The two most exciting E-MTB innovations of the last Eurobike went in completely different directions. Powerful, heavy and wild or light, natural and discreet? The enormously powerful motor from TQ Systems or the minimalist Fazua drive? These two characteristics will be personalised in the 2019 season by Haibike and M1 Sports technology on the one hand and LapierreBulls and Focus on the other hand. What is behind this?
Full speed ahead: TQ Systems
The drive from Bavarian motor specialist TQ Systems puts all current e-bike motors in the shade when it comes to maximum power. With a nominal 120 Newton metres, it is the most powerful drive in the E-MTB sector, as the powerhouse has already proven in the EMTB lab (to the engine test). However, at around 4.5 kilograms, the motor is definitely no lightweight. In addition, the enormous maximum power consumes a lot of electricity. Large and therefore heavy energy sources are therefore a must! This puts e-MTBs with this drive in a high weight class of over 25 kilos, which is not exactly conducive to a natural and agile riding experience.
Less is more: Fazua
The idea behind the Drive from Munich start-up Fazua is to strike a balance between bike and e-MTB. Low overall weight, no drive influences beyond the 25 km/h limit and natural, rather discreet motor support. The maximum power output is significantly lower than that of the competition from Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha and others, but complete bikes weighing less than 15 kilos (Focus Raven2 hardtail) or around 17 kilos (Bulls-Racefully) are possible. The first Enduro Fully with Fazua drive comes from Lapierre and should stay well below the 20-kilo mark. The new Motor Drive S Mag from Brose also focusses on low weight. The top version of the new Levo from Specialized scratches the 20-kilo mark, despite full maximum power.
As an EMTB reader, which trend do you think is most effective? In an anonymous survey, we asked people to vote on what is more important - the result is clear: over three quarters of the almost 1,200 survey participants were in favour of lightweight bikes, saying that the maximum power of conventional motors was more than enough for them. 23 per cent want more power and would accept a significant increase in weight.
More range please! Irrespective of our response options, a striking number of readers have spoken out in favour of more reach in emails and comments - like here in our Facebook post:
In which direction are E-MTB motors developing?
We asked the three leading engine manufacturers about their philosophy.
Tamara Winograd, Bosch eBike Systems
In our eyes, it's not the maximum power that is decisive for the E-MTB, but the riding experience. After all, the E-MTB is a bicycle, not a motorbike. E-bike drive systems will become even more compact and lighter in the future and will be better integrated into the frame. Overall, we expect an even higher power density, i.e. more power in relation to size.
Michael Wild, Shimano importer Paul Lange
E-MTB motors of the future will be lighter, quieter, more powerful and more efficient. The challenge here is not to achieve absolute top values in one category, but to implement all improvements in a balanced way. Connectivity and customisability will also play a major role. Engines will also be customised more specifically for certain applications.
Horst Schuster, Brose Antriebstechnik
The feedback from our customers confirms that the maximum power of Brose drives fulfils the requirements. Our focus is on a natural riding experience: bike feeling instead of moped feeling. This also applies to the future. Basically, the market will continue to differentiate. Customers can therefore decide for themselves where their preferences lie.
The two current spearheads in the test: How the extremes Haibike Flyon on the one hand and Lapierre E-Zesty on the other hand, we reveal in the EMTB issue 1/2019.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
