Bosch eBike Motor Vs. Brose Motor (The Best, Reliable, Noise)
Recently, my brother told me he wants to have either a Bosch or Brose motor on his eBike. He came to me and asked me which of the two would be more powerful. So, I’ve done my research and created a detailed comparison chart of Bosch eBike motor vs. Brose eBike motor which you can find below.
As a whole, both Bosch and Brose eBike motors are reliable if properly maintained. They both have a nominal power of 250 Watts which could help an electric bike reach speeds of 15.5 mph-28 mph (25 km/hr-45 km/hr).
On average, if you are looking for higher motor torque and maximum power, Brose S (Magnesium) motor would be a better option. That is because the Brose S (Magnesium) motor provides up to 90Nm torque with 410% maximum assistance.
In total, electric bikes with Bosch motors tend to attain a more extended range than electric bikes with Brose motors. An e-bike paired with Bosch Active Line motor and a Bosch 1250Wh battery can travel up to 140 miles.
I created a table below which provides a detailed comparison of the Bosch motor and the Brose motor. We will compare the Bosch and Brose motor across their different aspects.
Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
| Motor | Bosch Motor | Brose Motor |
| Power | 250 Watts nominal (250%-400% maximum support) | 250 Watts nominal (280%-410% maximum support) |
| Running Cost | $0 | $0 |
| Maintenance Cost | $150 | $150 |
| Range | 20-140 miles | 87 miles |
| Life Span | 5-10 years | 5-10 years |
| Reliability | Reliable when properly maintained | Reliable when properly maintained |
Motor Power: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
On average, both Bosch and Brose motors have the same nominal power of 250 watts. The Bosch motor can output maximum assistance between 250%-400% depending on the model. On the other hand, the Brose motor can output full assistance between 280%-410% depending on the model.
Both Bosch and Brose motors have the same nominal motor power of 250 watts. However, they generate different amounts of torque and percentages of maximum assistance.
The Bosch motors with the highest torque are the Performance Line CX, Cargo Line, and Performance Line Speed. They each provide up to 85Nm torque. Furthermore, Performance Line Speed and Performance CX have the same maximum support of up to 340%, while the Cargo Line has maximum assistance of up to 400%.
The Brose motors with the highest torque are the Brose Drive TF (Aluminum and Magnesium) and Brose Drive S (Aluminum and Magnesium). They provide up to 90Nm torque.
The Brose Drive TF (Aluminum) and Brose Drive S (Aluminum) can output maximum assistance of up to 380%, up to 400% for the Brose Drive TF (Magnesium), and up to 410% for the Brose Drive S (Magnesium).
Range: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
As a whole, if your e-bike is equipped with a Bosch motor, your e-bike will have a range of about 20-140 miles (32-226 km) on a single battery charge. On the other hand, if you have a Brose motor, your e-bike can attain a range of up to 87 miles (140 km) on a single battery charge.
Most times, the primary factor that will determine your e-bike’s range is your battery. However, there are times that the e-bike motor can also be a factor. That is because the motor uses and depends on the power of your e-bike’s battery.
Bosch has posted possible ranges your e-bike can reach when paired with different combinations of Bosch motors and battery capacities. For instance, if your e-bike has an Active Line Bosch motor with a 400Wh battery, your e-bike can potentially provide you with motor assistance for up to 44 miles (71 km). This is an average range that we calculated by combining all four modes.
Brose does not have comparable information on its website. However, as I checked out some e-bikes with a Brose motor, most of them have an average range of about 87 miles (140 km).
Running Cost: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
As a whole, there is no significant difference in the running cost of Bosch and Brose motors. E-bike motors, regardless of brand, have a $0 running cost. That is because e-bike motors will work as long as the battery has power and is turned on.
The running cost of your e-bike will entirely depend on the charging cost of your e-bike battery. Thus, the e-bike motor, regardless of brand, has zero running cost.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
-Albert Einstein
Maintenance Cost: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
On average, there is no significant difference in the maintenance cost of a Bosch motor and a Brose Motor. Servicing your Bosch or Brose motor may cost around $150. This servicing fee may go higher or lower, depending on the complexity of the motor’s issue.
An e-bike motor is one of the most essential components of your e-bike because it converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, which provides the power to propel your e-bike.
Like any other e-bike component, the e-bike motor also wears and tears naturally. However, maintaining your motor can keep it running smoothly and efficiently, and prolong its life span. Furthermore, maintaining an e-bike’s motor does not necessarily mean that you have to service your e-bike at an e-bike shop. Instead, you just need to clean your e-bike motor regularly. Check out this Muc Off e-bike Ultra-Corrosion Defence spray on Amazon. It can help keep your eBike free of rust.
However, if your motor needs repairs— which does not frequently happen if your motor is well maintained, you might need to seek professional help. In most cases, servicing your e-bike may cost about $150.
You can take a look at the video below for more information on cleaning and maintaining your e-bike motor.
Life Span: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
On average, there is no significant difference in the life span of the Bosch motor and the Brose motor. Both motors will last between 5 and 10 years. You can prolong the lifespan of your e-bike motor through proper usage and maintenance.
Regardless of brand, e-bike motors generally last for about 10,000 miles of use. So, suppose you are riding your e-bike five miles a day. Your e-bike motor will most likely last about five years. But, of course, your motor may last a longer or shorter duration depending on how you use and maintain your e-bike motor.
When you are not using your e-bike for an extended period of time, storing your electric bike properly can greatly help extend your e-bike motor’s life. If you would like to learn more about how to properly store an electric bike, check out our full article: 17 Electric Bike Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside)
Reliability: Bosch Motor Vs. Brose Motor
As a whole, Bosch and Brose motors are reliable when properly used and maintained. Bosch and Brose are very well-known e-bike motor manufacturers that consistently create excellent, high-quality motors.
Bosch and Brose have been in business for several years. Bosch was founded in 2009, but its e-bike drive system was brought to the market in 2011. On the other hand, Brose entered the market in 2014.
In general, newly bought Bosch and Brose e-bike motors are reliable. They typically continue being reliable when properly used and maintained. But, of course, nothing is perfect.
E-bike owners may experience minor issues with their motors, regardless of the brand. However, newly bought e-bikes are protected by a limited warranty period in most cases. So, you should contact your e-bike manufacturer if there is a problem with your motor while it is still within its warranty coverage period.
Pros and Cons of Bosch Motor
| Pros | Cons |
| Great design (the e-bike system of Active Line, Active Line Plus, and Performance CX have won the Red Dot Award for product design.) | Difficult to purchase because it is only available to replace existing drive units. |
| Can have a longer range than Brose (can ride up to 140 miles) | Since Bosch motors are not standalone units, it could be challenging for e-bike manufacturers to customize their bikes |
| Have gear-shifting detection, which allows for smoother gear change | |
| Is not just a motor by itself but is part of an entire electrical Bosch system (i.e., battery, display, etc.), and the system is made to work together. Thus, diagnosing issues is much easier. | |
| Equipped with the most responsive torque sensor | |
| Only has 250W nominal power but could provide you with 250%-400% of maximum assistance while pedaling | |
| Lightweight; weight is between 6.4-7.1 pounds (2.9-3.2 kg) | |
| Maximum motor support between 15.5 mph-28 mph (25 km/hr-45 km/hr) |
Pros and Cons of Brose Motor
| Pros | Cons |
| Have won design awards (iF Design Award and the German Design Award) | The range can be shorter than Bosch (up to 87 miles only) |
| Only has 250W nominal power but could provide you with 280%-410% of maximum assistance | Difficult to purchase |
| Relatively quiet | |
| Brose motor manufactures the motor alone, so e-bike manufacturers can pair it with any battery, display, and other components of their liking | |
| The motor can provide up to 90Nm torque | |
| Lightweight; only weight about 6.4 pounds (2.9 kg) | |
| Maximum motor support between 15.5 mph-28 mph (25 km/hr-45 km/hr) |
Take a look at a Bosch and Brose’s e-bike motor review in the video below.
Are Brose eBike Motors Good?
As a general rule, Brose e-bike motors are good. Brose is one of the top-leading e-bike motor manufacturers globally. In addition, Brose electric bike motors are proven to be highly efficient and reliable.
Brose is known for creating relatively quiet and powerful motors. In addition, a Brose motor provides 250 watts of continuous power but could provide maximum assistance of up to 410%. Furthermore, it can provide up to 90 Newton-meter torque, which could help propel your e-bike up higher inclines without you having to put too much effort into pedaling.
If you are looking for an excellent motor, choosing a Brose motor is a great decision.
Are Brose Motors Reliable?
As a whole, Brose electric bike motors are reliable. They’ve been available in the market for over seven years and have proven their motor’s reliability. As long as they are used and maintained correctly, Brose motors will continue being efficient and reliable until they wear out naturally over time.
According to E-Mountain bike magazine, in 2020, Levo and Kenevo e-bikes, which use Brose motors, reported having issues. They reported frequent ripping of their belt drives. As a result, a complete motor replacement was needed. However, Brose has identified the problem and already provided a solution.
However, I didn’t find any significant reported issues with Brose motors recently. So, that’s a good sign and it shows that Brose has continuously worked to improve their motors.
Are Bosch eBike Motors Noisy?
As a whole, Bosch e-bike motors are not too noisy. Bosch motors generate noise but are not too loud. Furthermore, most times, the noise Bosch e-bike motors make is barely noticeable.
Most of the noise an electric bike makes comes from its motor. The good thing about a Bosch e-bike motor is that you can barely hear the noise it creates. Furthermore, the reduction in the noise Bosch e-bike motor makes does not significantly affect its overall performance and efficiency.
The quietest Bosch eBike motor is the Active Line Plus Bosch motor.
Can I Upgrade My Bosch eBike Motor?
As a general rule, you can upgrade your Bosch e-bike motor. Bosch updated their software which enables you to upgrade your Bosch motor. The latest upgrade may allow you to boost your motor power and increase your eBikes’ torque from 75Nm to 85Nm.
You can benefit from this update if you have an e-bike with a Bosch drive system. You would have to plug your motor into a laptop and update it with the new software.
Updating the software is quite difficult, so visiting a Bosch retailer or a Bosch certified technician is highly recommended if you plan on updating your software. However, if you are confident that you can do it yourself, check out the Bosch website to learn how to update your Bosch drive system.
Are Bosch Motors Interchangeable?
As a whole, Bosch motors are not interchangeable. Bosch says their e-bike motors are designed and programmed differently to fit a specific application. Thus, interchanging Bosch drive units is not possible.
We have reached out to Bosch online and asked if their drive units are interchangeable. Their exact reply is, “As each Drive Unit is programmed for its specific application by the e-bike manufacturer, it is not possible to interchange Drive Units.”
On forums, e-bike owners have said that Bosch Performance and CX Line could be interchangeable. However, it would be best to follow Bosch’s user manual because the company itself typically tends to know the most about its e-bikes.
Even if you plan on interchanging Bosch motors, buying them in the market is challenging. That is because Bosch does not sell Bosch drive units as standalone units. Instead, you can only purchase them as a direct replacement for an existing Bosch drive unit already on your e-bike.
Which Bosch eBike Motor is Best
As a whole, the Bosch Performance Line CX can be considered the best Bosch e-bike motor. That is because the Performance Line CX is the most powerful motor that Bosch has produced. It provides 85Nm torque with 340% maximum assistance.
Performance CX is considered to be the most powerful e-bike motor that Bosch has built. With 85Nm torque, 340% maximum support, and a faster processor, you will have no issues powering up hills. As a result, Performance CX is best suited for electric mountain bikes.
Which is the Most Reliable eBike Motor?
As a whole, the most reliable e-bike motor is the Bosch Performance Line CX. It outputs an incredible 85Nm torque and up to 340% of assistance. Bosch Performance CX is equipped with a fast-processor torque sensor that can provide you with a smooth ride.
Performance CX is among the best electric bike motors in the market. Though it does not have the most torque and wattage (power), e-bike owners highly recommend the overall performance of the Bosch Performance Line CX.
Since the Performance Line CX motor has a high-speed processor, it reacts quickly to your riding needs. This means it will provide you with the assistance you need when you need it.
If you are interested to learn more about e-bike torque and the e-bikes with the most torque, check out our article “Electric Bike Torque: The Ultimate Guide To eBike Torque.”
