E-bike & electric drive

Buying advice for: E-bike & electric drive

• Types of electric drive

  The electric drive has revolutionised cycling and makes it possible to cover greater distances with less effort. Front hub motors are integrated into the front wheel hub and offer a simple and cost-effective solution. They are particularly popular with city and commuter bikes. Traction is good on flat terrain, but steering can be difficult on wet or loose surfaces. Rear hub motors are located in the rear wheel hub and offer better traction and weight distribution. They are more efficient and powerful than front hub motors and are often used on sportier e-bikes and pedelecs. Centre motors are the most common type of electric drive and can be found on most e-bikes.

• Electric drive brands

  Bosch is one of the leading suppliers of e-bike motors and offers a wide range of drives that are suitable for various applications. The Performance Line and Performance Line CX are particularly popular with mountain bikers and sporty riders, while the Active Line is designed for urban traffic and relaxed rides. Shimano Steps is another prominent brand known for its reliable and efficient drive systems. Shimano offers systems such as the E6100 series for trekking and city bikes and the E8000 series for mountain bikes. Brose is a German manufacturer specialising in quiet and powerful mid-drive motors. Brose motors are known for their smooth and powerful assistance, making them ideal for different types of bikes. Yamaha also offers a wide range of e-bike drives. The PW series and the PW-X series are known for their high reliability and performance and are often used in sporty e-bikes.

• Materials and workmanship

  Motor housings are often made of aluminium or magnesium to ensure low weight and high heat dissipation. Drive shafts and gears are usually made of hardened steel or special alloys to withstand the high loads. Batteries are another important component of the electric drive. High-quality e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their high energy density and long service life. The workmanship of the batteries is crucial for safety and performance, which is why many manufacturers rely on robust housings and modern cell technologies.

• Technical features

  Modern electric drives offer a variety of technical features that improve riding comfort and efficiency. Most systems offer different assistance modes, providing more or less assistance as required. Sensors play an important role in controlling the motor. Cadence, torque and speed sensors work together to provide seamless and intuitive assistance. Range and charging times are other decisive factors. High-quality systems offer a range of up to 150 kilometres and more, depending on the support mode and riding conditions. Fast charging times and interchangeable batteries increase flexibility and user-friendliness.