There are many kinds of ebike motors out there and you might wonder what is the best ebike motor for you. Here are some of the top contenders that might be a good fit for your needs.
Shimano EP8
Shimano EP8 is a powerful mid-drive motor. It is more than capable of delivering up to 500 watts of output. Its top-end torque can reach 85 Nm. In addition to this, the EP8 boasts a smooth power fade and a sophisticated assist ratio algorithm that optimizes power delivery.
The EP8’s new gear design reduces motor drag by 36 percent. That makes for an easier transition between power modes and a better overall ride.
In order to achieve this, the motor has an internal clutch mechanism that makes downshifts softer and less harsh. This also results in a smoother start-up.
Other ebike components have been improved, including a new battery and improved software. The eTube RIDE app can turn your smartphone into a display screen for live bike data, as well as a gizmo to set your preferred maximum torque.
The EP8 also features a walk mode, which allows the bike to push itself for up to two-and-a-half miles. Additionally, the motor is able to provide 2.5 mph of rolling assistance.
Another cool feature of the EP8 motor is its ability to be configured extensively. For example, you can set it to provide full 85 Nm of torque in the Trail mode, and 30 Nm in the Eco mode. When you enter the trail mode, you are rewarded with a natural progression of ride feel, with an increase in power.
Although not as quiet as the E8000’s motor, the EP8’s mid-drive powertrain is more than capable of providing a powerful riding experience. With an ultra-short 160mm crank, it is one of the most versatile mid-drive motors on the market.
Bosch Active Line Plus
Bosch is one of the leading names in ebike motors. They’ve been supplying electric bike manufacturers with robust batteries and drive units for nearly a decade. Now, their Active Line Plus ebike motor is more powerful and quiet than ever.
The Active Line Plus ebike motor is designed for everyday use. It’s ideal for city riders looking to travel longer distances or recreational riders looking for a reliable way to get around town.
It’s also a great choice for cargo bikes. This Bosch mid-mounted motor is quiet and robust. It features a smooth pedal assist, so you can get the most out of your ride.
It also comes with an optional backpedal brake, making braking more convenient. There’s even a Gear Shift Detection feature, so you can keep the gears in order while riding.
The Active Line Plus motor is not the cheapest option, but it is one of the most capable. You can achieve pedal assisted speeds of up to 20 mph with this unit, and it has a range of up to 170 km.
Another cool thing about this motor is that it can be charged on or off the bike. If you’re running low on battery, you can simply switch to the Eco mode to charge up again.
The Bosch Active Line Plus is designed for commuters and recreational riders. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and has plenty of power for city riding.
Mahle X35+
Mahle’s X35+ ebike drive system is designed for a variety of bikes. It’s ideal for those who want the classic look of a bike, but want an electric power source. This drive has 40 Nm of torque, making it powerful enough to help you get up hills.
It’s also designed to work with a wide variety of wheel types. The rear hub engine is installed in a solid, non-obtrusive frame.
The X35+ system features ANT+ connectivity and Bluetooth, so you can use the Mahle app to check your mileage and record your trips. You can also access real-time data and keep track of your maintenance.
The X35+ also comes in a slim version that can be mounted inside your bike’s frame. Alternatively, you can fix it externally. It’s 14x 170 mm in size, and is flexible enough to fit into most ebikes.
The Mahle X35+ ebike drive is aimed at sporty bikes. This system is a lot lighter than its predecessor, the X20, and offers more torque.
Using the iWoc controller allows you to tune the motor and control your output based on your heart rate. There are several options for this controller, including bar-mounted units, a low-profile button that’s mounted on the top tube, and ANT+ and BLE connectivity.
While the range of ebikes with a Mahle X35+ drive is currently limited, more models are expected to appear in the near future. Depending on the model, you can expect speeds of up to 29 or 30 KPH.
Specialized SL 1.1
The Specialized SL 1.1 ebike motor is an impressive motor that is perfect for light eMTBs. It has a low internal resistance and can achieve long ranges. In addition, it has a quiet motor and handling that’s almost like riding an analog bike.
Specialized is one of the leading ebike manufacturers and has been at the forefront of electric mountain bike innovation for some time. Now, the company has introduced new SL ebike models, allowing it to offer a wider selection of options to the market.
Specialized’s SL ebikes use a mid-drive motor, which disengages from the pedals when the power is off. These ebikes allow the rider to pedal in the same way they’d normally pedal, but they can’t go faster than 20 mph.
Despite this, the SL 1.1 ebike motor can put out the same power as the standard Bosch Performance CX motor with a 625Wh battery. This allows for longer ranges compared to other ebike motors.
The Specialized SL 1.1 system also comes with a 320 Wh battery, which can be mounted in a bottle cage. The battery can be removed by the user or a Specialized dealer.
The Specialized Mission Control app is available for mobile devices. With this, users can tune their assistance levels and track their routes. They can also use it to calculate their battery capacity.
The Specialized SL 1.1 ebike also comes with an integrated Turbo Connect Unit, which is fitted to the top tube. This unit provides a maximum of 35Nm torque.
Mid-drive motors
Mid-drive eBike motors are positioned between the pedal cranks, and they are designed to provide an efficient balance of power. They offer many advantages, but there are also some disadvantages.
One of the most common issues with mid-drive eBike motors is that they are usually not equipped with a throttle. This can make the bike heavier and less maneuverable than a hub eBike. However, if the motor is well maintained, it can be expected to last several years.
Another issue with mid-drive eBikes is that they are typically very expensive. This is because the motors are prone to damage, and they may require more frequent maintenance than hub eBikes.
In recent years, mid-drive eBike technology has improved, and now they’re available in more powerful configurations. Some mid-drive systems use true torque sensors, which regulate the motor’s power according to the pedal force.
The Shimano E8000 system is another popular mid-drive eBike motor. It has been improved with new batteries, a display, and remote options. Currently, it offers a 380% assist.
Although not available in the United States, Bafang offers seven mid-drive eBike motors. Their M620 ‘Ultra’ motor is one of the most powerful in the market, putting out 1500W of peak power.
Yamaha is another mid-drive eBike motor manufacturer. A mid-drive eBike is considered to be the best type of motor for electric bikes. These motors produce a bit more torque than a hub motor, making them better suited to rough terrain.
Hub motors
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-maintain electric bike, hub motors are likely the way to go. These ebikes have a small motor that sits inside of the rear wheel or the front wheel.
Hub motors are great for city cyclists and road cycling enthusiasts. They are also a good choice for off-roaders, but they come with their own set of disadvantages.
For one, a powerful hub motor is going to burn out the front fork a lot faster than a less powerful motor. Another drawback is that the front wheel isn’t as grippy. This makes navigating potholes or bumps more difficult.
Some ebikes also have pedal assist sensors. They work by telling the pedal assist system when to turn on the motor and how much power to deliver. However, this system can be laggy and sometimes inaccurate.
A mid-drive ebike is a big improvement over a hub motor ebike. It has a larger battery, a smaller motor, and a better overall range. Most ebikes with this type of motor will be able to offer around 40-45 miles of range.
In addition, a mid-drive motor is able to provide an extra boost of torque, which means it can climb hills more efficiently. It also offers better overall handling.
You can buy an ebike with a geared hub motor. Geared motors are a bit heavier than direct-drive motors, but they have a higher top-end speed and a smoother power delivery.
