Comparison of motors for electric bicycles
The electric bicycle is practical, easy to transport, and makes cycling more accessible to everyone. In this regard, those who have to deal with health problems can especially benefit from its benefits. If you are thinking of getting one of them, the only problem that may arise is that you may find it difficult to choose among so much variety. Don’t worry. In this article we are going to help you decide with a selection of the best electric bike motors.
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What are the best motors for electric bicycles?
You probably believe that there is only one answer to this question, only one engine that stands out above the rest. This is not exactly the case, as many brands are now manufacturing quality electric motors for bicycles. Thanks to the multiple developments in motors and batteries, today you have a wide range of these parts. In this way, you will be able to choose the alternative that best suits your needs.
We will review the most important ones on the market and their main advantages and disadvantages.
Bafang
It is difficult to choose one of the engines of this brand, especially if it is the first time you make this type of purchase. Here are some of the best-selling and best-performing ones:
- Bafang hub: Hub type Bafangs are integrated into the wheel axle. A 250 W hub can give you a torque of about 35 Nm. In comparison, the central BBS01, with the same 250 W, can reach up to 80 Nm.
- Central Bafang motors: These models require a little more expertise to install than a hub, but, on the other hand, the results are much more effective. The choice of one or the other depends on the use you intend to make of it. Several models are available:
- BBS01: This is the least powerful, 250 W and 80 Nm of maximum torque. Specially designed for 36 V batteries.
- BBS02: This group includes two motorizations, the 500 W and the 750 W, both with 120 Nm.
- BBSHD: This motor has models for different bottom bracket widths. In addition, it is the only one that can be fitted on wide shafts, about 100 – 120 mm.
Bosch
These motors have four levels of pedaling assistance and their battery has a large capacity, specifically up to 625 Wh, which can be upgraded to 1025 Wh. These characteristics make them perfect for multiple uses: urban, cross or long routes. Some of them are listed below:
- The Bosch Active and Active Plus engines, which are designed for urban use and long routes. They have 40 and 50 Nm of torque. The brand has dispensed with the drive sprocket and has installed a conventional chainring that works with a backpedal brake.
- The Bosch Performance Cruise motor has a torque of 65 Nm. It is intended for off-road and sporty cycling.
- Bosch Performance CX Gen4 is currently one of the most powerful of the brand. It can reach up to 75 Nm continuously and is ideal for mountain bikes.
- Bosch Performance Speed is designed for High Speed E Bikes, i.e. high speed bikes. It has 350 W and 60 Nm.
Yamaha
Yamaha’s new e-bike motor is the Yamaha PW-X2. It is user-friendly, functional and powerful at the same time. It has sensors that detect the type of driving you are doing and can make your job much easier.
It adapts easily to slopes, curves, downhills, etc. In addition, it avoids jerks and will provide you with a very smooth pedal stroke that uses the motor when necessary.
If we talk about its durability and engine stability, this one from Yamaha is also geared, so it is very reliable and guarantees longer durability.
In this regard, you may also be interested in last year’s model, Yamaha PW-ST. This one is quieter, but just as reliable as the new one.
Shimano
The Shimano STEPS E8000 motor Shimano STEPS E8000 motors. Why? It is the one with the best panel and battery and, on the other hand, it is also the best integrated. It is worth mentioning that it is not easy to control; it consumes a lot and can give the occasional jerk. In addition, it is quite noisy and its pedaling can offer a lot of resistance once the battery is depleted.
Other aspects you should consider when choosing an urban electric bicycle
With regard to breakdowns, Bosch and Yamaha motors usually have them well under control; they are highly resistant, durable and stable mechanisms. As for the Shimano Steps, we can say that it also has little tendency to break down.
However, if this happens, you will have a problem, as it cannot be opened, so it would be necessary to go to the technical service and this can be quite expensive.
Within the mid-range, we have reviewed the representative engines of each brand and also the most powerful in terms of performance and power. They are also the most important new products so far this year, so there will be a lot of talk about them among bicycle enthusiasts.
Now you have a rough idea of what you really need. It is relevant to say that the first thing you should take into account is the kind of bike you have, since it does not make much sense to buy a very fast and powerful motor if you have the bike in Eco mode, for example. Therefore, you should consider which of them is the one that best suits your needs, driving style, etc.
Anyway, don’t worry. If you are still not sure what you really need, because you have just bought your first electric urban bike, we can help you. urban electric bicyclewe can help you. In Biciclásica we have a team of professionals who will answer all your questions about electric bicycle motors, so you can make the best purchase. We are waiting for you!
