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E-Bike Motors Compared

19.08.2026 |Know-How

Which e-bike motor is right for you? Discover the differences between Bosch, TQ and Pinion and find out which e-bike drive system best suits your riding needs and requirements. Including a comparison of performance, weight, riding feel and intended use, as well as suitable SIMPLON bikes.

Which E-Bike Motor Is Right for Your Intended Use?

Want to conquer steep climbs with ease? Or are you looking for an ultra-light E-bike that hardly looks electric? Whether it’s an E-bike or an E-MTB – every rider has different needs when it comes to components, especially the motor. After all, the motor is the heart of any E-bike. It determines how you ride, how far you go, and how the bike feels. But how do you find the drive system that fits your riding style? 

At SIMPLON, we rely on carefully selected drive systems from three manufacturers: Bosch, TQ, and Pinion. In this article, you’ll learn about the unique strengths of each motor – and which one best matches your needs. 

What types of e-bike motors are there?

E-bikes use different types of motor designs. The most important ones are mid-drive and rear-hub motors. They mainly differ in their position, weight distribution and riding feel.

Mid-drive motor

The e-bike mid-drive motor is positioned around the bottom bracket and directly supports the bike's drivetrain. Because the motor is centrally positioned, the weight is distributed evenly and the bike feels particularly natural and controlled to ride.

Rear-hub motor

The rear-hub motor is integrated into the rear wheel hub and drives the rear wheel directly. This can make the assistance feel particularly direct when accelerating. However, the weight distribution differs from that of a mid-drive motor.

At SIMPLON, we exclusively use mid-drive motors from Bosch, TQ and Pinion. Which solution is best for you depends primarily on your intended use and personal requirements.

Which E-Bike Motor Fits Your Requirements?

Maximum power & range 

Love steep climbs, long-distance tours, or simply want a powerful boost for everyday use? Then a Bosch motor is made for you. With or without a range extender, Bosch turns any bike into a power machine – whether on rough terrain or long trekking adventures. The Performance Upgrade 2.0 allows compatible Bosch drive systems to be individually adjusted via the eBike Flow app. Depending on the system, up to 120 Nm of torque, 750 W of motor power and 600% assistance are possible.
Learn more about Bosch 

A quiet, natural ride and clean design 

Want an E-bike that barely feels like one? The TQ motor is incredibly quiet, ultra-light, and delivers a smooth, natural ride – whether in the city or in the mountains. Perfect for design lovers, sporty commuters, and anyone who values a discreetly integrated motor.
Learn more about TQ 

Automatic shifting and low maintenance 

Want to focus fully on the ride – with no derailleur, no grime, and no maintenance stress? The Pinion drive system combines motor and gearbox in one housing. Automatic shifting, a belt drive, and ideal weight distribution create a comfortable and well-balanced riding experience – the perfect choice for commuters, touring riders, or SUV E-bike users.
​​​​​​​Learn more about Pinion 

Motors Compared

Motor Torque  Weight(Motor)  Position  Riding Feel  Special Features  Application  Simplon Bikes 
Bosch CX Gen 4  85 Nm approx. 2,9 kg  Mid-drive  Very powerful, responsive  Proven all-round drive for sporty and versatile e-bikes E-MTB, Trekking, SUV 

Chenoa Max,
Stomp SUV :e,
Rapcon :eCX
Bosch CX Gen 5 

85 Nm,

up to 120 Nm with
Performance Upgrade 2.0

 approx. 2,8 kg  Mid-drive  Extremely direct, aggressive 

Up to 750 W motor power and 600% assistance

with Performance Upgrade 2.0, individually adjustable via the eBike Flow app

 Sporty E-MTB, demanding trails  Chenoa :e high,
Chenoa :e low,
Kagu :e,
Chenoa 365 :e,
Sengo :e,
Stomp AL:e,
Cure :e,
Rift AL:e,
Rapcon AL:e
TQ HPR50  50 Nm 1,85 kg  Mid-drive  Very quiet, barely noticeable  Almost silent, clean setup, minimal resistance when pedaling without motor support  Light E-MTB, E-road bike  Silk 365 :eLight High,
Silk 365 :eLight Mid,
Silk 365 :eLight Low,
Rapcon :eTQ
Pinion MGU E1  85 Nm + Getriebekraft approx. 4,0 kg (System) Mid-drive  Smooth, comfortable  Combines motor & gearbox, automatic shifting, very low maintenance  Commuting, touring, SUV  Kagu :ePinion Mid,
Kagu :ePinion High,
Rapcon :ePinion

Engine check done - now it's time for the finishing touches

Now you know the manufacturers behind the electric power of SIMPLON E-bikes – and which motor best suits your riding style. 

Next step: Configure your dream bike with our bike configurator! 

Configure now 

Lena L.
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