Which central motor is better, Shimano or Bosch?
When you buy an electric bike, you almost always come across two brands: Bosch or Shimano. They're the market leaders in central motors. But which one is really the best? Spoiler: it all depends on what you're looking for.
Written by : Hanna Stevens | 21 november 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
- Bosch = the most complete ecosystem, with fluid assistance, advanced software, integrated navigation and a highly accomplished application. Perfect for comfort, technology and everyday use.
- Shimano = sporty, light and perfectly integrated, ideal for cyclists who like direct feel, fast acceleration and harmony with Shimano gears and brakes.
- There's no real winner: both offer exceptional quality. The best choice depends on your driving style.
Why everyone chooses Bosch and Shimano
These two brands dominate the market for a simple reason: they offer top-of-the-range quality, great reliability and easy maintenance in specialist workshops.
Why Bosch and Shimano are the reference:
- Reliability proven over millions of kilometers
- Extensive network of authorized repairers and dealers
- Regular software updates
- Spare parts always available
Bosch is the market leader with the largest share. Shimano stands out for its seamless integration with its own bicycle components.
Bosch: the complete all-rounder with intelligent technology
Driving feel is one of Bosch's strong points. Assistance is natural, even in Turbo mode. You get the impression that the engine knows exactly when to help you.
Bosch strengths :
- Extremely smooth, natural assistance
- Advanced Smart System with smartphone application
- On-screen navigation
- Personalized setting of assistance modes
- No additional resistance when the motor is switched off
The latest Bosch motors (BES3) connect to the eBike Flow application. You can consult your trip statistics, estimate your range and even lock your bike remotely. It's the most complete system on the market today.
Overview of Bosch motors
| Model | Couple | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Active Line | 40 Nm | Urban bike, flat terrain |
| Active Line Plus | 50 Nm | Long-distance commuting |
| Performance Line | 65-75 Nm | Hills, daily use |
| Performance Line CX | 85 Nm | E-MTB, steep slopes, difficult terrain |
| Cargo Line | 85 Nm | Cargo bikes, heavy loads |
Shimano: perfect synergy and sporty character
Shimano is the world's largest manufacturer of bicycle components. If your e-bike has a Shimano motor, it probably also has Shimano gears and brakes. And they all work harmoniously together.
Advantages of Shimano integration :
- Communication between engine and transmission
- Smooth gear changes even under heavy load
- More compact, lightweight design
- High peak power for rapid acceleration
- Direct, sporty driving feel
Shimano STEPS motors are lighter than equivalent Bosch motors. Their high peak power ensures rapid acceleration and easy hill climbing. Ideal for sporty and adventurous cyclists.
The E-Tube app provides essential settings, but navigation is not available. Technology enthusiasts will find Bosch a little more advanced.
Shimano STEPS motors at a glance
| Model | Couple | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| E5000 | 40 Nm | Urban use, flat terrain |
| E6100 | 60 Nm | Versatile, hilly, long-distance |
| E8000 | 70 Nm | Sporty bikes, dynamic riding |
| EP8 | 85 Nm | E-MTB, maximum power for steep slopes |
Direct comparison: Bosch vs Shimano
| Aspect | Bosch | Shimano |
|---|---|---|
| Driving feel | Very fluid and natural | Sporty and direct |
| Software | Advanced Smart System | Basic E-Tube application |
| Screens | Many options, integrated navigation | Functional, no navigation |
| Integration | Independent | Perfect synergy with Shimano components |
| Weight | Medium | More compact and lightweight |
| Ideal for | Technology, comfort | Sporty driving, optimum integration |
Which motor is right for you?
Choose Bosch if you want :
- The most complete technology and the best integration app
- Navigation and a host of customizable options
- A system renowned for its smoothness
- Use mainly on asphalt roads
Bosch top picks :
- Urban use: Active Line Plus (50 Nm)
- Versatile : Performance Line (75 Nm)
- Sport/MTB: Performance Line CX (85 Nm)
Choose Shimano if you want :
- Perfect harmony between all bike components
- A lightweight, compact motor
- Sporty, dynamic driving
- Fewer connected functions
Best Shimano choices :
- Urban use: E6100 (60 Nm)
- Sport: E8000 (70 Nm)
- E-MTB: EP8 (85 Nm)
Conclusion: Bosch or Shimano, which is right for me?
There is no such thing as an "objectively better" brand. Both offer exceptional quality, but with different priorities.
Bosch offers the most complete system and the most advanced software. Shimano stands out for its perfect integration and sporty character.
The essentials:
- Technology and comfort lovers: Bosch
- Sports cyclists and integrated systems purists: Shimano
- Urban driving on flat terrain: both are very suitable
- Mountain / E-MTB: Performance Line CX or EP8
My advice? Give it a try. Nothing beats the feel of the motor when you're on the bike. Observe the screen's responsiveness, comfort and ergonomics.
The important thing is that you like your e-bike, not the logo on it.
What about Bafang motors? Discover our guide: Bafang vs Bosch.
FAQ
Which central motor lasts longer: Bosch or Shimano?
Both are renowned for their longevity and reliability. They last for thousands of kilometers if properly maintained. Bosch has an extensive service network, while Shimano benefits from the wide availability of its parts.
Which motor is quieter, Bosch or Shimano?
In general, Bosch motors are slightly quieter, especially the Active Line and Performance Line models. Shimano motors sometimes emit a sportier sound, especially during acceleration.
Is Bosch really more powerful than Shimano?
Both brands offer motors up to 85 Nm. Bosch is known for its smooth power rise, while Shimano offers a more direct and responsive response. For E-MTB, the Bosch Performance Line CX and Shimano EP8 are both excellent choices.
Which engine is best suited to commuting?
On flat terrain, both are ideal. For long distances or varied terrain, many choose Bosch for its navigation and customization. For more dynamic riding (lots of gear changes, for example), Shimano may be more pleasant.
Are Shimano displays limited in functionality?
Shimano prioritizes ride feel over connected options. The E-Tube app provides essential settings, but offers fewer functions than Bosch (no navigation, fewer customization options). If you like technology, Bosch will be better for you.