German engineering firm TQ has introduced the HPR40, a mid-drive electric bicycle motor that the company touts as the lightest and most efficient in the world. The motor weighs just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb)—nearly half the mass of the preceding HPR60 model, which tipped the scales at 1.92 kg (4.2 lb).
Instead of raw power, the HPR40 prioritizes refinement: it delivers 40 Nm of torque and peaks at 200 W, supporting riders looking for subtle, natural assistance on road and gravel bikes. With minimal weight and whisper-quiet operation, it offers seamless integration into slender bike frames without compromising riding feel.
TQ’s proprietary Harmonic Pin‑Ring Transmission is contained entirely within the bottom bracket, eliminating external gears and noise while ensuring instant engagement and low friction. The result is an assist system that is virtually undetectable to the eye — or ear.
The HPR40 pairs with a 290 Wh downtube battery weighing 1.46 kg, and an optional 160 Wh “water-bottle–sized” range extender — keeping total system weight under 2.7 kg. Control is handled through a hidden handlebar remote and a minimalist LED end-cap display, reinforcing TQ’s philosophy of unobtrusive technology.
Already integrated into the new Canyon Endurace:ONFly, the HPR40 helps deliver a sub‑10 kg (22 lb) e‑road bike that feels analog, yet benefits from electric assistance when climbing or cruising. With a modest boost of 200 W, riders can effectively double their pedaling output — like having a 6‑lb riding partner alongside.
TQ’s launch of the HPR40 marks a turning point away from power‑centric e‑bike motors toward discreet, efficient systems that preserve the traditional bicycle experience, potentially setting a new standard for future lightweight e‑bike designs.
