Yamaha PW C2Yamaha's new city motor for its 30th anniversary

Barbara Merz-Weigandt

 · 13.09.2023

To mark the 30th anniversary of its drive units for e-bikes, Yamaha is presenting the new PW C2 mid-motor.
Photo: Yamaha
For the anniversary: the new Yamaha PW C2 motor. 30 years ago, Yamaha presented a Power Assist system for bicycles for the first time. Now the Japanese company is adding another drive unit for city e-bikes to its now extensive range of e-bike motors.

Since 1993, Yamaha has developed a variety of compact and lightweight drive units with high torque. The pedelec motors are known for their smooth power delivery and natural riding experience. Many leading e-bike manufacturers now use Yamaha motors.

New Yamaha PW C2 drive unit

Yamaha is expanding its range of compact drive units with the introduction of the new PW C2 series, a lightweight e-bike motor for city and commuter bikes.

The PW-C2 drive unit is based on the established PW-CE unit, but with 55 Nm it has 10 per cent more torque, which should lead to improved all-round performance on the road. The PW-C2 drive unit weighs 3 kilos. With its compact design, it should also offer bike designers a great deal of flexibility when integrating it into the respective bike frame.

The compact Yamaha PW C2 has 10 per cent more torque than its predecessor, the PW-CE.Photo: YamahaThe compact Yamaha PW C2 has 10 per cent more torque than its predecessor, the PW-CE.

Automatic support mode

The proven Yamaha software also works in the PW C2, reacting harmoniously to different loads. The rider has four manual support levels to choose from: High, Standard, Eco and Eco+. There is also an "automatic support mode". Here, the support level is selected automatically by a series of sensors. This means that the appropriate power is automatically transferred to the pedals depending on the incline or headwind. Riders on the new Yamaha PW C2 do not have to do without push assistance either.

The Yamaha PW C2 has an automatic support mode. In this mode, the drive unit recognises inclines and automatically adjusts the power accordingly.Photo: YamahaThe Yamaha PW C2 has an automatic support mode. In this mode, the drive unit recognises inclines and automatically adjusts the power accordingly.

All details of the new Yamaha PW C2 at a glance

  • Versatile new entry-level all-round eBike motor
  • Especially for the urban and commuter segment
  • Developed on the basis of the successful PW-CE drive unit
  • With 55 Nm, 10 % more torque compared to the predecessor model PW-CE
  • Extremely quiet operation
  • Weight: 3 kg
  • Compact dimensions
  • 250 W/36 V
  • Four support levels plus OFF, also available in automatic support mode
  • Push-assist function
  • Compatible with all Yamaha displays and batteries
  • Support up to a maximum of 25 km/h
The new Yamaha PW C2 motor is designed for city and commuter e-bikes.Photo: YamahaThe new Yamaha PW C2 motor is designed for city and commuter e-bikes.
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Barbara Merz-Weigandt

Barbara Merz-Weigandt

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara Merz-Weigandt, editor-in-chief of MYBIKE, the magazine for dedicated everyday and touring cyclists, lives on Lake Starnberg. Her great passion: travelling. She has crossed the Alps by touring bike - on the Via Claudia Augusta, the Ciclovia Munich-Venezia and the Alpe-Adria cycle path. She has explored the islands of Croatia and the Lycian coast by motorised sailboat and bike, and has travelled to all the Balearic and Canary Islands by bike. Her favourite place to ride her mountain bike is on the trails in the Bavarian Alps, the Dolomites or on La Palma.

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