Bafang eBike Motor VS. Bosch Electric Bike Motor (Full Guide)

I have seen a lot of electric bikes with Bafang and Bosch electric bike motors. I have been asked which of these two e-bike motors performs better. I researched and compared these motors across different aspects, such as their purchase cost, maintenance cost, range, life span, and reliability.

As a whole, if you are looking for a street-legal e-bike motor that generates the highest torque, your best bet would be either the Bafang M615 or the Bafang M620. These two Bafang motors can generate a rated power of 1000W and 160Nm torque.

As a general rule, if you are interested in an e-bike motor with an impressive system, we recommend using any Bosch motor with the Smart e-bike system. This drive system allows you to have a new riding experience.

In total, if you are looking for an electric bike motor that can be easily purchased, any Bafang e-bike motor would suit your needs. Bafang motors are available for purchase at any Bafang store and from authorized resellers.

We have created a table outlining the differences and similarities between Bafang and Bosch e-bike motors. We will also dive into their pros and cons, and other related questions about Bafang and Bosch motors.

Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Bike Motor

eBike Motor	Bafang eBike Motor	Bosch eBike Motor
Cost of Purchase	Around $500	Around $500
Maintenance Cost	$150	$150
Running Cost	$0	$0
Range	20-140 miles, depending on the battery	20-140 miles, depending on the battery
Life Span	5-10 years	5-10 years
Reliability	Reliable when properly maintained	Reliable when properly maintained

Pros and Cons: Bafang eBike Motor

Pros	Cons
Can be easily purchased because they have official stores in several online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay	Several motors are heavy, weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms)
Lots of units you can choose from with nominal rated power ranging from 200W up to 1000W
Torque of Bafang motors ranges from 28Nm to 160Nm
Range of up to 140 miles when paired with a high-capacity battery and used within normal conditions
Mid-drive units are relatively quiet
Sell conversion kits for electric bikes
There are e-bikes with Bafang motors that cost less than $2,000

Pros and Cons: Bosch eBike Motor

Pros	Cons
Lots of units you can choose from	Difficult to purchase because they are only selling their units as a direct replacement for existing drive units
Range of up to 140 miles (225 km) when paired with a high-capacity battery and used within normal conditions	You can’t buy conversion kits in an online marketplace such as Amazon and eBay
Great design (Bosch motors have won several awards for product design)	Bosch motors are not standalone units, so customizing e-bikes is a challenge
Motors are made to work together with other Bosch drive systems (i.e., battery, display, etc.), so diagnosing issues is much easier
Equipped with gear-shifting detection that allows smooth gear change
Equipped with the most responsive torque sensor
Lightweight; the motors weigh 6.4-7.1 pounds (2.9-3.2 kg)
Can provide 250%-400% maximum pedal-assist

Cost: Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Bike Motor

As a general rule, the cost of Bafang and Bosch e-bike motors is about $500. Both Bafang and Bosch electric bike motors are of excellent quality.

Bafang has official stores in several online marketplaces, such as Amazon and eBay. For instance, this Bafang Mid-Drive Motor BBS02B is sold on eBay for $485.08, whereas this BAFANG BBS02 is sold on Amazon at a price of $495. 

The cost of electric bikes with Bafang motors also varies. Some e-bikes cost less than $2,000, while others are more expensive. Some affordable electric bikes with Bafang motors are the Radwagon 4 and Velowave.

The Radwagon 4 of RadPower Bikes uses a Bafang gear hub motor with 750W rated power and 80 Nm torque. This electric bike only costs $1,899. You can read our article “RadWagon Vs. Blix Packa eBike (The Easy Choice).” 

On the other hand, the Velowave electric bike uses a 750W Bafang gear hub motor. It is sold on Amazon for only $1,649. 

Bosch motors are difficult to purchase because they are sold as a direct replacement for existing drive units. However, there is a store on eBay in Germany that sells Bosch motors. For instance, this Bosch Motor Performance Line costs $697.78 (£549.95), whereas this Bosch Performance CX costs $888.11 (£699.95).

For delivery to the United States or any other country, it would be best to contact the eBay store directly. 

The cost of electric bikes with Bosch motors also varies. However, most of them cost more than $2,000. That is because they are not only using a Bosch motor but are using the entire Bosch drive unit, including the battery and display, which are made to work together.

Some electric bikes with Bosch drive systems are the Batch Step-Thru and Trek Allan+7. The Batch Step-Thru uses the Bosch Active Line motor, while the Trek Allan+7 uses the Bosch Performance CX motor.

When sold alone, the Bafang and Bosch electric motors are nearly the same price. However, we have observed that electric bikes with a Bosch drive system are much more expensive than those equipped with a Bafang motor.

Maintenance: Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Motor

As a whole, it might cost $150 to service a Bafang or Bosch electric bike motor. This cost may be higher or lower, depending on the complexity of the problem with your e-bike’s motor. This may include simple cleaning, repair, or re-greasing.

An e-bike’s motor provides the assistance you need to propel your electric bike. Unfortunately, it is a component that encounters wear and tear over time. However, a motor won’t wear out too quickly if properly used and maintained.

Proper usage and maintenance keep your motor running smoothly with the utmost efficiency and capability. E-bike motor maintenance includes the basic cleaning of your motor. You can do it on your own. We highly recommend cleaning your motor using this Muc Off e-bike Ultra-Corrosion Defence Spray sold on Amazon. 

In addition, e-bike motor maintenance may also include repairing your motor. When repair is needed, it would be best to contact a professional mechanic to do the job. That way, you avoid messing up your e-bike motor and save yourself from expensive repair bills to fix the potential damage you may have caused.

Remember, when your e-bike is not in use, it is advisable to store it. Read our article “17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside)” to learn how to store your e-bike properly.

Range: Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Bike Motor

As a general rule, there is no significant difference between the range of Bafang and Bosch electric bike motors. Both e-bike motors can help you travel an average range of 20-140 miles, depending on the battery being paired with your motor.

For instance, if you pair your e-bike motor with an e-bike battery with a large capacity, it will likely be able to travel a longer distance. On the contrary, if you pair your e-bike motor with a lower-capacity e-bike battery, your range will probably be shorter.

In our article “Bosch eBike Motor VS Brose Motor (The Best, Reliable, Noise),” we created a chart outlining the range of each Bosch e-bike motor when paired with a different Bosch e-bike battery. You can also use Bosch’s range calculator to better estimate your range depending on your motor, battery, weight, riding mode, speed, and environment. 

Life Span: Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Bike Motor

On average, there is no significant difference in the life span of Bafang and Bosch electric bike motors. These two brands of motors both have an average life span of 5-10 years. Regardless of brand, your maintenance and usage can significantly affect the motor’s longevity.

Electric bike components wear and tear naturally. However, anything will last longer than expected when used and maintained properly. To prolong your e-bike motor’s life span, you must keep up with the necessary maintenance and follow the instructions in your motor’s manual.

When your e-bike is not in use, we recommend storing your e-bike properly to protect its parts from getting contaminated, thus extending your motor’s and e-bike’s life span. You can read our article “17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside)” to learn how to properly store your e-bike. 

Reliability: Bafang eBike Motor vs. Bosch Electric Motor

As a whole, both Bafang and Bosch electric bike motors are highly reliable, especially when properly used and maintained. Both manufacturers have been in the industry for over ten years. They have become known for providing excellent motor power which can suit your needs.

Nothing is perfect in the world of electric bikes. Of course, some owners have experienced minor issues with their e-bike motors. However, these issues can be solved. You just have to contact the respective manufacturer support for any problems with your e-bike motor. For Bafang’s contact support, click here; for Bosch’s contact support, click here.

What is a Bafang Motor?

As a general rule, a Bafang motor is a motor used by electric bikes. Bafang motors are used by eMTBs, eCargo bikes, eTour bikes, eRoad bikes, and eCity bikes. Bafang motors help propel these electric bikes by providing torque to the eBike’s tires.

Bafang motors have power output ranges from 200W to 1000W. Bafang motors with 200-350W rated power are good enough to be used with electric tour, city, and road bikes. On the other hand, Bafang motors with 500-1000W rated power are best used with eMTBs and electric cargo bikes.

In addition, Bafang motors are available as either mid-drive, rear-drive, or front-drive motors. The Bafang mid-drive motors are the quietest among the three types of motors. They are also compact and powerful. Additionally, mid-drive motors allow for better weight distribution on your e-bike because of their location.

If you are interested in purchasing a Bafang mid-drive conversion kit, we recommend this Bafang mid-drive conversion kit sold on Amazon.

On the other hand, Bafang rear drive motors are powerful and efficient. However, these motors are placed at the back wheel, so changing the rear wheel and maintaining the motor could be difficult. You can get this Bafang Rear Hub Motor Conversion Kit on Amazon.

In addition, the Bafang front-drive motors are light in weight. They weigh between 3.75lbs (1.7kg) – 7.45lbs (3.4kg). These motors are placed on the front wheel, which makes changing the front wheel and maintaining the motor difficult. You can purchase this Bafang Front Hub Motor Conversion Kit on Amazon.

To learn more about the similarities and differences between mid-drive and front-and-rear hub motors, read our article “Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor (The Real Difference).”  

Is Bafang a Good Motor?

As a whole, Bafang is a good motor. Bafang is a well-known manufacturer of electric bike motors. Bafang motors are highly reliable and efficient. Moreover, they can provide excellent performance, which can easily meet your needs. 

These motors are used in e-bikes, including eMTBs, eCargo bikes, eTour bikes, eRoad bikes, and eCity bikes. Bafang motors offer different levels of power and torque, which you should consider depending on your needs.

The highest-rated power that Bafang motors offer is 1000W, and the highest torque is 160Nm. Bafang motors with a rated power of 1000W and 160Nm torque include the Bafang M615 and Bafang M620.

Bafang motors are one of the best motors for providing an impressive pedal assist. In addition, they are versatile and can be installed easily. Bafang also offers conversion kits for owners who wish to convert or customize their bikes. 

How Long Will a Bafang Hub Motor Last?

As a general rule, Bafang hub motors will last between 10,000 and 15,000 miles of riding. Regardless of brand, any high-quality electric hub motor will last between 3 and 10 years, depending on maintenance and usage.

Regardless of brand, the life span of hub motors is generally shorter than the life span of mid-drive motors. This is because the hub motors are placed on either the front or rear wheel. Either way, the hub motor’s weight is generally added to the wheel mass. As a result, this could result in improper weight distribution on your electric bike.

If you are undecided on where to place your hub motor, our article “Front Wheel Vs. Rear Wheel (Best Place for eBike Hub Motor)” could help you decide.

If you want to learn more about the similarities and differences between hub-drive and mid-drive motors, check out our article “Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor (The Real Difference).” 

Is Bafang a Chinese Company?

As a whole, Bafang is a Chinese company. The head office and manufacturing center of Bafang are located in Suzhou, near Shanghai. Bafang also has sales and service centers in other countries, including the USA, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan.

Bafang began manufacturing and developing components for electric vehicles in 2003. Bafang is now considered one of the largest e-bike motor manufacturers.

Aside from the countries mentioned above, Bafang is also opening a production facility in Poland that focuses on producing mid-drive systems to cater to European markets. You can visit Bafang’s website to learn more about the company. 

Where are Bafang eBike Motors Made?

On average, Bafang e-bike motors are made in different countries, but their main manufacturing center is in Suzhou, China. Moreover, they have sales and service centers in Taiwan, Germany, USA, and Japan. They also opened a production facility in Poland to cater to the European market.

Are Bafang Motors Waterproof?

As a general rule, Bafang electric bike motors are not fully waterproof but are heavily water-resistant. Bafang e-bike motors and other Bafang components, such as the display and controller, are rated as IP65.

The IP65 rating means that your component is protected from dust, oil, and non-corrosive materials. This rating also means that the component can withstand water jets from all directions. The IP65 rating means that your Bafang motor is protected from low-pressure raindrops.

Since they are only water-resistant, it is not advisable to soak your motor in water. Doing this could significantly damage your motor beyond repair.

If your electric bike is unused, you can protect your e-bike motor and other components by storing your electric bike properly. Check out our article “17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside)” to learn more.

If you want to learn how to waterproof your e-bike motor, watch the video below.

What is the Most Powerful Bafang Hub Motor?

As a whole, the most powerful and efficient Bafang e-bike hub motors are the Bafang H640 and Bafang H550. These Bafang electric bike motors generate 750W and 1000W of dependable power, but with different levels of torque.

Bafang Hub Motor	Bafang H640	Bafang H550
Rated Power	1000W	1000W
Torque	90Nm	85Nm
Weight	12.13lbs (5.5kg)	9.04lbs (4.1kg)
Compatible with	Disc brakes and 7-to-11 speed cassettes	Disc brakes and old 175mm frames
Best used for	eMTBs	eFat bikes and eCargo bikes

Bafang H640 and Bafang H550 are both rear hub motors. The Bafang H640 can generate up to 90Nm torque, whereas the Bafang H550 can generate up to 85Nm. These two motors can be used on any type of electric bike.

However, the Bafang H640 is best used with eMTBs, while the Bafang H550 is best used with electric fat bikes and electric cargo bikes.

What is the Fastest Bafang Motor?

As a whole, the fastest Bafang motor is the Bafang BBSHD motor. This Bafang motor has an estimated maximum speed of more than 30mph. With its high maximum speed, this Bafang motor is not considered street-legal.

The Bafang BBSHD motor is a bottom-bracket mid-drive motor with a rated power of 1000W and a peak power of 1764W. This motor can generate up to 160Nm torque. Because of its high speed, power, and torque, this motor is best used for off-road riding. However, since this motor is not street-legal, it is not suited for every type of rider.

Bafang BBSHD can be purchased from Bafang USA Direct for $725 or from Luna Cycle for $669.95.

If you are interested in learning more about the legality of electric bikes in all states, you can read our article  “Are Electric Bikes Street Legal (Detailed Info: All 50 States).” 

Is Bafang Mid Drive Torque Sensing?

As a general rule, not all Bafang mid-drive electric bike motors are torque sensing. All of Bafang’s mid-drive motors have speed sensors, but not all have torque sensors. According to their manual, nine Bafang mid-drive motors are equipped with torque sensors.

Bafang mid-drive motors with torque-integrated sensors include the Bafang M800, Bafang M620, Bafang M600, Bafang M510, Bafang 420, Bafang 410, Bafang M400, Bafang M200, and Bafang M445. To learn more, check out this Bafang Workbook 2022.

Does Bafang Have Torque Sensor?

As a general rule, some Bafang electric bike motors have torque sensors. Other Bafang electric bike motors are not torque-sensing. Most of the Bafang electric bike motors with torque sensors are mid-drive motors.

Check out Bafang’s Workbook 2022 for the specifications of each Bafang motor and other Bafang components. 

How Does Bafang Pedal Assist Work?

As a general rule, the Bafang pedal assist works by activating the motor through pedaling. Regardless of brand, pedal assist works when the sensor is triggered as you pedal, triggering your motor to provide the assistance you need.

When in pedal-assist mode, your motor engages when you pedal; otherwise, it stops. As a result, you have to pedal if you want your motor to continue providing you with assistance. Pedal assist has different levels. You can choose a higher or lower level, depending on your needs.

Pedal assist works differently than a throttle. The latter works by either pressing a thumb-size button or twisting a handlebar which causes the motor to provide power to the e-bike’s tires without pedaling.

If you want to learn more about pedal-assist and throttle, read our article “What is the Difference Between Pedal Assist and Throttle?”  

Is the Bafang BBSHD Worth It?

As a whole, the Bafang BBSHD electric bike motor is worth it. Bafang BBSHD is a very reliable bottom bracket mid-drive motor with a rated power of 1000W and peak power of 1764W. Furthermore, this motor can deliver a torque of up to 160Nm.

A Bafang BBSHD is an extremely powerful motor that can help electric bikes to reach very high speeds. As a result, this motor is best used for off-road riding or private use. If you are an everyday commuter, purchasing this motor is not advised because you don’t need that much power to commute. In fact, in most cases, using a motor with a rated power of 250W would meet your needs.

However, if you love mountain climbing or off-road riding, you will appreciate the power and speed of this Bafang BBSHD motor.

If you are considering buying this motor, you can purchase it from LunaCycle or Bafang USA Direct. 

Are Bafang Motors Brushless?

As a general rule, Bafang electric bike motors are brushless. Almost all electric bikes nowadays use brushless DC motors because they are more efficient and are likely to last longer.

If you want to purchase a brushless Bafang motor, check out this Bafang Brushless Front Hub Motor Conversion Kit. 

Where are Bosch Ebikes Made?

As a whole, Bosch electric bike systems are developed in Reutlingen, Germany, but the drive units and batteries are produced and consolidated in Miskolc, Hungary. The Bosch company has been in the market since 2003.

Are Bosch eBike Motors Noisy?

As a general rule, Bosch electric bike motors are not noisy, but they are not quiet either. The level of noise produced will not significantly affect their entire performance or efficiency.

An e-bike motor is an electrical component that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. Thus, it is normal for the motors to create noise. However, if you observe a rattling or an extremely loud noise the first time you use your motor, it would be best to contact the store where you purchased it. Bosch allows for replacing your existing drive unit with a new one.

Dirt and oil can contaminate your motor, which can cause your motor to create noise. That is why it is always advisable to wash off any dirt from your motor as soon as you see it. We recommend this Muc Off e-bike Ultra-Corrosion Defence Spray sold on Amazon to clean your motor on a regular basis. It is also good to lubricate the exterior part of your motor to preserve its efficiency. 

How Many Watts is a Bosch eBike Motor?

As a whole, Bosch e-bike motors have a nominal rated power of 250W. Bosch e-bike motors can provide an average maximum assistance of 250-400%, depending on the model. Furthermore, their motors can generate different amounts of torque, which ranges from 40-85Nm.

The Bosch motor that provides the highest support level is the Bosch Cargo Line (the Smart system and Bosch eBike system 2). This motor can deliver maximum support of up to 400%.

How Many Miles Will a Bosch eBike Motor Last?

As a general rule, Bosch electric bike motors will last between 10,000 and 20,000 miles of riding. Regardless of brand, any high-quality electric bike motor will last between 3 and 10 years, depending on maintenance and usage.

Quality, usage, and maintenance are key factors that could affect the life span of any electric bike motor. Therefore, we always recommend checking your motor’s manual to learn the do’s and don’ts of your particular motor. In addition, you should wipe off any dirt and oil from your motor when you see it to avoid contaminating your motor.

Are Bosch Motors Interchangeable?

As a general rule, Bosch electric bike motors are not interchangeable. Each Bosch electric bike motor is uniquely designed and programmed for specific purposes and applications, so interchanging them is likely impossible.

Although Bosch says that the drive units are not interchangeable, some owners have been able to do so. Even if it is doable, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s manual because, technically, they are the ones who know the most about their products.

Can I Upgrade My Bosch eBike Motor?

As a whole, you can upgrade your Bosch e-bike motor. Bosch has updated their software, enabling ride owners to upgrade their own Bosch e-bike motors. This allows your motor to boost its power and increase torque from 75Nm to 85Nm.

You can do this by plugging your motor into a laptop and updating it with Bosch’s new software. Doing this is challenging, so it would be best to contact a Bosch-verified technician to do the job. However, if you have sufficient knowledge about Bosch and its software, you can do it independently. You can read Bosch’s blog post about software updates to learn more. 

What is the Latest Bosch eBike Motor?

As a whole, the latest Bosch e-bike motor is the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 4. The eMTB mode comes with an “Extended Boost” which provides a faster and more powerful acceleration.

The new Bosch Performance Line CX has the new Bosch Smart system, which includes the e-bike flow app, new PowerTube 750, LED remote, compact 4A charger, and Kiox 300 display. All components work together to give you a new riding experience. To learn more about the new features, check out the Bosch website. 

What is the Best Bosch Electric Bike Motor?

In total, the best Bosch electric bike motor is the Bosch Performance Line CX. This powerful motor can deliver a maximum torque of 85Nm with a maximum support level of 340%. In addition, it has a high-speed processor, which provides a smooth ride.

With its torque and fast processor torque sensor, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor is best used for eMTBs. Its power is more than enough to propel your e-bike and climb up a steep incline.

“Whatever power my e-bike has, I’m happy when I ride.”

-ELectric ride owner

What Ebikes Use a Bosch motor?

As a general rule, several known brands use the Bosch electric bike drive system. Some of these brands are Tern, Scott, Trek, Yuba, Corratec, Electra, Flyer, Moustache, Riese & Muller, and Cannondale.

We have listed some electric bikes equipped with a Bosch drive system.

Electric Bike	Cost	Bosch Drive System
Tern HSD S8i	$4,299 (MSRP)	Active Line Plus, PowerPack 400, Purion display
Scott Patron eRide 920	$6,499.99	Performance Line CX, PowerTube 750, LED Remote, Kiox 300 display
Trek Powerfly 4	$3,849.99	Performance Line CX, PowerTube 500, Purion display
Yuba Supercargo CL	$5,999	Cargo Line, PowerPack 500, Kiox display
Corratec LifeS Cross P5	—	Performance Line, PowerTube 500, Purion display
Electra GhostRider Go	$3,049.99	Performance Line, PowerPack 400, Purion display
Flyer Upstreet  1	$4,499 (RRP)	Active Line Plus, PowerTube 500, Purion display
Moustache Lundi 27.3	—	Performance Line, PowerTube 500, Intuvia display
Riese & Muller Multichanger Mixte	$6,549	Performance Line CX, PowerTube 625, Purion display
Cannondale Synapse Neo 1	$4,725	Active Line Plus, PowerTube 500, Purion display

If you are interested in seeing a comparison of Bosch and Brose electric bike motors, read our article “Bosch eBike Motor VS Brose Motor (The Best, Reliable, Noise).” 

Bosch eBike Motor Vs. Brose Motor (The Best, Reliable, Noise)