQ HPR 50 has followed a clear line since its launch: maximum small, maximum light and maximum quiet. The minimalist e-bike motor has become a lucky charm for all those who only expect a light tailwind from their e-bike.
However, the maximum power output lagged behind that of the light competition and others were also better at efficiency and stability. With the new HPR 60 e-bike motor, the weak points of the Bavarian unit should be eliminated - without compromising on the strengths. We tested whether the new TQ HPR 60 delivers what it promises.
The basic shape of the new TQ HPR 60 is identical to that of its predecessor, the HPR 50, but TQ promises that the entire drive has been redeveloped. New electric motor, new gearbox, new bearings. And the only clearly visible element: eye-catching cooling fins. This is how the Bavarians want to have given their whisper motor more efficiency, torque and power.
60 Newton metres of torque and 350 watts of peak power can be found in the newcomer's data sheet, previously it was 50 Nm and 300 W respectively. And the motor should also be able to maintain its maximum output for longer. TQ has obviously taken our criticism to heart, because We have often had to criticise the moderate heat resistance of its predecessor since our first major testThe cooling fins are said to add 90 grams to the weight.
The facts about the TQ HPR 60
- Weight: 1.95 kilos (manufacturer's specification, incl. cooling fins (+90 g)
- Power: up to 350 watts
- Torque: 60 Newton metres
- Max. Support: 200 %
- External cooling fins for better heat dissipation
- New colour display
- Batteries: 580, 360 and 290 Wh
- Range extender: 160 Wh
Display & Remote for TQ HPR 60
TQ has also revised the display for the new edition. TQ has eliminated the fragmentation when touched, which made the predecessor look a little old-fashioned. The new screen also shines in colour. This gives it a much more premium appearance.
We also really liked the new layout of the display during the test. The data is well organised and easy to read. In addition, the data pages can still be freely customised via the app.
New: If the charger is connected, the remaining charging time is shown on the display. This is also a good added value. The compact remote remains the same. It is wired and can be operated easily and safely thanks to its rubber coating. The feedback when pressing the buttons is crisp and defined.
How the TQ HPR 60 rides
The good news first: the TQ motor has lost none of its strengths. The HPR 60 remains at the same high level as the HPR 50, both in terms of noise and ride feel, and its subtle thrust makes it feel smooth and natural. Although it is clearly audible at full power, it never gets loud.
As before, no other E-MTB motor is as quiet as the TQ. Noticeable and remarkable: The mini motor has significantly increased its torque. At a low cadence, the motor pushes noticeably harder. This means you can tackle steep ramps that you would hardly have expected from such a small unit.
We were able to test the HPR 60 in comparison with its two direct competitors, the Bosch SX and Fazua Ride 60. In terms of torque, the new TQ is more powerful than the Bosch SX. On longer, steeper ramps that do not allow a high cadence, it puts the speed-dependent SX in its pocket. However, it can't quite match the power of the Fazua Ride 60.
When pedalling fast, the powerful SX clearly delivers the highest peak power in this trio. At the highest U-level, Fazua and TQ are roughly on a par - although the Ride 60 can still make some gains in short-term boost mode.
In a direct comparison between the HPR 50 and HPR 60, the higher peak power is clearly noticeable. However, the maximum assistance remains at 200 per cent. This means that the motor only reaches its maximum power output with higher rider input.
This makes the HPR 60 feel more lively and dynamic. This is reinforced by the fact that the newcomer delivers a lot of thrust over a wider rev range and can accelerate faster at the bottom.
The HPR 60 remains true to its character when it comes to coasting. When the rider stops pedalling, the engine's thrust also ends. Not abruptly, but without a time delay. This is in favour of a natural riding experience that clearly sets it apart from other e-bike motors.
However, this can be a disadvantage on technical climbs. Especially on obstacles and in steeper terrain, a trail effectively helps over edges and short pedalling pauses. The HPR 60 hardly delivers this. On the other hand, the strong traction with the subtle thrust of the TQ unit is excellent.
Stability: The HPR 60 under continuous load
TQ promises more power, which is also available for longer, with its new HPR 60. The HPR 50 suffered from moderate stability, especially with heavy riders or high temperatures. After less than 15 minutes of riding at the highest support level, it noticeably reduced its performance in our tests.
We'll keep it short: The HPR 60 does this much better in the brand new Yeti MTe. In our test scenario at an outside temperature of around 20 degrees, it was still able to call up its higher output of 350 watts (instead of the previous 300 watts) after 30 minutes in continuous turbo mode. You can't and shouldn't expect more from a light motor.
With the HPR 50, we experienced the derating weakness even at temperatures of around 12 degrees. Worth mentioning: In addition to the generous cooling fins, the engine in the Yeti is explicitly airy, which should have a further positive effect on heat resistance.
Batteries & range extender for the TQ HPR 60
TQ is sending the HPR 60 into the race with three different battery variants: 290, 360 and 580 watt hours. Interestingly, the 290 and 580 are the same length and have the same mounting points. This allows manufacturers to realise a modular battery concept that accommodates both battery options. The first example of this is the new Yeti MTe.
The familiar 160 Wh range extender, which can be packed onto the top tube like a water bottle, provides even more flexibility. Special feature: With the small 290 Wh battery, the system does not deliver full power. This setup stops at 250 watts.
Weight specifications from the manufacturer
- TQ battery 290 Wh, 1460 grams
- TQ battery 360 Wh, 1835 grams
- TQ battery 580 Wh, 2695 grams
- Range extender 160 Wh, 960 grams (without mounting and cable)
Range and efficiency of the new TQ
We have already been able to complete our standardised range test with the TQ HPR 60, which we have carried out several times in recent years with all relevant e-bike drives. The HPR 50 performed rather below average in various comparisons.
One thing is clear: with the 580 watt-hour battery, the new system is comparatively well-powered. This is because most other light or mid-power drives rely on rather smaller batteries. The system easily outperforms both the Bosch SX with 400 watt hours and the very efficient Fazua Ride 60 with 430 Wh.
Unfortunately, we have so far only been able to ride the HPR 60 with the 580 battery, for which we have no comparative values with the HPR 50. We are therefore unable to make a clear statement as to whether TQ has been able to significantly increase efficiency with the new edition. Nevertheless, we don't want to hide the facts.
The data from our test rides: In turbo mode, we climbed 1536 metres in altitude with an average speed of 10.9 km/h, whereby the HPR 60 did not yet release its maximum power in the test scenario (150 W rider input). We also climbed another 222 metres in significantly reduced emergency mode when the battery was low.
It is noticeable: With the predecessor HPR 50, we only reached an average speed of around 9.5 km/h, which is significantly slower than with the HPR 60 - because the predecessor reduced its performance during our test rides on the climbs because the temperature was too high. With the 360 Wh battery and the HPR 50, we stopped after an average of around 950 metres in altitude.
BIKE Conclusion on the TQ HPR 60
At first glance, the update of the TQ engine may seem like a half-hearted facelift. However, TQ was actually able to eliminate the relevant weaknesses of its predecessor - without sacrificing any of its strengths. The unit thus sets an exclamation mark in the "mid-power engine" segment. Extremely quiet and compact, sufficiently powerful, with good range and stability - an ingenious mix! However, with the large battery, the complete system is not an absolute lightweight. But that's why there are various battery variants. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Can I upgrade my bike with the TQ HPR 60?
The housing and the screw-on points are identical on the HPR 60 and its predecessor, the HPR 50. The question arises: Can old bikes be updated to the new motor? There is no clear answer to this question. One thing is clear: in the vast majority of cases, the cooling fins will not match the frames and covers of existing bikes. In addition, the HPR 60 is not offered by TQ as a retrofit product.
As the cooling fins are a separate component, they can theoretically also be retrofitted to an HPR 50. On some bikes, this update could work through a cut-out in the engine cover.
It becomes difficult when updating the battery, as the mounting points and designs of the three battery variants differ significantly. Most manufacturers have designed the down tubes to be as slim as possible and have therefore adapted them precisely to the (old) battery dimensions.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
