Haibike Xduro AMT 8 Mid-drive electric bike motor

Differences Between Top Mid-Drive Electric Bike Motors

Mid Drive Ebike Motor IZIP Yuba

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

  • Bosch Performance Line CX Mid-drive motorTop-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 BullsRiese & 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

  • Brose Electic Bike Mid-drive motorBerlin 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

Yamaha PWseries Electric Bike 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 Performance Line Speed Electric Bike Mid-Drive motorBosch’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

  • TransX Mid-Drive eBike SystemProven 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 ebike mid-drive motorShimano 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.

Electric Bike Mid-Drive Motor Comparison Chart
Mid-drive Electric Bike Motors Comparison Chart