We tested the following e-bike motors:
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Test Overview
Let’s be honest: who hasn’t wondered which electric motor would be the quickest way to tackle that uphill stretch at home? Or just how big the differences between a Bosch CX and a Shimano EP8 really are? We’re putting an end to half-baked pub talk. For our Motor Challenge, we’re sending eight e-MTB motors out onto the race track. Armed with measuring equipment and bikes fitted with standard tyres, we’re going all out. We don’t want to simulate a mindless hill sprint – because that would simply highlight the motors’ maximum power. And we regularly determine that in our detailed motor tests in the lab. Rather, we want to simulate a real uphill challenge – the ideal scenario for sporty e-mountain bikes. Incidentally, this skirmish between powerhouses isn’t
intended as a buying guide. After all, in everyday trail riding and touring, e-motors need to offer more than just the fastest uphill time. Unless, of course, the new e-mountain bike is intended to serve as a racing machine to mercilessly outpace competitors or cycling mates.
The favourite: Bosch Performance CX Race
So, let’s get down to business. The only motor explicitly designed for racing enters the Challenge as the clear favourite: Bosch’s Performance CX Race. Judging by the results from the E-Mountain Bike World Cup, this drive system currently seems virtually unbeatable. In our Challenge, the grey-and-red drive propels the black-and-gold Stevens E-Inception AM 9.7.1 up the hill. As soon as you switch on Race mode – the name of the exclusive assistance level on this Swabian racer – you feel as though you’re riding an over-eager racehorse. A light tap on the pedal, and the motor immediately starts tugging nervously at the chain. Unlike the classic Bosch Performance Line CX in E-MTB or Turbo mode, the Race mode goes full throttle even with minimal pedalling effort. Perfect for a speed record. Equally helpful: the engineers have given this ‘Super’ mode a particularly long follow-through. This means that if you pedal hard before tricky sections and then keep your legs still, the motor continues to provide a noticeably powerful boost for a little while longer. This is a huge relief, particularly on steps and root-covered sections where you’re at risk of catching your pedal. Difficult uphill sections thus become a playground. This characteristic allows for a whole new riding style.
When it comes to maximum power, however, the Race version isn’t any more powerful than the well-known Performance Line CX. So the advantage in our Challenge – where we’re pedalling hard at a set average power of 285 watts – isn’t huge.
What’s more, the key sections of our regular test route have become so ingrained in my mind that I could soon ride them blindfolded. And for the final result, we only count runs that are completed smoothly and without errors anyway. Otherwise, riding mistakes and lapses in concentration would skew the result.
The only motor explicitly designed for racing enters the Challenge as the clear favourite: Bosch’s Performance CX Race. Looking at the results from the E-Mountain Bike World Cup, this drive system currently seems virtually unbeatable.
Just 3 seconds slower: Bosch Performance Line CX
Nevertheless, the Bosch CX Race has an advantage over its more refined sibling. This is because it continues to deliver power even in those moments when the rider cannot go full throttle due to the terrain. Overall, the racing model gains three seconds on the classic model – over a ride time of just over three minutes. Less than many would probably have expected. In the Race model’s defence, it must be said that the more challenging the track, the greater the chance that you’ll ride through it flawlessly with the Bosch CX Race, whereas with other motors you’d get stuck. What’s more, the steady thrust saves energy in the long run, which can be channelled elsewhere to generate more forward momentum. Incidentally, the CX Race didn’t quite make it to the top spot in our Challenge.
Lightweight: Shimano EP8
But before we get to the winner, let’s take a look at the other end of the field. Unsurprisingly for our test team, one motor falls well short: the Shimano EP8. It is the lightest motor in the test – but it isn’t among the frontrunners when it comes to maximum power. The motor trails the Bosch CX Race by a full 27 seconds. Anyone having to compete in an uphill race with this drive unit stands little chance. A look at the E-MTB World Cup confirms this. Fortunately, however, the Japanese manufacturer has just launched a successor. The Shimano EP801 is twelve seconds faster than its predecessor – whilst weighing the same. However, even the new Shimano isn’t in the running for victory.
And the winner is...
An underdog has snatched victory – though this comes as no great surprise to those in the know. After all, the Rocky Mountains Dyname 4.0 is an absolute powerhouse, and the manufacturer’s figure of 108 Newton metres alone suggests it packs quite a punch. So victory goes to Canada, a full ten seconds ahead of Bosch’s CX Race. The motor in the Powerplay e-MTBs clearly outclasses the competition. Immediately after the start, you can feel that you’re
flying up the hill much faster. However, compared to the CX Race, the rider has to stay much more on their toes. This is because the Dyname motor’s acceleration response is very short and the power delivery is progressive.
So if you ease off the pedals for a moment, the motor’s brute thrust drops off immediately. This means that the longer and more demanding the climb, the more Bosch’s CX Race is likely to catch up. This is even more true during really long periods of full-throttle riding. This is because the Rocky motor reacts early on by reducing power, simply because it gets too hot under the collar. That shouldn’t dampen the celebrations, though – because the Dyname 4.0 in the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay won our Challenge with flying colours. Congratulations to Canada!
Conclusion on the motor challenge by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test manager:
The Rocky Mountain’s acceleration and lively thrust make steep climbs a real joy. But when things get really tricky, Bosch’s Race motor, with its incredible overrun, comes out on top. But let’s be honest: in the day-to-day lives of most e-mountain bikers, other qualities matter more. So: feel free to pick apart our results at your next get-together, or show off your knowledge. But don’t take them as the deciding factor when buying a bike. Unless, of course, you want to be the fastest, everywhere and all the time.
The test track
The bike park in Oberammergau is one of EMTB magazine’s very first test locations. For the Motoren Challenge, we’ve set our sights on a root-strewn trail on the uphill section.
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: no, the bike park in Oberammergau doesn’t (yet) have an official e-bike uphill route. And the test trail, on which we’ve already clocked up countless metres of uphill
riding, is only open for downhill riding during the park’s opening hours – riding uphill is strictly FORBIDDEN! However, in consultation with the operators, we’re allowed to ride the trail against the direction of travel through the tunnels outside opening hours.
The mix of steep sections, roots, bends and steps demands a well-rounded e-MTB and an equally good motor. The trail puts the bike’s power, responsiveness and traction to the test, as well as its suspension, climbing ability and handling. At just over 600 metres in length and 96 metres of elevation gain, the figures might sound rather modest – but every single metre is packed with action.
This is how we carried out the test
Our challenge is not intended to be an academic treatise. Nevertheless, we want valid results. Accordingly, we have meticulously monitored the conditions and ensured they remained constant.
The eight engines in the speed ranking and a brief profile
EMTB Ranking
- Rocky Mountain | 3:01 mins
- Bosch CX Race | 3:11 mins
- Bosch CX | 3:14 mins
- Panasonic | 3:17 mins
- Brose | 3:18 mins
- Shimano | EP801 3:26 mins
- Yamaha | PW-X3 3:27 mins
- Shimano | EP8 3:38 mins
Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0
Wow, what a powerhouse! You can feel the difference in power compared to the competition straight away. The power delivery is lively, and the motor can still
kick up a gear when accelerating. It’s great fun. However, you really have to keep at it to keep the Dyname going. If you ease off the pedals, the motor’s boost drops off straight away. The lack of coasting makes technical sections more difficult.
Info: 3:01 minutes | 3.22 kilograms | 108 Nm
Bosch Performance Line CX Race
Tap the pedal and power your way to the summit – that’s the motto of Bosch’s Race mode. It takes off even with minimal pedalling force, and the coasting distance is extremely long. This makes stepped sections much easier. The setup also saves energy. On flat sections, you can even take it easy; the Bosch Performance Line CX Race will still keep powering on. An excellent tool for chasing uphill records.
Info: 3 minutes 11 seconds | 2.7 kilograms | 85 Nm
Bosch Performance Line CX
The maximum power output is identical to that of its more aggressive sibling, the CX Race. The difference in time is due to the fact that, with the Bosch Performance Line CX, you have to stay much more on the ball to draw out the full power. With the rider maintaining the same average power output, the CX delivers less overall propulsion. Nevertheless, it is one of the fastest e-motors. In everyday use, it is smoother than the spirited racehorse that is the CX Race.
Info: 3 minutes 14 seconds | 2.96 kilograms | 85 Nm
Panasonic GX Ultimate
If the aim of this challenge had been to ride as fast as possible with minimal pedalling effort, the Panasonic would have won. Even with moderate pedalling, the GX Ultimate delivers its full power. If the rider pushes harder, it cannot go any faster. This makes the riding experience feel more powerful than nimble. Nevertheless, it is one of the fastest drives in the test. With its enormous torque, it helps you get through tricky sections.
Info: 3 minutes 17 seconds | 2.93 kilograms | 95 Nm
Brose Drive SMag
The Brose Drive SMag is the oldest motor in the test. Nevertheless, it certainly holds its own in terms of maximum performance. In our Challenge, it keeps pace with the leading group. On technical terrain, its smooth, powerful thrust with plenty of follow-through comes in handy. Even at the top end, the Brose doesn’t run out of steam. Off the racetrack, the quiet drive noise and the riding experience are a delight.
Info: 3 minutes 18 seconds | 3.07 kilograms | 90 Nm
Shimano EP801
The New Shimano EP801 is still marketed by the manufacturer under the name EP8. We don’t quite understand why. After all, the successor is significantly more powerful – yet remains the lightest drive system in the test. Thanks to its good torque, there’s no need to fear key uphill sections, but even with the EP801, you’ll find yourself travelling at a slightly more leisurely pace compared to the fastest models.
Info: 3 minutes 26 seconds | 2.63 kilograms | 85 Nm
Yamaha PW-X3
After the two Shimano drive systems and the Bosch Race, the Yamaha PW-X3 and
Giant Syncdrive are the lightest motors. In terms of performance, they are on a par with the EP801. Their very responsive power delivery is a real pleasure, providing a sporty riding experience. This is reminiscent of the popular Bosch feel. If you get stuck on a steep incline, no motor makes it any easier to get going again.
Info: 3 minutes 27 seconds | 2.71 kilograms | 85 Nm
Shimano EP8
The Uphill Challenge confirms what our countless practical tests had previously suggested: when it comes to maximum power, Shimano’s EP8 lags significantly behind the best in its class. Its strengths: it is the lightest and most compact motor in the test. This means that Shimano bikes include the lightest e-MTBs on the market. These advantages apply just as much to the EP801 – which is why we’re looking forward to the new model taking over.
Info: 3 minutes 38 seconds | 2.63 kilograms | 85 Nm
You can find further articles on e-bike motors here:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD