E-Bike Motors Compared
The motor has a greater influence on how an e-bike feels than almost any other component. Here you can compare all drive systems in our range by torque, weight and intended use – and go straight to suitable bikes.
Last reviewed:
What the numbers in the spec sheet mean
Torque in Nm
How strongly the motor pushes. This matters when starting, on steep climbs and with luggage. 40 to 50 Nm is plenty for city riding, while 75 to 120 Nm is clearly noticeable off-road.
Maximum power in watts
The short-term peak output. For a conventional pedelec, the legal continuous rated power is limited to 250 watts – even if the drive can briefly deliver 1,500 watts peak.
Support in percent
How much power the motor adds on top of your own effort. 400% means that if you produce 100 watts, the motor can add up to 400 watts – theoretically giving up to 500 watts of combined system power.
Weight
An often underestimated figure. One kilogram less motor weight can change the ride feel more than an extra 20 Nm of torque.
Mid-drive or hub motor?
The mid-drive motor at the bottom bracket is today’s standard: the weight sits low and centrally, assistance is delivered directly where you pedal, and the motor does not get in the way when changing a tyre. Rear-hub motors are no longer a sign of a budget bike – systems such as the Mahle X20 are used in sporty e-road and e-gravel bikes and stand out for their very low weight and discreet integration.
Full Power or Light Assist – the decision that really matters
More important than the brand is the type of system. The two concepts feel fundamentally different to ride.
Full Power
85–150 Nm · motor usually 2.5–2.9 kg · battery approx. 600–840 Wh · bike usually 22–26 kg
For long rides with lots of climbing, luggage and steep ramps where you want plenty of reserve. Without assistance, however, a bike like this can feel heavy and sluggish.
Bosch CX and CX-R, Avinox M2 and M2S, Shimano EP801, Yamaha PW-X3 and PW-X4, Hepha P101C and P110, Mahle M40, Brose Drive S Mag
View e-mountain bikesLight Assist
40–65 Nm · motor approx. 1.17–2.0 kg · battery approx. 236–480 Wh · bike often under 20 kg
For riders who want to do more of the pedalling themselves and value agility over maximum push. These bikes still feel much like conventional bicycles with the motor switched off.
Bosch SX, TQ HPR40/50/60, Fazua Ride 60, Mahle X20 and X30, Yamaha PW-L1
View e-gravel bikes View e-road bikesBosch
One of the most widely used drive systems on the market – and therefore also backed by one of the densest service networks. In 2026, Bosch offers a dedicated drive unit for virtually every type of use.
The smart system
Since 2022, the motor, battery, display, control unit and eBike Flow app have formed one connected system. New functions can be added to the bike via software updates – so a Bosch e-bike may gain features that did not exist when it was purchased. The older eBike System 2 remains reliable, but does not receive these smart-system features.
Performance Upgrade 2.0: what the 120 Nm really means
Since May 2026, selected drive units can be increased via a free update in the eBike Flow app to up to 120 Nm, 750 watts and 600% support. Here is what you should know:
- The 600% support level applies only up to 15 km/h in the riding modes approved for it.
- Each bike is delivered with its standard settings. You activate the higher values yourself in the app, separately for each riding mode.
- Not every bike is approved – the bike manufacturer also determines which values are permitted. The Flow app shows what is available for your bike.
- Higher settings mean more wear on the chain and cassette and can reduce range.
We are happy to help you configure the upgrade when you collect your bike in store.
| Drive Unit | max. Nm | max. watts | max. support | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Line CX-R (BDU386Y) | 120 | 750 | 600 % | 2.7 kg |
| Performance Line CX (BDU384Y) | 120 | 750 | 600 % | 2.8 kg |
| Performance Line CX Race (BDU376Y) | 85 | 600 | 600 % | 2.7 kg |
| Performance Line CX (BDU374Y) | 85 | 600 | 600 % | 2.8 kg |
| Cargo Line (BDU384Y) | 120 | 750 | 600 % | 2.8 kg |
| Performance Line Speed (BDU388Y) | 100 | 750 | 400 % | 2.8 kg |
| Performance Line PX (BDU347Y) | 90 | 700 | 600 % | 2.9 kg |
| Performance Line (BDU346Y) | 75 | 600 | 340 % | 2.8 kg |
| Performance Line SX (BDU314Y) | 60 | 600 | 400 % | 2.0 kg |
| Active Line Plus (BDU334Y) | 50 | 600 | 340 % | 3.2 kg |
| Active Line (BDU332Y) | 40 | 586 | 340 % | 2.9 kg |
Performance Line CX
The benchmark for e-mountain bikes. It is fitted to more bikes than almost any other drive. The current generation is quieter, around 100 grams lighter and more refined than its predecessor. If you are unsure what to choose, the CX is a very safe all-round option.
Performance Line CX-R
The race version: magnesium housing, titanium crankshaft, ceramic bearings and its own Race mode. Around 100 grams lighter than the CX. It makes sense if outright performance matters to you – for touring and everyday riding, the standard CX is the more sensible choice.
E-mountain bikes with Bosch CX-RPerformance Line SX
At 2.0 kg, this is Bosch’s lightest drive. 60 Nm may not sound like much, but it is easily enough on normal trails. Bikes equipped with it often weigh under 20 kg. Its limit is very steep climbing with luggage.
Performance Line PX
One of the most interesting additions for trekking and SUV e-bikes. 90 Nm gives plenty of reserve for heavily equipped bikes with mudguards, racks and bikepacking luggage.
Active Line and Active Line Plus
City and everyday use. Deliberately smooth and quiet, with compatibility for hub gears and coaster brakes. The Plus version offers 50 Nm for hillier terrain and luggage.
Cargo Line
The cargo-bike specialist. What matters here is not the peak figure, but controlled starts under load.
TQ
The Bavarian manufacturer deliberately takes a different approach: not maximum power, but maximum discretion.
At the heart of the system is TQ’s own Harmonic Pin Ring transmission. Instead of a small number of gears with only a few teeth engaged at a time, nested toothed rings allow many teeth to transmit force simultaneously. The result is extremely compact, uses very few moving parts and is whisper-quiet. The motor sits concentrically around the bottom-bracket spindle and disappears behind the chainring – at first glance, many TQ-equipped bikes barely look like e-bikes at all.
| HPR40 | HPR50 | HPR60 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque | 40 Nm | 50 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Power | 200 W | 300 W | 350 W |
| Weight | 1,170 g | 1,850 g | 1,924 g |
| Support | 100 % | 200 % | 200 % |
| Batteries | 290 Wh (+ 160 Wh Range Extender) | 290 / 360 / 580 Wh (+ 160 Wh Range Extender) | 290 / 360 / 580 Wh (+ 160 Wh Range Extender) |
| Use | E-road, gravel | Light e-MTB, urban | Light e-MTB, trail |
HPR60
Introduced in summer 2025, the HPR60 is the most important step forward from the HPR50: 20% more torque and around 17% more peak power. TQ has also further developed efficiency and thermal management; cooling fins help maintain stable performance under prolonged load. A new colour display in the top tube is another update.
HPR50
Still on the market and still a good choice. This is the motor that helped define the light e-MTB segment.
HPR40
Developed specifically for ultra-light drop-bar bikes. At 1,170 grams, it makes fully integrated e-road bikes weighing under 10 kg possible.
HPR50 and HPR60 use the same battery family. The HPR40, by contrast, is a separate ultra-light system built around a 290 Wh main battery. The 160 Wh range extender supplements the systems, but a later motor upgrade is therefore not automatically a plug-and-play option.
Avinox
Launched as DJI Avinox in 2024 and operating as an independent brand since early 2026. A drive system that has put real pressure on the established manufacturers.
| M1 | M2 | M2S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torque – regular modes | 105 Nm | 110 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque – Boost | 120 Nm | 125 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Peak power | 1,000 W | 1,100 W | 1,500 W* |
| Weight | 2.52 kg | 2.65 kg | 2.59 kg |
| Sound pressure level | ≤ 45 dBA | ≤ 45 dBA | ≤ 45 dBA |
Compared with the M1, the M2S offers around 45% higher power density and around 21.6% higher torque density at virtually the same weight – making it a few grams lighter than a Bosch CX-R. The overall form factor has been largely retained. One of the main criticisms of the M1 was audible gearbox clatter on rough descents; on the M2S, a dual-meshing gear design significantly reduces backlash and therefore noise.
For context, 150 Nm is an exceptionally high figure for a pedelec mid-drive motor. Whether you actually need that reserve depends heavily on terrain, riding style and total system weight – higher loads also increase wear on the chain, cassette and tyres.
Yamaha
The original pioneer – Yamaha launched the first production mid-drive system in 1993. Its character still feels noticeably different from Bosch today.
Yamaha assistance tends to feel more direct and immediate, while Bosch feels smoother by comparison. Neither is inherently better – it is a matter of preference, so ideally you should test-ride both. One distinctive feature is Zero Cadence: the motor provides assistance from the very first crank movement without first requiring cadence to build up. When restarting on a steep climb, that can make a real difference.
| Motor | max. Nm | Use |
|---|---|---|
| PW-XM | 85 | Premium e-MTB, sportiest 36 V version |
| PW-X3 | 85 | E-MTB and trail, with Automatic Support Mode |
| PW-S2 | 75 | Trekking, SUV, entry-level e-MTB |
| PWseries TE | 60 | Commuting and trekking |
| PWseries CE | 50 | City and comfort, particularly quiet |
PW-X3, PW-S2 and PW-XM belong to Yamaha’s 36 V system family. Thanks to its narrow bottom-bracket/crank design, the PW-X3 supports a sporty riding position and responds very directly thanks to Zero Cadence technology.
New from 2026: the 48 V PW-LINK system
From 2026, Yamaha is adding the new 48 V PW-LINK platform; this does not mean that the existing 36 V drives automatically disappear from the market. The PW-X4 delivers up to 100 Nm in Boost, 85 Nm continuously and 800 watts peak power at 2.6 kg. The PW-S3 is the all-rounder with up to 85 Nm in Boost, 75 Nm continuously and 750 watts at 2.85 kg; additional variants are available for cargo and lighter applications. The sub-2 kg PW-L1 delivers 60 Nm for particularly lightweight e-bikes.
PW-LINK has a modular design and combines Yamaha drives with 48 V batteries and new displays. The Yamaha Motor On app includes owner authentication for theft protection, maintenance and ride data, assistance tuning, plus range and navigation functions.
What about Giant SyncDrive?
Giant SyncDrive is based on Yamaha technology but is its own ecosystem with separate software, displays and the Giant RideControl app. A SyncDrive is therefore not simply a Yamaha system, even though the technology is related.
Shimano
The EP801 with 85 Nm, 600 watts and a weight of 2.68 kg is Shimano’s e-MTB flagship, while the EP600 range covers trekking and city use.
What Shimano does well
Very natural, finely controlled assistance. In combination with compatible Di2 components, EP801 and EP600 can use FREE SHIFT and – depending on the rear derailleur – AUTO SHIFT. FREE SHIFT allows the system to change gear without you pedalling: the drive unit moves the chainring as needed during the shift. AUTO SHIFT automatically selects the appropriate gear based on cadence, torque and speed. The open battery architecture allows bike manufacturers to use their own solutions, in some cases up to 900 Wh.
Important: AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT compatibility
The functions depend on the exact derailleur configuration. With the 11-speed XT Di2 RD-M8150 as well as CUES Di2 RD-U6070 and RD-U6050, AUTO SHIFT while pedalling and automatic FREE SHIFT are available. The 12-speed RD-M8150-12, by contrast, supports FREE SHIFT but not AUTO SHIFT while pedalling. Always check the specification of the individual bike.
Mahle
A specialist in lightweight rear-hub motors – and now also offering a mid-drive system.
| System | Type | Torque | Peak power | Weight | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X20 | Hub motor | 65 Nm* | 275 W | approx. 1.4 kg | 236 / 350 Wh |
| X30 | Hub motor | 45 Nm* | 250 W | 1.9 kg | 236 / 350 Wh |
| M40 | Mid-drive | 105 Nm | 850 W | approx. 2.5 kg | manufacturer-dependent |
X20
One of the lightest drive systems available. Since the performance update, it offers a manufacturer-stated system value of up to 65 Nm and 275 watts peak. It mounts using a standard 12 mm thru-axle, while torque and cadence sensors are located at the bottom bracket. Designed for e-road, e-gravel and sporty urban bikes.
X30
The successor to the long-running X35. It is slightly heavier and more affordable, with a more robust hub flange. Importantly, the X30 is compatible with large parts of the X20 system ecosystem and also uses modern sensor technology for a more natural response.
M40
Mahle’s first mid-drive motor. 105 Nm, 850 watts peak power and around 2.5 kg. It puts Mahle directly into the full-power segment.
Depending on the bike and manufacturer approval, the lightweight MAHLE systems can be supplemented by the 171 Wh eX1 range extender.
Hepha
A special case in our range: a bike brand with its own complete drive system. Apart from Specialized, Giant and a small number of others, few manufacturers take this approach.
| Motor | Torque | max. watts | Weight | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P101C | 80 / 90 / 100 Nm depending on model | 750 | 2.8 kg | 600 / 708 / 804 Wh |
| P110 | 110 Nm regular / up to 120 Nm Boost | 850 | 2.8 kg | 600 / 708 / 800 / 804 Wh depending on model |
The key selling point is value for money: HEPHA combines high motor output and large batteries with aggressive complete-bike pricing. The P110 delivers 110 Nm in regular use and up to 120 Nm in Boost, at 2.8 kg and 850 watts peak power. Depending on the model range, bikes use lighter 600 Wh Generation 8 batteries or larger 708 / 800 / 804 Wh solutions. Many models also include a 6 A fast charger as standard.
Why buying from a dealer with its own workshop matters here
With a proprietary drive system, service, spare parts and software support depend on the bike manufacturer rather than on a service network with thousands of workshops such as Bosch. That is why there is a real advantage to buying a Hepha from us: we operate our own workshops in Lienz and Krems and handle maintenance, diagnostics and warranty processing for you.
Create service requestConfiguration, updates and ride tracking are handled through the Hepha app.
Other drive systems
Fazua Ride 60
60 Nm, up to 450 watts in Boost and a motor weight of 1.96 kg. Battery options include the ENERGY 430 with a nominal 432 Wh and the ENERGY 480 with 480 Wh. Boost is available for a shorter period from a standstill and for longer while riding. A direct competitor to the lightweight TQ and Bosch SX systems.
Brose / QORE
Brose became known for its particularly quiet belt-driven design: the Drive T with 70 Nm for trekking and the Drive S Mag with 90 Nm for sporty use. The e-bike drive business has belonged to Yamaha since August 2025. The new QORE platform continues that development; after its update, Drive³ Peak reaches 105 Nm, 800 watts and up to 600% support.
Pinion MGU
Motor and gearbox in one housing. No conventional rear derailleur or cassette is required, and shifting while stationary is possible. A technically very interesting approach for low-maintenance e-bikes.
maxon AIR S
A light-motor format with full-power ambitions: high power density with a comparatively small battery.
All motors compared
Click a column heading to sort.
| Motor | Type | Class | Nm | Watts | kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avinox M2S | Mid-drive | Full Power | 150 | 1,500 | 2.59 |
| Avinox M2 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 125 | 1,100 | 2.65 |
| Avinox M1 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 120 | 1,000 | 2.52 |
| Bosch Performance Line CX-R | Mid-drive | Full Power | 120 | 750 | 2.73 |
| Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 120 | 750 | 2.82 |
| Bosch Cargo Line | Mid-drive | Cargo | 120 | 750 | 2.8 |
| Hepha P110 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 110 / 120 Boost | 850 | 2.8 |
| Mahle M40 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 105 | 850 | approx. 2.5 |
| QORE Drive³ Peak | Mid-drive | Full Power | 105 | 800 | approx. 2.9 |
| Bosch Performance Line Speed | Mid-drive | S-Pedelec | 100 | 750 | 2.8 |
| Hepha P101C | Mid-drive | Trekking / Sport | 80 / 90 / 100 | 750 | 2.8 |
| Yamaha PW-X4 from 2026 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 100 Boost | 800 | 2.6 |
| Bosch Performance Line PX | Mid-drive | Trekking / SUV | 90 | 700 | 2.9 |
| Brose Drive S Mag | Mid-drive | Full Power | 90 | 750 | – |
| QORE Drive³ Power | Mid-drive | Trekking / Sport | 90 | 700 | – |
| Shimano EP801 | Mid-drive | Full Power | 85 | 600 | 2.68 |
| Yamaha PW-X3 / PW-XM | Mid-drive | Full Power | 85 | – | – |
| Yamaha PW-S3 from 2026 | Mid-drive | Trekking / all-round | 85 Boost | 750 | 2.85 |
| Bosch Performance Line | Mid-drive | Trekking | 75 | 600 | 2.8 |
| Yamaha PW-S2 | Mid-drive | Trekking / all-round | 75 | – | 2.85 |
| Brose Drive T | Mid-drive | Trekking | 70 | – | approx. 3.4 |
| Mahle X20 | Hub motor | Light | 65* | 275 | approx. 1.4 |
| Bosch Performance Line SX | Mid-drive | Light | 60 | 600 | 2.0 |
| TQ HPR60 | Mid-drive | Light | 60 | 350 | 1.92 |
| Fazua Ride 60 | Mid-drive | Light | 60 | 450 | 1.96 |
| Yamaha PW-L1 from 2026 | Mid-drive | Light | 60 | – | under 2.0 |
| Yamaha PWseries TE | Mid-drive | Trekking | 60 | – | – |
| TQ HPR50 | Mid-drive | Light | 50 | 300 | 1.85 |
| Bosch Active Line Plus | Mid-drive | City | 50 | 600 | 3.2 |
| Yamaha PWseries CE | Mid-drive | City | 50 | – | – |
| Mahle X30 | Hub motor | Light | 45* | 250 | 1.9 |
| TQ HPR40 | Mid-drive | Ultralight | 40 | 200 | 1.17 |
| Bosch Active Line | Mid-drive | City | 40 | 586 | 2.9 |
Battery and range
Current full-power batteries commonly come in 600, 750 and 800 Wh sizes; systems such as Yamaha PW-LINK go up to around 842 Wh. In the light segment, capacities range from roughly 236 to 480 Wh depending on the system. Bosch uses 21700 cells in its newer PowerTubes: the 800 Wh battery weighs around 3.9 kg, making it lighter and more compact than the previous PowerTube 750.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
There is no credible single figure in years or charge cycles because cell ageing depends heavily on use, temperature, state of charge and storage. Bosch does not specify a fixed five-year limit for its eBike batteries; with proper use and care, Bosch states that the distance covered over the battery’s lifetime can reach up to 60,000 kilometres. As a battery ages, it normally does not fail suddenly – it gradually loses usable capacity and therefore range.
Range Extender
A practical compromise: an additional battery that you only carry on longer rides. TQ offers 160 Wh, Mahle 171 Wh, while Bosch PowerMore is a compact additional-battery solution. Whether a range extender can be retrofitted always depends on the frame and the bike manufacturer’s approval.
Four things that really help extend battery life
- Do not leave the battery in direct sun and do not charge it when frozen.
- Charge at room temperature where possible.
- For longer storage periods, keep it at roughly 30 to 60% charge – neither full nor empty.
- When transporting the bike by car, remove a detachable battery where possible and store it protected inside the vehicle.
Legal and safety
Pedelec up to 25 km/h
In both Austria and Germany, a typical pedelec with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h is generally treated legally as a bicycle. For the vast majority of models in our range, neither a driving licence nor an insurance plate is therefore required. National detail rules still apply.
S-pedelec up to 45 km/h
Legally, this is not a normal bicycle. In Germany you need, among other things, an insurance plate, type approval, a suitable helmet and the appropriate driving licence; cycle paths generally cannot be used in the same way as with a normal pedelec. Austria has its own rules.
Talk to us before you buy – we will help you clarify the rules that apply in your country.
Can I tune my e-bike?
On some systems, the 25 km/h assistance cut-off can technically be manipulated. On public roads, this can legally turn the pedelec into a motor vehicle requiring type approval, insurance and, where applicable, a driving licence. Without these requirements, legal and financial consequences may follow; private liability insurance will generally not cover an accident involving a vehicle modified in this way. Tuning can also affect warranty claims and may remain detectable during diagnostics or servicing.
Our advice: do not do it.
Which drive system is right for you?
| If you … | … these systems fit | |
|---|---|---|
| ride technical trails and steep climbs | Bosch CX or CX-R, Avinox M2S, Shimano EP801, Hepha P110 | Full-suspension e-MTBs |
| want a light, agile bike and enjoy putting in your own effort | Bosch SX, TQ HPR60, Fazua Ride 60, Yamaha PW-L1 | E-gravel bikes |
| plan long rides with luggage | Bosch Performance Line PX, Yamaha PW-S2/PW-S3, Hepha P101C/P110 | Trekking e-bikes |
| mostly ride in the city | Bosch Active Line Plus, Yamaha PWseries CE | Easy-entry e-bikes |
| carry children or shopping | Bosch Cargo Line | E-cargo bikes |
| want an e-road bike with barely visible electric assistance | TQ HPR40, Mahle X20 | E-road bikes |
| want a lot of equipment for the money | Hepha P101C / P110 | Hepha e-bikes |
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which drive system is right for you?
The quickest way to find out is to talk to us – or take a test ride in Lienz or Krems. Call us on +43 4852 68866-0 or email info@fitstore24.com.