Fazua, TQ, Specialized & Co: 5 lightweight e-bike motors in the test
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 12.12.2022
Where is the centre of the E-MTB world at the moment? Exactly, in Germany. In Bavaria to be precise. Because two motor manufacturers from the Free State are really shaking up the e-bike market. TQ and Fazua. Keyword: light e-MTB. Above all, bikes with the new Ride 60 from Fazua fill the news portals. Also TQ and Trek have been Market launch of the HPR 50 has attracted a lot of attention with full-bodied promises. And now more and more e-bikes with the small whisper motor are following suit. For example the superlight Scott Lumen, the down-country speedster from BMC or the all-mountain and enduro duo from Simplon. But what makes the new drives so special? And what can they do better than their predecessors? For our test, we subjected five lightweight e-bike motors to a detailed procedure in the laboratory and in practice in order to work out their strengths, weaknesses and characteristics as objectively and in as much detail as possible.
6 motors, 6 articles: The drives in detail
The e-bike motors in the test
In our test field, newcomers meet proven motors. Specialised with its SL 1.1 and the EP8 RS (Shimano/Orbea) have established the light segment of the e-bike market in recent years. The big challenger is Fazua's newcomer Ride 60. With Forestal from Andorra and Maxon from Switzerland we also have two small, innovative brands in the test that add their very own flavour to the segment. Unfortunately, we were unable to include the HPR 50 from TQ in the direct comparison of the light drives. The Bavarian motor manufacturer and its development partner Trek explicitly did not want to take part in our extensive test programme, especially the laboratory measurements. As a result, we did not have a bike with the TQ motor at our disposal at the time of our comparison test. Nevertheless, we are already very familiar with the HPR 50 and also include the quiet pedal in this test. >> Click here for the test article! We also requested a test bike of the BH 2EXMag, but to no avail. A detailed impression of the drive from the Spaniards can be found here! All the candidates in our e-bike motor test and initial measurements and test data can be found in the image gallery:
The Light-E-MTB concept
But what is actually behind the light concept for e-bikes? All systems have the pursuit of lighter e-mountainbikes in common. This is achieved through two approaches. Firstly, the e-bike motors deliver less power and can therefore be built lighter. Secondly, as less power also consumes less electricity, the systems also rely on smaller batteries. Smaller batteries in turn allow for slimmer frames, especially down tubes. In total, this saves between two and four kilos compared to a Bosch system with a 750 battery.
The manufacturers take different drastic approaches to these economy measures. Rarely have the differences in a motor test been so clear. Batteries between 250 and 540 watt hours and, on top of that, large fluctuations in performance and weight. There are drives in the test that can certainly compete with classic e-MTBs. At the other end are minimalist approaches that appeal more to bikers who want a classic mountain bike with a built-in tailwind. Which motor is the best in the Light class therefore depends more than ever on the area of use and personal preferences. However, the difference in weight to the bulky Bosch drive (2 to 4 kilos) also shows that in order to build really light bikes, manufacturers have to take further cost-cutting measures and make compromises. For example, most light bikes rely on lighter wheels and lighter, but also less robust tyres. In addition, more carbon components are used, which drives up the price.
The batteries of the lightweight e-bike drives
Drastic economy course or considerable range? The manufacturers have very different concepts here. Maxon installs the smallest battery with 250 watt hours, Orbea the largest with 540 watt hours. In both cases, the energy sources match the overall concept. The Swiss company Maxon has a very minimalist system, which also has a low motor output. Less power consumes less electricity, so you can make ends meet even with a smaller battery. The EP8 RS in the Orbea, on the other hand, is relatively powerful, with a larger battery to match. In this way, the e-bike drive is transformed from a minimalist specialist into an enduring all-rounder. However, the weight of the e-bike motor is significantly higher, as our comparison in the next section clearly shows. We have summarised our test bikes and their battery sizes in the following picture gallery:
- Fazua Ride 60: Battery with 430 Wh (permanently installed or removable depending on the bike model), optional range extender with 250 Wh
- Forestal F60-S1: Battery with 360 Wh, permanently installed, optional range extender to come
- Maxon Bikedrive Air: 250 Wh battery, permanently installed, 360 Wh battery to follow in 2023, as well as an optional range extender
- Orbea/Shimano EP8 RS: Depending on the bike model, battery with 540 or 360 Wh, permanently installed, optional range extender with 250 Wh
- Specialised SL 1.1: Battery with 320 Wh, permanently installed, optional range extender with 160 Wh
- TQ HPR 50: Battery with 360 Wh (permanently installed or removable depending on the bike model), optional range extender with 160 Wh
Comparison of weights: This is what the lightweight e-bike motors weigh
We have removed and weighed all e-bike motors and batteries. This makes our values perfectly comparable. To put the weights into perspective, we have included the values of a Bosch Performance CX Smartsystem. The comparison shows: The system weight is most dependent on the battery capacity. Maxon takes the lead with a mini battery. The weights of the e-bike motors are very close to each other, only Orbea's EP8 RS is significantly heavier than the competition. Bosch's Smart system with Powertube 750 is 1.9 to 3.9 kilos heavier than the light systems.
- Maxon Bikedrive Air: Engine 2.02 kg | Battery 1.43 kg (242 Wh) | System: 3.45 kg
- TQ HPR 50: Motor: 1.89 kg | Battery: 1.85 kg (360 Wh) | System: 3.74 kg
- Specialised SL 1.1: Motor: 1.95 kg | Battery: 1.84 kg (320 Wh) | System: 3.79 kg
- Forestal F60-S1: Motor: 2.03 kg | Battery: 1.9 kg (360 Wh) | System: 3.93 kg
- Fazua Ride 60: Motor: 2.02 kg | Battery: 2.22 kg (432 Wh)| System: 4.24 kg
- Orbea EP8 RS: Motor: 2.65 kg | Battery: 2.78 kg (540 Wh) | System: 5.43 kg
- Bosch Perf. CX: Motor: 2.96 kg | Battery: 4.35 kg (750 Wh) | System: 7.31 kg
The driving experience: a comparison of the engines
The most powerful drive in the test conveys the riding experience of a power e-bike the most. What seems obvious at first is not so simple on closer inspection. The F60-S1 from Forestal is more powerful than the competition, yes. But the way the power is delivered is even more responsible for its rather stoic, striking riding experience. In the highest support level, the motor pushes very evenly, with little influence from the rider's input. If you take pressure off the pedal, the motor reacts very hesitantly and in some situations even pushes on unperturbed. This helps over some key sections on climbs, but prevents a smooth ride feel and sensitive modulation.
The fact that a lot of power can also be released more discreetly is proven by the Fazua. With only slightly less maximum power, the riding experience is much more harmonious. The system reacts very sensitively and quickly to changes in the rider's pedal pressure, allowing the thrust to be modulated excellently. In general, the power delivery is much more closely linked to the rider's input. Even in the basic setting of Rocket mode, the Ride 60 only pushes with full power when the rider accelerates. This results in a sporty, lively riding experience with strong modulation. If you pedal easily on the flat, you have the feeling of a pleasant tailwind. When you get down to business, the Ride 60 provides surprisingly powerful support. However, our Fazua test bike still has a clear inconsistency, a kind of power hole, when the motor starts to surge. According to Fazua, this problem should be fixed with the next software update.
In order to Orbeas EP8 RS to get a Fazua-like ride feel, you have to switch to the more subtle trail mode. In Boost, the thrust is very uniform and therefore somewhat unnatural. The most discreet in the entire test field is the weaker Bikedrive Air from Maxon to work. The motor power is applied almost imperceptibly, so the assistance is natural and never intrusive. The sporty character of the Swiss unit is emphasised by the fact that full assistance is only available at a high cadence - the absolute opposite of a shuttle feeling for the lazy! Specialiseds SL 1.1 plays in a very similar performance class. Compared to the Maxon, however, the power delivery is more even and not as sensitive. But all in all, the SL unit also gives the impression of riding with a bit of a tailwind.
High up on the naturalness scale, we would put the HPR50 from TQ to categorise. The direct intervention of its gearbox makes the driving experience super smooth. The engine thrusts in and out without any clattering. The power delivery is more discreet than intrusive. Less shuttle feeling, more tailwind. Unfortunately, we were unable to make a direct comparison with all the competitors.
Loud or quiet? The background noise in comparison
A natural driving experience or discreet assistance are classic buzzwords for light motors. The perception of these factors is inevitably linked to the drive noise, which makes this factor particularly relevant for mini drives. The winner in this category is quickly identified: Fazua. No other engine is so quiet and discreet. Although a constant whisper accompanies the journey, the volume is so low that it is hardly noticeable. The distance to the pursuers is quite large. The EP8 RS and Maxon's Bikedrive Air are fighting for second place. The exact ranking is a matter of taste. The Bikedrive Air sounds even, rather high-frequency and turbine-like. Most testers tend to describe the sonorous hum of the EP8 RS as somewhat more pleasant, but the motor reacts to cadence changes with clear sound fluctuations, which makes the noise stand out more. Too bad: the gearbox rattles on the descent of the EP8 RS, like its big brother, is permanent. The Maxon also makes noise when rolling over obstacles. Although only with bigger impacts, it is all the more noticeable. This is due to its special freewheel design.
The loudest drive noise have Forestal and Specialized. Both sound significantly more unpleasant and louder than Maxon and the EP8 RS. They are roughly on a par with classic Shimano and Bosch drives. The SL 1.1 sounds the same in most riding situations. Its grating sound is consistently present and unpleasant. The mechanical noise of the F60-S1 remains somewhat more discreet at low cadences, but it howls even more clearly under acceleration. Incidentally, the TQ HPR 50 is also extremely quiet. Unfortunately, we were never able to ride it in direct comparison with the Ride 60 from Fazua. In a long-distance duel, we see the HPR 50 slightly ahead.
Over 25 km/h: The internal resistance of e-bike motors
Thanks to their lower weight and less bulky tyres, light e-MTBs really come into their own on flat sections, where they can easily be pedalled above 25 km/h, i.e. without motor assistance. If you cover flat transition stages without motor assistance, you also increase your range. The internal resistance of e-bike motors is much discussed in this context. We analysed each drive without motor boost at 20 different operating points on the test bench and compared the values. We ran a Bosch Performance CX as a reference. On average, the power motor actually lost a good ten watts more than the best light drives. However, there were hardly any relevant differences between our five light test bikes. Fazua, Maxon, Specialized and EP8 RS run with comparably low internal resistance. Only the F60-S1 from Forestal landed between the two worlds with around five watts more resistance. Caution: In practice, different tyres, carcasses, rubber compounds or air pressures may make a bigger difference than the internal resistance of the motors!
Another decisive factor for the riding experience is how the motor engages and disengages at the support limit. This is least noticeable with Fazua and Maxon, followed by the EP8 RS. With Specialized and Forestal, the rider gets clear acoustic feedback as to whether the motor is pushing or not. This can be annoying when commuting around the switch-off limit.
Power delivery: How powerful are the light motors for e-bikes?
Our lab test confirms our impressions from practical experience: even the strongest light motors lag noticeably behind the power class in terms of maximum performance. However, with a little effort, the riders of a Forestal, Fazua and Orbea can certainly keep up in groups with big E-MTBs. With Maxon and Specialized, this becomes more difficult as soon as power riders leave Eco or Tour mode. The difference in torque between Specialized/Maxon and the more powerful Light candidates is also clearly noticeable off-road. The two minimalist candidates offer hardly any support when starting off or on counter-climbs if a gear that is too heavy is engaged.
In addition to the maximum values, the motor power curve over the cadence also plays a major role in off-road performance. Sporty e-bikers want a drive that still provides full acceleration even at a high cadence. This creates a lively riding sensation and makes key technical sections easier. The earlier a drive unit is already at high power, the more powerfully the motor pushes over steep sections and descents. The following graphic shows how well this works. In the individual articles on all motors, we also show the power and torque curves of each individual motor.
Another decisive factor for the riding experience is how the assistance changes in relation to the rider's input. This factor can be adjusted in the app for the vast majority of drivetrains via the fine-tuning function, which is why we have refrained from displaying individual measured values. In the basic set-up at the highest cadence, the EP8 RS, Specialized SL 1.1 and Forestal F60-S1 provide full assistance even at low pedal input. Fazua, Maxon and Bosch's Performance CX require more power from the rider to unleash the full thrust. This results in a sportier ride with less of a shuttle feeling. If you want your drive to have a different character, you should take a closer look at these app settings.
The push aid
Apart from the Maxon Bikedrive Air, the Light drives also offer a pushing aid. With a bike weight of around 19 kilos, this makes perfect sense. Maxon cannot offer this feature due to its special freewheel technology. With Specialized, the push assist works most intuitively at the touch of a button, and the thrust is powerful. The ergonomics of the Fazua lever (push inwards) are good, but the shifting function is currently still far too slow. This bug should be fixed with the next software update. The same applies to Forestal. Here too, the motor pushes far too slowly, albeit very powerfully. Orbea's EP8 RS takes care of the auxiliary thrust reliably in the familiar Shimano manner.
How we tested the lightweight e-bike motors
Laboratory tests are part of our core expertise. We believe that they are essential for underpinning subjective findings from practical experience with objective data. They help us not just to try out products, but to research them, analyse them and look inside them. It is rare for the reader to realise the effort that goes into such tests. In addition to countless hours of practical use, we have therefore also measured all lightweight e-bike motors on a roller test bench in the PT Labs test laboratory. This allows us to substantiate our test impressions with objective performance data. For the first time, we are publishing objectively comparable measurement data for the new Light class of E-MTBs!
In addition to the maximum values for power and torque, we also analysed the reaction of the drives to the rider's input on the test bench. Which e-bike motor is still fully responsive even at the highest cadences? And which has weaknesses at low cadence? For each individual drive, the motor test bench at the Schweinfurt test laboratory spit out 14,000 data points, which we had to analyse together with laboratory manager Veit Müller.
Of course, we also completely dismantled, checked and weighed all the drives. For the practical and laboratory tests, we fitted all e-bikes with the same Schwalbe tyres (Magic Mary/Big Betty, Supertrail, Soft, 29 x 2.4 inch) and identical air pressure. During our test rides with high-quality measurement technology from Garmin (Rally XC 200 watt measurement pedals, Edge computer), we precisely equalised the system weight in order to examine the lightweight e-bike drives independently of the bikes in which they are installed.
The individual assessment of the 6 lightweight e-bike motors
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
