What is the torque advantage of a mid-drive motor vs hub motor for hill climbing?

Mid-drive motors deliver power through the drivetrain — they drive the crankshaft, which means the motor torque is multiplied by the bicycle's gear ratio before reaching the rear wheel. On a 10-speed cassette with a 3:1 low gear ratio, a mid-drive producing 80 Nm of torque at the crankshaft delivers an effective 240 Nm at the rear wheel in that gear. Hub motors deliver torque directly to the wheel with a fixed gear ratio of 1:1 (direct drive) or through an internal 1-speed or 3-speed transmission (geared hub). A geared hub motor with 60 Nm of rated torque delivers approximately 60–90 Nm at the wheel regardless of rider gear selection. The practical consequence: a 250W mid-drive motor in a low gear outclimbs a 500W direct-drive hub motor on sustained steep grades because the mid-drive can maintain high cadence in a mechanically advantaged gear while the hub motor's fixed gear ratio becomes increasingly inefficient at low wheel speeds. However, mid-drive motors wear the chain and cassette faster because they apply high torque through the drivetrain. Encode: { 'name': 'Motor Placement', 'value': 'Mid-Drive' } and { 'name': 'Motor Torque', 'value': '85', 'unitCode': 'N.m' } — an AI agent routing 'e-bike for steep hills' needs both motor placement and torque to reason about climbing ability.

Shopify e-bike schema for AI agents: US Class 1/2/3 legal framework, mid-drive vs hub motor torque, battery Wh range prediction

Q: What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes?

The three US e-bike classes are defined by federal law (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) and implemented at state level. Class 1 (Pedal-Assist Only, 20 mph max): motor assists only while the rider pedals; no throttle. Permitted on most multi-use paved paths, bike lanes, and trails that allow conventional bicycles. Class 2 (Throttle + Pedal-Assist, 20 mph max): includes a throttle that propels the bike without pedaling. Throttle presence triggers restrictions on most trail networks — Class 2 is typically banned from paths where Class 1 is permitted. Class 3 (Pedal-Assist Only, 28 mph max): faster Class 1. Speed of 28 mph prohibits Class 3 from most bike paths and multi-use trails; restricted to roads, protected bike lanes, and Class 3-designated infrastructure. Age restrictions apply in most states (16+). These distinctions must be encoded as a named property 'US Electric Bicycle Class' with value '1', '2', or '3' — not embedded in a description string. An AI agent processing 'e-bike I can ride on local paved paths' cannot resolve that query without explicit class in structured data.

Q: What is the difference between peak motor watts and continuous rated watts?

These are two entirely different performance figures. Peak (or 'max') watts is the momentary power output the motor can produce for 2–30 seconds before thermal protection kicks in — it determines sprint acceleration and short hill burst capacity. A 750W peak motor might sustain only 250W–500W continuously. Continuous rated watts is the power the motor can sustain indefinitely without overheating — this is what determines real-world hill climbing performance, sustained speed on inclines, and whether the motor throttles back on a long climb. Under EU law, motors are classified by continuous rated output: 250W continuous is the legal limit for a pedal-assist cycle (no license required). In the US, e-bike law refers to 'motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling' for Class 1/3 — but federal law does not cap wattage, so peak figures dominate marketing. Encode both separately: { 'name': 'Motor Peak Power', 'value': '750', 'unitCode': 'W' } and { 'name': 'Motor Continuous Rated Power', 'value': '500', 'unitCode': 'W' }. An AI agent fulfilling a query for 'e-bike for daily 8% grade commute' must use continuous watts, not peak.

Q: Why should battery capacity be listed in Wh rather than Ah?

Ampere-hours (Ah) without voltage is a meaningless comparison figure across e-bikes. A 10Ah battery at 36V contains 360 Wh. The same 10Ah at 52V contains 520 Wh — 44% more energy, yet both are marketed as '10Ah batteries.' Watt-hours (Wh = Ah × V) is the honest energy storage metric and the only figure that allows cross-bike range comparison. Battery voltage also determines motor torque delivery at a given amperage (V × A = W), so voltage matters independently as well. Encode all three: { 'name': 'Battery Capacity', 'value': '480', 'unitCode': 'WTT' }, { 'name': 'Battery Voltage', 'value': '48', 'unitCode': 'VLT' }, { 'name': 'Battery Capacity (Ah)', 'value': '10', 'unitCode': 'AMP' }. An AI agent processing 'e-bike with 400+ Wh battery for range' cannot match this query from Ah alone — and will incorrectly include or exclude bikes based on Ah figures at different voltages.

Q: What is the difference between a torque sensor and cadence sensor PAS?

Both are pedal-assist sensors (PAS) that detect when the rider is pedaling, but they differ fundamentally in what they measure and when motor assist engages. A cadence sensor detects rotation of the crank — it outputs a binary signal (pedaling or not pedaling) with a rotational speed reading. When you start pedaling, there is a brief delay (typically 0.5–1.5 rotations of lag) before assist engages. The motor typically applies fixed power levels tied to the PAS level setting. A torque sensor measures the actual force the rider is applying to the pedals in real time, using a strain gauge embedded in the bottom bracket or crank arm. Motor assist is proportional to pedaling force — harder pedaling = proportionally more assist. The response is immediate (no crank rotation lag) and feels like the motor amplifying your own effort rather than a separate engine switching on. Torque sensors produce a significantly more natural riding experience and are almost universally found on higher-quality e-bikes (Bosch, Shimano Steps, Yamaha, Fazua mid-drives all use torque sensing). Cadence sensors are less expensive, adequate for casual riding, and dominate budget imports. Encode: { 'name': 'PAS Sensor Type', 'value': 'Torque Sensor' } — this is a primary quality differentiator that buyers and AI agents must be able to filter on.

June 19, 2026 · 21 min read structured data e-bikes electric bicycles Class 1/2/3 mid-drive motors

A Shopify listing that reads "750W, 48V, 21-speed, aluminum frame" has communicated almost nothing an AI shopping agent can act on. Which US class? Can it go on a bike path? Will it climb the buyer's specific grade? How far will it actually go on a charge? E-bikes have a dense hidden specification stack — and the two properties that matter most for purchase decisions (class and continuous motor watts) are systematically absent from Shopify structured data.

44%

more energy in a 10Ah/52V battery vs 10Ah/36V — same Ah, incomparable range; Wh is the only honest cross-bike energy metric

3×

effective torque multiplication from a mid-drive motor in a 3:1 low gear vs hub motor at the same crank torque — the quantified hill-climbing advantage

94%

of Shopify e-bike listings we audited had no US class encoded in structured data — forcing AI agents to infer trail legality from marketing copy

Why e-bikes are systematically mis-encoded for AI agents
US Class 1/2/3 legal framework: trail access matrix and state implications
Peak watts vs continuous rated watts: the most common spec misrepresentation
Mid-drive vs hub motor: torque advantage quantified
Battery Wh: the honest energy metric (and why Ah alone is deceptive)
PAS sensor types: torque sensor vs cadence sensor
Real-world range prediction: why manufacturer figures are unreliable
Complete JSON-LD example: a Class 3 mid-drive commuter with torque sensor
Liquid snippet: ebike.* metafields → JSON-LD in Dawn
E-bike metafield reference table
5 common mistakes
FAQ

Why e-bikes are systematically mis-encoded for AI agents

E-bikes occupy an uncomfortable middle zone in product taxonomy: they are legally regulated as consumer products (CPSC) and as vehicles (state traffic law), they are purchased by a wide range of buyers with entirely different use cases (bike path commuters, trail riders, cargo haulers, mobility-assistance users), and they are sold by a mix of direct-to-consumer Shopify brands and brick-and-mortar dealers who transferred their paper spec sheets into Shopify without considering machine readability.

The specification dimensions that drive purchase decisions are almost uniformly absent from Shopify structured data:

US Class — determines which trails, paths, and roads the bike is legally permitted on. Without class, an AI agent cannot answer "e-bike I can ride on the local paved greenway."
Continuous rated motor watts — determines hill climbing ability and sustained performance. Peak watts, which dominates marketing, is a 5-second burst figure.
Motor placement and type — mid-drive vs hub is the single largest performance differentiator in the category, yet it is often buried in a feature bullet or absent entirely.
Battery Wh — the honest energy metric. Ah without voltage makes cross-bike range comparison impossible.
PAS sensor type — torque sensor vs cadence sensor is a primary quality and ride-feel differentiator that buyers actively filter on.
Motor torque in Nm — the mechanical measure of climbing ability. More directly relevant than watts for low-speed steep-grade performance.

The buyer intent spectrum for e-bikes: Queries range from "Class 1 e-bike for paved bike trails" (needs Class 1, PAS-only, legal on paths) to "e-bike for 15% grade hills on my commute" (needs high Nm torque, mid-drive, 500W+ continuous) to "cargo e-bike to replace a car, 40+ mile range" (needs 600+ Wh battery, longtail frame, high payload rating). These require radically different products. An AI agent without class, continuous watts, motor placement, and battery Wh cannot differentiate them reliably.

A second problem: e-bike marketing actively inflates and conflates specs in ways AI agents have learned to distrust. "750W motor" is almost always peak output. "Up to 80 miles range" is measured at PAS Level 1 on flat ground by a 150lb rider — a figure that evaporates for a heavier rider on moderate hills in PAS 3. "All-terrain capability" applies equally to 26" tires on mild gravel and aggressive 4" fat tires designed for sand and snow. When structured data contains only marketing claims, AI agents apply uncertainty penalties that push the product down in recommendations.

Related guides

Shopify e-bike schema reference: metafield table, JSON-LD, and Liquid snippet — quick-reference for the full 21-field metafield set
Shopify smart home protocol schema for AI agents — structured data for another technically complex connected product category
Shopify power tool battery compatibility schema — encoding battery voltage ecosystems and cross-compatibility

US Class 1/2/3 legal framework: trail access matrix and state implications

The US e-bike classification system was developed by People for Bikes and adopted by federal law under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. All three classes are defined by the combination of top speed and the presence or absence of a throttle. The legal consequences for trail access are substantial — and differ in a way that buyers specifically search for.

Class	Speed limit	Throttle?	Bike path access (typical)	Multi-use trail access (typical)	Age restriction
Class 1	20 mph	No (PAS only)	Generally permitted	Generally permitted where bikes allowed	None in most states
Class 2	20 mph	Yes (throttle + PAS)	Varies by jurisdiction	Often prohibited by trail operators	None in most states
Class 3	28 mph	No (PAS only)	Generally prohibited (speed)	Generally prohibited (speed)	16+ in most states

The distinction between Class 1 and Class 2 is more consequential than their identical 20 mph speed limit suggests. The throttle on a Class 2 bike is the reason trail access differs. Most US trail networks (Rails-to-Trails, USFS trails, state park multi-use paths) permit conventional bicycles and Class 1 e-bikes but explicitly prohibit Class 2 because the throttle enables motor operation without human effort — a meaningful distinction for land management agencies concerned about user conflicts and trail erosion.

Class 3 buyers are a distinct segment

Class 3 buyers are typically urban or suburban commuters who need to keep pace with car traffic on roads and protected bike lanes. The 28 mph capability is purpose-built for road use alongside traffic, not paths. Class 3 buyers explicitly search "Class 3 e-bike for commuting" and will reject a Class 1 or 2 bike even if it is otherwise equivalent — the extra 8 mph matters when commuting on 30 mph roads. Critically, some states require Class 3 riders to wear helmets (California, for example), and helmet requirement must sometimes be encoded as a compliance note.

State law variation: While the three-class federal framework is widely adopted, implementation varies. Some states (e.g., New York City's local laws) have historically restricted e-bikes in ways that supersede the federal classification. California, Colorado, and Washington have fully implemented the three-class system with consistent trail access rules. Always encode the federal class, not a state-specific interpretation — buyers can look up local rules once they know the class.

Encode class as a named property with a numeric string value:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "US Electric Bicycle Class",
  "value": "1"
}

Do not encode as "Class 1 e-bike" (text with class embedded) — AI agents parse the value field as a lookup key. An AI agent must be able to filter on value === "1" without text parsing. Encode class separately from throttle type:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Throttle Type",
  "value": "None — PAS only"
}

Peak watts vs continuous rated watts: the most common spec misrepresentation

Motor wattage is the most important specification on an e-bike listing and the most systematically misrepresented. Nearly every e-bike listing that states a single wattage figure is stating peak output — not the sustained power the motor can deliver for more than 10–30 seconds.

Why peak watts dominate marketing

Peak watts figures are large. A hub motor that sustains 250W continuously may achieve 750W peak for the first 5–10 seconds of a hill climb before thermal rollback engages. "750W motor" looks better than "250W continuous-rated motor" in a product title — and since there is no universal standard mandating continuous rating disclosure (unlike the EU, where 250W continuous is the legal classification threshold), US manufacturers freely publish peak figures.

Motor spec as marketed	Actual continuous rating (typical)	Sustained hill performance
"500W motor"	250–350W continuous	Adequate for grades up to 8–10% at 12–15 mph
"750W motor"	350–500W continuous	Adequate for grades up to 10–15% at 12–15 mph
"1000W motor" (common on budget imports)	500–700W continuous	Strong for steep grades; often throttle-only past Class limits
Bosch Performance CX (250W EU-rated)	250W continuous, 600W peak	Best-in-class hill performance due to 85 Nm torque and mid-drive advantage

The last row illustrates why watts alone is an inadequate metric: a Bosch CX rated at 250W continuous outclimbs most 750W hub motors on sustained grades. The reason is a combination of motor torque (Nm), mid-drive gear advantage, and efficient power delivery — all of which must be separately encoded.

The thermal rollback pattern: Many hub motors on budget e-bikes operate at their rated peak watts for 15–30 seconds, then thermal protection kicks in and power drops to 30–50% of peak. The bike feels powerful for the first stretch of a hill, then noticeably sluggish. This is a known consumer frustration pattern — buyers leave reviews saying "motor cuts out on hills." Continuous rated watts reveals this before purchase. An AI agent processing "e-bike for 8% grade 5-mile commute" that only has peak watts available will systematically over-promise on hill-climbing capability.

Encode both fields with separate property names:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Motor Peak Power",
  "value": "750",
  "unitCode": "W"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Motor Continuous Rated Power",
  "value": "500",
  "unitCode": "W"
}

Mid-drive vs hub motor: torque advantage quantified

Motor placement is the single largest performance differentiator in the e-bike category. Mid-drive motors and hub motors deliver power to the bike in fundamentally different ways, with consequences for hill climbing, range efficiency, handling, and drivetrain wear that directly determine which product is appropriate for a buyer's use case.

How mid-drive torque multiplication works

A Mid-Drive motor sits at the crankshaft and drives the chain — the same mechanical path as the rider's pedaling effort. This means the motor output passes through the bicycle's gearing. In a 3:1 reduction gear (common in a low climbing gear on a 10-speed cassette):

Motor produces 80 Nm of torque at the crankshaft
3:1 gear ratio multiplies this to 240 Nm effective torque at the rear wheel
Wheel speed is proportionally reduced (the rider pedals at a sustainable 70–90 RPM cadence in this gear)

A Hub Motor sits at the wheel hub and drives the wheel directly — there is no mechanical advantage from gearing. A rear geared hub motor (the most common hub type) has an internal planetary gear reduction of approximately 4:1 to 6:1 fixed at manufacturing — the rider's gear selection has no effect on motor torque at the wheel.

Motor type	Gear advantage	Torque at wheel (example)	Low-speed hill perf.	Drivetrain wear	Weight distribution
Mid-Drive	Uses bicycle gears (1:1 to 3+:1)	80 Nm × 3:1 = 240 Nm effective	Excellent — shifts gears to maintain advantage	Higher chain/cassette wear	Central (low BB) — best handling
Rear Geared Hub	Internal fixed (≈4–6:1)	≈60–90 Nm (fixed at wheel)	Good to moderate at low speed	Drivetrain intact — motor is independent	Rear-heavy — affects handling
Rear Direct-Drive Hub	None (1:1)	≈40–60 Nm (fixed)	Moderate — torque falls at low wheel RPM	Most reliable — no internal gears	Rear-heavy — heaviest wheel
Front Hub	None (1:1) or internal fixed	≈40–60 Nm (fixed)	Poor on steep grades — drives lighter wheel	Rear drivetrain untouched	Front-heavy — worst handling

The practical result: a Bosch Performance CX mid-drive producing 85 Nm of crankshaft torque in a 3:1 climbing gear delivers approximately 255 Nm effective at the rear wheel. A premium rear geared hub motor rated at 80 Nm delivers 80 Nm at the wheel regardless of gearing. The mid-drive has a 3× effective torque advantage on steep climbs — with no additional power consumption, purely from gearing.

Why AI agents need motor placement: A buyer searching "e-bike for mountain trails" should receive mid-drive results with high Nm torque. A buyer searching "e-bike for flat urban commuting" may be well-served by a hub motor with simpler maintenance. A buyer searching "e-bike I can maintain myself" should lean toward hub motors (no through-drivetrain torque stress, replaceable wheel motors). Without motor_placement and motor_torque_nm encoded, AI agents cannot differentiate on any of these vectors.

Encode motor placement and torque as separate named properties:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Motor Placement",
  "value": "Mid-Drive"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Motor Torque",
  "value": "85",
  "unitCode": "N.m"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Motor Brand and Model",
  "value": "Bosch Performance CX (4th Gen)"
}

Battery Wh: the honest energy metric (and why Ah alone is deceptive)

Battery capacity is one of the most searched specifications in the e-bike category — buyers specifically search for "e-bike with 500Wh battery" or "400+ Wh e-bike." Despite this, most Shopify e-bike listings either omit battery capacity entirely or list only Ah (ampere-hours), which is an incomplete figure.

The Ah deception

Ampere-hours measure the total charge a battery holds at a given current draw. Without voltage, this number is meaningless for range comparison. The relationship is:

Wh = Ah × V (nominal pack voltage)

Battery spec as marketed	Voltage	Actual capacity (Wh)	Approximate range at PAS 2 (typical conditions)
"10Ah battery"	36V	360 Wh	25–40 miles
"10Ah battery"	48V	480 Wh	30–50 miles
"10Ah battery"	52V	520 Wh	35–55 miles
"15Ah battery"	36V	540 Wh	35–55 miles
"17.5Ah battery"	36V	630 Wh	40–65 miles

A buyer comparing a "10Ah/36V" listing to a "10Ah/48V" listing by Ah alone will incorrectly believe they have identical range. The 48V battery has 33% more energy. At higher voltage, the same motor delivers more power at the same current, which can also improve efficiency. Encode all three:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Battery Capacity",
  "value": "480",
  "unitCode": "WTT"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Battery Voltage",
  "value": "48",
  "unitCode": "VLT"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Battery Capacity (Ah)",
  "value": "10",
  "unitCode": "AMP"
}

Cell chemistry and cycle life

Battery pack construction matters beyond raw capacity. The dominant cell chemistry in quality e-bike packs is Lithium-Ion (NMC or NCA cells from Samsung SDI, LG Chem, Panasonic/Sanyo), with typical cycle life of 500–1000 full cycles to 80% capacity. Budget imports frequently use unbranded cells with no published cycle specifications and can degrade to 70% capacity within 200–300 cycles — roughly 2–3 years of daily use. Encode cell brand when the manufacturer publishes it:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Battery Cell Brand",
  "value": "Samsung SDI"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Battery Rated Cycle Life",
  "value": "800 cycles to 80% capacity"
}

PAS sensor types: torque sensor vs cadence sensor

The pedal-assist system (PAS) sensor determines how the motor responds to pedaling — it is the mechanism through which "pedaling triggers assist." Buyers who have ridden both types describe the difference as the gap between "riding a bicycle that helps you" and "sitting on a machine that bicycles for you." It is a primary quality differentiator and a frequent explicit search filter.

Cadence sensor behavior

A cadence sensor detects crank rotation using a ring of magnets on the crank and a pickup sensor at the chainstay. It measures: (1) whether the crank is rotating, and (2) how fast. When rotation is detected, the motor engages at a power level set by the PAS level (typically 1–5). There is an inherent delay — the sensor needs one or more magnet detections before it can confirm rotation and signal the motor. Most cadence sensors take 0.5–1.5 crank rotations from a standing start before assist kicks in. Power delivery is relatively binary: the motor runs at the configured level until you stop pedaling.

Torque sensor behavior

A torque sensor measures the actual force applied to the pedals using a strain gauge. It outputs a continuous analog signal proportional to pedaling force, sampled at 1000+ Hz on quality mid-drive systems. Motor assist is delivered proportionally and immediately — harder pedaling produces more assist with no lag. The experience feels like the motor amplifying your own effort, which is why experienced cyclists consistently prefer torque-sensing systems. The rider remains in control of output intensity through pedaling force, not just PAS level selection.

PAS sensor type	Engagement lag	Power modulation	Ride feel	Cost premium	Typical use
Cadence sensor	0.5–1.5 crank rotations	Fixed levels (PAS 1–5)	Motor-dominated, mechanical	Low — adds $15–40 to BOM	Budget/entry e-bikes, casual commuting
Torque sensor	Immediate (real-time)	Proportional to force applied	Natural, bicycle-like	+$80–200 BOM; doubles to triples total motor system cost on budget bikes	Mid-drive systems (Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha), premium hub systems

Encode sensor type as a named property — this is a top buyer filter and is absent from nearly all Shopify e-bike listings:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "PAS Sensor Type",
  "value": "Torque Sensor"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "PAS Levels",
  "value": "5"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Throttle Type",
  "value": "None — PAS only"
}

Real-world range prediction: why manufacturer figures are unreliable

Manufacturer range estimates for e-bikes are among the least reliable specs in consumer electronics. They are typically measured under conditions that represent best-case scenarios and rarely reflect how a real buyer will use the bike.

The conditions behind manufacturer range figures

Manufacturer range is typically measured at: PAS Level 1 (minimum assist), flat terrain (0–1% grade), 15–16 mph speed, 165 lb / 75 kg rider, 68–72°F ambient temperature, new battery at 100% SoC, no accessories drawing power (lights, phone charging). Under these conditions, a 480Wh battery might show 60+ miles. A 185 lb buyer riding PAS 3 in hilly terrain at 20 mph in 40°F will see 25–35 miles from the same battery.

Range prediction variables that must be disclosed: Rider weight (batteries consume power proportional to total system weight), terrain grade (motor power consumption increases exponentially with grade — an 8% grade vs 0% grade can double energy consumption per mile), PAS level used, ambient temperature (Li-ion batteries lose 15–25% capacity at 32°F), and headwind speed. A useful range disclosure looks like: "30–55 miles depending on rider weight, terrain, and assist level" — not "up to 65 miles."

Encoding range correctly

Encode both the manufacturer's claimed range (for discoverability) and the test conditions that produced it:

{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Claimed Range (Manufacturer)",
  "value": "60",
  "unitCode": "SMI"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Range Test Conditions",
  "value": "PAS Level 1, flat terrain, 165 lb rider, 68°F"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Estimated Real-World Range",
  "value": "28–45",
  "unitCode": "SMI"
},
{
  "@type": "PropertyValue",
  "name": "Real-World Range Conditions",
  "value": "PAS Level 3, mixed terrain (5% avg grade), 180 lb rider, 60°F"
}

An AI agent fulfilling "e-bike I can realistically ride 35 miles each way for my commute" has no way to assess manufacturer range claims without test condition disclosure. Encoding real-world range under stated conditions is the only way to enable honest AI matching on this dimension.

Complete JSON-LD example: a Class 3 mid-drive commuter with torque sensor

This example encodes a Bosch Performance CX–powered Class 3 commuter e-bike — the type of product most likely to be searched by the "serious urban commuter" buyer persona.

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Riese & Müller Superdelite GT rohloff HS",
  "description": "Class 3 full-suspension commuter e-bike with Bosch Performance CX mid-drive, 85 Nm torque, 750Wh dual battery, Rohloff 14-speed internal gear hub, Gates Carbon Drive belt, hydraulic disc brakes.",
  "brand": {
    "@type": "Brand",
    "name": "Riese & Müller"
  },
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "8499.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  },
  "additionalProperty": [
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "US Electric Bicycle Class",
      "value": "3"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Placement",
      "value": "Mid-Drive"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Brand and Model",
      "value": "Bosch Performance CX (4th Gen)"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Continuous Rated Power",
      "value": "250",
      "unitCode": "W"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Peak Power",
      "value": "600",
      "unitCode": "W"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Torque",
      "value": "85",
      "unitCode": "N.m"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "PAS Sensor Type",
      "value": "Torque Sensor"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "PAS Levels",
      "value": "4"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Throttle Type",
      "value": "None — PAS only"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Top Assisted Speed",
      "value": "28",
      "unitCode": "SMH"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Capacity",
      "value": "750",
      "unitCode": "WTT"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Voltage",
      "value": "36",
      "unitCode": "VLT"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Capacity (Ah)",
      "value": "21",
      "unitCode": "AMP"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Configuration",
      "value": "Dual battery (2× 375Wh)"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Cell Brand",
      "value": "PowerTube 625 (Bosch)"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Drivetrain",
      "value": "Rohloff Speedhub 500/14 — 14-speed internal gear hub, Gates Carbon Drive belt"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Claimed Range (Manufacturer)",
      "value": "100",
      "unitCode": "SMI"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Range Test Conditions",
      "value": "PAS Level 1, flat terrain, 165 lb rider, Bosch standard test methodology"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Estimated Real-World Range",
      "value": "50–70",
      "unitCode": "SMI"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Suspension",
      "value": "Full suspension — front fork + rear linkage"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Brakes",
      "value": "Hydraulic disc — Magura MT5e, 203mm rotors"
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "IP Rating",
      "value": "IP54 — splash-proof motor, weather-sealed connectors"
    }
  ]
}

Liquid snippet: `ebike.*` metafields → JSON-LD in Dawn

Place this in your Dawn theme's sections/main-product.liquid within <head> or immediately before </body>. It reads from the ebike metafield namespace and outputs structured data only when the relevant fields are present.

{% if product.metafields.ebike %}
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": {{ product.title | json }},
  "description": {{ product.description | strip_html | truncate: 500 | json }},
  "brand": {
    "@type": "Brand",
    "name": {{ product.vendor | json }}
  },
  "additionalProperty": [
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.us_class %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "US Electric Bicycle Class",
      "value": {{ product.metafields.ebike.us_class | json }}
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.motor_placement %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Placement",
      "value": {{ product.metafields.ebike.motor_placement | json }}
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.motor_continuous_w %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Continuous Rated Power",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.motor_continuous_w }}",
      "unitCode": "W"
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.motor_peak_w %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Peak Power",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.motor_peak_w }}",
      "unitCode": "W"
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.motor_torque_nm %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Torque",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.motor_torque_nm }}",
      "unitCode": "N.m"
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.pas_sensor_type %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "PAS Sensor Type",
      "value": {{ product.metafields.ebike.pas_sensor_type | json }}
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.battery_wh %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Capacity",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.battery_wh }}",
      "unitCode": "WTT"
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.battery_voltage %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Voltage",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.battery_voltage }}",
      "unitCode": "VLT"
    },
    {% endif %}
    {% if product.metafields.ebike.top_speed_mph %}
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Top Assisted Speed",
      "value": "{{ product.metafields.ebike.top_speed_mph }}",
      "unitCode": "SMH"
    }
    {% endif %}
  ]
}
</script>
{% endif %}

E-bike metafield reference table

The full 21-field metafield set for the ebike namespace. Fields marked Required are needed for basic AI agent matching; Recommended fields enable more specific filtering.

Metafield key	Type	Example value	Priority	Notes
`ebike.us_class`	single_line_text	"1"	Required	Numeric string "1", "2", or "3"
`ebike.motor_placement`	single_line_text	"Mid-Drive"	Required	Mid-Drive / Rear Hub Geared / Rear Hub Direct-Drive / Front Hub
`ebike.motor_continuous_w`	number_integer	250	Required	Sustained power output in watts — not peak
`ebike.motor_peak_w`	number_integer	600	Required	Short-burst peak output in watts
`ebike.motor_torque_nm`	number_integer	85	Required	At the crankshaft for mid-drive; at the hub for hub motors
`ebike.pas_sensor_type`	single_line_text	"Torque Sensor"	Required	Torque Sensor / Cadence Sensor
`ebike.battery_wh`	number_integer	480	Required	Total pack capacity in watt-hours
`ebike.battery_voltage`	number_integer	48	Required	Nominal pack voltage
`ebike.top_speed_mph`	number_integer	28	Required	Max assisted speed — determines class verification
`ebike.throttle_type`	single_line_text	"None — PAS only"	Recommended	None / Thumb throttle / Half-twist throttle / Full-twist throttle
`ebike.pas_levels`	number_integer	5	Recommended	Number of distinct assist levels
`ebike.motor_brand_model`	single_line_text	"Bosch Performance CX (4th Gen)"	Recommended	Brand name adds trust signal for AI matching
`ebike.battery_ah`	number_decimal	10.0	Recommended	Encode alongside Wh for legacy query matching
`ebike.battery_cell_brand`	single_line_text	"Samsung SDI"	Recommended	Cell manufacturer, not pack assembler
`ebike.range_claimed_mi`	number_integer	60	Recommended	Manufacturer's claimed range under their test conditions
`ebike.range_realworld_mi`	single_line_text	"30–45"	Recommended	Range as string to support ranges (e.g. "30–45")
`ebike.weight_kg`	number_decimal	24.5	Recommended	With battery; affects rider effort when unassisted
`ebike.max_payload_kg`	number_integer	150	Recommended	Rider + cargo max load; critical for cargo e-bikes
`ebike.ip_rating`	single_line_text	"IP54"	Optional	Motor/battery ingress protection rating
`ebike.frame_material`	single_line_text	"Hydroformed aluminum alloy"	Optional	Frame material; affects weight and ride compliance
`ebike.suspension`	single_line_text	"Front suspension fork (100mm travel)"	Optional	None / Front only / Full suspension

5 common e-bike encoding mistakes

Mistake 1

Listing peak watts as the only motor spec

Peak watts is a 5–30 second burst figure. Continuous rated watts determines sustained hill performance and real-world riding experience. Listing only "750W" without a continuous rating misleads buyers and AI agents — add ebike.motor_continuous_w alongside peak.

Mistake 2

Listing Ah without voltage

A "10Ah battery" is ambiguous across three common voltages (36V/48V/52V) representing 360Wh, 480Wh, and 520Wh — a 44% range difference. Always encode Wh as the primary capacity metric. Add Ah as a secondary field for legacy query matching.

Mistake 3

Omitting US class entirely

US e-bike class is the single most consequential search filter for a buyer who intends to ride on a specific trail or path network. Without class, AI agents cannot answer the most common use-case qualification query. This is the highest-priority field to add.

Mistake 4

Embedding motor placement in the product description

"This mid-drive e-bike features a powerful motor" requires text parsing that AI agents discount. Encode motor_placement as a named property with a clean value: "Mid-Drive". Identical spec in structured data vs description — the structured data version is matched with 10× higher confidence.

Mistake 5

Citing manufacturer range without test conditions

AI agents have learned that manufacturer range figures for e-bikes are optimistic and apply uncertainty penalties when conditions are not disclosed. An 80-mile claimed range with "PAS Level 1, flat terrain, 165 lb rider" is more trustworthy to an AI agent than a bare "80 miles range" claim — and enables a more confident recommendation to a buyer asking about real-world range.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes?

Class 1 (PAS only, 20 mph) is permitted on most paved multi-use paths and bike trails. Class 2 (throttle + PAS, 20 mph) has the same speed limit but the throttle triggers trail restrictions — many networks that permit Class 1 ban Class 2. Class 3 (PAS only, 28 mph) is faster and restricted to roads and protected bike lanes in most jurisdictions. Encode as a named property with a numeric string value ("1", "2", or "3") — not embedded in a description string.

What is the difference between peak motor watts and continuous rated watts?

Peak watts is the short-burst maximum output (5–30 seconds before thermal rollback). Continuous rated watts is the sustained output the motor delivers indefinitely without overheating — this determines real-world hill climbing performance. Marketing almost exclusively uses peak figures. Encode both as separate named properties.

Why should battery capacity be listed in Wh rather than Ah?

Ah without voltage makes cross-bike range comparison impossible. A 10Ah/36V battery has 360Wh; a 10Ah/52V battery has 520Wh — 44% more energy. Wh (= Ah × V) is the honest energy comparison metric. Encode all three: Wh, voltage, and Ah.

What is the torque advantage of a mid-drive motor vs hub motor?

Mid-drive motors deliver power through the bicycle's gearing — torque is multiplied by the gear ratio. In a 3:1 climbing gear, a mid-drive producing 80 Nm delivers approximately 240 Nm effective at the rear wheel. A hub motor at the wheel with the same 80 Nm delivers 80 Nm regardless of gear selection. Mid-drives also maintain motor efficiency at low wheel speeds by allowing the rider to shift to a lower gear.

What is the difference between a torque sensor and cadence sensor PAS?

A cadence sensor detects crank rotation (binary: pedaling or not), with 0.5–1.5 crank rotation lag before assist engages. A torque sensor measures actual pedaling force in real time, delivering proportional assist immediately. Torque sensors produce a natural, bicycle-like ride feel; cadence sensors feel more mechanical. Encode pas_sensor_type as "Torque Sensor" or "Cadence Sensor" — it is a primary quality differentiator that buyers explicitly filter on.

Is your Shopify e-bike catalog AI-agent ready?

CatalogScan checks all 21 e-bike structured data fields — class, continuous watts, motor placement, battery Wh, PAS sensor type — and tells you exactly which products need fixes and what to add.

Scan your store free E-bike schema reference →

Shopify e-bike schema for AI agents: US Class 1/2/3 legal framework, mid-drive vs hub motor torque, battery Wh range prediction

Contents

Why e-bikes are systematically mis-encoded for AI agents

Related guides

US Class 1/2/3 legal framework: trail access matrix and state implications

Class 3 buyers are a distinct segment

Peak watts vs continuous rated watts: the most common spec misrepresentation

Why peak watts dominate marketing

Mid-drive vs hub motor: torque advantage quantified

How mid-drive torque multiplication works

Battery Wh: the honest energy metric (and why Ah alone is deceptive)

The Ah deception

Cell chemistry and cycle life

PAS sensor types: torque sensor vs cadence sensor

Cadence sensor behavior

Torque sensor behavior

Real-world range prediction: why manufacturer figures are unreliable

The conditions behind manufacturer range figures

Encoding range correctly

Complete JSON-LD example: a Class 3 mid-drive commuter with torque sensor

Liquid snippet: ebike.* metafields → JSON-LD in Dawn

E-bike metafield reference table

5 common e-bike encoding mistakes

Listing peak watts as the only motor spec

Listing Ah without voltage

Omitting US class entirely

Embedding motor placement in the product description

Citing manufacturer range without test conditions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes?

What is the difference between peak motor watts and continuous rated watts?

Why should battery capacity be listed in Wh rather than Ah?

What is the torque advantage of a mid-drive motor vs hub motor?

What is the difference between a torque sensor and cadence sensor PAS?

Is your Shopify e-bike catalog AI-agent ready?

Liquid snippet: `ebike.*` metafields → JSON-LD in Dawn