All e-MTB motors in the sporty segment have one thing in common: the mid-motor system. Thanks to its favourable centre of gravity, the drive has unbeatable advantages in the bottom bracket area. But not all mid-motors are the same. In addition to the classic variants with a maximum torque of around 80 to 90 Newton metres, two other drives have been added: super-strong power drives and weaker minimal-assist systems. We show you the special features of these specialised E-MTB drives.
Power drives for e-bikes
All you really have to do with these electric motors is drop your legs, even on the steepest climbs. The motors do the rest with their brute power. Beyond 100 Newton metres of torque and over 600 watts of maximum power are listed in the technical data sheets of the power monsters from TQ and Sachs. These are also the only manufacturers that offer power drives for e-mountainbikes. And a few e-MTB manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon. The largest manufacturer offering bikes with a power drive is Haibike. Two years ago, the Schweinfurt-based company caused a furore with the Flyon series. But you pay a high price for so much power, and not just financially. Firstly, the motors and the associated batteries are not exactly light. Secondly, they need a lot of power, at least in full throttle mode, and drain the batteries in no time. What's more, the 25 km/h speed limit prevents them from realising their true potential. Nevertheless, so-called power e-bikes have a loyal fan base that simply enjoys pure power.
Minimal Assist E-MTB drive
E-MTBs with minimal assist motors are the opposite of power bikes. As the name suggests, they are not trimmed for power, but are designed to offer rather unobtrusive assistance. Instead, the motors are small and light. And so you can't even tell that some minimal assist bikes are e-MTBs. Weighing between 16.5 and 20 kilos, these new, slim e-bikes are much lighter than classic e-MTBs and are therefore noticeably more agile. Minimal assist bikes do not claim to offer a flow experience on the steepest climbs. Rather, they want to compensate for the additional weight of a powerful chassis and solid wheels and see themselves more as a climbing aid for trail and enduro bikes. The best-known minimal assist drive is the Fazuawith which the Lapierre E-Zesty played a pioneering role two years ago. Also Specialized recently launched the Levo SL, a minimal assist bike on the market, fuelled by a small engine from Mahle. The German answer to this comes from Rotwild with the R.X375 Ultra. This bike is even powered by the powerful Shimano EP8 motor fuelled. However, it has to make do with a small 375 Wh battery.
For the really light models from the Minimal Assist series, however, you have to dig deep into your pockets: Nothing is available for less than €5,000, while the models from Specialized and Rotwild are more likely to cost twice as much. These bikes are particularly exciting for all those who only expect a slight tailwind from the motor. They bridge the gap between classic mountain bikes and e-MTBs.
