EMTB Drive System Buyers Guide
eBikes are a big part of cycling, with a wide range of motor systems available — from full-power units to lightweight options that feel closer to a regular bike. We’ll go through the most popular e-bike motors, compare the key specs, and help you choose the system that makes the most sense for the way you ride.
eBike Motor Laws In The UK:
All road-legal eBikes in the UK are limited to 25km/h of assisted speed and 250W of continuous power. You’ll often see much higher peak power figures quoted, and that’s because motors are allowed to deliver short bursts of higher output under load — for example on steep climbs — as long as they can’t sustain that power continuously.
Full-Power Vs Lightweight Systems.
eBike motors typically fall into two categories.
Full-power motors, such as the Bosch Performance Line CX, prioritise strong assistance and long range. They add more weight compared to a standard bike, but that mass can help the bike feel stable and planted, especially on rough trails and fast descents.
Lightweight systems, like the TQ HPR60, aim to keep overall bike weight down and deliver a more natural ride feel. Assistance is lower, but the bike behaves more like an unassisted MTB, with support when you need it rather than dominating the ride.
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Full-power motors, such as the Bosch Performance Line CX, prioritise strong assistance and long range. They add more weight compared to a standard bike, but that mass can help the bike feel stable and planted, especially on rough trails and fast descents.
Lightweight systems, like the TQ HPR60, aim to keep overall bike weight down and deliver a more natural ride feel. Assistance is lower, but the bike behaves more like an unassisted MTB, with support when you need it rather than dominating the ride.
Mid-drive vs hub motors.
Most eMTBs use mid-drive motors, mounted around the bottom bracket. This keeps the weight low and central, improving balance and handling on technical terrain. Mid-drives also work through the bike’s gears, which helps deliver power more naturally on climbs.
Hub motors, found in the rear or front wheel, are usually cheaper and more common on urban or leisure eBikes. Off-road, they tend to feel less refined due to added weight at one end of the bike and a less natural power delivery, for trail riding, hub motors are rarely chosen.
Choosing the right motor for your riding.
Who you ride with and how you ride both matter. If your regular group is on full-power eBikes and tends to use higher assist modes, a lightweight system can make it harder to keep up. On the other hand, if you’re reasonably fit and want more physical input from each ride, a lighter system can be far more rewarding.
Fitness level plays a role too. Riders returning after time off often appreciate the stronger support of a full-power motor, while those building fitness or recovering from injury may prefer a lighter setup that still offers help when energy levels drops.
Full-Power Motors.
Full-power motors focus on maximum assistance and range. Batteries typically range from 500Wh up to 1060Wh, making them well suited to long rides with lots of climbing. While heavier than lightweight systems, the added mass can improve stability and traction on rough ground.
Bosch Performance Line CX.
Bosch has been building mid drive motors specifically for eMTB since 2010, and the Performance Line CX remains one of the most widely used systems. Known for its smooth, predictable power delivery and reliability, it comes in two current versions:
Gen 4: 85Nm torque, up to 600W peak power
Gen 5: 100Nm torque, up to 750W peak power
Newer bikes are moving over to the Gen 5 system, while Gen 4 systems are still widely in use. Bosch also a produce a Race version of their motor, which is available on a select number of bikes.
Shimano EP801.
The EP801 is a refined, easy-to-live-with motor with a natural ride feel and smooth power delivery across a wide cadence range. It delivers 85Nm of torque and up to 600W peak power, with optional Di2 integration for automatic shifting under load.
Shimano EP8 RS.
The EP8 RS is a retuned version of Shimano’s EP801 motor, dropping peak output to 60Nm and 350W. The result is a more natural pedalling feel that suits lightweight e-MTBs.
Specialized Turbo 2.2 (Brose).
Used on bikes like the Turbo Levo, this motor focuses on balance rather than headline figures. App customisation is one of its standout features. Power delivery is smooth and highly adjustable via the app, allowing riders to fine-tune support for different terrain on the trail. It produces 90Nm of torque and 565W of peak power.
Yamaha PW-XM (SyncDrive Pro 2).
Found on Giant eBikes under the SyncDrive Pro 2 name, the PW-XM delivers 85Nm of torque and up to 500W peak power. It represents a significant evolution in Yamaha’s eBike drive systems, emphasizing lightweight design, high torque, and natural riding dynamics under the brand’s "Pure Ride" concept. It’s compact, responsive, and particularly strong at higher cadences.
Pinion MGU E1.12.
The Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit combines the motor and a 12-speed gearbox into a single system. It’s heavier, but the absence of a rear derailleur and cassette changes the weight distribution. It can also be noisier under load, but it delivers near-maintenance-free riding and lets you shift while stationary — a real advantage on technical climbs. It outputs 85Nm of torque with up to 800W peak power.
Lightweight Motors.
Lightweight eBike motors focus on reduced weight and a ride feel closer to a traditional pedal bike. Assistance levels are lower than full-power systems but still provide a useful boost on climbs. Battery capacities are smaller — typically between 236Wh and 480Wh — trading outright range for a lighter, more playful bike. Some systems offer optional range extenders, sold separately, to add extra range for longer rides.
Fazua Ride 60.
The Ride 60 prioritizes a natural ride feel and minimalist integration. It emphasizes low weight and clean aesthetics while delivering moderate power. It has 60Nm of torque with up to 450W peak power, offering smooth assistance that blends well with rider input.
TQ HPR60.
The HPR60 uses TQ’s patented Harmonic Pin-Ring (HPR) designed to give you natural, efficient assistance while keeping weight, size and noise to a minimum. Letting the bike feel and handle more like a regular pedal bike but with a helpful boost when you need it. It has 60Nm of torque and 350W peak power.
Bosch Performance Line SX.
The Performance Line SX is Bosch’s lightweight option and produces 60Nm of torque with up to 600W peak power, making it one of the punchier systems in this category while keeping overall bike weight down. It’s designed to bring a lighter, more agile ride feel while still offering strong assistance.
The SL 1.2 is used on Specialized’s “SL” eBikes. It’s designed to give natural, trail-oriented assistance without the weight and bulk of a full-powered eMTB system — ideal for riders who still want a good workout and trail feel. It has 50Nm of torque and 320W peak power, focusing on subtle support rather than outright assistance.
Final thoughts.
There’s no single “best” eBike motor — only the one that best matches how and where you ride. Whether you value maximum support for long, technical days or a lighter, more traditional ride feel, today’s eBike systems offer options to suit every style of riding.
The most important thing is simple: get out, ride, and choose a setup that keeps you enjoying the trail for longer.