Will power meters work on E-Bikes or will power be overstated? Just curious as I’m looking at buying a new bike and considering an E-bike. The other option I’m exploring is electronic shifting. I guess they not necessarily mutually exclusive, but cost might become an issue. I definitely want the power meter to record workout data.
You would need a pedal based power meter.
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Just to clarify, you are referring to use on an E-Bike, correct?
I think it’ll depend on the type of e-bike and the type of power meter. I think any drive train based power meter on a hub drive e-bike will read the human power correctly. Likewise any pedal power meter on any e-bike will be correct.
I think the dubious one would be crank based power meters on mid drive ebikes!!
Just a guess though!!
Ps. I would have thought a mid drive ebike on a smart trainer would totally overstate power but would be a good way to win hilly eraces!!! 
I’m working on an app that will have my e-bike perform SYSTM workouts on my smart trainer while I sit on the couch and watch TV.
Just kidding. I don’t have an e-bike.
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Actually, anything OTHER than pedal based power meters will capture all of the power generated. I’m looking into an e-bike and I think it will broadcast three power numbers:
- The power you generate as an input
- The power the motor is generating as an add-on
- The total power that is being generated PLUS your power.
I’ll be finding out soon enough.
I’ll be interested to know what you find out. I see the benefits of the supplemental power on different rides, but I still want to know my generated power for training purposes.
I think there’s something on the Bosch site about what is reported for their power systems. I do know that they have to so some sort of power measurement as the various levels of add-on power are a percentage of the input.
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
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