E-bike motors & drive units

Which motor is best for your e-bike? We explain how torque, power and support factor affect the riding experience, and introduce you to motors from Bosch and Shimano.

How many watts should a good e-bike motor have?

Unfortunately, this cannot be answered in a single sentence. 

Choosing the best e-bike motor is about the interaction of several factors. Here we explain the most important technical terms relating to the e-bike motor and how they directly influence your riding experience.

The three terms torque, power and support factor come up again and again when it comes to e-bike motors. These three factors largely determine how your e-bike feels – whether sporty, smooth or powerful when starting off.

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Torque

Torque (in Newton metres, Nm) describes how strongly the motor acts on the crank – in other words, how much acceleration you feel when pedalling. High torque (e.g. 85 Nm) is especially important if you often ride on inclines, tow heavy loads/trailers, or need strong take-off power from a standstill.

Power

Power (in watts, W) indicates how much energy the motor delivers per unit of time – simply put: how fast you can ride with your e-bike. In Europe, a maximum of 250 W continuous output is legally permitted, but peak output can be much higher depending on the motor: 600–750 W peak output provides extra power when starting, on short steep climbs or when carrying heavy loads. This is particularly relevant for mountain tours, cargo bike use or sporty riding.

Support factor

The support factor (in %) shows how much additional power the motor provides. A factor of 300% means: if you pedal with 100 W, the motor adds 300 W – giving you a total of 400 W. For relaxed riding with physical limitations, on longer tours or with heavy loads, you should choose a drive with a high support factor.

Torque, power and support factor always work together. For everyday rides, a motor with moderate values is usually sufficient. Riders who need more support – off-road, with heavy luggage, on tandems or with physical limitations – should carefully compare the motor parameters. The easiest way to find the right motor is with a test ride on your Hase Bike. Here are the motors currently available in our line-up:

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Bosch Performance Line CX

available in our models

Kettwiesel ONE PLUS Kettwiesel ONE UP PLUS Kettwiesel ONE Handbike

100 Nm torque – 750 W power – 400% support factor

The Bosch Performance Line CX is a powerful mid-drive motor with up to 100 Nm torque and up to 750 W power. Originally developed for dynamic e-mountain biking, this e-bike motor impresses in our bikes with its high performance even at low cadences – perfect for anyone wanting maximum support in every riding situation.

Advantages of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor

seamless compatibility: communicates perfectly with automatic shifting systems Rohloff E-Shift & Enviolo Automatiq
light and quiet: approx. 2.8 kg lightweight housing, optimised for minimal noise
high range: expandable with large batteries (up to 800 Wh) & Range Extender for long tours

Shimano EP6 Cargo

available in our models

Kettwiesel ONE Kettwiesel ONE UP Pino E Pino E CARGO Gravit CITY E

85 Nm torque – 500 W power – 410% support factor

The Shimano EP6 Cargo offers 85 Nm torque, 500 W power and a 410% support factor. The cargo-optimised version of the EP600 is designed for use in heavily loaded bicycles. It is also very helpful for riders with limited leg strength. The EP6 Cargo is therefore perfect if you need maximum support right from the first pedal stroke – or if you frequently transport heavy loads on your bike.

Advantages of the Shimano EP6 Cargo motor

precise power delivery: natural take-off without jerks, smooth yet powerful support
Efficiency: automatic adaptation to riding conditions means less energy loss compared to previous models
Optimised for cargo = optimised for low leg strength: full power is delivered twice as quickly, making it easy to start in any situation
Compatible with Shimano gear systems, including the new Shimano Nexus Inter-5E Di2

Shimano STEPS E5000

available in our entry-level models

Trigo E Trigo UP E

40 Nm torque – 250 W power – 200% support factor

The Shimano Steps E5000 is a lightweight, quiet mid-drive motor with 40 Nm torque, 250 W power and a 200% support factor. It is well-suited for daily commuting and city routes, with its compact design ensuring a pleasant pedalling feel without noticeable resistance when the motor is not engaged.

Advantages of the Shimano STEPS E5000 motor

everyday suitability: supports up to 25 km/h, ideal for city rides and flat terrain
compact: small and discreet, integrates seamlessly into the bottom bracket housing
simple: user-friendly operation with the standard Shimano control unit
affordable: cost-effective entry into the world of e-bikes

What does an e-bike battery do?

The battery is the energy source of your e-bike drive and determines how far you can ride with motor support. Capacity is specified in watt hours (Wh): the higher the value, the more energy is available. For example, a 500 Wh battery allows significantly longer rides than a 300 Wh one. 

Smaller batteries with less than 500 Wh are more than sufficient for everyday use, such as commuting or shopping. For longer tours, you should choose a model with higher capacity. In our bikes we offer batteries with 504, 545 Wh and 630 Wh. For our bikes with Bosch motors, batteries up to 800 Wh can also be retrofitted.

How big is the difference between different batteries?

A 630 Wh battery offers a higher capacity compared to a 545 Wh one. This means greater range and longer rides without recharging. How far you can ride on a single charge depends on the chosen support mode, weight and terrain.

How far can I go on one battery charge?

Energy consumption – and thus the range of a battery charge – depends heavily on conditions: hilly terrain, high speed, heavy load or a high support mode use more energy. Riding on flat terrain, with little load and in a low support mode, your battery lasts considerably longer.

How do I charge and maintain my e-bike battery properly?

Ideally, charge the battery at room temperature and avoid extreme heat or cold. For storage, keep your e-bike battery dry, cool and with a charge level of around 30–60%. This ensures long service life and stable capacity. Clean the contacts regularly and always use the original charger to prevent damage to the battery.