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E-bike motors for cargo bikes in comparison
Pedelec up to 25 km/h | 250 watts | Mid-engine | Hub motor
Our cargo bikes come with three typical motor variants: mid-drive, hub, and crank motors. We'll discuss the technical differences between these and compare their pros and cons. The motor is usually an important factor in an e-cargo bike, and the purchase decision should reflect your individual needs and riding style.
E-bike motors overview
mid-engine
Established on the market by brands such as Shimano, Bosch and Yamaha, the mid-engine is the most commonly used engine type for transport bikes.
Utilizing the gear ratio can result in a very powerful drive. (Depending on the manufacturer and specifications.)
As the name suggests, the motor is located in the center of the wheel and thus naturally ensures sensible weight distribution.
Nabenmotor
Displaced from the market by the mid-drive motor, the hub motor is experiencing a comeback as a dynamic and low-wear alternative for medium loads. Because the assistance is applied directly on/inside the wheel, two installation positions are possible:
In the front wheel or rear wheel.
This engine, usually located in the rear wheel, provides a dynamic driving experience, similar to a motorcycle.
Crank motor
Unlike the mid-drive motor, the crank motor doesn't require a special frame and is therefore also available as a retrofit solution. (See drive options for the muli.) The positioning of the add-on motor slightly increases the distance between the crank arms and pedals (Q factor).
This engine is also suitable for medium transport tasks and is completely sufficient for everyday use.
E-cargo bike mid-engine
Our mid-engine cargo bikes are equipped with motors from Bosch, Shimano, and ZF Micro Mobility. The Shimano system solution offers a harmonious overall package, characterized by high reliability combined with pleasant support characteristics. Depending on the application and size of the cargo bike, the E6100, EP6, or EP8 motors are used. "Cargo" versions of the latter two are also available, with adapted specifications and settings tailored to the daily transport of loads and weight.
The RAPID cargo bike features a real powerhouse, the Sachs RS motor from ZF. Peak torque of over 110 Nm is available from just 60 rpm, making it perfect for heavy loads, terrain with high elevation gain, or for those who simply want to have enough reserve just in case. The motor is slightly more audible than its competitors, but its power is almost unrivaled. The smooth, internal clutch engagement and disengagement of the motor also ensures a pleasant drive response without feeling "digital."
Shimano
Shimano STEPS EP6 (Cargo) E-Bike mid-motor
Shimano generally uses two motor types for cargo bikes. Both motors are perfectly integrated into the Shimano ecosystem, enabling electric hub gears, such as the Nexus 5E or Di2 derailleur gears. New from 2022 are new characteristic profiles in the E-Tube app, developed specifically for cargo bikes. Along with these adjustments, "new" motors were introduced: the Shimano EP6100-CRG and the Shimano EP800-CRG. Except for the firmware adjustments, these motors are identical to the "standard" E6100 and EP8, respectively. In principle, the screens, batteries, and other accessories can be combined across multiple series (exceptions prove the rule).
- 250 W rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- Maximum torque: 60 Nm
- 36 V System
- Driving modes Off/Eco/Normal/High
- Weight 2.88 kg
- small and symmetrical Q-factor
- compact, frame-integrated design
- harmonious pedal support
- Push assistance up to 6 km/h
- 514 / 630 Wh Battery
- Battery range compatible with new motor series
Bicycles at Pakumo with Shimano EP6 (Cargo)
- CargoFactory ONE
- YONNIT
Shimano STEPS EP8 (Cargo) E-Bike mid-motor
- 250 watts rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- Maximum torque: 85 Nm
- 400% maximum drive support
- 36 V System
- Driving modes: Eco/Trailer/Boost
- Weight 2.6 kg due to magnesium housing
- High ground clearance thanks to compact design
- Improved driving experience at speeds above 25 km/h
- many configuration options in the E-Tube app
- Push assist 4 km/h
- Battery range compatible with new motor series
Bicycles at Pakumo with Shimano EP8 (Cargo)
- CargoFactory ONE
- YONNIT
Shimano STEPS E-6100 mid-engine
Shimano generally uses two motor types for cargo bikes. Both motors are perfectly integrated into the Shimano ecosystem, enabling electric hub gears, such as the Nexus 5E or Di2 derailleur gears. New from 2022 are new characteristic profiles in the E-Tube app, developed specifically for cargo bikes. Along with these adjustments, "new" motors were introduced: the Shimano EP6100-CRG and the Shimano EP800-CRG. Except for the firmware adjustments, these motors are identical to the "standard" E6100 and EP8, respectively. In principle, the screens, batteries, and other accessories can be combined across multiple series (exceptions prove the rule).
- 250 W rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- Maximum torque: 60 Nm
- 36 V System
- Driving modes Off/Eco/Normal/High
- Weight 2.88 kg
- small and symmetrical Q-factor
- compact, frame-integrated design
- harmonious pedal support
- Push assistance up to 6 km/h
- 514 / 630 Wh Battery
- Battery range compatible with new motor series
Bicycles at Pakumo with Shimano STEPS E6100
- CargoFacotory ONE
- Muli-Cycles
Bosch
Bosch CargoLine
Transport your loads effortlessly to your destination: Whether you're riding slowly up a steep incline or pedaling on a straight stretch, the torque of 85 Nm provides powerful and natural support thanks to the optimally coordinated transmission concept.
Starker Cargo-Modus
Cargo mode is designed for the specific requirements of eCargo bikes. It delivers maximum power – with 400% of your own power.
Powerful 85 Nm
Up to 85 Nm power your eCargo bike, allowing you to move heavy loads and overcome climbs effortlessly.
Effective technology
Keep your eBike cool: Even under heavy use or in hot weather, the Cargo Line's cooling fins effectively dissipate motor heat. This prevents your drive unit from overheating, allowing you to go full throttle even on long rides in the summer. The Cargo Line's compact dimensions and magnesium housing reduce the weight of the drive unit to just 2.9 kilograms. This makes your eBike lighter and allows you to control it even better.
Engine variant
- Smart System
- eBike-System 2
Bosch apps available
Bosch CX PerformanceLine
Powerful support
The maximum torque of 85 Nm has a noticeable impact on your riding performance. The powerful motor enables powerful acceleration at a low cadence after tight corners and obstacles, making it easier to start uphill. For fast sprints, the motor also supports you at high cadences.
Maximum agility
The multi-sensor concept enables controlled and agile driving. Combined with the innovative Bosch engine control system, it ensures maximum dynamics and sensitivity.
Efficient modes
The Tour riding mode saves power because you have to pedal harder on flat roads and switch less between riding modes.
Thermal stability
For the highest loads: The drive unit is highly efficient and, thanks to the modern electric motor with its advanced bar winding, is extremely thermally stable. This ensures high performance even under heavy loads.
Engine variant
- Smart System
- eBike-System 2
Bosch apps available
Cargo bikes at Pakumo with Bosch motor/system
- muli cycles ab E-Bike Modell 2024
- Schoof & Jensen DoppelDekker (available 2024)
Overview / comparison of Bosch Cargo Line and CX Performance Line.
Je smart vs system 2, as well as gear hub vs. derailleur.
ZF Micro Mobility
ZF Micro Mobility GmbH (formerly: ZF Sachs Micro Mobility) is a joint venture between the German companies ZF, BMZ, Magura and BFO, which was completely taken over by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 2020 (purchase of all joint venture shares).
In 2018, the first drive system for e-bikes was introduced: the SACHS RS. This motor has been installed in the Radkutsche Rapid since 2021. This makes the Radkutsche Rapid the first cargo bike to be powered by the powerful SACHS RS motor. The drive system is characterized by its open platform: batteries, display, and control units are freely configurable by bicycle manufacturers. This allows for specific adaptations for specific applications.
Sachs RS mid-engine
- 250 W rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- maximum torque: 112 NM
- 55 Nm continuous, max. 112 Nm/180 sec.;
- Trittfrequenz 40 U/min: 55N m, 60-90 U/min: 112 Nm
- 48 V System
- Four driving modes
- Weight: 3.5 kg
- Q-Faktor: 178 mm (ISIS® – Achsbreite 135 mm)
- powerful pedal support
- Pushing aid
- Sachs Ride App
- Battery system: BMZ
- Speedometer and control unit: Sigma EOX
Cargo bikes at Pakumo with Sachs RS engine
- RAPID wheeled carriage
- Wheeled carriage SOLID (from 2024)
Hub motors for e-cargo bikes
Hub motors are characterized by their decoupling from the human drivetrain. Positioned in the rear or front wheel, they drive the respective wheel directly. This creates a powerful riding experience combined with natural and uninfluenced pedaling. Because the motor power is applied directly to the wheel, wear on the drivetrain is reduced compared to a mid-drive motor and is comparable to that of a non-motorized bicycle (assuming proper care). Hub motors, especially gearless ones, are characterized by low maintenance. The inherently lower torque of hub motors is fully available regardless of the gear selection. Hub motors also allow the use of crank gears such as those from Pinion, which further reduces maintenance requirements.
The downside of these advantages is the motor's dependence on wheel speed. If this drops too much, this motor concept reaches its performance limits and requires increased driver input. Therefore, these quiet and unobtrusive drives are suitable for light to medium-duty transport tasks.
neodrives
Neodrive Z20
- 250 W rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- maximum torque: 40 NM
- gearless design, therefore quiet operation
- 300% maximum support level
- high efficiency: 85%
- Made in Germany: 93% raw materials, 100% final assembly
- Thermal management: stable temperatures, even on the mountain
- adjustable energy recovery through generator function
- 36 V System
- 4 driving modes
- Weight: 4.0 kg
- unobtrusive and decoupled pedal assistance
- Push assist 6 km/h
- Neodrive ECO system: battery, display, control unit & app
Bicycles at Pakumo with Neodrives rear hub motor
- Velo Lab
Crank motor
Mid-engine without special frame adaptation / frame geometry or integration
This type of motor, like a mid-drive motor, is mounted near the crank, with the difference that it is not integrated into the frame. The motor is positioned slimly next to the frame, making it retrofittable for many models. It is also possible to convert or remove the motor and use it as a purely human-powered bike. These motors are therefore highly flexible and can be easily integrated into existing frame concepts. The biggest disadvantage of this design is the increasing and asymmetrical Q-factor, which is reflected in a greater distance between the left pedals and can therefore take some getting used to in the first few meters.
Pendix eDrive gearless crank mid-engine
- 250 W rated power (pedelec up to 25 km/h)
- maximum torque: 65 Nm
- gearless design, therefore quiet operation
- Retrofitting possible in standard installation space
- Installation specifications: BSA 68 or 73 mm
- Made in Germany
- no pedal resistance when switched off
- adjustable energy recovery through generator function
- 48 V System
- 3 driving modes
- System weight e500 (including battery): 7.3 kg
- Support can be adjusted on the battery
- Battery level is indicated by LED on the battery
- Battery is Bluetooth-enabled and is the smartphone interface
- App: Pendix.bike PRO
- Battery has a USB interface for charging external devices
Bicycles at Pakumo with PENDIX eDrive
- muli cycles Variant 'px'
E-bike engine concept comparison advantages and disadvantages quick overview
mid-engine
Advantages
high market share
good workshop availability
powerful options
high stress possible
good weight distribution
Disadvantages
- increased drive wear
- customized frame
- no option for conversion
Nabenmotor
Advantages
unobtrusive integration
natural step feeling
quiet (gearless motors)
high efficiency ( range)
low drive wear
Disadvantages
- Dependence on wheel speed
- Performance drop with greatly increased continuous load
Crank motor
Advantages
retrofittable
Independent of the frame
Disarmament
few components
quiet (gearless motor)
Disadvantages
- weaker than mid-engine
- increased drive wear
