This article was first published on 17/06/2025 - we have since updated it with our Practical experience supplemented.
The lightweight Fazua Ride 60 e-bike motor impresses with its compact shape, low weight and surprisingly powerful thrust. The range of the system is also very good in comparison with other light drives. As a result, the Bavarian motor emerged as the favourite among lightweight e-motors in our test.
However, the small powerhouse had a weakness when it came to driving feel. This is precisely where Fazua claims to have made significant improvements with the latest software update. After the new Energy 480 battery and the new remote for the Ride 60 this is the second Fazua update this year. We have tested the update extensively and reveal whether it is worth downloading.
The e-bike drive specialist from Ottobrunn near Munich is launching a comprehensive update for its Ride 60 with firmware bundle 12. The update centres on the new KickOverrun function, which has been specially developed for technical climbs. This situational overrun is designed to make difficult climbs even smoother. Other minor weaknesses in the ride feel are also said to have been rectified.
KickOverrun for more power on the mountain
Overrun has long been a much-discussed topic for e-bike motors. The overrun describes how long the motor continues to coast after the pedalling stops. A long overrun makes it easier to ride over obstacles such as steps and root carpets, as these cannot be overcome by pedalling - keyword pedal touchdown. On the other hand, a long caster doesn't feel very natural as it conveys more of a motorbike feeling. After all, you can't kick off and push over it on a normal bike.
With the KickOverrun, Fazua wants to organise the overrun according to the situation. This means that the additional thrust should only intervene fully when it is really needed to overcome an obstacle. The system should automatically recognise when the rider gives a final power impulse and then briefly stops pedalling. At this moment, KickOverrun is activated and delivers a precisely coordinated power boost. The full 450 watts and 60 Newton metres of the Ride 60 are then released.
This function should make it possible to master technical passages more smoothly and increase confidence in difficult terrain. A similar approach Bosch recently demonstrated this with its software update for the Performance CX with the ingenious E-MTB+ mode. On the Ride 60, the smart overrun works in each of the three support modes. The algorithm that enables the KickOverrun is based on the complex analysis of technically experienced bikers and supports them very predictably.
Pascal Ketterer, Team Lead Riding Behaviour at Fazua, explains: "The KickOverrun provides additional power and more flow for every climb and turns steep trails into a playground. With the Firmware Bundle 12, our Ride 60 feels more intuitive and natural - as if the motor is a part of you." According to Fazua, the KickOverrun function is only activated in specific riding situations that are typical for technical mountain biking. This ensures that the additional support is only used when it is actually needed.
Optimised sensor technology and longer standby time
In addition to the KickOverrun function, the firmware bundle includes 12 other improvements aimed at optimising the overall riding experience. One important new feature is improved torque measurement. On the one hand, the sensor is to be automatically recalibrated with every ride. In addition, temperature compensation has been implemented in the software. This is intended to compensate for fluctuations caused by different temperatures. All in all, Fazua speaks of a much more precise torque measurement, which should ensure permanently precise support.
The starting behaviour and responsiveness are also said to have been further optimised. The motor is said to react more sensitively, especially when the rider's torque is low, and the clicking noise when the motor stops is also said to have been eliminated. Another point that Fazua has addressed with the update is the standby time of the system. This has now been extended to up to 10 minutes - twice as much as before. This means that the system no longer switches off so quickly during short breaks.
The software update at a glance
- Situational overrun KickOverrun
- Automatic sensor calibration with every journey
- Extended standby time of up to 10 minutes
- Compatible with Fazua Ride 60 drive system
- Installation via Fazua Toolbox 2.24 (desktop software)
- Connection of the e-bike via USB-C
Easy installation for end users
Users can install the firmware bundle 12 on their e-bike themselves using the Fazua Toolbox 2.24 programme. However, this does not work via the app, but only via the Fazua Toolbox 2.24 programme. To do this, the drive unit must be connected to a PC via USB-C. Please note: There is a new version of the Toolbox software. The update cannot be carried out with the previous version. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to have the update carried out by an authorised Fazua dealer.
With the firmware bundle 12 for the Ride 60 drive system, Fazua is demonstrating that continuous software optimisation is an essential part of e-bike development. The combination of the new KickOverrun function, improved system stability and longer standby time should help to improve the riding experience on technical trails and further increase the performance of the Ride 60 system.
Practical test of the Fazua update
Yes, the update is definitely worth it, that much can be revealed in advance. However, you shouldn't expect a completely new drive with the new software, of course. The most striking feature is actually the newly implemented overrun called KlickOverrun. Contrary to Fazua's announcement, this comes into play quite frequently off-road. It is very easy to deliberately provoke, but it also kicks in automatically through natural pedalling movements.
The classic: starting off in front of a root or stone step. Here, the motor pushes for as long as possible to overcome the obstacle as smoothly as possible. However, we feel that this is done rather discreetly. The KickOverrun feels more like an invisible hand pushing over the obstacle than an ignited super turbo.
The blatant trail of a Bosch Race or EMTB+ mode is much more striking and intrusive. The Fazua KickOverrun pushes just enough to keep the bike and rider going even on steep sections. This is a big advantage on difficult uphills. And among the light motors, the Ride 60 is pretty much alone with this feature, which, in addition to the very powerful torque, is another climbing plus for the Fazua drive.
The optimisations when starting and stopping the motor thrust are also clearly noticeable in the practical test. The motor "hangs better on the foot" than before, even though there are drives that modulate even more finely here. However, the Ride 60 is immediately available when pedalling, smoothly engages and disengages and does exactly what the rider expects. We like that! We only noticed the sometimes distinct clicking sound in rare cases and then much more discreetly than before the update. We wouldn't describe it as annoying.
BIKE summary of the Fazua update
Fazua is working on the biggest weakness of its Ride 60 with the latest update - that's a good thing! The optimisations are clearly noticeable and a really good step forward. The pleasant coasting in particular helps significantly on technical climbs - and is a unique selling point of the Ride 60 in the light segment. A very successful motor for us has become a whole lot better.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
