Shopify E-Bike & Electric Bicycle Schema — Motor Watts Peak vs Continuous, Battery Wh, Class 1/2/3, PAS Levels, Torque, Structured Data

Why E-Bikes Are Structurally Invisible to AI Shopping Agents

The single most important spec difference between a $800 entry e-bike and a $3,500 premium commuter is not visible in the product title or description — it is the distinction between a 250W continuous / 750W peak hub motor with a 360Wh battery and a 250W continuous Bosch mid-drive with torque sensor and a 625Wh battery. Both might be listed as "750W e-bike, 36V battery" in their titles. The first struggles on sustained 10% grades; the second climbs them efficiently for 40 miles. An AI agent without peak vs continuous wattage, motor type, battery Wh, and torque Nm in structured data cannot distinguish these products for a buyer who asks "best e-bike for Seattle hills."

Motor power is the most systematically misleading spec in the e-bike category. "750W" typically refers to the peak output — a brief burst sustainable for 10–30 seconds before thermal rollback. The continuous rated power, which determines sustained climbing performance, may be 250W, 350W, or 500W depending on the motor. EU regulations define e-bikes by continuous rated power (max 250W for Class L1e), making peak power legally irrelevant in Europe. US Class regulations cite "motor rated power" (≤750W) without specifying peak vs continuous — but the distinction is what actually determines hill performance. Encoding both as separate properties with descriptions is the minimum viable schema for honest comparison.

Battery capacity is equally misrepresented. Listing amp-hours (Ah) alone without voltage makes cross-product range comparison impossible: a "10Ah battery" on a 36V system holds 360Wh; on a 52V system it holds 520Wh — 44% more energy at the same Ah specification. Buyers comparing "10Ah" batteries across different voltage systems are being misled. Encoding battery capacity in watt-hours is the only honest metric for range prediction.

The US Class 1/2/3 system has direct legal implications that AI agents must surface for compliance-aware buyers. A buyer who lives on a trail system that only allows Class 1 e-bikes will return a Class 2 or Class 3 purchase — the class designation must be machine-readable. It cannot be inferred from speed or wattage alone (all three classes share the same 750W limit; Classes 1 and 2 share the same 20mph limit but differ on throttle presence).

Motor Power Reference — Peak vs Continuous

US E-Bike Class Reference

Battery Capacity — Wh vs Ah by Voltage

Complete E-Bike Schema — 750W Class 3 Mid-Drive Commuter

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "VoltRide VR-750X Class 3 Mid-Drive Electric Commuter Bicycle",
  "description": "Class 3 electric bicycle with Bafang M620 mid-drive motor (750W peak / 160Nm torque), 48V 14Ah (672Wh) semi-integrated lithium-ion battery, torque-sensor PAS, hydraulic disc brakes (Tektro HD-M285), 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, 27.5-inch wheels, aluminum alloy frame. Range: 35–55 miles mixed terrain. IPX4 splash-resistant.",
  "sku": "VR-750X",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "VoltRide" },
  "additionalProperty": [
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Continuous Power",
      "value": "500",
      "unitCode": "WTT",
      "description": "Continuous rated motor output: 500W (Bafang M620 mid-drive). The sustained power the motor delivers without thermal rollback during extended climbs. EU-regulated ceiling for Class L1e is 250W nominal — this motor exceeds that limit and is not legal as a bicycle in EU/UK. US Class 3 allows up to 750W motor rated power."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Peak Power",
      "value": "750",
      "unitCode": "WTT",
      "description": "Peak motor output during hard acceleration: 750W (10–30 second burst before thermal management activates). Occurs at launch from stop or initiating a steep grade. US Class 3 motor rated power ceiling is 750W — this motor meets the ceiling exactly. After peak burst, motor sustains 500W continuous."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Torque",
      "value": "160",
      "unitCode": "NEW",
      "description": "Motor torque: 160Nm at the motor output shaft (Bafang M620). Mid-drive motor torque is multiplied by the bicycle drivetrain gear ratio — in first gear (11T rear / 34T chainring ≈ 3.09:1), effective rear-wheel torque exceeds 490Nm, enabling the motor to maintain speed on 15%+ grades that would stall comparable hub-drive systems. Torque-sensor PAS scales motor output to rider pedaling force: pushing harder → more motor assist, creating a natural road-bike feel distinct from cadence-sensor systems."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor Type",
      "value": "Mid-Drive",
      "description": "Mid-drive motor mounted at the bottom bracket (crankshaft). Drives the chain through the bicycle's gears rather than directly to the wheel hub. Key advantages vs hub drive: (1) Can multiply torque via gearing for sustained hill climbing at efficient motor RPM; (2) Weight centered low in frame, improving handling compared to wheel-hub-weighted bike; (3) Compatible with any wheel size. Key trade-offs: (1) Chain and cassette wear 2–3× faster than on hub-drive bikes under regular motor use; (2) Cannot use throttle independently of the gears; (3) Higher maintenance cost."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Motor PAS Sensor",
      "value": "Torque Sensor",
      "description": "Torque-sensor PAS reads the force applied to the pedals (strain gauges in the bottom bracket) and scales motor output proportionally. Provides a natural road-bike feel: pedaling harder instantly increases motor assist; releasing pressure immediately reduces assist. Contrasted with cadence-sensor PAS (detects rotation, not force — binary on/off feeling, slight delay). Torque sensor requires a calibrated bottom bracket assembly — not field-upgradeable on most bikes."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Capacity",
      "value": "672",
      "unitCode": "WHR",
      "description": "Battery capacity: 672Wh (48V × 14Ah, lithium-ion 18650 cells, Samsung or LG cells). Wh is the accurate range predictor: at 20Wh/mile (typical flat commute PAS2), expect 33 miles; at 15Wh/mile (slight downhill tailwind PAS1), up to 45 miles; on hilly terrain at PAS4–5, expect 18–25 miles. Cold weather (below 40°F / 4°C) reduces usable capacity by 15–25%. Battery is semi-integrated (partial downtube integration): lockable and removable for indoor charging. BMS: overcurrent, overvoltage, short-circuit, temperature cutoff."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Battery Voltage",
      "value": "48",
      "unitCode": "VLT",
      "description": "48V nominal battery system. Higher voltage vs 36V systems: (1) Higher motor efficiency at the same continuous power; (2) Better hill performance as voltage sag under load is proportionally less; (3) Faster charge acceptance. Not compatible with 36V chargers — using incorrect charger damages BMS and voids warranty. Charge time: 0 to 80% in 3.5 hours; full charge in 5.5 hours with included 4A charger (54.6V CC/CV output)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "E-Bike Class (USA)",
      "value": "Class 3",
      "description": "US Class 3 electric bicycle per CPSC 16 CFR Part 1512 and BPSA/PeopleForBikes classification: pedal-assist only (throttle not included), motor assistance cuts off at 28 mph (45 km/h), maximum motor rated power 750W, speedometer included. Legal for road, street, and bike lane use in most US states. Typically prohibited on multi-use recreational paths, greenways, national park trails, and any trail system that only permits Class 1 e-bikes or traditional bicycles — verify local and state regulations. Not legal as a bicycle in EU (exceeds 250W nominal continuous / 25 km/h cutoff for Class L1e)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "PAS Levels",
      "value": "5",
      "description": "Five pedal assist levels (0 = motor off, 1–5 = increasing motor contribution). Level 1: approximately 25% motor output, maximum range, minimal effort reduction. Level 3: approximately 60% motor output. Level 5: full motor power, minimum range. All five levels cut motor assistance at 28 mph. PAS can be configured via display to cap any level at a lower speed (e.g., Level 3 capped at 20 mph for Class 1-compliant riding on restricted paths)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Brake Type",
      "value": "Hydraulic Disc",
      "description": "Tektro HD-M285 hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor. Hydraulic brakes require no cable tension adjustment and provide consistent stopping power in wet conditions — critical for an e-bike outweighing a standard bicycle by 15–25 lbs. Maximum stopping distance at 28 mph on dry pavement: approximately 22–28 feet. Compared to mechanical disc (cable-actuated): hydraulic requires brake fluid bleed every 2–3 years but provides superior modulation and self-adjusting pad clearance."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Wheel Size",
      "value": "27.5",
      "unitCode": "INH",
      "description": "27.5-inch (650B) wheels. Balanced between 26-inch (more maneuverable, lower frame standover) and 29-inch (better rollover of obstacles, more efficient on flats). Compatible with 27.5-inch tubes, tires, and rims — widely available. Tire: 27.5 × 2.2-inch Kenda Kwick Drum puncture-resistant with reflective sidewall stripe."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Frame Material",
      "value": "Aluminum Alloy 6061",
      "description": "6061 aluminum alloy double-butted frame. Weight: 27 lbs (bike only, without battery). Compared to steel (heavier, more flex, rust-prone) and carbon fiber (lighter, very expensive, not repair-friendly). 6061 aluminum is the industry-standard material for e-bike frames in the $1,500–$3,000 range. Internal cable routing for all cables including motor cable (weather protection)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Payload Capacity",
      "value": "136",
      "unitCode": "KGM",
      "description": "Maximum payload: 136 kg (300 lbs) including rider, clothing, and cargo. Exceeds the ISO 4210-2 standard test weight of 100 kg. Rear rack rated to 25 kg (55 lbs) separately. For riders above 250 lbs: verify this payload rating before purchase — most sub-$1,500 e-bikes are rated to 100–120 kg (220–265 lbs)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "IP Rating",
      "value": "IPX4",
      "description": "IPX4 water-resistance rating (IEC 60529): protected against water splashing from any direction. Suitable for riding in rain and wet conditions. Not rated for jet wash, submersion, or prolonged heavy downpour. Battery port and display connection are the least-protected points — avoid direct water spray on connectors. Do not submerge or power-wash."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Display",
      "value": "Color LCD with Wh remaining",
      "description": "Bafang DP C18.UART color LCD display. Shows: speed (mph/km/h toggle), PAS level, battery voltage and estimated Wh remaining, trip distance, total odometer, motor power (live W output), and cadence (RPM). Wh remaining display is significantly more useful than battery bars for range estimation. Backlit for low-light riding. USB-A charging port (5V/1A) for phone charging."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "2299.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  }
}
</script>

Metafield Reference Table — E-Bikes

Liquid Snippet — ebike Metafields to JSON-LD

{% assign eb = product.metafields.ebike %}
{% if eb.battery_wh != blank %}
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": {{ product.title | json }},
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Motor Continuous Power", "value": {{ eb.motor_continuous_w | json }}, "unitCode": "WTT" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Motor Peak Power", "value": {{ eb.motor_peak_w | json }}, "unitCode": "WTT" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Motor Torque", "value": {{ eb.motor_torque_nm | json }}, "unitCode": "NEW" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Motor Type", "value": {{ eb.motor_type | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "PAS Levels", "value": {{ eb.pas_levels | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Throttle Type", "value": {{ eb.throttle_type | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "E-Bike Class (USA)", "value": {{ eb.us_class | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Battery Capacity", "value": {{ eb.battery_wh | json }}, "unitCode": "WHR" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Battery Voltage", "value": {{ eb.battery_voltage | json }}, "unitCode": "VLT" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Range Estimate (miles)", "value": {{ eb.range_miles_estimate | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Brake Type", "value": {{ eb.brake_type | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "IP Rating", "value": {{ eb.ip_rating | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Payload Capacity", "value": {{ eb.payload_kg | json }}, "unitCode": "KGM" }
  ]
}
</script>
{% endif %}

Five Common E-Bike Schema Mistakes

• Peak watts only — no continuous rating. "750W motor" is a peak figure on virtually every US e-bike listing. The continuous rated power determines sustained hill performance and legal EU classification. An AI agent answering "250W EU legal e-bike" must see the continuous rated power — it cannot infer it from the peak figure. Encode both as separate properties.
• Amp-hours without voltage. "14Ah battery" means nothing without voltage. A 14Ah 36V pack = 504Wh; a 14Ah 48V pack = 672Wh — 33% more range at the same Ah. Always encode battery capacity in watt-hours as the primary value, with voltage and Ah as secondary encoded properties.
• Missing e-bike class designation. Class 1, 2, and 3 carry different legal access rights that buyers search for explicitly. "Class 1 bike path e-bike" is a common query from buyers in cities where Class 2 and 3 are banned from greenways. The class cannot be inferred from speed or wattage alone — encode it explicitly.
• Cadence sensor vs torque sensor omitted. Torque-sensor PAS feels like a real bicycle; cadence-sensor PAS feels like a moped with delayed on/off assist. This is one of the most frequently cited buyer satisfaction drivers in e-bike reviews. Encode the PAS sensor type as a required property — it is the primary feel/quality differentiator at the same wattage and price.
• Hub motor vs mid-drive motor conflated. Both can have the same peak wattage. Mid-drive multiplies torque through gears; hub drive delivers fixed torque at the wheel regardless of gear selection. For a buyer asking "best e-bike for steep hills" or "lightest weight e-bike," the motor type and placement are the determining spec — not the wattage. Encode motor type and placement as explicit properties.

Related guides

• Shopify Automotive Accessories Schema — fitment, part numbers, vehicle compatibility
• Shopify Garden & Outdoor Schema — structured data for outdoor products
• Product Safety Certifications Schema — UL, CE, FCC, CPSC encoding
• Shopify Metafields for AI Agents — namespace strategy and type reference