Motor sizing is mostly about total weight and the steepest grade you want to climb without pedalling hard.
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In sustained output roughly yes, but gearing matters as much. A well-geared mid-drive at 350 W can out-climb a poorly geared 750 W hub motor.
Continuous is what the motor sustains without overheating. Peak is a short burst, often two to three times continuous, which is what gets you moving from a standing start on a hill.
Not by itself. The riding a bigger motor invites does: steeper climbs, higher speeds and less pedalling all pull more watt hours per mile.
Method last reviewed 2026-07-29. Figures are guidance, not a substitute for the ratings printed on your own equipment.