Choosing the Best E-MTB Motor: A Professional Perspective

As you're exploring the world of e-bikes, an additional factor comes into play: selecting the right motor and battery system. With numerous options on the market, choosing the ideal setup can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll simplify the process by comparing two primary e-bike categories—Super Light (SL) and Full Power—along with their pros and cons. This breakdown will help you find the perfect system for your next dream ride as well as outline some of our favorites. 

Top E-MTB Systems

There are many motor and battery manufacturers in the e-bike realm. However, we'll focus on the systems that have been rigorously tested and proven by avid mountain bikers. The key players we'll cover include Bosch, Shimano, Brose (with Specialized and Sram variations), Fazua, TQ, Mahle, and a newcomer that's not yet on the market: DJI.

First Things First: Consider Your Riding Group

When customers inquire about e-bikes, our first question typically is: “What are your friends riding?” This insight is particularly crucial when considering e-bikes. If your friends are using Full Power models, like the Specialized Levo or Pivot Shuttle AM, and you're on an SL, keeping pace will be challenging—especially over longer rides.

If you're leading the pack in adopting e-bikes, this is a great opportunity to set the pace for your group. While SL bikes offer a lighter ride, we've seen numerous customers trade up for Full Power models for more performance. Remember, Full Power e-bikes can multiply your pedal power by four (around 85Nm of torque), making them highly popular thanks to continuous innovations in this segment.

SL vs. Full Power Motors

In the SL category, bikes typically offer double your pedal power (around 55Nm of torque), allowing for extended rides while preserving the physical exertion of an analog mountain bike. Popular SL models include the Levo SL, Transition Relay, and Mondraker Dune. These bikes generally feature smaller motors and batteries averaging 380-400Wh. These bikes provide assistance while still maintaining a lightweight ride feel and techniques similar to riding an analog bike.

Conversely, Full Power bikes feature powerful motors, such as the Brose 2.2 (85Nm), Bosch CX, Shimano EP801, and Sram Powertrain, providing a robust and powerful ride. These bikes often achieve sales success due to a customers ability to get out and ride more. With bigger batteries comes heavier bikes, but also an increased range for getting out and exploring more. Top bikes in this category are the Pivot Shuttle AM and Ibis Oso, both bikes that provide big batteries and relative maneuverability when compared to other offerings.

Analyzing the E-MTB Motor Brands

Brose: 

Specialized has long been a leader in the e-MTB sector, thanks in part to their collaboration with Brose, a seasoned German motor manufacturer. Their Full Power motor, the Brose 2.2, delivers an impressive 90Nm of torque, paired with a battery capacity ranging from 500 to 700Wh, depending on the specific bike / build. For lighter rides, their SL 1.2 motor offers 50Nm of power with a 320Wh battery, with an optional 160Wh extender for longer outings.

Brose systems feature three customizable rider modes: Eco, Trail, and Turbo (Sram PowerTrain Equipped bikes only have 2 rider modes - Range and Rally). These modes encourage the rider to contribute effort before the system kicks in, while also making managing power and staying in control very easy. Being belt driven add to the smoothness of power delivery and lack of noise. Reliability has been strong overall, though some users have encountered issues with stripped drive belts, which are generally resolved quickly.

Bosch:  

Bosch motors reign as the most popular choice among our customers and frame manufacturers, and for good reason. The notable CX and SX models offer 85Nm and 55Nm of torque, respectively. With customizable battery capacities reaching up to 1050Wh, these motors provide a power delivery that is both lively and rewarding. Bosch systems excel in matching rider effort, resulting in a harmonious, pleasurable ride. Although the direct-drive design can produce a characteristic “rattle,” Bosch compensates with unmatched power responsiveness.

With a power available everywhere mindset, the ride feel is active and encourages the rider to push hard, however this can lead to faster battery depletion if you don't keep an eye on it. SX motors follow a mindset similar to a light weight track car, if you keep it highly strung with a fast cadence it screams a long and is able to keep up with the big dogs. However, slow your cadence and dip out of that power band, and you quickly feel the lack of torque. 

Despite a strong reliability record, some Bosch-powered bikes have experienced issues due to the use of non-Bosch components, such as custom battery mounts. Notably, the Ibis Oso initially had problems, which have since been rectified in newer iterations using genuine Bosch parts.

Shimano:  

Popular models like the Yeti 160E and Orbea Rise use Shimano's EP801 and EP8RS motors, each providing 85Nm of power. The RS variant features software that mimics the power delivery of SL systems, allowing for extended rides, however this can easily be changed within the app to meet the 85nm output of other bikes. Similar to Brose, Shimano motors do a great job with the power curve and how power is managed in each mode. Newly available "Race Tune" from Shimano gives riders the ability to adjust power curves to fit the more direct Bosch sensation.

Shimano has focused on integrating their systems more thoroughly than other manufacturers, offering features like Autoshift with Shimano Di2 shifting. While their power delivery is smooth, the direct-drive mechanism can lead to increased noise levels. Despite excellent reliability, a lack of recent innovation (particularly on the battery side) and an absence of a true SL motor option have led some brands to move away from Shimano in favor of competitors like Bosch.

Fazua:

Fazua seemed promising with a lightweight design, minimal drag, straightforward user interface, and while offering 60Nm of power. However, its initial launch was marred by premature market readiness, resulting in multiple warranty cases. Although ongoing refinements have significantly improved its reliability and ride quality, the initial setbacks left both consumers and manufacturers wary. 

Since then Fazua has made leaps and bounds. And with the improvements they have made you can sit comfortably knowing the system is now up to par with the others. Power delivery from the Ride60 system is punchy and exhilarating, especially given its smaller form factor. Pair this with rad platforms like the Transition Relay and that leaves some pretty killer deals to be found. 

TQ:

The TQ HPR50 system distinguishes itself with a near-weightless feel and drag-free operation, making it an attractive choice for those wanting the vigor of youth. Although a newcomer, TQ has crafted a robust, abuse-ready system. The Mondraker Neat, paired with their 360Wh battery, illustrates how TQ meets the demand for a blend of analog and e-MTB features. Riders can undertake extra laps while maintaining a bike weight under 38 pounds, creating a virtually dragless experience. 

This customer quote from our demo day should sum it up perfectly, "My legs felt like I was 20 years old again." Adding to this, the first time we rode this system was in a snowy and cold Colorado... this prompted us to leave the bikes turned off for the first climb to allow us to quickly warm up. There is most definitely truth to these motors having much less drag than any other. We might even venture to say it rode more efficiently than most enduro bikes. 

Lack of options for bikes that use this motor is really the only downfall. Hopefully releases from some hot brands will have this motor getting the widespread praise it deserves. 

Mahle: 

Mahle primarily offers hub-driven systems tailored for E-Gravel and E-Kids bicycles, providing a modest 35Nm of torque. Although this hub design can impact suspension kinematics by adding sprung mass, Mahle systems represent an excellent choice for riders bridging the gap between faster riders - Particularly parents looking for a way to get their kiddos to keep up with them without putting them on an unwieldy and very heavy bike. Reliability is generally sound, though a previous delay in warranty repairs prompted US based warranty and tech support which shortened these lead times.

DJI:  

A new entrant in the MTB market, DJI aspires to redefine e-MTB technology. Their system promises a smaller form factor, higher battery capacity, and significantly reduced weight, making it particularly exciting. Our test rides have shown that small motors can indeed deliver significant power, and honestly was an eye opener to what small motors can truly be capable of. As a fresh face, only time will fully reveal the potential of this innovative new system. We are excited to say the least, especially considering the potential of this system on a frame that sent design just as a proof of concept. 

Our Verdict

Ultimately, the best e-bike system depends on your specific needs. However, we consistently find ourselves gravitating toward Bosch. Their superior motors, U.S.-based warranty support, and proven reliability make Bosch-powered bikes a top choice for both new and seasoned riders.