How WattWorks Works
WattWorks is an e-bike parts database and build configurator with automated compatibility checking. Here is how the data is sourced, verified, and kept accurate.
Our Data Sources
Every component in the WattWorks database has structured specifications sourced from manufacturer documentation and verified product listings. Specs are normalized so that voltage ranges, dimensions, amperage ratings, and connector details are stored in consistent formats for accurate filtering and comparison.
Prices are tracked automatically from approximately 12 sellers, including AliExpress, Amazon, Flipsky, Fardriver, Votol, and others. Each listing includes a timestamp showing when it was last checked, so you can see exactly how current the data is.
The database covers 13 component types: hub motors, mid-drive motors, batteries, controllers, throttles, PAS sensors, displays, brake switches, power switches, torque arms, connectors, chargers, and cassettes. Each type has its own set of type-specific specifications relevant to compatibility checking.
Compatibility Engine
When you add components to a build, WattWorks runs 36 automated compatibility checks in real time. These checks verify that your selected parts work together across the full build — not just pairwise between two components, but considering every component in the configuration simultaneously.
Each check produces one of three severity levels: errors mean the parts will not work together, warnings flag issues worth double-checking, and info messages are recommendations or helpful context.
Electrical Checks
- Voltage matching
- Battery voltage is checked against the controller's accepted voltage range and the motor's rated voltage. A mismatch here means components will not function together or could be damaged.
- Amperage limits
- The battery's continuous discharge rating is compared against the controller's continuous current draw. If the controller can pull more amps than the battery can safely deliver, you get a warning.
- Charger compatibility
- Charger voltage and chemistry must match the battery. The charger's output current is also verified against the battery's maximum charge rate.
Mechanical Checks
- Dropout width
- Hub motor axle width is checked against the frame's rear or front dropout width to verify physical fitment.
- Bottom bracket sizing
- Mid-drive motors specify a bottom bracket width range. This is compared to the frame's bottom bracket to ensure the motor can be installed.
- Wheel size and axle compatibility
- Pre-laced hub motors must match the frame's wheel size. Torque arm compatible axle sizes are verified against the motor's axle.
- Battery frame fit
- Battery dimensions are checked against the frame triangle using geometric calculations to verify the battery physically fits in the available space.
Protocol Checks
- Display protocols
- Controllers and displays communicate via protocols like UART, CAN bus, or RS485. Both must share at least one common protocol to work together.
- Sensor and input support
- If you select a throttle, the controller must have a throttle input. Same for PAS sensors. The system flags missing inputs so you do not end up with parts that cannot communicate.
- Cassette freehub type
- When a cassette is selected with a rear hub motor, the freehub type (Shimano HG, SRAM XD, Microspline, etc.) must match.
Safety and Completeness Checks
- Required components
- Every build requires a motor, battery, and controller (unless the motor has an integrated controller). Hub motor builds require a throttle or PAS sensor for speed input.
- Brake switches
- The system warns if brake switches are missing, and catches conflicts like combining a brake switch pair with individual switches or having duplicate positions.
- Power-on method
- A build must have a way to power on the controller — either a display or a power switch. Missing both triggers an error.
Price Tracking
Automated crawlers monitor seller listings on a regular schedule. Each product listing shows the current price, in-stock status, and when it was last checked. Historical price data is stored so you can see whether a price has gone up, gone down, or stayed stable over time.
Every seller known for a given product is shown regardless of affiliate relationships. Nothing is ranked or hidden based on commission. Affiliate links are used where available to help fund the project, but they never influence how products or sellers are displayed.
Shipping costs are tracked when available, giving you a more complete picture of what a component will actually cost.
Our Standards
Only components with verified specifications are published to the database. Incomplete or unverified products remain in a staging area until they meet quality standards.
Images are sourced from product listings and deduplicated using perceptual hashing to avoid storing or displaying redundant copies. Each image is processed into multiple sizes for fast loading across devices.
Every product page includes structured data (JSON-LD) following Schema.org standards. This ensures search engines and AI assistants can accurately read and cite the specifications, pricing, and availability data on WattWorks.
If you find incorrect data, missing specs, or products that should be listed, get in touch. Corrections are prioritized and typically applied within a few days.