Urban Use
A power output of 40 to 50 Nm is more than enough for flat terrain and frequent stops in the city.
Top: Bosch Active Line (Plus), Shimano E5000, or front wheel motor.
E-bike motor guide: which motor to choose depending on your use
Choosing an e-bike can sometimes feel like entering an unknown forest without a map. Terms such as torque (in Newton meters), mid-drive motor, and torque sensor are heard everywhere. And then there are brands like Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha, all promising that their motor is the best. In this guide, we explain step by step which motor is best suited to your situation.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | January 5, 2025 | Reading time: 4 minutes
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
Key findings
- The position of the engine has a greater influence on the feel than the brand.
- Mid-engine cars offer the most natural feel
- Choose an engine that suits your needs, not marketing hype.
Where is the engine located, and why do you feel it immediately?
The location of the motor is more important than the brand. You can feel it within the first five minutes of pedaling.
What is a central motor and why is it so popular?
Today, most e-bikes, especially in the mid-range and high-end segments, are equipped with a mid-drive motor. Since the motor is located at the bottom bracket, the weight is centered and low, ensuring excellent stability and balance.
A mid-drive motor provides the most natural feel. This is thanks to advanced sensors that measure your pedaling force: the harder you push, the more the motor assists you. It is therefore suitable for almost all uses, from urban traffic to steep climbs.
If your budget allows, I would almost always choose a mid-engine. The feel is simply more relaxed, especially over the long term.
What is a front wheel motor and when is it sufficient?
A motor in the front wheel is often less expensive and simpler. Its disadvantage is that it gives the sensation of being pulled forward, which can affect steering, especially when turning or on slippery surfaces.
Front motors often use a rotation sensor rather than a torque sensor: the motor engages as soon as the pedals turn, regardless of the force exerted. This is sufficient for flat city rides, but on steep hills, a front motor may lack power because it needs speed to deliver its force.
A front motor is suitable for short trips. But as soon as you ride more often or for longer distances, you will feel the difference and a mid-drive motor becomes clearly preferable.
What is a rear wheel motor and who would find it useful?
This motor is located in the rear wheel and provides thrust from behind, which is often perceived as powerful and direct. They are generally very quiet and cause less chain wear than a mid-drive motor.
The disadvantage is that removing the rear wheel (for example, in the event of a flat tire) is more complicated and the center of gravity is further back. They are often found on sporty speed pedelecs or on certain specific city bikes.
What brands of e-bike motors are available, and how do they feel?
What can we expect from Bosch?
The undisputed market leader. Bosch motors are renowned for their reliability and natural assistance. They offer a wide range, from quiet motors for city riding to extremely powerful motors for mountain biking. Their latest "Smart System" allows you to connect your bike to your smartphone for updates and navigation.
How does a Shimano motor perform?
The major Japanese competitor. Shimano motors are compact, lightweight, and integrate perfectly with Shimano drivetrains and brakes. The feel is confident and natural, comparable to Bosch, but with a sometimes even more compact design.
Why do competitive cyclists choose Yamaha?
Yamaha is known for its direct power. Whereas Bosch builds up power very gradually, Yamaha stands out with a more energetic start: lots of torque right from the first few pedal strokes. Sporty cyclists appreciate this, even if it can sometimes feel a little nervous in the city. However, recent models are lighter and more refined.
What makes Brose so quiet?
Brose is synonymous with silence. Thanks to an internal belt drive, these motors are almost inaudible and offer plenty of power (up to 90 Nm), with no resistance when the motor is switched off.
Is Bafang a wise choice?
They are often found on more affordable models. Bafang offers excellent value for money with high-torque motors, but they sometimes lack the finesse and smooth pedaling found in Bosch or Shimano models.
Which engine suits your driving style?
What kind of engine for the city and commuting?
- Bosch Active Line (Plus)
- Shimano STEPS E5000
- Motor in the front wheel on flat terrain
Which motor is ideal for hiking and hills?
You need comfort and power reserves. Around 60 to 75 Nm is ideal.
Good choices:
- Bosch Performance Line
- Shimano STEPS E6100
- Yamaha PW-ST / PW-S2
What kind of motor for a cargo bike?
- Bosch Cargo Line
On a cargo bike, it's best not to skimp on the motor. With children in front, you want control, not stress.
Which motor for e-MTBs and forest rides?
Steep trails require direct and powerful assistance. For an MTB , choose one of the following motors.
Best choices:
- Bosch Performance Line CX
- Shimano EP8
- Yamaha PW-X3
- Bosch Performance Line SX (lightweight and sporty)
Which engine suits your driving style?
Find the perfect support for your daily commute or your adventures.
Hiking & Hills
Need for comfort and reserve. A torque range of 60 to 75 Nm is ideal for long distances over hilly terrain.
Top: Bosch Performance Line, Shimano E6100, or Yamaha PW-ST.
Cargo Bike
It's all about starting power. The higher the torque, the easier the transport.
Premium choice: Bosch Cargo Line. Don't skimp on power.
E-MTB & Performance
Steep trails require direct assistance. Maximum power for technical riding.
Top: Bosch CX, Shimano EP8, or the new Bosch SX (lightweight).
Conclusion: give it a try
Technical specifications say a lot, but not everything. Two engines with the same torque can provide completely different sensations.
My personal opinion to conclude: don't rely solely on tests or comparison charts. Always take a test drive. Sometimes, an engine just "clicks" with you, and you can feel it immediately.
FAQ
How much torque do I really need?
For city riding, 40 to 50 Nm is sufficient. For hills, 60 to 75 Nm. For cargo bikes and MTB, at least 85 Nm.
Is Bosch always better than Shimano?
No. Their settings are different. Bosch is often a little smoother, Shimano a little lighter.
Does a central motor wear out faster?
Yes, the chain and sprockets wear out a little faster because the motor drives the transmission directly.
Is a quiet motor important?
It's very personal. Some people find silence soothing, others hardly pay any attention to it.
Can software change the feel of an engine?
Yes. The settings and assistance modes make a big difference, even with the same motor unit.