Stuurkracht

Stuurkracht is the force or torque that a driver applies to the steering mechanism in order to turn the wheels. In Dutch technical usage it refers both to the input effort at the steering wheel and to the resulting steering moment transmitted to the wheels.

In motor vehicles, stuurkracht depends on the steering system and the interaction between the tires and the road. In a purely mechanical steering system, the driver must provide more force to overcome steering gear friction and the road surface resistance. Modern cars use power-assisted steering, either hydraulic or electric, which reduces the required stuurkracht, particularly at low speeds. At higher speeds, steering systems are tuned to provide a defined steering feel or even reduced assist to improve stability. The steering ratio, damping, and road conditions all influence the perceived stuurkracht.

In bicycles and other wheeled conveyances the concept is analogous: the rider exerts a force on the handlebars to generate a turning moment, with feedback from the front wheel and suspension.

Measuring and optimizing stuurkracht is a concern in vehicle dynamics and ergonomics. Engineers assess steering effort using torque sensors or force gauges, and relate it to steering feel, control accuracy, and safety. The term is closely related to steering feel (stuurgevoel) and steering efficiency.