trek bosch motor

All about electric bicycles and more

We are e-bikes obsessed and may earn a commission if you buy something through our site. More...

Leave a Comment

E-Bikes with a Bosch Motor: 9 Best Bosch E-Bikes We Recommend

Bosch drive systems are among the most popular in the electric bike industry. Their motors have become a preferred choice for many riders and manufacturers by offering a blend of performance, versatility, and reliability.

Bosch e-bike motors consistently perform well when compared to similar competition from brands like Shimano, Brose, Yamaha, and Bafang.

In this article, we’ll overview the Bosch brand and discuss the different motor lines. We’ll also examine why Bosch motors are popular and how they compare to other market alternatives.

Finally, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular models that use the brand so you can decide if a Bosch electric bike is the right choice for you.

Overview of Bosch E-Bike Motors

Bosch e-bike motors are some of the best-regarded on the market. The German engineering and technology company has been in operation since 1886 and brought this experience to the e-bike industry in 2011.

Bosch specializes in mid-drive systems , offering a range of options across three ‘lines,’ Active, Performance, and Cargo.

In 2021, Bosch premiered its new Smart Systems. These systems are used on all new Bosch-equipped e-bikes. However, they still support the previous generation of systems.

As a German brand, all Bosch e-bikes fit the EU regulations of 250W max power and don’t have throttles (which are banned in the EU). 

Active Line

The Bosch Active Line has two options; the Active Line and Active Line Plus. These motors are more affordable, lighter, and have lower torque than other options. For this reason, they’re suited to commuters, cruisers, and general recreation e-bikes.

Performance Line

Bosch’s Performance Line is the most expansive, consisting of six distinct drives. These motors are generally used on performance-focused e-bikes like gravel, mountain, and heavy-duty city or touring models.

The Cargo Line is a drive system designed for the best electric cargo bikes . To be able to haul huge loads up to 551 lb (Urban Arrow Family e-bike), this motor has the highest torque output and assistance percentage of all their options. Not all cargo builds use this system, but the heavy-duty ones do.

Why Do So Many Riders Prefer Bosch E-Bike Motors?

Canyon’s Grail:ON gravel electric bike with a mid-drive Bosch motor.

Bosch e-bike motors are among the most popular because they balance performance and reliability while also being feature-rich. In addition, the company offers a range of options for different riding styles and bike types, and the systems are versatile, fitting a broad range of bike designs. Let’s take a look at some of the specific features.

• Sensors – Bosch combines three sensors to measure pedal power—torque, cadence, and speed—at a mind-blowing rate of over 1,000 times per second. This highly sensitive measurement results in an extremely natural power transfer.
• Batteries Versatility  – The PowerTube (integrated) and PowerPack (non-integrated) batteries come in capacities ranging from 400 Wh to 750 Wh and have dual battery capability. Manufacturers can also integrate the battery into the frame or mount it on the tubing or rack. Likewise, they can choose if it’s removable or not.
• Different Display Options – Bosch offers multiple display and control designs, ranging from a minimalist integrated system controller to the high-tech Nyon bike computer.
• Weight and Size  – Bosch motors are relatively lightweight. Additionally, the compact design of these motors reduces their weight and improves the bike’s ergonomics, ensuring a natural pedal position (Q factor).
• Extra Features – Some other noteworthy features of Bosch electric bike motors include automatic gear shifting, ABS braking with Magura, TRP, and Tektro products, and walk-assist and hill-hold modes. All of these features are not available on all Bosch systems. The systems also have a shift detection feature to protect the drivetrain by reducing motor power when shifting gears.

Flow E-Bike App

All new generation ‘Smart System’ Bosch electric bikes are compatible with the Flow companion app. This app has a premium subscription with some extra features. Through this app, Bosch e-bike owners have the ability to:

• Access over-the-air updates
• Tune the assistance levels for more assistance or to increase the range
• Lock the drive unit so only the owner can open it
• Access route navigation
• Activate the e-bike alarm and tracking (Flow+ premium feature)

Are Bosch E-Bike Motors Superior to Other Market Alternatives?

Bosch is the most established and popular manufacturer of e-bike systems. With over a century of experience in engineering, they have developed a reputation for quality and reliability that is hard to match.

The main competitors in the mid-drive category are Shimano, Bafang, Brose, Fazua, Giant, and Yamaha. In one extensive on-the-ground eMTB test , Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor topped the list against Brose’s Drive S Mag/Turbo, Shimano’s EP8, and Yamaha’s PW-X3. However, the other motors also performed well, outperforming the Bosch motor in specific metrics.

Motor performance is subjective to a certain extent, with each rider enjoying a specific type of ride feel or preferring how it performs in the context of the other components and geometry. Because of that, it’s hard to definitively say which motor is best.

Bosch electronics are the most widely used on the best mid-drive ebikes , so this is where riders have the largest choice if they want a Bosch system.

Popular E-Bike Brands and Models that Use Bosch Motors

Many of the electric bike industry’s biggest brands use Bosch e-bike motors. This is a testament to their quality, performance, and reliability. You can see the full list on this link , but some popular names include Niner Bikes , Scott, Canyon, Trek, and so on.

A small part of all the brands that use Bosch ebike motors.

Some popular e-bikes with a Bosch motor that use the Active Line systems include Cannondale’s Adventure Neo and Gazelle’s Medeo T9 city bikes, the Electra Townie Go! cruiser, and the Tern HSD S8i utility e-bike.

Examples of Bosch electric bikes that use Performance Line systems include the Cannondale Moterra Neo and Topstone Neo mountain and gravel lines, Trek’s Allant touring and Powerfly mountain bikes, the Haibike ALLMTN mountain bikes, and Gazelle’s Ultimate C380+.

Finally, models that use the Bosch Cargo Line drive include Trek’s Fetch+, Urban Arrow’s Family and Shorty, Tern’s GSD S10, and the Yuba Spicy Curry.

9 of the Best E-Bikes with a Bosch Motor

• Trek Verve+ 4S
• Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB
• Electra Townie Go 5i
• Orbea Wild M20
• Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
• Gazelle Ultimate C380+
• Tern Quick Haul D8
• Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte
• Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2

1. Trek Verve+ 4S

• Price: $3,500
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport, 65 Nm
• Battery: 500 Wh PowerTube
• Range: 70 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano Deore 10-speed, MT200 hydraulic discs

The Trek Verve+ 4S is a new release for 2023, adding a top-end model to the popular electric hybrid family. Like the others, this build is available in a standard step-over or low-step frame.

Trek designed the Verve+ as its comfort-focused and easy-to-use model with enough versatility and capability to crush hills, haul heavy groceries, and ride on light off-road terrain when necessary.

• Read More:  Trek Verve+ 2 Electric Bike Review

To accomplish this, Trek chose Bosch’s Performance Line Sport motor, tuned for a max torque of 65 Nm. Load the rear rack with up to 55 lb, and you’ll still have more than enough kick.

As mentioned, you can feel confident taking this bike on light gravel or dirt roads with its 50 mm Bontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite tires and suspension seatpost.

The Verve+ 4S competes well with models like the popular Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 and the Gazelle Ultimate T10, offering similar functionality and pricing with minor differences in performance.

All things considered, if you want a comfort-focused Bosch mid-drive electric bike from a leading brand like Trek, the Verve+ 4S is a worthy consideration.

Buy from Trek Bikes

2. Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB

• Price: $5,000
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 75 Nm
• Battery: 625 Wh PowerTube
• Range: 96 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Enviolo 380% Trekking CVT, Magura CT4 hydraulic discs

Gazelle’s Avignon C380 HMB is the newest model released to the brand’s US lineup and one of the best e-bikes with a Bosch motor.

The Avignon is positioned at the top of Gazelle’s range and is among the highest quality and most expensive urban e-bikes on the market. There are few options in the city e-bike category at this price range.

Trek’s Allant+ 8S and Specialized’s Turbo Vado 5.0 are two notable competitors. However, neither is optimized for pure comfort like the Avignon.

Gazelle chose a Gates Carbon belt drive system with an Enviolo Trekking hub for this bike. This system is ideal for urban-style e-bikes as it lasts up to three times longer and is virtually maintenance-free. In contrast, the bikes mentioned above have external derailleurs.

The Avignon C380 has everything you’d expect of a bike at this price. Gazelle’s attention to detail in design is second to none, and they offer world-class warranties and support to back it up.

Add this premium Bosch electric bike to your shortlist if you want a comfort-focused city bike to last a lifetime.

Buy from Mike’s Bikes

3. Electra Townie Go! 5i

• Price: $2,950
• Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
• Battery: 400 Wh PowerPack
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes

The Cruiser e-bike category mainly comprises affordable hub-drive e-bikes such as the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser , Blix Sol Eclipse, and Electra’s cheaper models.

Electra’s Townie Go! 5i offers a more refined ride experience with its premium Bosch electronics, competing with models like the Evelo Galaxy Lux and Specialized Turbo Como 3.0.

Compared to the Galaxy Lux’s Dapu 500W, 100 Nm motor, the Townie Go! 5i offers less power. However, the Bosch system is more reliable, feature-rich, and easier to service. Likewise, the Turbo Como 3.0’s motor isn’t quite as refined but has the same torque and power.

This Bosch e-bike has other unique features, like an integrated ABUS wheel lock, a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub for lower maintenance, and Flat Foot Technology that lets you get your foot down while sitting without compromising the pedaling position.

Overall, this is a solid choice if you want the relaxed ride position of a cruiser e-bike paired with the natural feel and smooth performance of Bosch’s Active Line Plus motor.

Buy from REI

4. Orbea Wild M20

• Price: $7,299
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm
• Battery: 750 Wh PowerTube
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano SLX 12-speed, MT420 hydraulic disc

Orbea’s Wild M20 is one of the newest iterations in the popular Wild series. This build is the top of three carbon-framed Bosch e-bikes.

This 160 mm-travel e-bike straddles the trail and enduro mountain bike categories. It competes with models like Cannondale’s Moterra Neo 3 and Marin’s Alpine Trail E2.

All three have similar trail performance, and the Moterra Neo shares the same Bosch motor and battery. However, the Alpine Trail’s Shimano EP8 motor is less powerful than the Performance Line CX.

The Wild M20 also has better brakes, more robust Maxxis tires, and Race Face AR 30c wheels. Orbea Bikes and Marin Bikes chose similar Fox Float Performance suspension components, which are higher-end than the RockShox ones Cannondale chose.

All things considered, the Wild’s geometry encourages aggressive downhill riding. The industry-leading electronics give you the super-human ability to get to the top over and over again. Consider the Orbea Wild M20 if you want a premium carbon trail/enduro e-MTB .

Buy from Jenson USA

5. Cannondale Adventure Neo 4

• Price: $2,875
• Motor: Bosch Active Line, 40 Nm
• Battery: 400 Wh PowerTube
• Range: 64 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano Altus 9-speed, MT200 hydraulic disc

The Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 is the second tier in a four-bike series of comfortable urban commuters .

This e-bike stands out for its versatility, comfort, and premium Bosch electronics. With an urban-centric design, Cannondale chose the basic 40 Nm Active Line motor and the smallest battery available.

The stable handling, wide tires, and comfy saddle mean you can confidently take the Adventure Neo off-road onto light gravel and dirt if you need to make a detour.

This Bosch e-bike competes with models like the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Step-Through and Gazelle Arroyo C7, which are comfort-focused city e-bikes in the $3,000-$3,500 range.

Both the Turbo Vado and Arroyo have higher-torque motors and larger batteries. However, the Adventure Neo 4 costs much less and offers a comparative quality of components.

Add the Adventure Neo 4 to your shortlist if you want a stylish, ultra-comfortable commuter.

6. Gazelle Ultimate C380+

• Price: $3,999
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed Gen 4, 75Nm
• Battery: 500Wh PowerTube
• Range: 55 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Enviolo 380% Trekking CVT, Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc

The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is the ‘performance’ model in the brand’s lineup, featuring a high-torque motor, a 28 mph max speed , and a premium Gates Carbon belt drivetrain with hub gearing.

If you like to go fast on your daily commute without sacrificing comfort, the Ultimate C380+ could be the bike for you. Many Bosch mid-drive electric bikes are limited to 20 mph max speed, so this Class 3 e-bike stands out.

At an updated price of $4,000, this e-bike is excellent value. It competes with models like Trek’s Allant+ 7 and Cannondale’s Tesoro Neo X 2. However, it outperforms these bikes thanks to its smooth and maintenance-free belt drivetrain, ideal for urban riders.

Additionally, the Ultimate C380+ has a more refined finish and comfortable ride quality, despite offering high speeds. Unfortunately, the motor is tuned for 75 Nm of torque instead of the 85 Nm it’s capable of.

Overall, this is one of the best-value Bosch e-bikes in the high-end category, thanks to its recent reduction in price from $5,000.

7. Tern Quick Haul D8

• Price: $2,999
• Range: 65 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano Altus 8-speed, hydraulic disc

The Tern Quick Haul D8 is a compact cargo e-bike designed for those with light to moderate carrying needs (110 lb in total). It’s easily among the best cargo e-bikes with a Bosch motor.

This bike falls neatly between cheaper hub-drive cargo e-bikes like the Aventon Abound and Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 , and heavier-duty cargo models like the RemiDemi 10D (reviewed below) and Yuba’s FastRack.

Tern is well-known for producing durable and reliable cargo bikes with a broad range of easy-to-use accessories. However, the prices typically exceed $5,000. With this model, you get a lower capacity (331 lb), but you get all the same quality and functionality.

Of course, you get more carrying capacity and power with the Abound and RadWagon 4 for a lower price. In contrast, higher-end cargo e-bikes can haul over 400 lb, have more space, and have extra functionality.

Nonetheless, if you don’t need to carry huge loads and have a medium-sized budget for a bike with premium mid-drive Bosch electronics, the Tern Quick Haul D8 is a solid choice.

or Buy from Tern Bikes

8. Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte

• Price: $4,650
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 85 Nm
• Range: 105 miles
• Gears and Brakes: Shimano Deore 12-speed, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc

The Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte by Cannondale is a high-speed urban e-bike equipped for urban riders and commuters.

This 28 mph model benefits from the 85 Nm torque from Bosch’s top-end motor. So if you like to go fast, it’s a worthy consideration. Moreover, with 625 Wh of juice,you can get up to 105 miles of range in Eco mode.

The 29 x 2.25 Schwalbe G-One tires are puncture-resistant and shock-absorbent and capable of handling some light off-road paths.

At this price, the Tesoro Neo X 1 competes with models like Gazelle’s Medeo T10+ and Specialized Bicycles’ Turbo Vado 3.0, both Class 3 e-bikes. However, this ebike has a better 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and a more capable off-road build.

The Tesoro Neo X 1 weighs just 55 lb, which is relatively lightweight for a bike in this category. Therefore, don’t look past this Bosch electric bike if you want speed and urban functionality at a reasonable price.

9. Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2

• Price: $3,699
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport
• Battery: 625 Wh PowerPack
• Range: 60 miles
• Gears and Brakes: microSHIFT Advent 9-speed, Tektro Gemini SL 4-piston hydraulic disc

The final model on our list of Bosch e-bikes is a heavy-duty commuter ebike. Co-op Cycles is a specialist in this category, and the CTY e2.2 is their flagship model.

The aluminum frame is pretty common on modern e-bikes and gives the CTY e2.2 an extra level of durability and comfort that’s not achievable at a reasonable price.

This Class 3 e-bike can haul loads up to 300 lb (including rider and cargo) and has tons of urban-friendly accessories, such as fenders, lights, a rear rack, a kickstand, and so on.

The CTY e2.2 is powered by a reliable, smooth, and quiet Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor, paired with a 625 Wh PowerPack battery. You’ll be able to achieve speeds of up to 28 mph and maintain them for around 60 miles on a single charge.

This ebike also has a front SR Suntour suspension fork with 80mm of travel and versatile 27.5 x 2.4 in. tires—therefore, you can rest assured that it is comfortable and ready for different types of terrains.

Your Feedback is Important!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All About Electric Bicycles

eBicycles.com aims to cover all topics related to electric bicycles. Our goal is to serve as the hotspot for e-bike lovers by providing value through reviews, how-to articles, and detailed guides. Stay up-to-date with the world of e-bicycles and share your passion with us.

Recent Posts

• Why Are Electric Bikes So Expensive? Here Are the Top 8 Reasons
• Can You Get a DUI on a Bike? Different State Laws Explained
• Best Women’s Electric Bikes: Top Commuter, Cruiser, MTB, and Cargo Models
• What Is an Ebike? Here’s Everything New Owners Need to Know
• How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go? Ebike Speed Explained

FIND IT HERE

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

Electric Bike Report

• Newsletter Sign-Up

• Electric Bike Reviews
• Electric Bike Brands
• Accessories & Parts
• Electric Bike News
• Best Overall Electric Bikes
• Best Cruiser Electric Bikes
• Best Cheap (Budget) Electric Bikes
• Best Electric Bikes Under $1,000 – 2024
• Best Electric Cargo Bikes
• Best City & Urban Electric Bikes
• Best Commuter Electric Bikes
• Best Folding Electric Bikes
• Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes
• Best Electric Bikes For Seniors
• Best Electric Bikes For Heavier Riders
• Best Electric Hunting Bikes
• Best Value E-Bikes
• Best Mid Drive Electric Bikes
• Best Moped-Styled E-Bikes
• Best Electric Tricycles (E-Trikes for Adults)
• Best E-Bike Repair Stands
• Commuter E-Bike Reviews
• City / Urban E-Bike Reviews
• Multi-Use Trail E-Bike Reviews
• Affordable E-Bike Reviews
• Step-Thru E-Bike Reviews
• Folding E-Bike Reviews
• Fat Tire E-Bike Reviews
• Cargo & Utility E-Bike Reviews
• Cruiser E-Bike Reviews
• Gravel E-Bike Reviews
• Mountain E-Bike Reviews (eMTB)
• Road E-Bike Reviews
• Class 3 E-Bike Reviews
• Class 2 E-Bike Reviews
• Aventon Aventure.2 Review
• Aventon Level.2 Review
• Aventon Pace 500.3 Review
• Blix Sol Eclipse Review
• Electric Bike Company Model R Review
• Electric Bike Company Model S Review
• Evelo Omega Review
• Lectric XP 3.0 Review
• Lectric XP Lite Review
• Lectric XP Trike Review
• Lectric XPeak Review
• Lectric XPedition Review
• Lectric XPremium Review
• Himiway Cruiser Review
• Himiway Zebra Review
• Mokwheel Basalt Review
• QuietKat Jeep Review
• Ride1UP 700 Series Review
• Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX Review
• Ride1UP Revv 1 Review
• Ride1UP Roadster V2 Review
• REI Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 Review
• Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Review
• Rad Power Bikes RadExpand Review
• Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Review
• Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus Review
• Radio Flyer M880 Review
• Specialized Globe Haul ST Review
• Specialized Turbo Como Review
• Specialized Turbo Vado Review
• Tenways CGO600 Pro Review
• Velotric Discover 1 Review
• eBikes For Older Riders
• What Is The Best Budget E-Bike?
• Hub Motor Brands: The Complete Guide
• Best Car Racks For Electric Bikes – 2021
• Electric Bike Modes: Throttle vs Pedal Assist (Pedelec)
• The Complete Guide to E-Bike Mid-Drive Motors
• Calculating Range on Electric Bikes: How To Find The Long-hauler For You
• E-Bike Batteries: Volts, Amps, & Watt Hours Explained
• A Guide to E-Bike Locks and Security Ratings
• Why You Don’t Want a Superfast Electric Bicycle
• Understanding the Differences Between Direct Drive & Geared Electric Bike Hub Motors
• Replacement Electric Bike Batteries Guide
• Guide To E-Bike Gearing Systems
• Cargo Trailers for eBikes – The Complete Guide
• The Advantages Of A Lightweight eBike
• Cool Looking Bike Helmets …. Really?!
• Guide To Electric Bike Drivetrains
• Guide To Electric Bike Brakes
• Accessories & Parts
• E-Bike Organizations & Market Reports

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review| Electrifying A Popular MTB

A Bosch motor, air-spring suspension fork and 12-speed drivetrain make this no ordinary entry-level eMTB.

If you recognize the Marlin name, that’s because the Marlin is one of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bikes. The “+” designation is what they give their electrified models. With the Marlin+ 8, Trek begins with an aluminum frame adds a Bosch Active Line Plus motor powered by a CompactTube 400 battery. They chose an affordable but full-featured RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Most of the e-bikes we review come in a single size, or maybe step-over and step-thru frames (which often have the same reach due to battery size), but Trek produces the Marlin+ 8 in five sizes, which should be great news for riders at either end of the bell curve of height—both more petite riders and big and tall shoppers. Our large frame test bike fit me like a glove.

Trek knows what people want in an eMTB, and they were careful to include some important components even as they balanced the need to keep this eMTB as affordable as possible, considering some of the eMTBs they are competing against in an ever-growing field. Being spec’d with tubeless-ready tires and rims as well as a dropper post demonstrate that this isn’t all show and no tell.

But the heart of the Trek Marlin+ 8 is the Bosch motor. Supremely subtle at times, and clearly boosting in the right scenarios. It even has ‘set it and forget it’ abilities.

There’s a lot to this e-bike; let’s dig into how it performed in our battery of tests.

• Bosch motor works great; the integration with pedaling is nearly seamless
• Incredibly efficient—one of the most efficient range tests we’ve had
• Great components abound; it is a really solid value
• Hardtail geo—handles great on trails but is still great for daily use
• Love the 4-piston Shimano brakes
• RockShox air-spring fork made for a very cush ride
• Five sizes for a perfect fit

• The nylon pedals that are included aren’t great, though that’s true of nearly all included pedals; anyone planning to ride off road will want to upgrade
• Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400Wh
• Display: Bosch Purion 200
• Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus
• Headlight: N/A
• Taillights: N/A
• Pedal Assist: Eco, Tour+, Turbo
• Claimed Range:
• Throttle: N/A
• App: Bosch Flow
• UL Certification: 2849 (complete system)
• Claimed weight: 46.96 lbs.
• Tested Weight:
• Rider height range: 4 feet 9 to 6 feet 5
• Total payload capacity: 300 lbs.
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic, 203mm rotors
• Fenders: N/A
• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL
• Frame: Alpha Gold aluminum, five sizes
• Drivetrain: 12-speed Shimano Deore
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Comp
• Saddle: Bontrager Verse P3
• Handlebar: Bontrager alloy, 15° rise, 720mm-wide XS, S; 750mm-wide M, L, XL
• Kickstand: included
• Pedals: Nylon platform
• Tires: Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR

Thanks to the Rock Shox suspension fork, the Trek Marlin+ 8 has the ability to roll over big obstacles and soak up hard bumps.

With 203mm rotors and 4-piston disc brakes from Shimano, the Marlin+ 8 has plenty of stopping power.

The Marlin+ 8’s frame includes mounts for a kickstand and rear rack.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Speed Test

In our speed test, I found it easy to get the Trek Marlin+ 8 up to speed, hitting 11 mph without any assistance. When I set the pedal-assist level to Eco, my speed climbed to 12.8 mph. That may not sound like much, but it’s noticeable. Tour+ kicked my pace up to 15.2 mph. Then, in Turbo, I zipped along at 19.3 mph.

Those are the numbers, but that doesn’t say much about the experience. Admittedly, Eco and Tour+ were somewhat subtle in their assistance, but they do make a difference. It may be that I didn’t feel as much as I expected because of how seamlessly the motor integrates with your pedaling. I felt more as I powered down than powered up.

One of the things the Trek Marlin+ 8 offers is what Trek and Bosch call “Auto Mode.” As Trek describes it, “More bike riding and less button mashing.” Auto Mode changes the assistance level as you ride to help even out your pace.

I came to think of Auto Mode as cruise control. With Eco and Tour+, I enjoyed a nice pace but could feel my speed slow as I hit hills. Turbo seemed to ramp up constantly as if it was always trying to boost my pace up to the maximum. With Auto Mode, I got a “set it and forget it” mode that kept my pace and feeling even.

As much as I liked how Bosch and Trek set the power output at each assistance level, part of the beauty of the Bosch Flow app is that you can adjust the output levels for each setting, including adjusting the torque and how quickly the motor reacts.

Thanks to a dropper post, steep descents are thrilling, rather than scary, with the Marlin+ 8.

The 12-speed Shimano Deore cassette gives riders a 510% gear range.

The 32t chainring is small enough to pay off when climbing steep hills.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Range Test

The pairing of the Bosch Active Line Plus and the CompactTube 400 made for a very efficient e-bike. Because we often review e-bikes with 750W hub motors, for which 400Wh won’t go far, we understand that, at first, 400Wh may not sound like much capacity. But 400Wh isn’t a measure of range; it’s only a measure of how much capacity the battery has—that is, how much work it can do.

Trek has paired the 400Wh CompactTube battery with a 36V, 250W motor, which draws much less current than a 48V, 750W motor. Think of it like the size of a gas tank. A 20 gal. tank in a Sprinter van won’t take it far, but in a Prius, you’ll be able to drive all day and not stop for gas.

To find out just what the Trek Marlin+ 8 is capable of, we performed two different range tests, one on the lowest assistance level (Eco) and the highest assistance level (Turbo). Plot spoiler: It performed very well in both tests.

Trek doesn’t publish range estimates, but we used Bosch’s web-based E-Bike Range Calculator , and after selecting from a number of variables including rider weight and riding environment, it suggested that the Trek Marlin+ 8 might have a range of up to 57 mi. in Eco and 29 mi. in Turbo. Let’s see how it did.

When we took the Trek Marlin+ 8 out for its max assistance range test (Turbo), we went 30.7 mi. at an average speed of 17.1 mph with 530 feet of climbing. It’s a remarkable result.

For the Eco test we saw a whopping range of 71.2 mph at an average speed of 13.2 mph over 1475 ft. of climbing.

Remember when I said this was a remarkably efficient e-bike? This is what I was talking about. We’ve seen e-bikes that offer a range of 70 mi. or more; they aren’t hard to find. What is hard to find is one that can cover that much distance with a 400Wh battery. That’s not common.

Let’s put this in perspective: When figuring out a car’s efficiency we look at miles per gallon, which is simply miles traveled divided by fuel used. Well, we do the same thing with batteries. We’ve calculated this for more than 260 e-bikes we’ve reviewed. How good is the Trek Marlin+ 8? It scored eighth on our minimum assistance test and 14th for the maximum assistance test. This is even more impressive when we consider that our speeds weren’t pokey. We’ve seen e-bikes achieve impressive ranges in Eco, but go so slowly it defeats the purpose of having an e-bike. The Trek Marlin+ 8 impressed us at every turn.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Hill Test

Let’s put this performance in perspective, as we’ve definitely had quicker climbers. Justin does all the tests at a moderate effort. He’s not going all-out because, well, most folks don’t see going as hard as possible on a hill as much fun. E-bikes with cadence sensors don’t care how hard you go; set to their max PAS, they are putting out their maximum wattage. With e-bikes with mid-drive motors, the torque sensor responds to rider effort—you go harder, it goes harder. The upshot is that a moderate effort on an e-bike with a mid-drive motor (or any e-bike with a torque sensor) will result in a moderate output from the e-bike.

What this means is that the Trek Marlin+ 8 is capable of climbing faster than this. Many motors we test produce more than 50Nm of torque, and while it may seem like a lackluster number, it’s important to keep in mind that e-bikes with mid-drive motors don’t need to produce as much torque because they use the mechanical advantage of the drivetrain, which effectively multiplies the torque. And the drivetrain is very effective in this regard. Like un-motorized mountain bikes, the Trek Marlin+ 8 has a 12-speed drivetrain—Shimano’s remarkably good Deore group—which gives riders a 510 percent range of gears—more than double what we see with many e-bikes at the value end of the market.

What this adds up to is an e-bike that didn’t fully show its abilities in this test; it is a most capable climber.

The combination of 29-in. wheels and 2.6-in.-wide tires make it easy to roll up and over rocks and roots and maintain great traction throughout.

The Shimano Deore drivetrain performs so well it can be difficult to distinguish from more expensive groups like SLX.

The compact display isn’t always easy to read on the move, but it is easy to reach and shows relevant info.

When set up to run tubeless, the 2.6-in.-wide Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR tires roll quickly and prove difficult to puncture.

The Bontrager Verse P3 is smaller than some saddles we see but offers good support and is easy to maneuver around.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Ride Quality

The Trek Marlin+ 8 is built with an aluminum alloy frame, what Trek calls Alpha Gold aluminum. This is a relatively thin-walled aluminum that is butted—tubes are thicker on the where they are welded—and also hydroformed to give the tubes the shapes they take. What this adds up to is a frame that is lighter and stronger than what we find at lower price points.

Trek produces the Marlin+ 8 in five sizes to truly fit nearly anyone. Two sizes, the small and extra small, roll on 27.5-in. wheels to keep the standover height and reach reasonable for people of modest height. The medium, large and extra large roll on 29-in. wheels, which allows them to make the most of this eMTBs ability to roll over rocks and roots. Trek says that the Marlin+ 8 should fit everyone from 4 feet 9 up to 6 feet 5 and that is a range you can believe … thanks to five sizes. The two smallest sizes also get a narrower bar than the bigger sizes.

The fork is RockShox’s Recon Silver RL, which is an air-spring fork with adjustable damping, adjustable air pressure and preload, plus lockout. It also offers 120mm of travel; compare that with the 60, 80 or 100mm of travel we often see on more cost-conscious e-bikes. The difference between this fork and the suspension forks with coil springs we see on value-targeted e-bikes is significant; it will do more to soak up little bumps while also doing a better job of absorbing bigger hits.

For riders looking to ride singletrack trails who also need to stick to a budget that won’t max out a credit card, the Trek Marlin+ 8 is an outstanding option. It will offer a level of performance that is unlikely to be matched by anything going for less than $3000. This is a different world of performance from the fat-tire, all-terrain e-bikes that are so heavily advertised. And while it’s made for off road use, there’s nothing to say you can’t commute to work on the Marlin+ 8.

One detail that would be easy to overlook that will definitely affect the ride quality is their tire choice. The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR tires are tubeless ready which means that a bike shop can remove the tubes and set the tires up to be run tubeless. This does several things for your experience. First, it improves the ride quality by allowing the tire to flex more. It also allows you to run lower tire pressure, which also improves ride quality. Running tires tubeless also cuts rolling resistance which means that running lower tire pressure won’t slow you down. Finally, it improves flat resistance because should the tire be punctured, sealant inside the tire will usually plug the hole before it goes flat.

We’re beginning to see some eMTBs at lower price points and one thing they don’t offer is the ability to set up the tires for tubeless riding. It’s easy to underestimate how this improves an eMTB’s ride quality.

One last detail not to overlook is the presence of a dropper post. Of the many technical innovations in mountain biking over the last 25 years (and there have been many), dropper posts changed the experience of going down steep descents by allowing the rider to press a lever with their thumb and with their body weight push the saddle down, allowing them to get their body down to lower their center of gravity, making downhills entirely more fun than they would be with the seat all the way up.

Air-spring suspension forks like the Rock Shox Recon Silver RL give riders a much smoother ride than coil-spring forks.

The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is the real star of the show with the Marlin+ 8. It can produce up to 600W and 55Nm of torque.

The Trek Marlin+ 8 is a terrific eMTB and one of our only criticisms was that these pedals don’t offer enough grip off road.

That Trek chose to include a dropper post on the Marlin+ 8 makes a big difference when on steep descents; it’s a confidence booster.

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review: Summary / Where to Buy

The Bosch Flow app allows for a great deal of adjustment to customize the motor to your preference, plus it converts your smartphone into a large display that allows you to see more data as you ride.

The componentry is great considering what you pay. There may be nicer stuff out there, but not at this price. And because this is a Trek product, it is possible to get a test ride before you buy it and when the day comes that your e-bike needs service, Trek dealers are easy to find.

The majority of e-bikes we review weigh more than 60 lbs. With an eMTB more weight is a penalty, so manufacturers try to keep them as light as possible, relative to their price—less weight always equals mo money. With the Trek Marlin+ 8, the weight was kept to a surprisingly low 49.6 lbs. Considering what this eMTB goes for, that’s a terrific weight.

Trek knows that some buyers of the Marlin may want to run errands or commute with their e-bike. The Trek Marlin+ 8 comes with mounts for a kickstand, fenders and a rear rack should you want it to serve double, or triple, duty.

For anyone who is on the fence about whether to buy a fat-tire e-bike or make a bigger investment and buy the Trek Marlin+ 8, we recommend the Trek Marlin+ 8 for anyone who wants to focus on off-road riding and plans to ride technical trails. This is an e-bike for someone who looks at a hiking trail and thinks, “That would be more fun on two wheels.”

For the person who wasn’t a mountain biker in the past, but wants an e-bike that will grow with them and reward both increasing fitness and ability, the Trek Marlin+ 8 is a great place to start. This is an eMTB that won’t prevent you from taking the singletrack trails you encounter, and it will still be loads of fun on the road, whether that road is paved, or not.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let the Electric Bike Report team know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Trek Marlin +8 down in our comments section.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Don’t be a stranger, stay connected

Subscribe to our newsletter.

• Email Address
• How We Test E-Bikes
• Advertise with Us
• Understanding E-Bike Batteries: Volts, Amps, & Watt Hours Explained
• Everything You Need to Know About Electric Bike Batteries Replacement
• The Complete Guide To E-Bike Gearing Systems
• A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Bike Brakes
• The Difference Between Throttle & Pedal-Assist for Electric Bikes
• What Are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter for E-Bikes
• The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Certifications for E-bikes
• 2024’s Best Electric Bikes Revealed: See Our Top Picks!
• Compact and Efficient: Discover the Best Folding E-Bikes on the Market
• Conquer Any Terrain: Best Fat Tire E-Bikes for Your Next Adventure
• From Groceries to Gear: Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Effortless Hauling
• Revolutionize Your Commute: The Top “Best E-bikes for Commuting” Revealed
• Cruise in Comfort: Best Electric Cruiser Bikes for a Leisurely Ride
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best E-Bikes for Older Adults
• Ditch the Car, Ride the Future: Best E-bikes for Getting Around Town
• Stability and Style: The Top 3 Wheel Electric Bikes Revealed

What’s Trending

• Unveiling the Top Hub Motor Brands Dominating the Electric Vehicle Market
• Decoded: Is 250 Watts Enough Power for Your Ebike?
• Single Speed Electric Bikes: Are They Worth It?
• Geared vs. Direct Drive: E-Bike Hub Motors Detailed Comparison
• The Top 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an E-bike
• How Much Does it Cost to Charge An Electric Bike?
• 500W vs. 750W E-bike: Does Wattage Matter on Hills?

• Best City & Urban Electric Bikes
• Cargo & Utility E-Bike Reviews
• E-Bike Organizations & Market Reports

Copy short link

• ⋙ Start Here

Search suggestions:

Popular searches:.

• Best cycling jeans
• Urban cycling brands
• stylish helmets
• Gifts for cyclists

Electric Bikes

Best Electric Bikes with Bosch Motors: Top 5 for Commuters

By Rachael Davis

Updated Dec 06, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more .

Alongside Shimano and SunTour, Bosch, one of the world’s biggest engineering brands, has led the development of electric bike motor technology.

The German manufacturer is renowned for its powerful and efficient motors, and it has produced a wide range of motor designs suitable for a variety of e-bike riders.

From commuters to mountain bikers, weekend leisure riders to cargo riders, there’s a Bosch motor for every e-bike user. There’s a range of different models available at different price points .

In this article, we’ll discuss what makes Bosch motors so popular, which are the most powerful Bosch motors, and provide more details on exactly which bike brands use Bosch motors. We’ll also look at which of those are the pick of the bunch.

eBikes with Bosch Motors (Top Picks)

Trek Allant+ 9.9s

A sleek and powerful electric bike designed for urban commuting and recreational riding.

Schindelhauer Heinrich

A stylish and minimalist urban bike designed for practicality and performance.

CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625

A versatile and reliable electric mountain bike with excellent handling and performance.

Cannondale Canvas Neo 2

A sporty and comfortable electric bike designed for urban exploration and adventure.

Raleigh Centros Hub

A comfortable and practical electric bike designed for urban commuting and leisure riding.

Why Are Bosch E-Bike Motors So Popular?

Bosch motors deliver three essential components that make for an excellent e-bike riding experience: power, efficiency, and a fantastic-feeling ride. This, combined with the wide range of motors on the market, is what makes Bosch motors so popular — they’re dependable, and suitable for a variety of riders.

The compact size of Bosch’s motors reduces weight, making the e-bike more efficient. Three sensors measure pedal power, cadence and speed over 1,000 times per second to ensure the e-bike is totally in sync with its rider, and that the power delivered feels as natural as possible.

All Bosch motors are located in the crank, which makes them mid-drive motors. Putting the motor at the bottom of the frame means that the bike feels stable, as the weight of the motor sits at the lowest point of the bike.

As we’ve already mentioned, the Bosch e-bike motor range is extensive, with motors specifically designed for any and all e-bike uses.

For example, there’s the Active Line for everyday cycling around town (perfect for environmentally-savvy commuters), the Cargo Line for supporting heavy loads, the Performance Line for bike tours, and the powerful Performance Line CX for demanding e-MTB rides.

What Bikes Have the Bosch Motor?

Bosch motors are used by a wide variety of e-bike brands . From Pegasus to Raleigh, and Trek to Canyon, dozens of the most famous brands use Bosch motors on their electric bikes .

Here is a full list of bike brands which use Bosch motors, as listed on the Bosch eBike website.

Bike Brands with Bosch Motors:

• Bianchi Lif-e
• Butchers & Bicycles
• Ebike-manufaktur
• HNF-Nicolai
• KETTLER Alu-Rad
• Reise & Müller
• Ruff Cycles
• Schindelhauer
• Tour de Suisse
• Urban Arrow
• VELO DE VILLE

What is the Most Powerful Bosch Motor?

The Bosch Performance Line CX is the most powerful motor to be produced by the manufacturer. It’s a compact and lightweight motor designed for “a unique eMTB experience”, according to the Bosch website. It supports with torque of up to 85 Nm “for powerful acceleration with compact dimensions”.

The 85 Nm maximum torque makes it possible to accelerate faster, especially at low cadences, and enables you to start off on steep terrain much more easily. This has a noticeable effect on the way you ride.

As with the rest of Bosch’s top-end motors, the Performance Line CX comes with the Bosch smart system so you can individualise your ride by fine-tuning components to your own personal needs.

For example, there are special riding modes, Smart Push Assist for helping out on steep climbs, a Hill Hold function with automatic rollback protection, an eBike Lock for extra security, and over-the-air updates so the smart system is always up to date.

In terms of power, the Performance Line CX’s eMTB mode is specifically designed for sporting use. Because you don’t have to switch between riding modes so often, you have the utmost control and intuitive handling, and will be able to handle challenging segments and manoeuvre over obstacles like roots and stones using the motor’s Extended Boost and intuitive pedal pressure.

Discerning Cyclist’s expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing cycling products so you don’t have to.

Testing stylish gear since 2012

Hundreds of hands-on product tests

Unfiltered opinions from experienced cyclists

Learn more about Discerning Cyclist here.

Best E-Bikes with Bosch Motors [Top 5]

• Trek Allant+ 9.9s [ REVIEW ]
• Schindelhauer Heinrich [ REVIEW ]
• CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 [ REVIEW ]
• Cannondale Canvas Neo 2 [ REVIEW ]
• Raleigh Centros Hub [ REVIEW ]

1. Trek Allant+ 9.9s

Prices are approximate

Bosch Motor:  Performance Line Speed

Weight:  23.4 kg

Range:  120 km

Wheel Size:  27.5”

Gears:  12-Speed

The Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a high-end commuter bike with all the bells and whistles, including the Bosch 350-watt Performance Line Speed motor, the fastest and most powerful motor that Bosch makes.

It has a carbon frame and fork, a Shimano XT 1×12 drivetrain, and quad-piston hydraulic brakes, and offers an incredibly smooth ride that’s almost effortless.

This bike has a fantastic range of up to 120km, so could well last a whole week of commuting on a single charge. Even then, it only takes 3 to 4 hours to charge. Its quick charge speed and long-range mean that it could be great for people who want a trekking bike as well as a commuter bike. However, some components, such as the pedals, may need swapping out for something a bit more comfortable for longer rides.

The controller is a COBI SmartphoneHub controller made for Bosch by COBI, which connects to your smartphone and pairs with Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava, and Komoot. It can even show you an overview of training data and connect with a heart rate monitor. It also has a GPS and live weather, everything you’ll need whether you’re cycling for day-to-day commuting or for longer treks.

2. Schindelhauer Heinrich

Bosch Motor:  Active Line Plus

Weight:  23.7 kg

Gears:  8-Speed

The Schindelhauer Heinrich is a gorgeous-looking bike, but its beauty runs far deeper than just its good looks.

This all-rounder is powered by the Bosch Active Line Plus motor, offering 250 watts of power, which is quiet and operates without a gearbox for a smooth, gentle ride. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is removable and fully charged in 4.5 hours.

It has a light aluminum frame and fork, Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub, and hydraulic disc brakes, resulting in a lovely, smooth ride that feels light as a feather. It also has an incredible range of up to 200km in eco mode, but even riders that prefer to go faster or have more baggage can get a good 80 to 120km on a single charge.

Speaking of baggage, commuters and trekkers alike will enjoy the baggage carrier mounted directly to the frame, which means handling is not affected even when the bike is fully loaded.

This bike suits both seasoned riders and those new to the sport, thanks to its versatile, well-rounded design and complete range of features.

3. CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625

Bosch Motor:  Performance Line CX

Range:  225 km

Gears:  11-Speed

The CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 packs a punch with Bosch’s most powerful Performance Line CX motor, which is exactly what you need for explosive eMTB adventures.

The high torque motor peaks at 85Nm, ensuring the most exciting time out on the trails, and the bike has a massive 625Wh battery that integrates into its sleek aluminum PowerTube frame.

The 100mm high response X-Fusion MIG32 Air forks with lockout can handle anything out on the trails, and you can put faith in its reliable Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.

Also essential for an eMTB with this kind of power are the 2.60″ Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, which have excellent grip and help the rider handle the bike on any surface with ease, so you’re always in full control.

The CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 is great for riders who want the versatility of a choice of terrain, whether that’s off-road single track, bridleways, or tarmac. Plus, with the power coming from that Bosch motor combined with the Shimano Deore 11-speed derailleur, you’ll be able to handle even the steepest of inclines for maximum eMTB fun.

4. Cannondale Canvas Neo 2

Bosch Motor:  Performance Line Cruise

Weight:  21.7 kg

Range:  142 km

Wheel Size:  29”

Gears:  9-Speed

The Cannondale Canvas Neo 2 is a stylish urban e-bike that is ideal for cycling through bustling city streets whether for commuting or weekend leisure.

It’s built for speed, visibility and handling, and is powered by the Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor packing 65Nm of torque. With a range of up to 142km, the city really is your oyster: you won’t need to worry about running out of charge on your way to work, Sunday morning brunch or on a sunny park ride.

The aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork keeps the bike light and easy to handle, while the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are reliable no matter your speed.

The Maxxis DTR-1 tyres are grippy and minimise the impact of bumps in the road, resulting in a deliciously smooth ride, while the integrated pannier rack and fenders mean you can comfortably use the Canvas Neo 2 for any activity.

Plus, it has bright front and rear lights and a weather-sealed battery cover, so you’re ready to ride whatever the weather.

5. Raleigh Centros Hub

Bosch Motor:  Bosch Performance Line

Weight:  28 kg

Range:  200 km

Want to take your powerful e-bike off-road? The Raleigh Centros Hub is designed for trails, bikepacking trips, and all kinds of off-road adventures, fully equipped with mudguards, a pannier rack, powerful disc brakes, and more, so you have everything you need to explore on two wheels.

With a range of up to 200km on a single charge, you’ll really be able to adventure on this e-bike. The built-in Modular Rail System allows you to add accessories to your bike, for example, water bottle holders, and an additional battery and range extender, so you won’t need to worry about your ride being cut short by a flat battery.

The Bosch Performance Line motor is powerful and reliable, so you can take on anything the trails throw at you with speed and confidence. The powerful motor is combined with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Marathon Almotion tyres, giving you grip, stopping power, and superb handling control where you need it most.

Choose from an aluminium frame in crossbar or low-step style depending on your preference, so while you can trust that the Centros Hub has everything you’ll need for your biggest adventure as standard, you also have full capability to customise and add components to create your perfect ride.

Discerning Cyclist Store

Visit the Discerning Cyclist's Shop

Ride in style

Join our weeky newsletter to get early access to our latest discoveries.

Related reads

Engwe m20 review: is it really an e-bike.

By Pete Reynolds

Macfox E-Bike Tips: How to Choose Between Fat Tires and Skinny tires?

By Charlie Parnell

8 Things You Can Do to Prevent E-Bike Theft

By Herman Eloff

Should E-Bikes Be Banned? (The Truth)

By Lawrence Goozee

7 Reasons You’ll Probably Own an E-Bike in the Next 10 Years (If You Don’t Already)

No, electric bikes are not “lazy” (5 stats that prove it).

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The Trek Domane+ Flattens Hills and Conquers Headwinds

Ride faster, ride farther, and make hills smaller with this powerful e-road bike.

Price: $7,000 Weight: 37.89 lb. (claimed, 56cm) Style: Electric, drop-bar endurance road bike Drivetrain: 1x11 SRAM Force 1 Material : Carbon (500 Series OCLV) Tire clearance: 35mm Motor: Bosch Performance Speed, 350 watt, 63Nm, 28 mph Range: Up to 60 miles The right bike for: Pretty much anyone who wants a little e-assistance out there on the road

Buy now More Images

The 2019 Domane+ is the electric version of Trek’s popular Domane , a bike highly regarded for its ability to smooth out rough roads. It’s designed for riders who appreciate the reliable comfort of the Domane’s endurance geometry and IsoSpeed decoupler but want the additional fun and function of an electric assist. At just under a claimed 38 pounds, the Domane+ is lighter than more utilitarian e-bikes, like the Trek Super Commuter+ , which can weigh upward of 50 pounds. That said, it’s heavier than some of the newest entries in the electric road category, like the Orbea Gain, which use a smaller motor and battery system but also don’t have as powerful an assist. The Domane+ offers 350 watts of power, while Orbea’s Gain, for example, tops out at around 250 watts.

5 Trek Domane+ Features We Love

Powertube Battery

Bosch’s integrated 500Wh Powertube battery can be charged on and off the bike.

350-Watt Motor

A Bosch Performance Line Speed motor offers pedal assist up to 28 mph.

Integrated Lighting

Integrated front and rear lights are powered by the battery—no charge required.

IsoSpeed Technology

Trek’s decoupler technology in the seatpost makes rough terrain less likely to cause fatigue.

4 Assist Modes

Expect to get about 5o to 60 miles out of the Domane+ when it’s in Eco mode.

Given its smooth ride and powerful motor, the Domane+ is a serious contender to replace your car, especially for longer commutes. With four assist modes (Eco, Sport, Tour, and Turbo), it takes the sting out of hills and headwinds (max speed is 28 mph) and provides a range of 50 to 60 miles in Eco mode. Integrated front and rear lights make you visible day or night and—bonus!—you don’t have to charge them because they’re powered by the motor’s battery. Hidden fender mounts and clearance for up to 35mm tires mean the bike is ready for casual touring, group rides, and adventure outings on anything from pavement to gravel to rutted city roads.

It’s too soon to tell whether the U.S. market will embrace an electric road bike, but the overall e-bike market is booming—sales in the U.S. have doubled since 2016, says Jocelyn Vande Velde, Trek’s e-bike marketing manager. The company is betting that the Domane+ will appeal to anyone who wants to ratchet up the wheee! , as well as riders coming back from injury or illness, older athletes who still want to mix it up with a speedy group, and friends or couples with different fitness levels. Vande Velde says that Trek Travel will order a full Domane+ fleet for 2019, making its bike tours more accessible than ever to a wide range of riders.

Just One Domane+

While the Domane family is extensive (more than 20 models ranging from the $850 aluminum AL 2 to the nearly $12K carbon SLR 9 Disc eTap, not including Trek’s custom program, Project One), there is only one electric model for 2019. However, the drop-bar Trek CrossRip+ uses the same 350-watt Bosch Performance Speed motor on an aluminum frame with a similar drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes for $4,200. The CrossRip+ is just a couple of pounds heavier than the Domane+, comes with rack and kickstand, and earned a Bicycling Gear of the Year designation for 2018.

Familiar Bosch Motor

The Domane+ uses a 350-watt Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with removable 500Wh Bosch Powertube battery. While the bike may be heavier than some other electric road bikes (the motor and battery add up to just under 15 pounds), the higher power output may appeal to riders who want a boost stronger than a brisk tailwind. Those extra watts, along with features like the integrated lighting and hidden fender mounts, make it a versatile choice that performs equally well on utilitarian and recreational adventures. Trek says the included 4-amp charger will take the battery to full in about three to four hours, and it can be charged on or off the bike.

Geometry Shared With Domane

The Domane+ is built on the same endurance road geometry as the regular Domane. That means a taller head tube for a more upright riding position and a longer wheelbase for greater stability. The bike also utilizes Trek’s proven IsoSpeed decoupler technology in the seatpost (but not in the fork like analog Domane), which makes rough terrain less likely to cause fatigue over long miles. In terms of construction, the company modified the carbon layup to accommodate the battery and motor. “Every bike model and size at Trek has a unique carbon fiber layup to optimize structure, ride quality, and weight,” says a spokesperson at Trek. “Domane+ is no different.”

SRAM 1x11 Drivetrain

The 1x11-speed SRAM Force 1 drivetrain and flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes make for easy shifting and reliable stopping in any conditions, and 35mm Schwalbe G-One Speed tires add cushiness off the pavement. The Bosch Purion Performance controller/display is easy to operate and read. Use the up and down arrow buttons to toggle through power modes. You can also view speed, trip distance, and real-time range estimates based on riding style and assist mode.

Riding the Domane+

I had the opportunity to preview the Domane+ at Trek headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin, during a short ride on local paved roads and some unpaved paths in Waterloo Firemen’s Park.

Despite sharing geometry and comfort features, the Domane+ feels different than its analog cousin. It’s simple physics: The added weight of the battery and motor, and their location (on the down tube and the bottom bracket, respectively), makes for distinct handling. Most notably, the front end feels so much lighter than the rest of the bike that, at first, it seemed to have a life of its own. And, at about twice the weight of a standard Domane, the e-version feels heavier overall. Still, the assist makes up for the extra heft, letting you accelerate quickly, slice through headwinds, and prance up steep climbs. On one steep hill, I cruised along in Turbo mode at 15 mph, much faster than I would have on an unassisted road bike, and easily matched someone who would have dropped me otherwise. It was still an effort, but much more manageable than riding a nonmotorized bike.

The Domane+ comes to life when you take it off the pavement: The burly tires and IsoSpeed technology gobble up bumps and provide stability, while the assist lets you hit speeds on gravel you might not achieve otherwise—leaving you with all the send-y feels. Shifting the 1x11-speed SRAM Force 1 drivetrain is a breeze, although the handlebar-mounted control unit requires you to move your hand to switch between assist modes. That’s not a huge deal, but it is a bit less convenient than on a road bike, especially when your hands are on the hoods or in the drops.

Overall, the bike is a blast to ride and straddles the territory between lighter e-road bikes and heavy electric utility bikes; it has the potential to be a real game changer for so many riders.

3 Great Cold-Weather Cycling Caps

SealSkinz Belgian Style

Wind- and waterproof, with reflective knit at the back for better visibility.

Castelli Difesa 2 Cap

Full coverage: Gore Windstopper on top, Thermoflex on the flaps.

Giro Merino Winter Cap

Wool keeps your head warm and stink-free, the X-Static liner wicks sweat.

Bike Reviews

The Spot Mayhem 140 is Brilliantly Unconventional

The 13 Best Road Bikes of 2024

Firefly’s Custom Gravel Bike is Cycling Artwork

The 14 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

Trek Checkpoint & Checkmate Gravel Bikes Reviewed

This Bike Made Me Laugh, Cry, and Puke—Buy It!

The Specialized Crux DSW Is Simple and Brilliant

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 10 Best Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

Giant TCR Advanced Improves on Its Legacy

Speed, Balance, Refinement: Trek's Gen 4 Top Fuel

Tested: Trek’s Eighth-Generation Madone

Which is the best e-bike motor? Power, punch and range compared

• Danny Milner
• June 19, 2024

Your guide to all the most popular mid-mounted e-bike motors on the market, from Bosch to Brose to Yamaha, Fazua and Shimano.

Brose, Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, Panasonic, Giant e-bike systems… which has more power, which has more battery punch, which is more reliable? Our guide to e-bike motors has the answers. While the motor isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to the very best electric mountain bikes , the best motors are often found on the best overall bike models.

The Bosch Performance Line CX is one of the most reliable units on the market

Bosch Performance Line CX

Best for reliability.

• Motor weight: 2.9kg (2.75kg for the Race version)
• Modes: Eco, Tour, eMTB, Turbo
• Power: 600W
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery: 500Wh, 625Wh, or 750Wh
• Charging: 5.4 hours for 625Wh battery, with standard charger
• Energy density: 625Wh – 178Wh/kg, 750Wh – 170Wh/kg

Bosch’s considerable experience in consumer electronics and motors is obvious in the highly polished Performance Line CX motor. There’s plenty of power, but it’s easy to control and ultra responsive. The modes are well judged, with eMTB giving you copious grunt when you need it, then dialling back the power to maximise range. In Turbo there’s plenty of overrun, which lets you boost over uphill obstacles. Bosch control units were always its weak point, being big and bulky, but the latest integrated top tube System Controller and wireless, Bluetooth Mini Remote are discreet and a joy to use and the smartphone app lets you tune the characteristics of the motor. For less weight, a hair trigger response, and extended two metre overrun, the limited edition Race motor is something special.

Read our full review of the Trek Rail 9 with Bosch Performance Line CX motor

SRAM AXS Powertrain combines the motor and the transmission giving the option to let the computer change gears for you.

SRAM Powertrain

Best for wireless tech and auto-shift.

• Motor Weight: 2.9kg
• Modes: Range, Rally
• Power: 680W
• Torque: 90Nm
• Battery: 630Wh or 720Wh (250Wh range extender available)
• Charging: N/A
• Energy density: 630Wh – 203Wh/kg, 720Wh – 175Wh/kg

SRAM’s new Powertrain takes the smooth, silent Brose S-Mag motor found in the Specialized Turbo Levo and gives it a twist, adding wireless connectivity and Auto-Shift technology thanks to integration with the latest T-Type AXS transmission. There are only two power modes, but they’re fully customisable, and two battery sizes – a lighter 630Wh unit and a long-range 720Wh option.

Auto Shift hands shifting duties over to the computer, and it works ok in certain situations, less effectively in others. But you can turn it off, and still benefit from the excellent shifting and clean, wireless controls. Range is impressive, even with the smaller battery, and there’s ample power even on the steepest ramps. Only available on certain models from Propain, Nukeproof, GasGas, and Transition currently.

Read our full review of the SRAM Powertrain motor/transmission

The belt-driven Brose is super quiet and the latest versions seem much more robust after early reliability issues.

Brose S Mag

Quietest motor.

• Modes: Eco, Trail, Turbo
• Power: 565W
• Battery: 500Wh or 700Wh
• Charging: 6 hours for 700Wh battery
• Energy density: 700Wh – 179Wh/kg

This is the motor found on Specialized’s Turbo Levo, and while it has suffered from a high failure rate in the past, updates to the latest version seem to have cured the reliability issues. Relatively quiet thanks to its belt drive, there’s plenty of power and a nicely calibrated response that feels completely natural. Specialized’s Mission Control app lets you customise the performance, and the new integrated top tube Mastermind TCU gives you access to more data then you’ll know what to do with, and even lets you plot a route and let the motor adjust the power to make sure you have enough range to get round.

Read our full review of the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp

The Shimano EP801 motor gets minor upgrades over the EP8

Shimano EP801

Best motor for compact dimensions and crank interface.

• Motor weight: 2.7kg
• Modes: Eco, Trail, Boost
• Battery: 504Wh or 630Wh (third party options vary, up to 900Wh)
• Charging: 6 hours for 630Wh battery, with standard charger

Shimano has just updated its flagship EP8 motor, but you’d never know from looking at it. Power has been increased by 80W to 600W, but torque remains unchanged, and the rattle when coasting can also be a problem on some examples, but there’s better sealing and a couple of new accessory connections. EP801 is also compatible with Shimano’s Auto Shift drivetrain if you want to let an algorithm choose your gears. The control unit and display are neat and unobtrusive, but there’s no % display for battery life, so it’s not obvious how much juice you’ve got left. Equally, the range seems to be much better with third party battery options than Shimano’s own BT-8036 unit. We also love the splined crank interface, low weight, compact dimensions, and narrow Q-factor.

Read our first ride review of the Shimano EP801 motor

Shimano EP6 motor

Shimano EP6

Cheaper, heavier Shimano unit

• Motor weight: 3kg
• Battery: 504Wh or 630Wh
• Charging: 5 hours for 500Wh battery, with fast charger

A cheaper option to the EP801, the EP6 gets the same power and torque but packaged within a heavier casing. It’s still compatible with Auto Shift.

The Giant Syncdrive motor is made by Yamaha.

Yamaha PW-X3

Punchy and effective.

• Motor weight: 2.75kg
• Modes: Eco, Basic, Active, Sport, Power
• Battery: 625Wh, or 750Wh

Yamaha’s latest motor is found on various Haibike models as well as Giant’s range of e-bikes, badged as the Syncdrive Pro and Yamaha’s own range of e-bikes, including the Moro 07. We’ve had long term test bikes from both Giant and Haibike fitted with this motor, and in both instances it has proven trouble-free.

Read our review of the Giant Trance X Advanced E+1 with Yamaha/Giant Syncdrive motor

The Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0 motor is innovative and packs a mighty punch.

Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0

Best for power and torque.

• Power: 700W
• Torque: 108Nm
• Battery: 720Wh
• Charging: 3hrs 55mins for 750Wh battery, with fast charger

Rocky Mountain was making mincemeat of its rivals way back in 2017 with its innovative Dyname motor. Driving the chain off an idler pulley, the motor packs a hefty 108Nm of torque and 700w of peak power. And you can immediately feel those numbers when you ride it – it’s a beast. Another benefit of the design is that it uses a standard BB and crank interface, so it’s serviceable and replaceable. It also allows Rocky Mountain’s designers freedom to put suspension pivots exactly where they want, and keep the geometry identical to their non-assisted counterparts. The latest version has a lighter motor, better sealing, improved calibration, a larger capacity battery and a neat display integrated into the top tube.

Underneath the Whyte cover is the latest Bosch SX motor.

Bosch Performance Line SX

Most powerful lightweight motor.

• Motor weight: 2kg
• Torque: 55Nm
• Battery: 400Wh with optional 250Wh range extender
• Charging: TBC
• Energy density: 400Wh – 200Wh/kg

Bosch has finally entered the ‘lightweight’ sector with the new Performance Line SX system. The new motor looks like a shrunken Performance CX unit with a magnesium casing and two-bolt mount. Weight is a reasonable 2kg – which is not the lightest on the market, but still competitive with the 1.95kg Fazua and Specialized SL 1.2.. It pumps out an impressive 600w peak power, making it on par with most full fat options and way ahead of its lightweight rivals. At 55Nm, peak torque is more in line with expectations, meaning it won’t be able to crawl up near vertical pitches like a full fat. To extract maximum power you need to keep the cranks spinning really fast – over 100rpm – so it’s not a motor for riders who like to grind out a low cadence.

Providing power is a new 400Wh internal battery backed up by an optional 250Wh range extender. This gives it the biggest potential capacity of all the lightweight units. With a battery weight of 2kg, you’re looking at a 4kg system – 3kg lighter than Performance CX – and complete bike weights in the sub-20kg range.

Read our first ride review of the Bosch Performance SX motor

The Pivot Shuttle SL fitted with the Fazua Ride 60 motor

Fazua Ride 60

Best mid-power motor for overall range.

• Motor weight: 1.96kg
• Modes: Breeze, River, Rocket
• Power: 450W
• Torque: 60Nm
• Battery: 430Wh (2.3kg)
• Charging: 3.5 hours for 430Wh battery, with standard charger
• Energy density: 430Wh – 186Wh/kg

Fazua’s evolution of the original Evation system ups the power, torque and range while remaining impressively light and low friction. Now you can tap into 450W of power for up to 12 seconds at a time, while the 60Nm torque is enough to wrangle up steep, technical pitches. The 430Wh battery will do 1,000m of climbing in the most powerful Rocket mode, which is impressive, but the Ring Control remote feels worryingly fragile. Fortunately there’s nothing to actually break, but we’d prefer if it had a more obvious click. Motor reliability is the big question mark with Fazua’s system, as 75% of test bikes we’ve had with the Ride 60 have suffered problems. At least there is now a dedicated Fazua service partner in the UK through Upgrade .

Read our review of the Pivot Shuttle SL with Fazua Ride 60 motor

The new Turbo SL 1.2 motor is found on the latest Specialized Turbo Levo SL II and Kenevo SL.

Specialized SL 1.2

Great all-round package.

• Motor weight: 1.95kg
• Power: 320W
• Torque: 50Nm
• Battery: 320Wh (160Wh range extender available)
• Energy density: 320Wh – 178Wh/kg

Specialized’s lightweight motor option has just been upgraded and is now called the SL 1.2. Headline updates are that max power has risen from 240w to 320w and torque has increased from 35Nm to 50Nm. Specialized also claims a reduction in noise thanks to different internal gearing. The battery remains 320Wh, boosted by a 160Wh external range extender, so don’t expect to go as far on a single charge with the updated motor as the old one.

Read our first ride review of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL with SL 1.2 motor

TQ’s HPR50 is exceptionally small and light

Lightest, quietest, and most compact mid-power motor

• Motor weight: 1.85kg
• Modes: Eco, Mid, High
• Power: 300W
• Battery: 360Wh
• Charging: 3hrs for 360Wh battery
• Energy density: 360Wh – 200Wh/kg / 580Wh – 216Wh/kg

TQ’s HPR50 is the most compact motor on the market thanks to its harmonic design, where the motor runs concentric to the bottom bracket axle. Not only is it hard to see, it’s almost silent in operation, making it utterly stealthy in use. The control unit is also compact and the top tube mounted display gives just enough info in an easy-to-read package. We got 800m of climbing out of the 360Wh battery in High power mode, so you’ll need the range extender or the new larger 580Wh battery to get a decent range. The only downside of the small footprint is that it can get very hot.

Read our full review of the Trek Fuel EXe with TQ HPR50 motor

Forestal’s has developed the Bafang EonDrive, and it’s a potent unit, but it lacks range, you can’t tune the power output, and there’s still no range extender

Forestal/Bafang EonDrive

• Modes: Eco, Sport, Race, Nitro
• Power: 400W
• Charging: 1hr 24mins to 80% for 360Wh battery

This petite Bafang unit has been tuned by Forestal and found on the brand’s range of lightweight e-bikes. In Nitro mode there’s stacks of power and torque, so despite the weight saving package, you can conquer some impressive climbs. There’s also a sophisticated colour touch-screen display embedded in the top tube, and a compact remote on the handlebar. With the stock 360Wh battery and no range extender, we only managed just under 700m of climbing in Nitro mode, so it’s not the most efficient option on the market. There’s also no option to tune the power in each mode, and we’re still waiting for the promised range extender.

Read our review of the Forestal Cyon with Forestal/Bafang Eondrive motor

E-Bike motor torque and max power at a glance

• Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0: 108Nm/700w
• SRAM Powertrain: 90Nm/680w
• Brose Drive S-Mag: 90Nm/565w
• Panasonic GXO: 90Nm
• Bosch Performance Line CX: 85Nm/600w
• Shimano EP801: 85Nm/600w
• Shimano EP8: 85Nm/520w
• Yamaha PW-X2: 80Nm
• Shimano E8000: 70Nm
• Shimano E7000: 60Nm
• Giant SyncDrive N/A
• Bosch Performance SX: 55Nm/600w
• Fazua Evation Ride 60: 60Nm/450w
• Forestal/Bafang Eondrive: 60Nm/400w
• Fazua Evation 1.0: 55Nm
• Specialized SL 1.2: 50Nm/320W
• TQ HPR50: 50Nm/300w
• Specialized SL 1.1: 35Nm/240w

Range comparison – Mid power motors

For this range comparison we used the same test circuit, with the same tyres, at the same pressures. The rider was the same and conditions very similar. We used the maximum power mode on all four bikes.

Pivot Shuttle SL V Levo SL V Forestal V Trek Fuel EXe real world range comparison

As you can see, the Fazua motor gave the best range by a long way, delivering over 1,000m of elevation in the top Rocket mode before running out of juice. In second place was the old Specialized SL 1.1 motor (with 35Nm torque), that managed 924m of elevation. Third was the Trek Fuel EXe with the TQ motor, chalking up 802m, while the Forestal lagged a long way behind in fourth with 691m.

Lightweight motor range test results

Since that range test, we’ve also benchmarked the latest Bosch SX motor, and updated Specialized SL1.2, found in the latest Levo SL and Kenevo SL models, along with the TQ and Fazua Ride 60 . The Specialized motor delivered just under 10% less range at 850m elevation, while the Bosch SX fitted to the latest Whyte E-Lyte achieved 842m in Turbo mode, despite having 400Wh battery. This was done with four different riders, so not directly comparable.

Rule #1: Don’t buy an e-bike based solely on its motor

Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in the stats and worry about getting left behind in a drag race to the trailhead, but never lose sight of the fact that a motor is only one aspect of what makes a good e-bike. The frame, suspension, geometry, sizing, and components all play a huge part in creating the overall ride quality and handling performance of an e-mtb. So while the motor is important, a great motor won’t make up for poor suspension or geometry.

E-bike motor repair shops will get you back up and running.

What happens if my motor stops working?

The stuff of nightmares, but sadly it’s something all e-bike owners will experience at some point. When your motor does stop working, as long as it’s within warranty, it’s just a simple case of contacting the brand or shop that you bought it from, and they will sort it under warranty. If you are out of warranty, then fear not. Most problems can be repaired by one of the UK’s specialist e-bike motor service centres . The cost depends on which motor you have, and how complex the repair, but to give you an idea, a full service is around £300-400.

From astronauts to e-bikes If you own something with a button or a screen, you probably already depend on Bosch. But what you might not know is that this technology provider has been quietly running your devices for decades. Since 1886, they’ve built a reputation for precision and quality. Today, their technology is trusted in nearly half the world’s phones, millions of homes and offices and garages around the globe, and even on the International Space Station. Does this make them the most over-qualified supplier of e-bike systems ever? Well, yeah. But we wouldn’t partner with anyone that wasn’t. Why? Because dependability is everything. You can count on Bosch e-bike motors when it matters. (Just ask an astronaut.)

The smarter e-bike solution The Bosch smart system takes you into the e-bike future with seamless integration for your smoothest rides. Connect to your components and personalize your ride experience using the eBike Flow app, which is fully integrated into the smart system so you can record your route, customize your ride mode, and update your e-bike over the air.

A faster ride that feels like you Lose yourself in your next e-bike adventure with natural-feeling Bosch drive systems. These pedal-assist motors allow you and your bike to operate as one— they won’t lag when you start to pedal, there’s no motor kick when you stop, and you’ll enjoy smooth and powerful acceleration without distracting noise. Whether you’re a tinkerer who wants to fine-tune your ride and experiment with assist or the type of rider who just wants to set it and forget it, Bosch e-bike motors provide the ideal drive for every application.

GET THAT JUUUUUST RIGHT ASSIST

Know exactly what you want when you want it? Don’t want a machine thinking for you? The eBike Flow app lets you fine-tune your Turbo, Sport, Tour, and Eco assist profiles specifically to your liking.

SET AND FORGET: eMTB MODE

Focus on the trail, not your tech. Bosch’s eMTB mode delivers the right amount of assist based on your terrain for predictable, natural-feeling power when you need it. This Bosch-exclusive ride mode also boasts an Extended Boost feature that keeps the motor running for a moment after you stop pedaling to help you clear obstacles you can’t pedal through.

OPTIMIZED FOR YOUR LONGEST RIDES

Save battery life on your biggest adventures with Tour+ mode. This Bosch-exclusive tech gives you the ideal assist for long days in the saddle when you need more mileage but don’t want to constantly change your level of assist.

A better e-bike battery Enjoy more watts with less worry knowing your Bosch battery exceeds e-bike safety standards. All Bosch eBike Systems are UL 2849 certified, which means they meet strict requirements to prevent electrical shock and mechanical and fire hazards. Bosch’s advanced lithium-ion batteries also feature a Battery Management System (BMS) that works to detect errors, protect against overheating, and extend overall battery life.

Extend your ride

Want to go farther? Bosch offers range extender batteries, so you can climb higher, ride longer, and explore far beyond the beaten path. 

• Learn about range extenders

Intelligent display, intuitive control Bosch e-bike displays are sleek, easy to use, and intuitive, so you can stay connected and see all your ride stats at a glance. Plus, you can easily connect your smart phone for extra navigation, over-the-air updates, activity tracking, and more.

The Bosch Kiox display lets you track your fitness, ride metrics, and see all the essential data you need to ride, like speed and currently-selected mode, on its full-color display. You can even map out rides with navigation functions or activate eBike Lock as additional theft protection.

Bosch Intuvia

Simple operation, completely connected. Bosch’s Intuvia gives you a quick glance at the data you need, like speed and currently-selected mode, on a compact 2.5˝ high contrast display. It’s intutive to use, and pairs wirelessly via Bluetooth to Bosch’s LED remote or Mini Remote. Plus, you still get eBike Lock theft protection.

Easy to access with your hands on the bars, the LED remote features color-coded ride modes for instant recognition. It auto-adjusts the display brightness depending on ambient light, so you can always see your support level. Plus, it pairs wirelessly with your smartphone to give you more data when you want it.

Get control and data all in one place with the compact, 1.6˝ Purion 200 display and control combo. Purion 200 lets you view your essential riding details, like remaining battery life, range, and support mode, plus it makes powering on and off a cinch, so all you need to do is saddle up and ride. 

Connection and control at your fingertips Elevate your e-bike experience with the Bosch eBike Flow app

• Google Play

Fine-tuned to you

You can customize your e-bike assist modes to offer more support when you need it or consume less power on longer rides.

Record your ride

Tracking starts as soon as you start pedaling and pauses automatically when you take a break, so you always get the most accurate data about your ride.

Easy integration

Bosch eBike Flow synchronizes in realtime with Strava, Apple Health, and Komoot, so logging rides across different apps is a breeze.

Protect your investment

The eBike Flow app acts as a digital key and lets you deactivate motor support for additional theft protection.

Over-the-air updates

You can download new features and updates and send them directly to your e-bike via Bluetooth.

Exclusive Trek integration

The app will recognize your Trek e-bike, help you find your local trek retailer, and even provide service reminders.

eBike Range Assistant

Planning your next electric adventure? A lot factors into e-bike range — including battery size, weight, and terrain. Use Bosch’s eBike Range Assistant to find out just how far you can go on a single charge.

Reliable power wherever you roam

Bosch is a household name with a global business. Whether you’re heading out on an e-bike ride or rocketing into outer space, you can roam easy knowing Bosch has your back with reliable products, global support, and service that can’t be beat.

Got questions?

Bikes with Bosch

Speed up commutes with Allant+. Its hill-flattening boost and rugged features let you skip the car and breeze by traffic.

• See the bikes

Comfortable, intuitive, and a ton of fun. Whether you’re out for a weekend adventure or running errands, Verve+ gets you there with ease.

Charge into the unknown with rugged power and big trail capability on Rail. This long-travel electric mountain bike is built to take you way, way out there.

Powerfly is an electric mountain bike that’s ready to help you conquer new heights. It offers just enough travel to smooth out the trail and rugged capability for the city, too.

• Go! E-bikes
• Accessories
• Find a retailer

ABOUT ELECTRA

• Electra history
• Flat Foot Technology
• Brand partners
• Electra Funbassadors
• Work at Electra
• Customer care
• Bike registration
• Manuals & user guides
• Shipping & delivery
• Newsletter signup
• Global distributors
• How to shop safely
• Privacy policy & terms of use
• Accessibility
• Cookie policy
• California Transparency Act

United States / English

• © Electra Bicycle Company 2024

• Search forums
• Manufacturer Specific

Has anyone else had this problem with Bosch CX motor?

• Thread starter Seraye
• Start date Apr 26, 2021
• Apr 26, 2021

Hello! I have a 2021 Powerfly 5 HT purchased this January with the Trek “emtb lite” firmware upgrade. Around about 150 miles of use,i began experiencing random power “stutters”and the purion display would randomly show the speed jumping up and down (like 2-3mph jumps). This could occur on any mode I was riding in, it didn’t seem isolated to emtb lite. At first this was very random and seldom enough that I thought maybe it was me and not the Motor, so I ignored it, but then it got worse and finally near 200 miles it became persistent and very annoying and the “stuttering” would be extreme enough to almost throw me if I was standing and climbing. The speed display would continue to jump up and down randomly - and it seems that when this occurs, the motor just lacks “oomph” . So, I took it to the trek dealer, they ran diagnostics, spent lots of time with Bosch techs over the phone, and found multiple error Codes, but couldn’t pinpoint the source of the problem, so they replaced my Motor for me. Well, 140 miles on the new motor and the problem is starting again, just like last time - random power stutters and the speed jumping up and down... so my question - has this happened to anyone else? Did you take it to a dealer and did it ever get resolved? What did you do?  

I have not seen this problem...yet. I will keep my eyes open for this though. The only insight I have to offer at this point is so obvious, I’m sure it’s already been looked at. BUT, just in case, check the speed sensor. This is an integral component in how Bosch controls, and ultimately limits, the speed. Although, given the e-mtb lite firmware upgrade is relatively recent, I certainly wouldn’t rule that out as a possible culprit. I would ask the following: 1) What were the error codes? 2) Are the error codes associated with the drive unit directly, or a peripheral part, or wiring? 3] HAS your bike shop or Bosch suggested changing out the speed sensor wiring harness? This is all I have at this point, but am interested in hearing future developments. Cheers ?  

Active member

Haven't had speed reading issues, but did have an occasional surge in assistance (though it could be subjective, it's short and seldom). Feels like a short burst of turbo-like power, when in ECO.  

Handheld Power Tool

I’ve had a similar issue a couple times (Bosch gen4). 1-metal filings on magnetic sensor. 2-loose wire connections on motor. 3-outdated software/firmware. Some of these issues showed the 504 error which caused intermittent loss of power. A trip to the LBS was necessary for a reset (and update while I was there). I regularly clean the magnet sensor with a blast of air (or someone’s toothbrush).  

• Thread starter

Thank you for the feedback, I considered the speed sensor myself, but it doesn’t happen on my Rail which has double the mileage and grime— one difference being however that the Rail did not have the emtb lite mode until just recently (under 100 miles ago). Today I take the PF in to the LBS for a diagnostic, but I will ask them to roll back the firmware to just the regular tour mode to see if it is a glitch with emtb-lite mode.  

There may be a number of factors for the 504 error or an intermittent lose of power (if I recall). -a loose magnet on the rotor. -a loose sensor wire on the motor (2-wire) -a faulty speed sensor - metal filings on the rotor magnet -a broken sensor wire -a dirty speed sensor -a reset or update required (LBS) Some of these are easy to check and remedy on the trail or in your garage with some basic skills. Beyond that…LBS. I’m not sure if I’d want the firmware rolled-back but it might be worth a try.  

• May 1, 2021

I had that problem, but I created it bye pinching the wheel sensor wire with a motor bolt. It’s a 2 wire sensor and can be checked with an ohm meter. It should show some ohms and then pull down to about zero when the magnet passes the sensor. I just repaired the wire myself, but the wires are really small. Good luck I haven’t had any other problems and just turned over 3,000 miles?  

I had it a few times. Metal shavings on the magnet. Every time I had to take the mag Est of the break disk to clean it properly. The shavings stick (as it’s a magnet?) I would try that first. Easiest and cheapest to eliminate  

Well-known member

We had this issue on my wife’s powerfly 7 HT that we bought last September, it started after we had the emtb lite update, bosch advice was to roll the firmware back but doing this caused the motor to completely shut down so a new motor was the answer as per your experiance. we have since sold the powerfly with the remainder of the warranty as we had already purchased a Rail for my wife. Hope you get this sorted for the second time.  

A few people have mentioned metal filings on the magnet. Do they originate from the disc / pads?  

Some good feedback here and I hope more of you out there respond with your experiences. I took the bike back to the shop For a diagnostic , there were no error codes This time and the tech reached out to Bosch for advice regarding the speed sensor. Since that Last trip to the shop, I haven’t noticed the issue at all, so, the jury is out for now, but I will report back if there are any new developments.  

• May 2, 2021

Bobj183 said: A few people have mentioned metal filings on the magnet. Do they originate from the disc / pads? Click to expand...

• Jun 15, 2021

I had an issue with my motor stuttering around 19mph and the display acting erratically… flipped the magnet on the hub from arching up to arching down and that resolved it.  

Similar threads

• Richiefromboston
• Nov 25, 2021

• Jun 8, 2022

• Jun 21, 2019

• Jun 6, 2021

• Sep 8, 2021

EMTB Forums

The World's largest electric mountain bike community.

Latest articles

2025 Merida eOne-Sixty 675 review

• Aug 30, 2024
• Reaction score: 5

Shimano EP801 and Bosch CX Race - drivetrain killers?

• Aug 23, 2024
• Comments: 14

• MAGAZINE OFFERS
• BIKE INSURANCE
• Best Products
• Maintenance
• Accessories
• Long-Term Reviews
• First Look Friday
• Bike of the Week
• Tech Features
• Routes and Rides
• Bike Galleries
• BikeRadar Bargains
• Buyer's Guides
• Fitness & Training
• Sizing & Fit
• Mountain Biking UK
• Cycling Plus
• BikeRadar Podcast

What is the best electric mountain bike motor in 2022? Shimano vs Bosch vs Brose vs Yamaha

We find out which of the four leading ebike motors from Shimano, Bosch, Brose and Yamaha is best

The motor fitted to an electric mountain bike can make a significant impact on how it rides and, with more motors and eMTBs available than ever in this burgeoning bike category, deciding on the best option can be bewildering.

In fact, 'which electric mountain bike motor is best?' is a question we get asked regularly at BikeRadar.

Of course, the answer isn’t clear-cut but, having headed up the new electric mountain bike category in our annual Bike of the Year test (dropping in May), I've been testing motors from all the leading brands.

This article will shed light on where each motor from the four main manufacturers (Bosch, Brose/Specialized, Shimano, Yamaha/Specialized) performs best – and where they falter.

There's a lot to cover, so strap yourself in for the full deep-dive into electric mountain bike motors – or use the links below to skip to the sections you need. I've also included a glossary of the key eMTB motor terminology at the end of the article.

• What motor options are available?
• Specifications compared
• Performance – power
• Performance – control
• Performance – efficiency
• Performance – noise
• Performance – living with each motor
• Which eMTB motor is best?
• Glossary – eMTB motor terminology

If eMTB motors aren't what you're looking for, our buyer's guide to electric bike motors goes into detail about other types of motors for different kinds of electric bikes .

Electric mountain bike motors – what options are there?

Broadly speaking, there are currently two main categories of ebike motor.

Full-fat electric bikes typically use a high-power motor with between 70Nm and 100Nm of torque and are powered by high-capacity batteries with from 504Wh to 1,000Wh of energy.

I've focused my test on the four motor brands typically specced on most full-fat electric mountain bikes: Shimano, Bosch, Brose and Yamaha.

First is the Shimano EP8 motor , officially the DU-EP800, fitted to a host of bikes from brands including Santa Cruz, Yeti, Marin, YT Industries and Nukeproof.

Next is Bosch’s Performance Line CX, fitted to bikes from the likes of Mondraker, Trek, Whyte and Scott.

Then there’s Brose’s Drive S Mag, also known as Specialized’s Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor. This system is fitted to Specialized’s most powerful ebikes, as well as models from German brand Rotwild and Spanish brand BH Bikes.

Finally, we’ve got the Giant and Yamaha-developed SyncDrive Pro, also known as the PW-X3. Most commonly fitted to Giant bikes, it’s also available on some Haibike and Raymon models.

While I'll focus on these models, this isn’t an exhaustive list of ebike motors.

A number of lightweight options exist, found on bikes where, unsurprisingly, there's more focus on reducing weight, and less on all-out electric grunt.

Lightweight ebikes use smaller, less powerful motors delivering as little as 30Nm of torque but up to 60Nm. They’re usually fitted with lower-capacity batteries that are generally smaller than 500Wh. Bike weights are typically between 13.5kg and 20kg depending on exact specifications.

Here, Fazua’s modular Evation motor, fitted to bikes from Kinesis and Lapierre, goes head-to-head with Specialized’s Mahle-made SL motor, found on the American brand's Turbo Kenevo SL and Turbo Levo SL bikes.

Canadian brand Rocky Mountain’s ebikes are fitted with a full-fat motor called the Dyname drive system, available exclusively on Rocky bikes.

Panasonic also makes motors, and there’s Shimano’s de-tuned EP8 RS found on the Orbea Rise to consider. There are a host of rear-hub motors, too, but these are less relevant for mountain bikes, and are more commonly found on electric road bikes or electric hybrid bikes .

Again, to avoid over complication, I’ve compared the four most common motors you’re most likely to encounter when considering an eMTB purchase.

Electric mountain bike motor specifications compared

Comparing the headline figures from each of the motors in this test is a good way to initially understand how they could feel out on the trail in any given scenario.

Torque, power and assistance

Higher torque and watt figures, or maximum support percentage, should equate to a more powerful-feeling motor, helping riders ascend quicker or with less effort.

Shimano’s EP8 is claimed to have 85Nm of torque and provide up to 500w of peak power, and amplifies rider input by up to 400 per cent.

Bosch’s Performance Line CX equals Shimano’s torque, also delivering 85Nm, but only offers 340 per cent support. Bosch wasn’t able to disclose the Performance Line CX’s peak power.

The Yamaha/Giant PW-X3/SyncDrive Pro also has 85Nm of torque, matching Shimano’s support ratio at 400 per cent. Continuous power is rated 250w – the maximum allowed under ebike laws – but Giant doesn’t quote peak power figures.

The Brose/Specialized Drive S Mag/Turbo Full Power System 2.2 Motor boasts 90Nm of torque, beating – on paper – the other motors on test. It’s also claimed to offer 410 per cent assistance and 565w of peak power.

If this were just a game of Top Trumps number crunching, the Brose would come out on top. But, as we'll find out, it's not as simple as comparing the numbers on a spec sheet.

What modes do each of the motors have?

Each of the motors have pre-programmed modes that the user can switch between when riding. The modes deliver different levels of assistance, usually from low to high.

Shimano’s EP8 has three riding modes: eco, trail and boost, plus a walk mode.

Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor has four stock modes, but depending on which control unit is fitted, the trail mode functions differently. For Purion-equipped bikes it has eco, trail, eMTB and turbo. Kiox 300 bikes have eco, trail+, eMTB and turbo.

Bosch’s eMTB and trail+ modes are reactive to rider input, where torque and power assistance levels are altered on the fly depending on how hard a rider is pedalling.

Specialized bikes have three stock modes – once again eco, trail and turbo – but if the bike is fitted with the MasterMind TCU control unit, it’s possible to change assistance levels in 10 per cent increments rather than switching between three predefined modes.

Finally, the Giant motor has five modes: eco, tour, active, sport and power. The active mode functions similarly to Bosch’s trail+ and eMTB modes, where increased rider input increases the amount of motor assistance.

Battery capacity and run times

Claimed run times can vary greatly and are dictated by a huge number of factors – not only which assistance level is selected or how much capacity a battery has.

Bike and rider weight, tyre compound and pressure, the weather conditions, trail type and smoothness, and how hard a rider is pedalling all influence how long an ebike’s battery can last.

That said, battery capacity is a good general indicator, where larger-capacity batteries will generally provide more range.

The Bosch motor is only compatible with Bosch's electric bike batteries . The range starts with a 300Wh unit and increases to the headlining 1,250Wh battery. This makes it one of the biggest-capacity batteries.

Unlike Bosch, Shimano’s EP8 motor can be paired with third-party batteries. Shimano has its own 504Wh and 630Wh units, too. SL ebikes such as the Orbea Rise use a 360Wh unit, while Norco’s Range VLT with EP8 motor can be paired with a 900Wh battery capacity.

Meanwhile, Canyon has developed its own 720Wh and 900Wh batteries for use with the EP8 motor on the new Canyon Spectral:On .

Giant’s SyncDrive Pro motor features 625Wh and 750Wh battery capacities, but the Yamaha-branded version of the motor maxes out with a 600Wh capacity.

Specialized’s 2.2 motor is fitted with up to 700Wh capacity batteries, but the Brose version maxes out with a 630Wh unit.

The limiting factor for battery capacity is figuring out how to improve energy densities, where the aim is to fit the more potential energy into the same space without increasing battery size and weight.

Motor weights

Ever-advancing technology means ebike motors are decreasing in size and weight while offering more power and torque. This is a great thing for riders who are beginning to get the advantages of more power without significant weight penalties.

For our motors, the Shimano EP8 is the lightest, weighing a claimed 2,600g.

Next is the Giant/Yamaha motor, tipping the scales at a claimed 2,750g.

This is swiftly followed by the Specialized/Brose unit, weighing a claimed 2,900g.

Finally, Bosch’s Performance Line CX matches the Brose, also weighing a claimed 2,900g.

Given batteries can weigh from 3,150g (Shimano BT-E8035) up to 4,500g (Norco VLT 900Wh) depending on their capacity, the relatively small difference in weight between the Shimano and Bosch motors isn’t a particularly significant factor.

Displays and controllers

The Shimano EP8 and Bosch Performance Line CX motors both have bar-mounted displays, while the Giant and Specialized’s displays are built into the bike’s top tube.

The Shimano display has several variants, including ones with monochrome and full-colour displays. Shimano’s controller has two buttons and sits next to either the left-hand or right-hand grips.

Bosch produces a vast range of displays with varying functionality. The most basic is the Purion model, which even lacks smartphone connectivity. At the other end of the scale is the Nyon display that features touchscreen functionality. The model of display dictates which controller is installed.

Giant’s RideControl Go top tube display uses sequential LED lights to indicate remaining battery charge and which mode the bike is in. The redesigned RideControl Ergo 3 controller has three buttons and can be installed on either the left- or right-hand side of the bars, and button functionality is configurable using the app.

The Specialized MasterMind TCU, like the Giant’s display, is mounted to the bike’s top tube. The top-spec version features an in-built colour LCD display with customisable data fields.

The less sophisticated TCU uses LED lights to denote battery charge and selected mode, but both displays use the same four-button bar-mounted controller.

Apps and mode customisation

Each of these motor systems comes with its own smartphone app, connected via Bluetooth.

The functionality of the apps differs from brand to brand, with some offering only customisation of assistance levels, and others going deeper by providing detailed ride planning and tracking, with information on whether the bike’s battery has enough power to complete the ride in any given mode.

Shimano’s E-Tube Project app permits mode customisation and can turn your smartphone into a display screen for live ride data, if you're using a bike phone mount .

Specialized’s Mission Control app can also be used to tune assistance levels, but goes deeper with ride recording and Smart Control, where the bike’s assistance is automatically tuned as you ride to ensure its battery won’t run flat.

Giant’s RideControl app can also be used to plan and record rides, and tune the motor’s power outputs.

The Bosch Flow app (which is one of multiple Bosch ebike apps, where each one is compatible with different head units and motor systems) can be used to tune motor outputs and plan and track rides.

Electric mountain bike motor ride impressions

All these specifications, statistics and details don’t mean much if they don’t translate to performance out on the trail.

I’ve ridden the four motor systems head to head on the same trails to find out how they feel in real-life scenarios, and give you the most accurate impression of their performance.

I’ve focused on their power delivery and how easy it is to control, and what that means when you’re tackling a technical ascent. I’ve also compared how powerful they 'feel', and when they 'feel' as though they’re giving you the most or least assistance.

How noisy they are can be a big issue for some riders, where quieter bikes are usually preferable, so that's something I've also considered through testing.

Other factors, such as ease of use, mode selection and what it’s like living with each system are also key to ebike ownership.

Which ebike motor feels the most powerful?

Bosch’s Performance Line CX feels like the most powerful motor out on the trail, especially in its eMTB and turbo modes. The power it provides is addictive, constant and feels as though it matches and augments rider pedalling inputs with total cohesion.

The harder you pedal, the more the motor works. The support doesn’t tail off (if speeds remain below the power cut-off limit) with increases in cadence or power. You’re never left feeling that you want more assistance that the motor is refusing to provide.

Tackling ascents is a truly pleasurable experience, where a rider can either cruise at a lower speed and put in significantly less effort or pedal with vigour, expending more energy but getting to the top much, much quicker.

In contrast, the Shimano EP8 feels as if it has less power than the Bosch in its maximum boost mode. At times, it feels as if it throttles back on power, especially when you pedal harder on steeper or faster ascents. This can be a bit frustrating when you’re expecting its assistance to back up the effort you’re putting into the pedals.

That’s not to say the motor is slow or under-powered, but getting the most from it requires lower pedalling cadences compared to the Bosch motor.

At lower cadences, it has more power and assistance, but as a rider pedals faster or harder, it reduces its assistance on what feels like a sliding scale.

Arguably, the Specialized/Brose motor has a very distinct optimum support window, on either side of which power can feel a bit low.

In this window, it's well matched to the Bosch in terms of power despite its headline figures being marginally higher. Each pedal stroke, especially at lower cadences, is harmonised with and augmented by the motor, where more rider input equates to a satisfying boost in assistance.

Unlike the Bosch, which keeps on providing assistance up to the limit, its power tapers down towards the very top end in a similar way to the Shimano EP8.

The Brose’s support window has been tuned to feel very natural, although a wider assistance window wouldn’t be a bad thing.

In terms of power, the Giant/Yamaha motor sits between the Shimano and Specialized/Brose, with plenty of support at lower cadences, and this remains constant as the rider pedals harder.

Compared to the Shimano EP8, it doesn’t run out of steam as quickly, but doesn’t quite match the continued assistance of the Bosch system.

On the trail, this makes the Giant motor feel feisty and raring to go, but this isn’t always a good thing where it can be very easy to spin the back wheel.

Which motor feels the easiest to control?

Starting from a standstill, the Giant/Yamaha motor can feel very binary in its power delivery, where it tends to want to take off quickly, providing full power.

The lack of progressivity can make it feel clunky, where controlling wheelspins on steeper or more technical climbs is tricky. Being able to feed in the power more slowly or progressively is vital, and is something the Giant struggles with.

Power delivery from the Specialized/Brose unit is much smoother and more progressive on start-up. That means putting the motor’s assistance through the back wheel isn’t a balancing act, and harder, more positive pedal strokes can be made without wheelspin.

This gives the Brose motor a more natural feeling, where rider inputs are seamlessly matched, rather than turned into binary on or off motor outputs. But, as mentioned, it does make it feel a little down on power at very low or high cadences.

Shimano’s EP8 has a similarly natural feeling when you’re already riding, mostly because of its throttled top-end support.

Setting off in turbo mode on steeper or gnarlier ascents can be trickier, with the motor trying to provide a lot of assistance very quickly. If you’re not careful with how hard you pedal, or if you’re not ready for the assistance to start, it’s possible to wheelspin, making controlling the bike more difficult.

Impressively, the Bosch’s power delivery is progressive despite it feeling like the most powerful motor out on the trails. The power increase tapers up, and is matched to how hard a rider pedals regardless of mode. This makes hard starts on steep or technical sections relatively easy.

Massive amounts of low-cadence, easy-to-control grunt augments this further. The Bosch doesn’t need hard pedal strokes to provide assistance, where light pushes of the pedals turn the back wheel slowly but with plenty of torque. It behaves in the same way a low-range gearbox does on an off-road vehicle, improving traction and control massively.

All four of the motors feature overrun, where the motor assistance continues for a short period after a rider has stopped pedalling, but the amount and duration they provide differs.

The Yamaha – true to its binary feel – is the quickest to cut off on the climbs. This can make tackling tricky uphill sections harder than systems with a longer overrun because there’s more reliance on human power to keep the bike moving.

Specialized’s cut-off is the most gradual in terms of feel, tapering down the power rather than stopping it abruptly. This makes it easy to predict and control.

The Bosch motor also tapers down its power rather than stopping it instantly. This makes it much easier to adjust pedal timing in rocky sections or briefly hop up a step without being left with no assistance.

The Shimano EP8 is quick to cut power at the end of its overrun period, rather than tapering. Depending on the circumstances, though, the length of its overrun is usually enough to maintain motor assistance when it’s needed. Push it too far, however, and you’ll be left without any assistance at all.

Which motor is the most efficient?

A wide range of factors affect how efficiently a motor uses its battery power, including bike and rider weight, tyre compound and carcass thickness (thicker carcasses or stickier compounds require more power to overcome rolling resistance), trail conditions, the temperature and weather, and how well maintained the bike is.

It’s worth noting I tested the different motor systems on different bikes from different brands, all with varying specs and components, frame and suspension designs and weights. While this reduces the scientific element of the testing, general efficiency trends have appeared.

Shimano’s EP8 appears to be the most efficient motor where bike weights, tyre compounds and trail or weather conditions had the least effect on battery range.

Although merely an indication of what’s possible, an EP8 motor with a 630Wh battery can deliver over 2,000m of climbing on a single charge in eco.

Specialized’s Brose motor with a bigger 700Wh battery, although slightly less efficient than the EP8, is still impressive. Like the Shimano, at lower assistance levels in excess of 2,000m of ascending is more than feasible.

The Bosch’s battery life was affected by multiple factors. On a Purion-equipped bike with DoubleDown casing, MaxxGrip Maxxis tyres in eco mode, more than 2,000m of climbing was regularly achievable, even in terrible weather conditions.

However, on a Kiox 300 Smart System bike with a larger 750Wh battery, on a bike fitted with DH casing MaxxGrip Maxxis tyres, only 1,700m of ascending was just about attainable.

Although this is an unscientific comparison, it highlights how different factors alter battery life.

Finally, based on my testing, the Giant’s motor isn't particularly efficient compared to the other three. It was possible to crack only 1,500m of climbing on a single charge in the lower assistance modes despite its battery being almost identical in size to both the Shimano and Bosch bikes in this test.

Clearly, its eagerness to assist at low cadences is affecting the battery’s range.

How noisy are the motors?

Factors such as frame material and design, and motor and battery location play a part in how noisy ebike motors are. Whether that noise is generated by the motor working, or by hitting bumps or coasting is another factor.

The type of noise will affect different people in different ways. Some motors whine, some squeak, while others whirr. When freewheeling downhill, they can thud, rattle and tap.

Arguably, when under load, ebike motors sound like a rafter of turkeys gobbling, and once you’ve made that audible association, it’s hard to unhear it.

When climbing, the Shimano EP8 and Yamaha motors have the most obvious whines – or turkey gobble sound – that fluctuates with pedalling inputs. The sound they make isn’t particularly loud but the variation in pitch, or turkey gobble, can make both these motors sound louder than they are.

The Bosch makes a more constant whining sound with a higher pitch than the EP8 and Yamaha motors. This sound makes it easier to tune out compared to the Giant and Shimano motors, but it’s arguably marginally louder.

The Specialized/Brose motor has a lower-pitched whine that, like the Bosch, is constant. It’s also quite loud, but because of the more constant pitch, it’s much easier to ignore than the EP8 or Yamaha.

On the descents, the Specialized is the quietest motor. No rattles, knocks or dull thuds – as the internal freewheel engages or disengages – were emitted.

The Bosch motor has a dull, defined clunk when freewheeling downhill over rough terrain and is arguably louder than the Brose.

The Yamaha/Giant unit has a tapping, higher-pitch knock. This is more noticeable than the Bosch – mostly thanks to its pitch – but can also be felt through the pedals.

Shimano’s EP8 is the loudest and most rattly. This noise is generated from the motor’s own freewheel engaging and disengaging, and can be replicated off the bike by moving the cranks back and forth quickly. The noise can be felt through the bike’s pedals, but once you’ve got used to it, it’s possible to tune out relatively easily.

What’s it like living with each motor?

Day-to-day usage and life with each of the motors is similar. Care and maintenance instructions – such as avoiding submersion in water or cleaning with a pressure washer – are universally shared, and are good practices to follow with any mountain bike regardless of how it's powered.

Battery removal after washing to let components dry out depends on each frame’s design, rather than being related to any motor system specifically, where some batteries are easier to remove than others.

Care and maintenance aside, one of the most frustrating things about living with certain ebikes is the lack of an accurate battery percentage display. The on-bike Bosch Purion and Shimano EP8 displays, and the Giant and Specialized’s basic TCU LED indicators, all show battery charge in 20 per cent increments.

This makes judging exactly how much battery life you have left trickier than an accurate percentage figure.

Bosch’s Kiox 300 and the Specialized MasterMind TCU display show accurate battery life percentages. This feature is a great addition, and for bikes with smart LCD displays (such as the EP8), maybe a future software update could include this functionality.

Which is the best electric mountain bike motor?

A vast number of variables and a rider’s individual requirements will influence the answer to this question.

For me, it’s a close call between the Shimano EP8 and Bosch Performance Line CX systems because both motors offer plenty of power and good battery life. You’ll also have the greatest choice of bikes, given Shimano and Bosch motors are most commonly specced.

Although an ebike’s motor and battery are key components, and seriously influence how a bike rides, its suspension design, frame geometry, and the parts fitted to it are also important considerations.

You might have the most powerful, efficient and progressive-feeling ebike motor in the world, but that’s useless if it’s fitted to a bike that’s compromised in other areas.

By saying that, I’m not suggesting Giant and Specialized bikes are bad. In fact, quite the opposite is true, and I declared the S-Works Turbo Levo the best bike I’ve ever ridden, but as a consumer if you want a Brose or Yamaha motor, you’re limited to a smaller number of bikes that may or may not suit your needs compared to their Shimano or Bosch counterparts.

In a perfect world, I’d meld together the natural-feeling assistance of the Brose, the battery life of the Shimano and the outright power of the Bosch, coupled with Specialized’s discreet MasterMind TCU and Giant’s RideControl Ergo 3 control buttons.

Of course, none of that is possible, and as it currently stands I would personally be looking to buy bikes fitted with Shimano’s EP8.

Electric mountain bike explainers and terminology

What are the terms associated with ebikes, and what do they mean? Adding a motor and battery to a bike introduces layers of complication, where additional understanding can be key to getting the right motor for your needs.

Where are ebike motors fitted?

Electric mountain bike motors are usually fitted to the bike’s main frame at the down-tube and seat-tube junction, replacing the bottom bracket. The motors attach to the frame with large, weight-supporting bolts that mean they can be removed for servicing or repair.

Thanks to its main frame location, the motor forms a part of the bike’s suspended mass and lowers the centre of gravity, which can help improve handling and suspension. It means it doesn’t rely on long cables that could get damaged to connect to its battery.

Motors that are integral with the rear-wheel hub (and sometimes front-wheel hub) are less common on mountain bikes, but are frequently found on cheaper hybrid or commuter models .

What types of ebike are there?

Currently, there are two categories of ebike.

Full-fat ebikes typically use a high-power motor with between 70Nm and 100Nm of torque and are powered by high-capacity batteries with from 504Wh to 1,000Wh of energy.

Generally, bikes of this nature weigh between 23kg and 28kg, depending on frame size, components fitted and battery capacity.

Full-fat ebike motors include Giant’s SyncDrive Pro, Shimano’s EP8, Bosch’s Performance Line CX and Brose’s Drive S Mag.

SL or super-light ebikes use smaller, lower-powered motors and batteries delivering as little as 30Nm of torque but up to 60Nm. They’re usually fitted with lower-capacity batteries that are generally smaller than 500Wh. Bike weights are usually between 13.5kg and 20kg depending on exact specifications.

There are fewer SL ebike motors compared to full-fat ones, but examples include the Mahle-made Specialized SL motor, Fazua’s Evation, and the Shimano EP8 RS.

Below are explanations of some key terms associated with ebikes.

Pedal assist motor / Pedal electric cycle (Pedelec)

The name given to ebike motors that only provide assistance when a rider is pedalling. As soon as a rider stops pedalling, the motor’s power cuts off. In the European Union, the UK and Australia, pedal assist is available up to 25 km/h (15.5mph). In the USA, it has a higher threshold of 20mph (32km/h).

The term given to the electric system that provides power. It can also be called the drive unit or engine.

Normally removable, the battery can be integrated into the bike’s down tube or sit on top of it. It's usually connected to the motor using wiring with a waterproof connection.

Frequently mounted to the handlebars near the grips, the controller’s buttons change between each of the bike’s modes and can cycle the display, if one is fitted.

Display unit

Sometimes this is fitted to the handlebars or stem, but it can also be integrated into the bike’s top tube or elsewhere. It can display multiple bits of useful information, including battery charge and current selected mode, along with speed, range and cadence.

Support levels/modes

Most motors feature user-programmable or selectable support levels. The mode types change the amount of power and torque assistance a motor will provide. For example, Shimano’s lowest-power mode is called ‘eco’, while Bosch and Specialized’s highest setting is called ‘turbo’.

Walk assist

A feature most ebikes have, where they’re able to propel themselves at low speed without the rider pedalling. This helps riders push the bikes up technical or steep sections they’re unable to ride.

The measurement of ebike motor power. Watts are universally used to measure power from electricity and gas, through to engines, motors and human power.

Standard power

The law states ebike pedal assist motors must not provide more than 250W of continuous, standard power. As motors reach their top speed, they must reduce assistance gradually and finally cut off.

Manufacturers claim peak power outputs higher than the 250W limit for a lot of their motors, but this output is only in certain circumstances and only for a short period of time. When averaged out over time, the motor shouldn’t exceed the 250W continuous or standard power rating. Motors can sometimes feel as though they’re not delivering as much power as a rider is expecting, usually because they’ve reached a 250W continuous peak and are ‘throttling back’ to avoid exceeding the limit.

Support percentage

This refers to how much the motor augments a rider’s pedalling inputs and is given as a percentage. Motors with 100 per cent support will essentially double the rider’s power, so if a rider puts out 50w of power the motor will also provide 50w, amounting to an overall system power of 100w. Support percentages are directly related to motor peak power (above), and are usually in the region of 300 to 400 per cent.

Newton Metres (Nm) are used to measure torque. Torque is the amount of twisting or rotational force the motor provides to assist the rider. Higher torque values will make the motor feel more powerful.

Watt hours (Wh)

This is a standard measure of electricity equivalent to the power consumption of one watt for one hour. Electric bike battery capacity varies greatly, and as technology improves so does energy density, where more power can be manufactured into the same space.

Motor assistance usually continues for a short period after a rider has stopped pedalling. This is called overrun and can be useful in technical climbing sections, where pedal timing needs to be changed to avoid ground strikes.

Share this article

Senior technical editor

• Terms & Conditions
• Subscribe to our magazines
• Manage preferences

Our lightest drive unit: for athletic riding

Performance line sx.

Off to a fast start

Whether light eMTB or gravel eBike, a high cadence is rewarded. On rugged terrain or from traffic light to traffic light on your urban eBike.

New kind of eBiking

Start pedaling and feel the support: responsive, quiet, direct. A natural riding sensation combined with the benefits of the eBike.

Stylish and inconspicuous

Lightweight, slim, beautiful eBikes: The compact Performance Line SX drive unit disappears into the frame of light eMTBs, gravel eBikes, or urban eBikes.

Lightweight and powerful

The Performance Line SX is extremely light and remarkably quiet. If you have an athletic riding style, it drives you forward smoothly but with noticeable power.

Agile lightness

When muscle power and electric support work together and you get top performance exactly when you need it: With the Performance Line SX, we provide a high-performance drive unit that is lighter and more compact than anything we have developed so far. For light eMTBs, gravel eBikes, and urban eBikes.

At a glance

Up to 600 watts.

Maximum power in the most compact space

Approx. 4.4 pounds

Our lightest drive, inconspicuously installed

Max. 55 newton meters

Pedal fast, get powerful support

Sprint mode

For athletic gravel and urban eBike riding

Features and details

For performance riding

Pedal faster, pick up speed even faster: The Performance Line SX works as hard as you do. When riding in an athletic style with a high cadence, it supports you with peaks of up to 600 watts of motor power. With its responsive and reactive response behavior, it is ideal for all those who ride in an athletic style with electric support and are looking for a training effect.

Lightness – almost natural

A reduced pedal resistance of more than 50 percent compared to the Performance Line CX, a narrower design of the cranks and an almost silent motor – the Performance Line SX convinces in many respects. Its responsive support conveys the feel of conventional cycling and enhances it with the ease and fun of eBiking.

Multifaceted: athletic riding

You're looking for a performance challenge on the trail, on technically demanding passages, and when riding uphill? Installed in high-performance light eMTBs, the Performance Line SX is the optimal piece of training equipment for you. But even if you're dreaming of long-distance adventures and don't yet know exactly which surfaces await you, the drive unit is ideally suited for powering gravel eBikes. You want to ride dynamically on the road with minimalist, agile city eBikes? Here, too, the Performance Line SX is the right choice.

Light, compact, agile

Around 4.4 pounds: The Performance Line SX is one of our lightest drives with highest power density. Ride your gravel eBike dynamically into corners and carry your urban eBike up to the fourth floor: The Performance Line SX reduces the total weight of your eBike, delivers greater agility, and is ideal for fans of an athletic riding style. In addition, the compact drive unit disappears elegantly into the crank area of your eBike – so it looks like a conventional bike.

eBike Flow App

The eBike Flow app is the centrepiece of our smart system and gives you a better riding experience: safer, more customised and more convenient. Updates keep your eBike up to date and provide it with new functions.

Theft protection

Our digital functions such as eBike Lock and eBike Alarm act as a deterrent and protect your eBike even better against theft.

Route planning, navigation and activity tracking on a new level. We work with the best partners and use AI technology. For your ultimate eBike experience – before, during and after the ride.

Customisation

Design your own individual eBike experience – with a wide range of customisation options. But even better: your eBike understands your needs and learns from your riding behaviour with every pedal stroke.

Optimal setup for light, slim eBikes

The lightest drive unit in the Bosch range, exceptionally compact.

Dynamic support according to the cadence – for fast sprints and steep climbs.

CompactTube 400

With 400 watt hours at just around 4.4 pounds, it's a real energy champion.

System Controller

Reduced, minimalist, clean: This control unit is seamlessly integrated into the top tube.

Technical data

Filter options.

* Maximum values. Deviations possible, depending on the hub gear system.

** Activation/deactivation of the various riding modes is carried out by the bicycle manufacturer and the dealer. A maximum of four riding modes in addition to Off mode can be activated in the display. With individual riding modes, the modes can be configured via the eBike Flow app based on the rider's individual needs. Customization of riding modes is not possible for speed eBikes.

*** Optional only with hub gear system. There is no backpedal function with the derailleur system.

**** Exception: eShift hubs.

***** Only available in New Zealand and the USA.

eBike models These eBikes might be suitable for you ","bodytext":"","filterSmartSystem":false,"selectedBattery":[],"selectedBrand":[],"selectedColor":[],"selectedCategory":null,"selectedDisplay":[],"selectedFrame":[],"selectedGearshift":[],"selectedMotor":[302],"selectedFeatures":[],"model":null,"categories":[{"uid":2,"title":"City eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":1,"slug":"city","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eCity bikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eCity bikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":9217,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eCity","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":5,"title":"eMTB","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":1,"slug":"mountainbike","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eMTBs from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eMTBs with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"Popular Mountain eBike (eMTB) categories","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":9730,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eMTB","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":141,"title":"Hardtail eMTB","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"mountainbike\/hardtail","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eMTB hardtails well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eMTB hardtails with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":5,"sorting":9986,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"eMTB Hardtail","navigationImage":" "},{"uid":112,"title":"Full suspension eMTB","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"mountainbike\/full-suspension","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best full-suspension eMTBs from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"Full-suspension eMTBs with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":5,"sorting":10114,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"eMTB Fully","navigationImage":" "},{"uid":149,"title":"Light eMTB","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"mountainbike\/light","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best light eMTBs from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"Light eMTBs with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":5,"sorting":10178,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"Light eMTB","navigationImage":" "},{"uid":150,"title":"eMTB Racing","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"mountainbike\/racing","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eMTB Racing bikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eMTB Racing bikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":5,"sorting":10210,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"eMTB-Racing","navigationImage":" "},{"uid":1,"title":"Touring eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":1,"slug":"touring","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best Touring eBikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"Touring eBikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":12832,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eTrekking","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":3,"title":"Cargo eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":1,"slug":"cargo","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eCargo bikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eCargo bikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":20040,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eCargo","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":6,"title":"Gravel eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"gravel","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eGravel bikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eGravel bikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":20059,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eGravel","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":9,"title":"Urban eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"urban","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best eUrban bikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"eUrban bikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":20060,"image":0,"tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eUrban","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":12,"title":"Hybrid eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":1,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"hybrid","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best Hybrid eBikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"Hybrid eBikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":20070,"image":" ","tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"eSUV","navigationImage":" ","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":4,"title":"Speed eBike","show_in_filter":1,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"speed-ebike","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"Discover the best Speed eBikes from well-known eBike brands with Bosch drive systems and find the right eBike for you.","meta_title":"Speed eBikes with Bosch eBike system","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":22125,"image":0,"tile_image":1,"stage_image":1,"identifier":"S-Pedelec","tileImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n ","stageImage":" \n \n \n \n \n \n "},{"uid":7,"title":"Road eBike","show_in_filter":0,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"","meta_title":"","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":26032,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"eRoad","navigationImage":" "},{"uid":8,"title":"Kids eBike","show_in_filter":0,"show_in_navigation":0,"show_in_footer":0,"slug":"","meta_keywords":"","meta_description":"","meta_title":"","subcategory_title":"","seo_text":"","parent_category":0,"sorting":29952,"image":" ","tile_image":0,"stage_image":0,"identifier":"eKids","navigationImage":" "}],"brands":[{"uid":198,"title":"Benno","url":"https:\/\/www.bennobikes.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/e\/8\/csm_Benno_5cc1da47f7.png?_=1627886651","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/e\/8\/csm_Benno_8d9a0464f5.webp?_=1627886651"}},{"uid":7,"title":"BULLS","url":"https:\/\/www.bullsbikesusa.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Bulls.svg?_=1718692012"}},{"uid":8,"title":"Cannondale","url":"https:\/\/www.cannondale.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_Cannondale.svg?_=1676463268"}},{"uid":1805,"title":"Canyon","url":"https:\/\/www.canyon.com\/","directDistribution":1,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_Canyon.svg?_=1676463268"}},{"uid":1910,"title":"Coaster Cycles","url":"https:\/\/www.coastercycles.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/3\/csm_coaster-cycles_2517a583bb.png?_=1684325914","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/3\/csm_coaster-cycles_30c98c7893.webp?_=1684325914"}},{"uid":1912,"title":"Commencal","url":"https:\/\/www.commencal.com\/us\/en\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_commencal.svg?_=1688107645"}},{"uid":11,"title":"Corratec","url":"https:\/\/www.corratec.com","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_Corratec.svg?_=1676463268"}},{"uid":654,"title":"Electra","url":"https:\/\/www.electrabike.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_elektra.svg?_=1676463302"}},{"uid":26,"title":"Gazelle","url":"https:\/\/www.gazellebikes.com\/en-us","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/farbig\/Gazelle-Primary-Logo-Royal-Blue-RGB.svg?_=1718105340"}},{"uid":28,"title":"Ghost","url":"https:\/\/www.ghost-bikes.com","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/9\/3\/svg_GHOST-logo-black_5cc042d91d.svg?_=1676879436"}},{"uid":32,"title":"Haibike","url":"https:\/\/www.haibike.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Haibike.svg?_=1718692014"}},{"uid":1909,"title":"Husqvarna","url":"https:\/\/www.husqvarna-bicycles.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/1\/a\/csm_Husqvarna_EBICYCLES_blue_0981207d17.png?_=1684328285","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/1\/a\/csm_Husqvarna_EBICYCLES_blue_fc9ff7e0be.webp?_=1684328285"}},{"uid":40,"title":"KTM","url":"https:\/\/www.ktm-bikes.at\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/schwarz-weiss\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_KTM.svg?_=1676463302"}},{"uid":1931,"title":"M1-Sporttechnik","url":"https:\/\/www.m1-sporttechnik.de\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_m1-2.svg?_=1690966938"}},{"uid":1960,"title":"Marin","url":"https:\/\/www.marinbikes.com","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Marin.svg?_=1718617795"}},{"uid":415,"title":"Mondraker","url":"https:\/\/www.mondraker.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/a\/csm_logo_mondraker_1bc3672087.png?_=1650436996","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/a\/csm_logo_mondraker_3d42ecafc5.webp?_=1650436996"}},{"uid":45,"title":"Moustache","url":"https:\/\/moustachebikes.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Moustache.svg?_=1718692015"}},{"uid":1815,"title":"Norco","url":"https:\/\/www.norco.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken_norco.svg?_=1688635423"}},{"uid":46,"title":"Orbea","url":"https:\/\/www.orbea.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Orbea.svg?_=1718692016"}},{"uid":1933,"title":"Pivot Cycles","url":"https:\/\/www.pivotcycles.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/e\/2\/csm_pivot_2_9c093fb8e7.png?_=1691494972","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/e\/2\/csm_pivot_2_7c885ef5e7.webp?_=1691494972"}},{"uid":51,"title":"Riese & M\u00fcller","url":"https:\/\/www.r-m.de","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Riese_Mueller.svg?_=1718692017"}},{"uid":1953,"title":"Salsa Cycles","url":"https:\/\/www.salsacycles.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/20240502-Salsa.svg?_=1715953055"}},{"uid":54,"title":"Scott","url":"https:\/\/www.scott-sports.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Scott.svg?_=1718692017"}},{"uid":1804,"title":"Surly","url":"https:\/\/surlybikes.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/e\/csm_SURLY_LOGO_black_2a92ab8c7c.jpg?_=1582539003","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/e\/csm_SURLY_LOGO_black_82a0e89be3.webp?_=1582539003"}},{"uid":500,"title":"Tern","url":"https:\/\/www.ternbicycles.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-tern.svg?_=1718692019"}},{"uid":60,"title":"Trek","url":"https:\/\/www.trekbikes.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-Trek.svg?_=1718692018"}},{"uid":587,"title":"Urban Arrow","url":"https:\/\/www.urbanarrow.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/EBC\/Service\/Brands_eBike-Marken\/Logo-svg-farbig\/Bosch-eBike-Marken-UrbanArrow.svg?_=1718692019"}},{"uid":1212,"title":"Whyte","url":"https:\/\/whytebikes.com\/collections\/e-bikes","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"jpg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/2\/csm_Whyte_7e1b111772.jpg?_=1561129408","webp":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/a\/2\/csm_Whyte_0e3ac4ebbe.webp?_=1561129408"}},{"uid":588,"title":"Yuba","url":"https:\/\/yubabikes.com\/","directDistribution":0,"logoScaled":{"svg":"\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/6\/8\/svg_svg_yuba_final_372985cc01.svg?_=1679387720"}}],"showFilters":false,"initialFilter":true,"isWidget":true,"embedded":false,"featureFilter":[{"uid":"abs","title":"Bosch eBike ABS"},{"uid":"light","title":"Light"},{"uid":"rack","title":"Luggage rack"},{"uid":"mudguards","title":"Mudguards"},{"uid":"backpedal","title":"Backpedal brake"}],"sortings":[{"title":"Explore","sorting":"random_sorting","order":1},{"title":"A-Z","sorting":"brandName","order":1},{"title":"Z-A","sorting":"brandName","order":-1}],"translations":{"meta.detail-description":"","back":"Back","load_more":"Load more","read_more":"Read more","read_less":"Read less","x-results-found":"Results found","show-x-results":"Show %COUNT% results","all-ebikes":"All eBikes","empty-result.reduce-filter":"Please reduce the filters to see more eBikes.","empty-result.info":"At present there is no eBike in the overview that meets all the criteria. Just reduce the filters.","empty-result.reset-filter":"Reset filter","empty-result.budget-info":"At present there is no eBike in the overview that meets your price criteria.","empty-result.reset-budget-filter":"Reset price filter","loading-data-failed":"Unfortunately, loading the models failed.","grid-view":"View","sort":"Sort","x-variants":"%COUNT% variants","equipped-with":"Bosch eBike components","also-available-with":"Also available with:","disclaimer":"All data supplied without liability.","find-dealer":"Find a dealer","find-brand-dealer":"Find %s dealers","to-brand-website":"To the manufacturer's page","additional-features":"Further equipment","features.to-product-page":null,"features.abs":"Bosch eBike ABS","features.abs-optional":"Bosch eBike ABS (optionally configurable)","features.abs.description":null,"features.eshift":"eShift","features.eshift.description":null,"features.light":"Light","features.rack":"Luggage rack","features.mudguards":"Mudguards","description-header":"Description of %s","modal.productdetails-header":"Product details","attributes.modelyear":"Model year","attributes.msrp":"RRP (DE)","attributes.msrp-starting-at":"RRP (DE) from","favorites.your-favorites":"Your favorites","favorites.share":"Share favorites","favorites.add":"Mark as favorite","favorites.remove":"Remove from favorites","favorites.no-favorites":"You have not selected any favorites yet. Click on the heart to add eBikes to your favorites.","favorites.privacy-note":"If you want to use this function, you must agree to the purpose \"Comfort - Save preferences\" in the privacy settings.","favorites.privacy-button":"Open privacy settings","details.overline.motors":"Motor","details.overline.battery":"Battery","details.overline.display":"Display","details.overline.abs":"ABS","details.overline.app":"App","details.overline.control-unit":"Control unit","details.overline.eShift":"Electric gear shifting solutions","details.overline.eBikeConnect":"Theft protection","filter.toggle":"Show all filters","filter.header":"Filter eBikes","filter.browse":"Browse","filter.categories":"eBike types","filter.categories.select":"Select","filter.price":"Price","filter.price.note":"Manufacturer's suggested retail price","filter.systems":"Bosch eBike System","filter.systems.bes2":"Bosch eBike System 2","filter.systems.bes3":"The smart system","filter.motors":"Motor","filter.display":"Display","filter.battery":"Battery","filter.brand":"Brand","filter.frames":"Frame","filter.gearshift":"Shifting system","filter.features":"Equipment","filter.models-without-image":"Models without photos","filter.smart-system":"Show only eBikes with the smart system","filter.colors":"Color","filter.colors.black":"Black","filter.colors.blue":"Blue","filter.colors.bronze":"Copper","filter.colors.brown":"Brown","filter.colors.gold":"Gold","filter.colors.green":"Green","filter.colors.grey":"Grey","filter.colors.olive":"Olive","filter.colors.orange":"Orange","filter.colors.pink":"Pink","filter.colors.purple":"Purple","filter.colors.red":"Red","filter.colors.sand":"Sand","filter.colors.silver":"Silver","filter.colors.turquoise":"Turquoise","filter.colors.white":"White","filter.colors.yellow":"Yellow","filter.colors.other":"Other","embed.show-all-ebike-models":"Show more eBike models","attributes":{"8":"Frame","11":"Frame material","12":"Rear derailleur","126":"Number of gears","13":"Shifter","14":">","17":"Fork","18":"Rear shock","19":"Front suspension travel","2":"Brakes","20":"Rear suspension travel","204":"Brake discs","22":"Headlight","23":"Tail light","248":"Front brake","249":"Rear brake","25":"Pedals","250":"Front brake lever","251":"Rear brake lever","252":"Front brake disc","253":"Rear brake disc","254":"Front rim","255":"Rear rim","256":"Front tire","257":"Rear tire","259":"Front hub","26":"Internal bearing","260":"Rear hub","27":"Crankset","28":"Sprocket","29":"Chain\/belt","3":"Brake levers","30":"Handlebar","31":"Grips","32":"Handlebar tape","33":"Stem","34":"Headset","35":"Rims","36":"Tires","37":"Hubs","39":"Wheelset","40":"Wheel size","41":"Saddle","42":"Seatpost","43":"Seatpost clamp","44":"Fenders","45":"Chain guard","46":"Kickstand","47":"Lock","48":"Rear rack","49":"Front rack","52":"What the manufacturer says","54":"Permissible total weight","55":"Weight","56":"Aero bars","65":"Frame shape","205":"Charger"}},"displayedBikes":6,"displayedBikesXS":4,"emdLink":"\/us\/ebikes","absLink":"\/us\/products\/abs","smartSystemLink":"","smartSystemVisualLeft":"\/static\/img\/my2022\/smart-system-en-left.svg?_=1690287419","language":"en","locale":"en-US","disabledFeatures":["eshift"],"poiData":[],"defaultMetaTags":{"meta_title":"Performance Line SX: the lightest Bosch eBike motor","meta_description":"The Performance Line SX is the lightest and most compact drive unit from Bosch eBike Systems. Developed for maximum fun. ","meta_keywords":null,"og:image":"https:\/\/www.bosch-ebike.com\/fileadmin\/_processed_\/0\/8\/csm_Bosch-eBike-Stage-ABS-STGT-MY2022-JMV_4236_46c651c031.webp?_=1681217130","og:image:height":"1680","og:image:width":"960"},"overline":"eBike models","disclaimer":"","seoText":"","rwaElement":"","flowAppElement":"","poiHeader":""}" bodytext data-v-05e6f831> eBike models

These ebikes might be suitable for you, any questions.

Visit our Help Center. We have already answered many important questions for you there.

Go to Help Center

Find a local eBike dealer

Google Maps

Confirm external content

Click on the button to activate Google Maps. Activating embedded maps causes data to be transmitted to Google Ireland. For further information on processing, please see Google's Privacy Policy .

Choose your region and your language

Our website is available for different regions and in different languages. Please make your selection from the options below.

Quick links

Xtracycle Hopper launched as brand’s most affordable premium cargo e-bike yet

Xtracycle’s reputation precedes it in the bicycling industry, with over two decades of building cargo bikes that ride and feel more like a traditional bicycle. Long known for premium builds, the brand’s line of cargo electric bikes has also carried premium prices. At least until the launch of the new Xtracycle Hopper today, which ushers in not only a new compact format but also a much more attractive price.

Compared to Xtracycle’s flagship cargo e-bikes in the $4-5k range, the new Xtracycle Hopper’s US $2,999 MSRP (or $2,499 promotional price) is designed to make high-quality cargo electric bikes more accessible to a wider range of families.

The company got there with a major redesign, including adopting a rear hub motor instead of a traditional mid-drive setup.

However, premium parts still abound, including a suspension dropper post, punchy hydraulic brakes, and key cargo accessories like cargo racks and child safety enclosures that are included in the price.

The Xtracycle Hopper may look like a sleeker, more European-styled e-bike from afar, but it definitely sneaks in the American muscle where it counts. That includes a powerful 750W rear motor and the all-important handlebar-mounted throttle that lets riders occasionally (or continuously) leave pedaling behind for an easier ride.

Of course, the bike still offers traditional pedal assist and even includes a torque sensor to make that pedaling as natural and responsive as possible. It can even achieve Class 3 speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist, though the inclusion of a throttle is important for many riders who want to know they’ve always got a backup in case they get a bit drained on a long ride.

And for riders who regularly carry heavy loads or kids (the bike is rated to support up to 500 lb or 227 kg), a throttle is a quick and easy way to get rolling.

A 720Wh removable battery is hidden in the downtube, removing the chunky eyesore of an externally mounted battery but maintaining the desirable feature of being able to charge the battery off of the bike on occasion.

Both the bike’s e-bike system and the lithium-ion battery are certified UL-compliant by SGS laboratories, marking a key safety metric that is becoming increasingly important in the US.

The bike isn’t a lightweight at 85 lb (38.5 kg), but that also includes all of the accessories that come with the bike, including the front rack, foot rails, and the Hooptie (that child protection cage in the back to keep the kiddos safely contained inside of an aluminum structure).

The rear rack even features a Tern-like structure that allows the bike to be parked vertically on its tail to take up less space in a garage or apartment.

The Hopper also has several other included features that come standard, such as fenders and LED lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, a dropper suspension seat post (handle hidden under the saddle), a wide double kickstand for stable parking, and a brightly lit LED display.

Beginning presales today , riders can use the promotional coupon HOP500 to drop the Xtracycle Hopper’s price to $2,499. Shipping is expected to begin on October 11th.

Electrek’s Take

I’m super excited about this launch (and not just because I’ll be testing a Hopper soon too). I’ve always loved seeing cargo bikes gain traction in replacing SUVs as around-the-town utility vehicles. But in order to achieve daily use, they generally need to be higher quality models.

Don’t get me wrong: a budget-priced cargo e-bike has its place. But those super low-cost models generally are designed more for sporadic use, such as a few times a week. When used daily for months, they quickly show their wear. But higher spec’d models with more robust components tend to hold up to that daily grind riding much better, and that’s the key to getting more people to leave their SUV in the garage for as many trips as they can perform on a bike.

At $2.5k for a higher-end cargo e-bike, this is starting to get much closer to justifiable for many families, especially those that can finally consider becoming a one-car-and-one-e-bike family instead of needing two cars. And as an added bonus, there’s a lot more space left in the garage, especially considering that you could fit four Hoppers in the spot of an average car.

Sure, you don’t get the fancy Bosch motor or top-shelf shifters you’ll find on pricier cargo models, but you still get a lot of great parts here, not to mention all of the accessories that are included in the price. So this is definitely an exciting launch for anyone considering a cargo bike as a daily rider scenario.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries , DIY Solar Power,   The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide  and The Electric Bike Manifesto .

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0 , the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2 , the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission , and the $3,299 Priority Current . But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at [email protected], or find him on Twitter , Instagram , or TikTok .

Micah Toll's favorite gear

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike sale

Best $999 electric bike ever!

Rad Power Bikes sales

Great e-bikes at great prices!

Manage push notifications

Explore farther, rip harder. Trek electric mountain bikes let you conquer climbs and crush laps with natural-feeling boost that makes light work of sky-high trails that point straight up, so you can get to the top without feeling winded for the down. Our e-MTBs give you the same trail-taming tech as our traditional mountain bikes because they are built on the same legacy of frame and suspension tech that’s been trail-tested and trusted for decades. Ride it, rally it, and power back to the top for more.

What is an electric mountain bike?

e-Mountain bikes are trail-savvy bikes with an electric assist system that boosts your own power. They help you cruise up steep climbs with ease and conquer longer days in the saddle. Like a traditional mountain bike, e-MTBs are built with rock-gobbling suspension and rugged frames that can handle rocks and roots, so you can count on them to keep rolling through the rough.

How do electric mountain bikes work?

Trek e-MTBs use a pedal assist motor. Pedal assist systems provide power that helps keep your wheels spinning when you pedal and switches off support when you stop pedaling for a natural-feeling ride and control weaving through tight, technical singletrack.

What kind of motors do e-MTBs use?

All Trek electric mountain bikes are built with mid-drive motors that are located at the center of your bike, near the front chainring. Mid-drive motors provide a stable center of gravity and are available with a huge range of power capacities to give you the right amount of support for how you want to ride.

Why you’ll love your e-mountain bike

Electric mountain bikes give your personal pedal power a boost, so the only thing taking your breath away is the view at the top of the climb. They empower you to ride farther, ride faster, soar up steep trails, and tackle more grin-inducing miles with friends.

Safer, sustainable batteries

All Trek e-bike batteries are third-party certified for safety and durability, so all you need to worry about is where you’ll ride next. Plus, we've even partnered with Call2Recycle to safely recycle used e-bike batteries at the end of their life to keep them out of landfills.

Better design for a better ride The best ride quality starts with an e-bike motor made by brands you can trust. We exclusively partner with the top e-bike drive system manufacturers, so you get technology you can count on for thousands of rough and rowdy miles to come.

Built by Bosch

Bringing over a century of experience to the table, Bosch offers the most trusted e-bike technology you can take to the trail. With motors built to rally through the rough, Removable Integrated Battery (RIB) systems for easy battery stashing, and smart assist that automatically adjusts power to your terrain and how you ride, Bosch is a tech leader that knows you want to focus on the miles ahead — not your motor.

• Shop Bosch e-MTBs
• Learn about Bosch

Tech dialed with TQ

New to e-bikes, but not so new to groundbreaking tech, TQ hit the trail in 2022 with the lightweight HPR-50 drive system that flipped the industry on its head. The brand’s compact motor packs in all the torque, power, and speed you need to rip, in a package that not only boasts incredible durability — it’s also so quiet you might forget it’s even there. 2022 Pinkbike Innovation of the Year

• Shop TQ e-MTBs
• Learn about TQ

Worldwide e-bike support

The best electric bike components in the world are only as good as the brands that back them up. No matter where you are on the globe, you’ll find support from TQ, Bosch, and of course, your friends here at Trek.

Fuel EXe is an e-MTB that bridges the gap between power and peace with an ultra-quiet assist that all but disappears in the woods. Assist: Up to 20 mph Range: 2 to 5 hours Battery size: 360Wh Torque: 50Nm

Rail is a hard-charging electric trail bike with plenty of travel and proven technology to get you through the rough stuff. Assist: Up to 20 mph Range: Up to 6 hours Battery size: 750Wh or 500Wh Torque: 85Nm

Powerfly is a versatile and powerful e-MTB that helps you explore more of your off-road world. Assist: Up to 20mph Range: 3 to 5 hours Battery size: 500Wh or 625Wh

Our lightest full suspension electric mountain bike delivers the perfect amount of suspension and power for long, fast XC rides. Assist: Up to 20 mph Range: 3 to 5 hours Battery size: 250Wh

A light and versatile electric hardtail that doesn’t break the bank. Marlin+ packs in a reliable Bosch motor that keeps it simple to use and tons of fun. Assist: Up to 20 mph Range: 2 to 4 hours Battery size: 400Wh Torque: 50Nm

Go electric, get rewarded

Want to save money on an e-bike? Select states and cities are now offering rebates on new electric bike purchases! Check to see if you’re eligible for one below.

What makes Trek and Electra e-bikes different?

The e-systems on Trek and Electra e-bikes are third-party tested to comply with leading e-bike safety regulations, including the rigourous UL 2849 standard. This standard is set by Underwriters Laboratories, an independent organization that develops safety standards for a variety of industries.

Electric mountain bike FAQs

Q: How do I choose an e-mountain bike? A: We offer a variety of electric mountain bike models that are both hardtail and full suspension. It really depends on the terrain you'll be riding and how much range, torque, and battery power you need. If you still have questions, we're here to help. Reach out to us or stop by your local Trek retailer and we'd be happy to help you find the perfect e-mountain bike for your needs. Or, if you want to find one now, try our E-bike Finder.

• Find your local Trek retailer
• Take the E-bike Finder quiz

Q: Why would I choose an e-mountain bike over a regular mountain bike? A: Unlike a traditional mountain bike, e-MTBs can provide you with an extra boost to tackle longer trail rides, steeper climbs, and keep up with your ride group. With models like the Marlin+, you can even add a rack to turn it into an electric commuter bike. While the trade off is weight in most cases with an e-mountain bike, newer e-systems like TQ, minimize this difference.

Q: What should I look for in an electric mountain bike? A: First, you always want to make sure your e-MTB is UL compliant so it can be safely charged and stored. All Trek and Electra e-bikes are compliant to the UL2849 standard. Next, you'll want to look for a quality e-system from a reputable manufacturer like Bosch, Hyena, or TQ. Those companies provide long-term service and support for their products so your investment can last. Finally, you want to look for quality components like front and rear shocks, drivetrains, brakes, and wheels designed to withstand the force and weight of an e-mountain bike. Trek prides itself on making some of the best (award-winning) e-bikes on the market.

Q: Should I buy an electric hardtail mountain bike or a full suspension electric mountain bike? A: The travel, location on the frame, and type of suspension you need really comes down to two things: 1. Where you ride! For example, if you’re riding a downhill course, you'd want a full suspension e-mountain bike with enough travel to soak up bumps while keeping you connected to the trail. 2. Personal preference. Some riders might prefer the lightweight feel and simplicity of a hardtail compared to the extra suspension and traction offered by a full suspension eMTB. We recommend stopping by your local Trek retailer and talking to our mountain bike experts who can help you find the perfect electric mountain bike for your riding style.

Q: What is the average range of an electric mountain bike? A: Depending on battery capacity, riding speed, and terrain, range can vary anywhere from 2 to 5 hours on a single charge. Some eMTB models have Range Extenders to provide more range if you’re looking to ride longer between charges.