Electric bicycle (eBike) motor technology has steadily improved since its inception back in 1895 (US Patent 552271 A). The crude 10-volt battery-powered eBike patented by Ogden Bolton, Jr. set the stage for what is now an ever-growing class of bicycles. Multiple companies have emerged as of late and are mass-producing mid-drive electric bike motors that offer varying power, total energy and torque specs. Below are the highlights and differences between the top mid-drive electric bike motors available today.
Bosch CX eBike Motor
Top-shelf motor is best for mountain biking where sustainable power is needed- 75 Nm of continuous maximum torque offers longer power curve for long and steep climbs
- UL listed certification, assuring each unit passed rigorous testing for peak performance, security and safety on the trails
- Gear change recognition sensors allow for smoother gear changes under max torque
- Available on Haibike XDuro models, and select Bulls, Riese & Müller and Tern eBikes
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
250 W
75 Nm continuous 36 V 500 Wh 8.8 lbs (<4 kg) motor; 5.7 lbs (2.66 kg) battery Total: 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) ❌ MTB, Trail, Long Distance Commuting |
Brose eBike Motor
Berlin bicycle components company develops high-performance mid-drive motors for multiple mountain bike (MTB) and commuter bike manufacturers- Among the most powerful motors on the market offering a whopping 90 Nm of peak torque
- Motor is best used for MTB or steep trail riding
- The belt-drive motor provides the quietest eBike motor available
- Generally has a bigger battery pack providing a longer range
- Found on Bulls E-Stream models
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
250/350 W
90 Nm 36 V 650 Wh 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) motor ❌/✅ MTB, XC, Trail |
Yamaha PWseries eBike Motor
- US market motor offers a healthy 80 Nm peak torque unit
- Torque, speed, and crank sensors allow for continuous maximum torque of 70 Nm
- One of the lightest drive units allows bicycles to be fitted with double chainrings for wider gear ratios
- Fantastic Japanese system that offers a lot of value for the price
- One of the more reliable units on the market and it’s been proven on Germany’s Haibike SDuro eBikes
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
500 W
80 Nm max, 70 Nm continuous 36 V 500 Wh 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) motor; 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) battery Total: 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) ❌ MTB, Commuting |
Bosch Performance Line Speed Motor
Bosch’s fastest mid-drive pedelec motors- Offers top speed assistance at 28 mph (45kph)
- Gear shift detection provides smooth shifting on flat ground and on a climb
- DualBattery capabilities for longer trips
- 63 Nm of continuous torque is plenty of power for long distance commuting or longer MTB rides
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
350 W
63 Nm continuous 36 V 500 Wh, 1000 Wh with DualBattery 8.8 lbs (<4 kg) motor; 5.7 lbs (2.66 kg) battery Total: 14.5 lbs (6.6 kg) ✅ MTB, Trail, Long Distance Commuting |
TranzX M16 eBike Motor
Proven German bicycle components manufacturer that understood the need to develop a pedal electric cycle (pedelec) motor for the environmentally friendly commuter- TranzX M16 motor is more than suitable for road cycling or commuting
- 65 Nm of available torque
- Powerful motor and offers best value
- TranzX motors are available on IZIP and Raleigh electric bike models
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
350 W
65 Nm 48 V 482 Wh 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) motor; 6 lbs (2.74 kg) battery Total: 14.6 lbs (6.64 kg) ❌ Commuting or Road |
Shimano STEPS e6000 Drive Unit
Shimano Total Electric Power System (STEPS) drive unit is suitable for road cycling or commuting- 250 W motor will give you a sustainable speed of 15.5 mph (25 kph)
- Current drive units follow the EU 168/2013 regulation that prohibits pedal assistance above 25 kph
- e6000 motor provides the best mix of daily performance and reliability
- Shimano is argued to be the most reputable bicycle components business on the planet
- Available on IZIP’s E3 eBike
| Power
Torque Force Energy Weight Speed +20 Best for |
250 W
50 Nm 36 V 418 Wh 7 lbs (3.2 kg) motor; 5.9 lbs (2.66 kg) battery Total: 12.9 lbs (5.86 kg) ❌ Commuting or Road |
No matter which eBike you choose, keep in mind that no mid-drive motor is the same. Electric bike manufacturers will agree that different mid-drive motors are suitable for different styles of riding. Where a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor offers top speed with a heavier motor for commuting, the Yamaha PWseries motor provides a lighter unit that can be fitted with double chainrings to offer more gear options for trail riding. Knowing the differences between the most popular mid-drive motors on the market will help you make a more intelligent decision when choosing your new eBike.
