The electric bike is gaining more and more popularity and as an ideal means of transport, especially in cities. Choosing an electric bike will depend on the use you want to make of it. Whatever your criteria, the engine on the electric motor bike remains the centerpiece, the engine is the heart of the bike!
It is the engine, aided by the pedal strokes, which will irrigate the entire mechanics of the bike.
How to choose your electric bike motor? Here, in this content, are all the elements that you need to consider to make the right choice, the one that will be adapted to your use.
What are the criteria you should consider when choosing the motor for your electric bike?
To choose the electric motor on a bicycle, several criteria or parameters must be considered. How to choose your electric bicycle motor? What is the best electric bicycle motor?
Once again, it is the use of your bike that will also determine your choice of engine. Before determining the best one, you must consider the essential parameters on which you must stop, namely:
- The comfort aspect
- Ease of use
- Efficiency and performance
- Reliability
- Weight and compactness
- The cost
When it comes to comfort, central motors are undoubtedly those that offer the most comfort, even the most well-known brands favor the central motor on an electric bike.
This type of engine offers real sensations of comfort when pedaling, the assistance is flexible, homogeneous without jolts. Stability is also better, in the event of a breakdown this engine is also more easily accessible.
This is not the case for the wheel motors, front or rear, which also modify the gravity of the bike, moreover, we also note a pushing or pulling effect which, depending on the model, is more or less marked.
The central engine also presents more advanced technological advances, the sensors are more diversified, interconnected and more precise.
Is the motor of an electric bike noisy?
In general, the motor is quite discreet on an electric bike, but from one brand to another this element varies in terms of noise intensity.
What are the types of motors for electric bikes?
The central motor : the one that is ideally located in the event of a breakdown, more natural electric assistance, very little maintenance, suitable for all types of practice, it is more expensive and often a little heavier.
The front wheel motor: it offers a good feeling of being pulled, it adapts to many types of bikes, it is less expensive, it is well suited to urban use, repair is less easy in the event of a puncture, in the bends there is a feeling of weight
The rear wheel motor : it offers a good feeling of propulsion, is well suited for use in the city as well as for sport, it adapts to many types of bikes, not easy to repair in the event of a puncture.
Choosing the engine according to use:
It is the peripherals of the bicycle engine that will generate the ease of use of the machine. The transmission is important for an engine, described as more intuitive, the model coupled with a hub with integrated speeds is therefore preferred over systems with derailleur.
The latest generation of central motors, such as those from Bosch or Yamaha, have an automatic gearbox, so the right gear is engaged depending on the route taken. The wheel motor in the event of a puncture does not really make repairs easier. You should also consider the interface of the bike's on-board computer, which is where most of the adjustments are made.
Choosing your engine for performance
In Europe, the legal speed of an electric bike is 250 Watts, but this does not prevent two motors of the same power from being very different.
The torque delivered in Newtons/meter (Nm) must be considered. An engine capable of reaching 80 Nm provides sporty acceleration even on steep terrain. An engine limited to 40 Nm will provide more progressive acceleration, on the side the bike will be less dynamic.
Depending on the mode selected in terms: eco, sport, boost or turbo, manufacturers mention the level of assistance possible. This criterion is expressed as a percentage, on some engines this power can reach 400%, this is the case for some mountain bikes.
Of course, the rider's weight and the weight of the bike impact overall performance.
European regulations require that e-bike motors be restricted beyond 25 km/h in terms of speed. Thus, it is through the power of the legs that the cyclist will be able to go faster. There are indeed motors that develop powers greater than 250 Watts, this is the case in Switzerland, but in Europe for such a case, the bicycle is then no longer considered a bicycle but a moped.
Choosing the engine based on reliability criteria
Again, it can be noted that central motors show higher reliability than the wheel motors of entry-level e-bikes. The lifespan is always difficult to estimate because it depends on the use, riding habits, care of the bike and the route taken.
Brushless motors that equip electric bikes have an excellent reputation in terms of resistance. Brands like Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano still offer reliable motors.
Choice for a light and compact e-bike type motor
Nowadays, batteries are lighter, motors are lighter too, the lightest do not exceed 3 kg. Central motors are always lighter than other wheel motors. One thing is certain, motors are less and less visible on bikes.
The manufacturer Fazua has developed a drive system whose motor unit, weighing less than 2 kg, is housed directly in the frame, which is a significant aesthetic advantage.
Conclusion :
You now have in hand the main criteria that will allow you to choose the electric bicycle motor best suited to your needs, your budget and your use. Of course, motors from reputable and recognized brands will always offer more reliability, but the cost will remain higher.
We invite you to discover the range of electric bikes offered by Batoobike , and in particular its Colibri model.
FAQs
What is the right power for an electric bike?
A good electric bike is equipped with a motor whose power is between 250 and 750 watts. Bikes equipped with motors in this range are capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 km/h and can easily tackle hills and other difficult terrain.
What size motor is best for an electric bike?
The size of the motor is not an essential criterion, what is important for the motor is the power, the position of the motor, the torque and the brand. Power: As mentioned, a power of 250W is sufficient for the majority of urban users.
What is the best brand of electric bike motor?
Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano and Brose are the leaders in this field. You can't go wrong, especially since these manufacturers are constantly engaged in further developments.
How to choose the power of your electric motor?
For urban use on flat terrain, a 250W rear wheel motor may be sufficient. For hilly terrain or off-road applications, a 500W or larger mid-drive motor will be more appropriate.