E-Bike Guide: Motors Comparison

In the last article we discussed the factors that determine the motor strength and battery capacity that you would need for your age and fitness level. In this article, we’ll discuss 8 e-bike motors that would be appropriate for your condition. Some companies have produced up to 4 generations of motors, so in their latest iteration, they have fixed their prior short-comings. Other companies like TQ, Sachs & Fazua, have been researching and incorporating new technologies, waiting till this year to start marketing their 1st motors. The 5 weaknesses of e-bike motors are: 1. size, 2. weight, 3. noise, 4. resistance above the motor’s speed limit, 5. decreased power at lower or higher cadence (pedaling speed). E-bike motors tend not to have all of these issues, but if you get the latest motors (sold in 2020 bikes), then they should have only minor differences in these areas. Note that there’s no standardized way to measure the support level, which is the power output for the amount of work you put in. Also, equal torque does not mean equal support level due to the motor’s efficiency. Generally, a 50Nm motor will give you 200% support level, and every 10Nm more gives you 50% more support. For quick reference, we recommend a motor torque of 2 * Age.

20’s Young Guns: When you’re young, you have the strength to conquer steep climbs, so you don’t need a strong motor. If you’re 25, the recommended torque is 50Nm or 200% support. The Bafang M800 motor has 55Nm, but the actual support is not given. Bafang sells their motor with either a 200Wh or a 430Wh battery. The…