Behind the New 'TQ-HPR50' Motor that Drives Trek's Fuel EXe

PRESS RELEASE: TQ

The newly released TQ-HPR50 system might still be a novelty for many, but we’ve been working on it for a couple of years now. Let's travel back to year 2018... Lightweight E-MTBs were not really a thing and many bike brands had not yet realized the true potential. Trek happened to stumble across our TQ prototype e-mountain bike at Eurobike, we had modified a Trek Powerfly to fit our HPR120S drive unit.

You know, the bike was not really what they were looking for, but the excitement for our Harmonic Pin-Ring technology was sparked. Immediately, the engineers from the U.S. recognized the potential of our TQ pin-ring transmission and challenged us with one simple question: How small can an e-bike motor with the HPR technology get? And after several brainstorming sessions and weeks of development work and testing, our R&D team presented a very convincing concept. The partnership between Trek and TQ was born and only grew stronger to become what we know today as the

We at TQ bring the innovation in electronical and mechanical design to the table and Trek brings an extensive market knowledge and decades of bike development experience. This combination is the perfect foundation for a strong product and a strong partnership, characterized by trust, competence, openness and a lot of teamwork. And the result is something we can be extremely proud of.



By redesigning and reengineering the patented Harmonic Pin-Ring technology used in literal Space-Age applications to fit the needs of modern cyclists, we’ve created an extremely light drive unit that is quiet, has virtually no lag in engagement, no drag when disengaged and allows for seamless e-bike system integration. Utilizing the compact size and technological advantages of the HPR transmission, we’ve developed a nested motor construction around the bottom bracket. Consisting of only very few parts making the motor almost invisible. Foregoing the use of traditional cog wheels or belt drives which can be the cause of friction, noise, wear and potential points of failure.


For our team of cycling-crazed engineers the development of the TQ-HPR50 has never been about peak torque or power. It’s always been about feeling empowered. It’s about climbing faster and riding longer to enjoy more of what’s most fun – shredding trails and having a blast on the downs – without being held back by a massive weight penalty and cumbersome bike. A mountain bike that looks and sounds like an analog bike but just happens to make you feel like you are riding on the fittest day of your life. A system specifically developed to be used in bikes, not washing machines.






Photos & Video by Tillmann Brothers Entertainment/Julian Mittelstädt

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And here is a small blast from the past, we bet you didn't expect this photo coming up at the and of this article...