CHOOSING A DIY CONVERSION MID-DRIVE MOTOR
This article will FOCUS on the six popular mid-drive motor kits used for ebike conversions. They are popular because they are all excellent motor kits. Each has its advantages. Check out the chart at the end of the article for a comparison of the key points of each.
- Advantages of mid-drive motors
- Bafang Mid-drive Motor Conversion Kits
- Bafang BBS02
- Bafang BBSHD
- Bafang Mid-drive Motor Issues
- BBS02 vs. BBSHD Summary
- Bafang M625
- Bafang mid-drives vs. TSDZ2
- Advantages of the TSDZ2 over the BBS02
- Advantages of Bafang mid-drives over the TSDZ2
- CYC Motor Mid-drive Conversion Motors
- CYC Photon
- CYC X1 Pro
- CYC X1 Stealth
- CYC X1 Pro vs.CYC X1 Stealth Summary
- CYC vs. Bafang
- CYC vs. TSDZ2
- DIY Mid-drive Motor Feature Comparison Chart
Mid-drive Motors vs. Hub Motors
Mid-drive motors are found on higher-end ebikes and come with distinct advantages over hub motors. There are five primary reasons to choose a mid-drive motor for your ebike conversion.
- Center of Gravity: Low and centered for a balanced central motor placement
- Easier Maintenance: Replace flat rear tires hassle-free with no motor in the wheel, just like a regular bicycle.
- Motor Efficiency: Able to be appropriately geared for speed and hills
- Torque Performance: Geared for uphill terrain and riding into the wind
- Longer Battery Life: Doesn’t bog down from being geared too high
The last three advantages all come from having a transmission. the motor drives the chain and gets to use the gears on your bike. Hub motors are stuck in one gear and cannot use the bike’s gears. Because mid-drive motors drive the bicycle chain, the bike’s gears effectively become the motor’s transmission allowing the rider to climb hills in a low gear and then shift into a high gear where it is downhill or flat to go fast.
Bafang Mid-drive Motor Conversion Kits
The BBSHD and the BBS02 comprise the Bafang powerhouse family of mid-drive motors. Between these two, nearly every bottom bracket for bikes is covered from 68 to 120mm. From comfort cruisers to colossal fat bikes, Bafang mid-drive motors will bring a smile to any rider. Tackle any hill or mountain. Heck, you can even climb stairs.
Bafang mid-drive motor kits are some of the most popular motors on the planet for DIY ebike conversions and with good reason. They are solid, reliable, powerful, and the quietest mid-drive motors we have found. They are quieter than geared hub motors and the big brand mid-drive motors like Bosch, Yamaha, and Brose. And are almost as silent as direct-drive hub motors. If silent running and power are high on your list, then Bafang mid-drive motor kits are a clear winner.
Bafang BBS02
Bafang makes the BBS01/02 motor in a 250-watt, 350-watt, and 500-watt mid-drive configuration, but at Electrify Bike Co., we only carry the BBS02 750-watt. Why is that? The 250-watt and 350-watt motors are primarily for countries with e-bike laws limiting the maximum watts to those wattages. In the USA, the e-bike watt limit is 750 watts, so the Bafang BBS02 kit is perfect. For some bikes, customers, and riding conditions where less power is desirable, the 500-watt motor makes more sense. But the 500-watt motor is the same price as the 750-watt motor, and we can configure the 750-watt motor to be a 500-watt motor when needed. A 750-watt motor can become a 500-watt motor when 750 watts is too powerful for the bike or the rider. A 750-watt motor will also last longer when run at the lower wattage.
The BBS02 only comes in a single bottom bracket size. It fits threaded bottom brackets that are 68mm and 73mm wide. If you have a press-fit bottom bracket of this width, we have adapters that can convert your bottom bracket to the threaded standard so the BBS02 can fit. With the new Lekkie adapter, you can also install it on BB86/92. If you have a wider 100mm or 120mm fat bike bottom bracket, you need to use either the Bafang BBSHD or CYC X1 Pro, or X1 Stealth.
The BBS02 is our go-to Bafang mid-drive kit for most bikes and customers. Quiet and powerful, the BBS02 cranks out 120Nm of torque. Compare that to most high-end factory e-bikes with mid-drive motors having torques topping out at 65Nm to 80Nm. It is affordable and fits almost all older bikes and newer bikes that don’t have a wider bottom bracket. It can now fit BB86 and BB92 bottom brackets with the introduction of Lekkie’s new BB86/92 adapter for BBSxx.
Quick plug-and-play installation. No setup!
The bike feels completely different once derestricted. it’s just like a whole different bike! The rides are so much more fun now! Tuning kits are safe to your bike and every ebiker should have one installed! You will love riding your ebike with it. guaranteed!
Matt. Owner of Two Wheels Empire
Frequently Asked Questions
SpeedBox 2.0 for Yamaha PW is a revolutionary tuning kit which suppresses the speed limiter of your electric bike. After the tuning kit is installed your e-bike’s display shows real data, such as maximum and average speed, daily mileage and cruising range only in the kilometrage setting, if you are using miles your data will be desplaid half value.
E-bike electric assistance switches off with this tuning kit when reaching the speed of 31 mph (50 km/h).
How does SpeedBox 2.0 work?
You can activate the SpeedBox 2.0 tuning kit on your e-bike’s display. After pressing the ‘LIGHT’ or ‘ ‘ buttons, a speed of 3.1 mph (5.0 kph) will appear on the display. After activation you will be able to ride at the speed of 31 mph (50 kph). Display shows: actual values (only in km/h)
To deactivate the chip, press the ‘LIGHT’ button again. The speed of 1.5 mph (2.5 kph) will appear on your display and the speed limit will reset to 15 mph (25 kph). Your e-bike will then work the same as before chip installation.
If you want to control your SpeedBox and lights separately, use the combination of ” buttons. By pressing the arrows in that order you can activate and deactivate SpeedBox anytime independently of the lights control.
How to install this Tuning kit?
When connecting the SpeedBox tuning kit to an e-bike you will find connectors colored to make installation very simple. We have prepared detailed instructions and videos to make installation easy for you. Disassembly of our tuning chip is just as easy. If you have any troubles with installation or disassembly, do not hesitate to contact us. If you are planning to install SpeedBox on a brand-new bike, make sure you ride it for at least 0.6 miles (1 km) before the chip is activated.
Please note that the operation of this type of modified electric bikes on public roads may be against the law in some countries. The manufacturer takes no responsibility for damages resulting from the use SpeedBox products. Electric bikes equipped with SpeedBox products are not allowed to be used on public roads, cycling paths and public places. Electric bikes equipped with SpeedBox products can be used exclusively on private property and entirely at one’s own risk.
The use of SpeedBox may void the warranty of your ebike.
We strongly recommend using other safety features and protective gear to prevent injuries in higher speeds.
SpeedBox Products are thoroughly tested and we stand by their quality. SpeedBox provide Life Long warranty to all their Products!
If You have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for looking! Two Wheels Empire Team
Electric Bicycle Conversion Kits Ranked
Over the years, slow and bulky E-bikes have paved the way for the manufacturing of several powerful E-bike options that provide a faster alternative to navigating grid-locked traffic and help reduce the heavy carbon footprint brought about by cars and even some electric vehicles. Aside from e-bikes, purchasing carbon offset programs like a daily driver carbon offset has helped reduce the environmental impact of cars.
Related Reading : Carbon Footprint of Electric Cars vs Gasoline (The Truth No One Admits)
E-Bike Classes
While custom-made E-bikes are the most popular and sought-after, electric bicycle conversion kits allow for non-electric bikes to be converted into e-bikes. This is done by adding a battery, motor, and electric controls to a traditional bicycle.
All types of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and hybrid bikes can be converted to E-bikes with the help of an electric bicycle conversion kit.
E-Bike Conversion Kit With Battery
E-bike conversion kits include a motor and a battery to power it, as well as a bar-mounted display to control the output level.
E-bike conversion kits must cut out when not pedaling and the automatic speed limit must be 25kph in Australia, Europe, and the UK. In the US, E-bikes must be speed-limited to 20mph.
Bafang also provides batteries and replacement batteries for their mid drive kits. Most of the complete kits include the battery (Image: Bafang 28 ).
Mid Drive Ebike Kit
Along with the highly sought after Bafang mid drive E-bike kit, the company also offers rear motors and front motors of the same high quality. 19
Bafang BBSHD
The Bafang BBSHD E-bike kit is the best option for hill climbing and is mounted in the bottom bracket of a bike. 29 It replaces the crankset and front derailleur. The motor offers throttle and pedal assist power.
Bafang BBSHD 1500w
The 1000W Bafang BBSHD mid-drive E-bike kit will top out at a 1500W peak and works with fat bikes.
Bafang 250w Mid Drive Kit
The Bafang (M820) 250W mid-drive kit is one of the most popular E-bike kits manufactured by the company. It is a lightweight option for E-mountain bikes and controls the exact power according to pedaling force.
Bafang Mid Drive Kit 750w
Most E-bike riders agree that the Bafang mid-drive kit 750W is superior to both the rear and front hub motor options, as it offers a balanced and low center of gravity and subsequently an improved riding experience.
Bafang 1000w
The M620 Bafang 1000W E-bike mid-drive kit is well known for its powerful performance. The motor is perfect for premium electric mountain bikes, electric tandems, and electric cargo bikes, and doesn’t slow on inclines. The dual sensors always allow the rider full control.
Bafang 1000w Mid Drive 52v
With a near-perfect rating on Amazon, the Bafang 1000W mid-drive 52V E-bike kit has been designed to fit most bikes and includes one of the most powerful motors on the market today.
Bafang 1000w Mid Drive Kit With Battery
The battery is generally included in the complete Bafang 1000W mid-drive E-bike kits, with replacements available from Bafang as well.
Bafang 1000w Top Speed
The average top speed of the Bafang 1000W is around 35 miles per hour and the motor will hold steady at 20mph on an incline.
Bafang 1500w Mid Drive Kit
The Bafang 1500W mid-drive kit produces a maximum torque of 160Nm and operates silently, with the max drive system keeping the ride in control. The kit includes a torque sensor and two-speed sensors.
Bafang 1500w Top Speed
The 1500W Bafang motor yields around 40mph over a level surface.
Bafang 2000w Mid Drive
The Bafang M615 system proves up to 2000W of geared power with minimal pedaling effort.
Bafang Ultra Max
The Bafang company is also the mind behind the Bafang Ultra Max, which is the most powerful E-bike drive system available. It can run at 2000W or more, with the stator containing 12 concentrated coils and the rotor holding 8 magnets.
At the time it was introduced to the market in 2019, it was more affordable but less expensive than the Bosch mid-drive system. 20
Yamaha introduce the new 2022 PW-X3 motor: The new motor is lighter, smaller and more powerful – What does that mean for new eMTBs?
Finally, it’s here! Since the PW-X2 was just a refinement of Yamaha’s first eMTB motor, the all new PW-X3 has been hotly anticipated. It’s been designed from the ground up, including a new battery, display and remote. What can Yamaha’s new 2022 ebike motor do that its predecessor couldn’t and which type of bikes can we expect to come from it?
The heart of the new Yamaha PW-X3 system is the all-new motor, which has undergone some major changes compared to its predecessor, the PW-X2. And that’s a good thing, because the bulky PW-X2 motor restricted ebike designers in terms of frame geometry and suspension kinematics, ultimately compromising the bikes’ handling. The new PW-X3 isn’t just significantly more compact, but – going by the manufacturer’s specs – it’s also 300 g lighter. Despite this, Yamaha have managed to increase the torque output of the new motor by 5 Nm, so that the PW-X3 can now generate 85 Nm torque, putting it on a level playing field with the Bosch Performance Line CX and the Shimano EP8 motor. Unlike Shimano, Yamaha rely on a completely new frame interface for their latest generation motor. In addition to the new Haibike and revamped GIANT models, we’re sure that we will see many other new eMTBs based on the 2022 PW-X3 motor come to market in the next couple of weeks.
Unfortunately, we haven’t yet been able to test the new motor on the trails. However, Yamaha claim to have retained the vigour and powerful character of the PW-X2 in the even more powerful PW-X3. Thanks to the so-called Zero Cadence Technology, the new Yamaha motor should respond even more sensitively to rider input on the pedals and unleash its power without delay. The predecessor also reacted much faster than most other motors on the market, though it often provided unwanted and uncontrolled thrust, especially in the higher support modes. We’re curious to find out whether Yamaha have managed to make the latest generation of their motor more powerful and responsive yet also intuitive and easy to control.
Yamaha Interface X with a new display, new remote and improved connectivity
Up until now, Yamaha’s displays and connectivity features haven’t been able to meet our demands in terms of functionality and quality. For eMTBs, all they had to offer was the combination display A with integrated buttons. Although it is relatively compact, it can’t keep up with the feel and ergonomics of the competition. In the past, this led many bike manufacturers that rely on the Yamaha motor – GIANT in particular – to develop their own displays, remotes and connectivity solutions instead. With the new Interface X, Haibike, one of the big players, have chosen to rely on the complete Yamaha cockpit system right off the bat. It consists of a compact remote and a minimalist LED display that indicates the support mode and battery level. This is perfectly sufficient for the purists who want to concentrate fully on the trail.
Those who have a less puristic approach and want to see their speed, range, cadence and other data while riding will initially be dependent on a third-party device for the display of the Yamaha PW-X3 system. Interface X supports selected devices from SIGMA, Garmin and Echowell. Since it relies on ANT connectivity, we’re confident that other manufacturers will soon jump on board and cater to the new Yamaha motor. However, we can’t recommend this setup with the options that are currently available, at least not in the combination with the SIGMA EOX View 1300. In addition to the PW-X3, the Interface X is backwards compatible with the older PW-X2 motor, which is why we’ve already had the opportunity to test this combination. The readability of the display is good even in direct sunlight, but the black and white colour scheme is no longer up to date in the age of 4K video streaming in the subway. The processing speed of the EOX View 1300 also leaves a lot to be desired. However, the higher-end SIGMA ROX GPS devices are compatible with the PW-X3 as well. We’re curious to see how Garmin, Echowell and possibly other manufacturers present the data from the Yamaha system. We will report back to you with a detailed review the moment we’ve had a chance to put it to the test.
The new Yamaha battery is smaller, fortunately
Yamaha are expanding their range of batteries with a small and lightweight external 400 Wh battery and it’s compatible with the new, performance oriented PW-X3 as well as their other motors. The External Crossover 400 has a claimed weight of 2.8 kg and can be fully charged in around 3.5 hours. According to Yamaha, it should perform best in urban settings or in bike rental fleets. However, in combination with the compact PW-X3 motor, we’re also excited about its potential for aggressive light eMTBs where the battery can quickly be swapped out, like the concept presented by the ROTWILD R.X375. While manufacturers such as Bosch don’t accommodate concepts like the Lapierre Overvolt GLP2 with their latest generation motors and batteries, Yamaha can offer bike manufacturers viable alternatives. In addition to the new battery mentioned above, Yamaha have five other battery models on offer, of which the three 400 Wh, 500 Wh and 600 Wh internal models are particularly suitable for eMTBs.
Everything’s possible, but nothing’s mandatory! That is Yamaha’s motto, offering bike manufacturers a complete system from the motor to the battery and the display. But those who prefer to go with in-house solutions can combine them with the new PW-X3 motor, same as before. GIANT went to great lengths here and not only developed a new display and remote, integrated into the top tube of the 2022 Reign E, but also tuned the software. Like Haibike’s new NDURO and AllMtn models, they rely on a huge 750 Wh battery integrated into the down tube.
Our first impression of the new Yamaha PW-X3 motor
With the new PW-X3 motor, Yamaha have developed an all-new unit that is said to be more powerful than its predecessor despite being more compact. Thanks to its integration and customisation options and the individually configurable components, we expect to see ebike manufacturers relying on the Yamaha system to offer both light eMTBs and powerhouses with huge batteries. We’ll give you an in-depth review as soon as we’ve had a chance to put the PW-X3 through its paces on the trails
For more info, visit yamaha-motor.com
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Words: Felix Stix Photos: Jonas Müssig