How many motor power you need for a business fatbike? In the Netherlands, the legal maximum is 250 watts, but that doesn't say everything about performance. Torque (measured in Nm) determines how powerful your fatbike feels when pulling away and climbing. For business use, you want a bike that performs reliably, even with a heavy load and in headwinds.
In this article, you will discover what engine power and torque mean for your daily work. You'll learn what specifications you need for different business applications and how to make the right choice. That way, you'll avoid buying a fatbike that's too weak for your needs.
What is motor power on a fatbike?
Electric fatbikes are all about two specifications: power in watts and torque in newton meters (Nm). Both determine how the bike performs, but in different ways.
Power in watts
Power indicates how much energy the motor can deliver continuously. In the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, e-bikes are allowed a maximum of 250 watts of rated power to count as a bicycle. This is set by law, so all legal e-bikes have the same maximum power. STOER fatbikes all have a 250W Bafang H720 motor that complies with these regulations.
Torque in Nm: the real power
Torque (Nm) determines how powerful the engine feels. Higher torque means more pulling power when pulling away, climbing and riding with a heavy load. Here is the big difference between fatbikes: a bike with 55Nm feels very different from a bike with 92Nm, even though they both have 250W.
“For business use, torque is much more important than wattage,” says Thomas of STOER Bikes. “With enough torque, you'll ride off smoothly at stoplights and cross bridges effortlessly, even with a full load.”
How much torque do you need?
The required motor power for your business fatbike depends on your daily use. Different applications require different specifications.
Light business use: 55Nm
For commuting, client visits and carrying light items such as laptops and documents, 55Nm of torque is more than enough. You will ride smoothly through the city, cross bridges without difficulty and arrive fresh at your appointments. The STOER UrbanX and CityX both have a Bafang H720 motor with 55Nm of torque.
Heavy business use: 92Nm
For delivery, logistics and carrying heavy loads, you need more torque. With 92Nm, you ride off effortlessly with 50kg of load and keep your speed constant, even against the wind. The STOER CargoX has a Bafang H720 motor with 92Nm of torque, specially designed for heavy loads.
Calculating the total weight
When determining your required torque, you add up everything: your own weight, the average load and the bike itself. An 80 kg delivery driver with 30 kg of packages will have different needs than a 65 kg consultant carrying only a laptop. Always build in a buffer for heavier days.
Factors affecting the motor power required
Terrain and slopes
The terrain where you ride plays a big role. Flat cities demand less from the engine than areas with bridges or hills. In hilly terrain, you immediately notice the difference between 55Nm and 92Nm of torque. Wind is also a factor: constant headwinds can feel like extra weight.
Weight of load
Each additional kilogram demands more from the bike, especially when accelerating and climbing. The STOER UrbanX and CityX have a maximum load capacity of 180 kg (including rider). The CargoX has a load capacity of 150 kg in the cargo box, ideal for heavy business loads.
Frequency of use
For daily intensive use, choose a motor with more reserves than strictly necessary. This prevents overloading and extends its life. If you use the fatbike eight hours a day for delivery, you want the bike to keep performing effortlessly.
Driving style and fitness
Your riding style affects how much you ask of the bike. Sporty cyclists who exert a lot of power themselves can make do with less assistance. If you prefer relaxed riding or don't want to arrive at customers sweaty, opt for more assistance through a higher assistance level.
The benefits of automatic switching
STOER fatbikes have a Bafang H720 motor with 2-speed automatic gearing. This system automatically shifts gears based on your speed and pedaling effort. You don't have to manually shift gears, which is ideal for business use in the city.
Smooth acceleration
The automatic shifting system ensures smooth acceleration at stoplights. The motor instantly delivers the right support without you having to think about gears. This keeps you fully focused on the traffic.
Optimal support
At low speeds, you get maximum support for pulling away. At higher speeds, the system shifts to a higher gear for efficient riding. This saves battery and extends your range.
Want to know more about technology? Then read our blog about belt drive maintenance.
STOER fatbikes: the right bike for every application
STOER Bikes builds fatbikes with the right engine power for various business applications. The Bafang H720 motor is known for its reliability, quiet operation and smooth performance.
STOER UrbanX: 55Nm for everyday use
The STOER UrbanX (€3,199) was named Best Fatbike 2024. The 250W Bafang H720 motor with 55Nm of torque and 2-speed automatic gears ensures smooth performance. With a range of 80-100 km on the 720Wh battery, you can easily ride an entire work week.
The UrbanX is ideal for commuting, customer visits and everyday use. GPS functionality and PIN code immobilization provide additional security for business users.
STOER CityX: 55Nm with low entry level
The STOER CityX (€3,299) has the same reliable engine as the UrbanX, but with a low step-in for easy mounting and dismounting. This is handy if you often stop at customers' houses. The buddy seat offers extra storage for your lock and other items.
STOER CargoX: 92Nm for heavy loads
The STOER CargoX (from €6,495) won the German Design Award 2025. The 250W Bafang H720 motor with 92Nm of torque provides the extra power you need for heavy loads. With 150 kg payload and a 100×70 cm container, this is the ideal business cargo bike.
The larger 960Wh battery provides 60-100 km of range, depending on the load. The 5-year frame warranty shows confidence in its construction for intensive business use.
The role of the belt drive
Engine power is not the only thing that matters. The drivetrain determines how efficiently power is transmitted to the rear wheel. STOER fatbikes have the Gates CDX belt drive, which offers great advantages for business use.
Less energy loss
A belt drive is more efficient than a chain. Less energy is lost in transmission, so you get more range out of the same battery. This is especially noticeable during intensive use with many stops and starts.
Longer motor life
The Gates CDX belt puts less strain on the engine than a chain. Its smooth operation ensures less wear on engine components. This keeps your engine performing reliably for years.
Minimal maintenance
A belt drive does not require lubrication and lasts three to five times longer than a chain. This means less downtime and lower maintenance costs for your business fatbike.
Making the right choice
Start by analyzing your daily transportation needs. How much weight do you transport on average? What distances do you drive? What does your route look like? Write down your actual load for a week and note the heaviest days.
Test under realistic conditions
Test several models before you buy. Schedule a free test drive at a STOER dealer and experience how the bike performs with your specific load and route. What seems adequate on paper may be just too little in practice.
Choose reserves
Rather, choose an engine with a little more torque than you need at a minimum. This reserve ensures that you can still drive comfortably even on busy days or with unexpected heavy orders. The engine stays in good condition longer if it is not constantly running at its maximum.
Protection of your investment
The STOOD insurance offers 3 years of new value coverage with zero deductible in case of theft. You get 24/7 roadside assistance. So you always stay mobile, even if something goes wrong with your bike or other parts.
For which entrepreneurs is which engine suitable?
Consultants and advisors
As a consultant, you travel from appointment to appointment with your laptop and documents. The 55Nm engine of the UrbanX or CityX is then more than sufficient. You rarely carry more than 10 kg and drive mainly on flat city roads. The smooth acceleration ensures that you arrive at clients relaxed.
Home care workers
Home care workers make many short trips with light materials. Again, 55Nm of torque is perfectly adequate. The CityX's low step-in makes it easy to get on and off clients frequently.
Delivery drivers and couriers
For delivery, you have more engine power needed. With packages weighing 20-50 kg and dozens of stops a day, you ask a lot of the engine. The CargoX's 92Nm ensures that you drive off effortlessly, even after the hundredth stop of the day. The engine stays cool and performs consistently.
Construction workers and mechanics
Anyone transporting tools and materials needs the extra power of the CargoX. Heavy batteries, machines or parts soon weigh 30-50 kg. With 92Nm of torque and 150 kg of payload, you drive smoothly to any job.
The battery and motor power: how do they work together?
Battery capacity determines how long you can use the bike. A larger battery means more range, but also more weight. STOER has cleverly solved this with powerful batteries that fit any motorcycle.
720Wh for the UrbanX and CityX
The 720Wh battery of the UrbanX and CityX offers 80-100 km of range. This is more than enough for an entire work week of commuting. The battery fully charges in 6-8 hours and you can charge it either in the frame or separately.
960Wh for the CargoX
The CargoX has a larger 960Wh battery for 60-100 km of range, depending on the load. The more powerful motor requires more energy, especially with heavy loads. The faster charging time of 4-6 hours partly compensates for this.
Want to know more about the cost of business cycling? Then read our blog on business fatbike lease costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my fatbike to a more powerful motor?
Upgrading a motor is technically possible but often not doable. The motor, controller, battery and sometimes even the frame have to be modified. It is usually more economical to buy a fatbike with the right torque right away than to upgrade later.
How do I know if my motor is overloaded?
Signs of overload are: the motor gets hot, you notice loss of power during rides, or the support suddenly drops. Modern motors have thermal protection that reduces power when they overheat. If this happens frequently, you are using the bike too heavily.
What are the legal rules for motive power?
In the Netherlands, e-bikes are allowed to have a maximum of 250 watts rated power and support up to 25 km/h to count as a bicycle. STOER fatbikes meet these regulations. For more power, you need a moped or motorcycle license, plus registration and insurance.
How much does motor power affect my battery life?
Torque affects consumption, but your driving style and the weight you carry are more important. A motor with 92Nm running on 50% support consumes similar to a 55Nm motor on 75% support. Choose the right level of support for your situation.
What mistakes do entrepreneurs often make?
The biggest mistake is underestimating total weight and not counting with a buffer for heavy days. Many entrepreneurs also forget to include their own weight or underestimate the impact of wind and slopes. Always test under realistic conditions before buying.
How do I maintain the motor for maximum life?
Avoid overloading by pulling up gradually and not riding continuously at maximum assistance. Keep the engine clean and dry. Have an annual service performed at a STOER dealer. The Gates CDX belt drive significantly reduces wear and tear on the motor.