Most powerful electric motor

It all started with the Danish wheel, the beginning of the electric bicycle revolution. A key factor in this growth is the ongoing evolution of the electric motors that power these bicycles.

Powerful motors, offering more efficiency and power, are becoming increasingly popular. But weight also begins to play a big role in sporty models. E-racing bikes and eMountainbikes are worthless if the motor is too heavy.

Pros and cons of powerful electric motors

Powerful motors offer numerous advantages. They deliver more torque and performance, which is especially useful for heavy applications such as cargo bikes or sporty bicycles. In cities, we see more and more LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) delivering orders. For these vehicles, a powerful motor is most attractive.

There are also some disadvantages. Powerful motors are often heavier and more expensive than their less powerful counterparts. They require sturdier and more durable materials. It’s also important to consider that while a powerful motor can offer more performance, it’s not always necessary for every rider or every situation. You can read more about Newton Meters and power here.

Brands with powerful e-motors

There are several important brands producing powerful motors for e-bikes. These include Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, Fazua, Brose, and Bafang. Each of these brands has its own unique offerings and specialties.

Shimano STEPS EP8 (EP801)

The Shimano STEPS EP8 (EP801) is a motor designed for cargo bikes (including cargo bikes) and e-mountain bikes, with a torque of 85Nm. This motor is also lightweight, weighing only 2.6kg. The accompanying battery has a capacity ranging from 418 to 630Wh, weighing 2.6 to 3kg.

Bosch Performance Line CX

The well-known Bosch Performance Line CX is one of the most powerful and widely used electric motors on the market, with a maximum torque of 85Nm. This motor is designed for e-mountain bikes, where the high torque helps with climbing steep hills. It’s also found in many cargo bikes or longtails.

The motor weighs between 2.79kg and 3.2kg. Bosch also offers batteries with a capacity of 625 to (dual batteries) 1250Wh, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5kg.

This is Bosch’s best motor, and in our opinion, one of the best electric motors on the market. Recently, Bosch has also focused on lighter motors. The SX Line is a perfect example of this.

Yamaha PW-X3

The Yamaha PW-X3 is also an e-motor that delivers a torque of 85Nm. This motor is designed for a wide range of e-bikes, from mountain bikes to electric city bikes. The motor weighs 3.1kg, heavier than other brands.

The accompanying battery has a capacity of 500Wh, weighing 3.4kg. This extra weight makes Yamaha slightly less attractive if you’re looking for a sporty bike. Although this may change in the future.

Fazua Ride 60

The Fazua Ride 60 is certainly not the most powerful e-motor but stands out with its lightweight design. With a torque of 60 Nm and a weight of only 1.96kg, this motor is ideal for e-race bikes and e-gravel bikes. Currently, this is the lightest electric motor available.

The design is also special, as this e-motor is fully integrated into the frame of the bike. A good alternative to the rear-wheel motors typically used in racing bikes. The accompanying battery has a capacity of 432Wh and weighs 2.3kg.

Brose Drive S

The Brose Drive S is also a very powerful motor with a torque of 90Nm and a peak power of 565W. This motor is specifically designed for cargo bikes, bakfietsen, and mountain bikes. The motor is slightly heavier than average, weighing 2.9 kg. Additionally, Brose also offers many other motors. Sometimes they also make motors specifically for brands, as seen with Specialized or special bikes such as electric recumbent bikes.

Bafang M510

The Bafang M510 is the most powerful (legal 250W) motor, with a torque of 95Nm and a nominal power of 250W. This motor is made for eMTB bikes. Weighing 2.9 kg, it has an average weight. Bafang also offers motors of 125Nm and even 160Nm, but these cannot be used on regular electric bikes, only on LEVs.

Comparison Table of the Most Powerful E-Motors

This shows that currently, they are all close to each other in terms of power. Software, sensors, quality, and lifespan are also important factors. For example, Bosch motors are known to be very reliable, although other brands such as Fazua, Yamaha, or Shimano are also competitive. Bafang focuses more on price-to-quality ratio and is an affordable player in the market.

Nowadays, you also have more choices. Bike A used to only come with a Bosch or Shimano motor. Nowadays, you can equip Bike A with a Bosch, Shimano, or even Bafang motor to reduce the price.

When choosing an e-bike with a powerful motor, it’s important to consider your specific needs (commute) and preferences. While powerful motors can offer more performance, they are not always necessary and tend to be more expensive.