The growing popularity of e-bikes has intensified competition, driving major advancements in motor technology. At Taipei Cycle 2025, this evolution was on full display, with a wave of new e-drive systems highlighting the latest trends in the industry.
One of the most noticeable developments in the drive unit market is the continued refinement of mid-drive motors. Long considered the gold standard for performance-oriented e-bikes, these systems are becoming lighter, more powerful and increasingly integrated. Several brands, including Delta Electronics, Sinbon, Shimano and Yamaha, have recently introduced next-generation mid-drive motors with enhanced torque outputs, improved efficiency and new connectivity features. Innovations such as automatic shifting, magnesium housings and expanded drivetrain compatibility are making mid-drive motors more adaptable than ever.
At the same time, hub motors are making a strong comeback. Traditionally seen as a lower-cost alternative, recent advancements in power delivery, compact designs and smart technologies have positioned hub motors as a viable competitor to mid-drive systems. Ananda, Bafang, Hyena and L-Twoo are among the brands showcasing high-torque hub motors, thru-axle designs and lightweight drive solutions aimed at city, road and light eMTB applications. Newer models now integrate automatic transmissions, advanced torque sensors and ultra-quiet operation, further blurring the lines between hub and mid-drive performance. Keep reading for an introduction to some of the most renowned motor models showcased at this year’s Taipei Cycle Show.
Mid-drive E-Bike Motors: The Race for More Newton meter
Our exhibition tour begins with mid-drive motors. Taiwanese electronics giant Delta Electronics made waves last year with the launch of its compact mid-drive motor. Weighing just 2.9 kg and delivering a powerful 90 Nm of torque, this motor is among the most compact in its class (111 x 92 mm), offering e-bike manufacturers greater flexibility in designing sleek and lightweight models. Engineered for high-performance applications, its robust torque output makes it an ideal choice for e-cargo bikes and eMTBs. At this year’s Taipei Cycle Show, Delta Electronics presents a complete e-bike system solution, featuring an upgraded mid-drive motor that now delivers 100 Nm of torque while maintaining the same size and weight. The system also includes a newly developed 600Wh Slim Tube battery, created in collaboration with TrendPower, as well as an advanced HMI solution designed together with AVS, offering two configurations: RC10 / CD8 + RC9.
Another Taiwanese manufacturer presenting an interesting mid-drive solution is Sinbon Electronics. Specializing in tailored e-bike integrations, the company offers comprehensive design validation, cloud services and maintenance support to ensure maximum product stability and reliability. At the heart of their latest innovations is the 250 W MIT Coaxial Mid Drive Motor, a Taiwan-made system delivering 85 Nm of torque at a weight of 2.5 kg. Its coaxial architecture minimizes vibration and shock, enhancing ride stability and durability. The integrated planetary gear system optimizes space efficiency, allowing for a more compact reduction mechanism and seamless integration across various e-bike categories.
Lately, Japanese component manufacturer Shimano has expanded its e-bike drive unit lineup with the introduction of the EP5 and E5100 systems, catering to a wide range of cycling needs from daily commuting to weekend adventures. The EP5 drive unit delivers a maximum torque of 60 Nm, providing a harmonious blend of human and electric assistance. Weighing 3 kg, it maintains a compact and lightweight profile, ensuring efficient performance across various terrains. Designed with urban commuters in mind, the E5100 drive unit offers a maximum torque of 50 Nm and weighs just 2.4 kg. Its lightweight and compact design ensures a smooth and natural ride quality, making it ideal for daily commutes and city explorations. The E5100 is compatible with various braking systems, including V-brake, disc brake, roller brake and coaster brake, providing flexibility for different bike configurations. Customization is also available through the E-Tube Project Cyclist app, allowing riders to adjust power-assist levels to suit their riding style. The unit supports the Auto Shift technology with internal hub gear drivetrains, further enhancing the ease of use for everyday cyclists.
Higher torque, lower weight: Japanese electronics specialist Yamaha is aiming to serve both areas with one development. Targeted at the high-end eMTB market, the Yamaha PW-XM features a specifically designed magnesium housing that keeps its overall weight down to 2.6 kg. However, with a maximum torque figure of 85 Nm, the PW-XM has the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the Yamaha range, making it a good choice for eMTB applications. It is also fully compatible with Yamaha’s existing PW-X3 and PWseries S2 drive units, enabling manufacturers to create three different e-bikes using the same chassis design. The new PW-XM can also be paired with any of the company’s displays and batteries, best in conjunction with the minimalistic and highly technical Interface X.
Zhaowei, a global leader in micro-drive motor systems with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, smart home technology and medical engineering, is now expanding into e-mobility. With its newly launched brand Preeto, the company is introducing three high-performance mid-drive motors for e-bikes, each optimized for urban, trekking, MTB and cargo bikes. Weighing just 1.96 kg, with a peak output of 550 W and 60 Nm of torque, the Preeto P 60 stands out for its low noise level—ideal for urban areas, e-gravel and lightweight e-mountain bikes. Designed for demanding trails and reliable performance: The P 90 delivers 750 W peak power and 90 Nm of torque, making it perfect for dynamic and sporty rides. With 110 Nm of torque and 750 W peak power, this motor is engineered for heavy loads. A durable metal gearbox ensures maximum longevity and efficiency.
Hub E-Bike Motors: Lightweight Yet Powerful Solutions
Taichung-based motor and software specialist Hyena E-Bike Systems introduces the MRC-F250, a brand-new thru-axle motor designed for the e-road bike market. Weighing just 2.0 kg, it features a compact and discreet appearance while delivering a market-leading 35 Nm on-hub torque—according to the company, the highest among all existing thru-axle motors. This drive system enhances frame compatibility, offers a quiet and smooth ride, and supports up to a 12-speed cassette, making it ideal for high-performance road bikes. Visitors can also test ride e-road bikes equipped with this motor and experience its advantages firsthand.
Chinese e-mobility leader Bafang unveils its latest hub motor innovation, the H730, featuring Bafang’s patented Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology. This motor features an integrated 3-speed gearbox that automatically adjusts gears based on your speed, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. With no need for manual shifting, the H730 effortlessly changes gears around 100 times during a 20km commute, unlike traditional derailleur systems that require frequent rider input. Another benefit of this motor: By eliminating external shifting components such as gear levers, cables and derailleurs, the H730 remains unaffected by weather, mud or external wear, maintaining optimal performance while minimizing maintenance efforts.
Taichung-based e-bike specialist Kynamic, a subsidiary of KMC, introduces the ePure system, a refined e-drive solution with just two core components: battery and motor. Designed for seamless integration, ePure eliminates unnecessary complexity, delivering pure efficiency in a compact package. The system features a 180Wh battery with an integrated HMI, Bluetooth and controller, paired with a 250Wh thru-axle motor, delivering 30 Nm of torque, equipped with an integrated torque sensor. Weighing 3 kg, ePure ensures a smooth, natural riding experience while maintaining a minimalist design that can easily electrify any standard bike.
Just recently, Chinese e-bike motor specialist Ananda unveiled the mass production of its latest R/F400 hub motor system, reinforcing the relevance of hub motors in modern e-bike design. Combining quiet operation, high torque and a lightweight structure, the R/F400 offers a smooth and powerful riding experience, making it an ideal choice for both urban commuting and longer rides beyond city limits. Designed for rear-wheel applications, the R400 delivers up to 50 Nm of torque while weighing only 2.3 kg, ensuring a well-balanced combination of power and efficiency. The F400, developed specifically as a front hub motor, provides similar torque levels in an ultra-quiet, lightweight package at just 2.2 kg. Both motors are engineered to integrate seamlessly into a wide range of e-bike designs, allowing brands to offer high-performance models without the added complexity or cost of mid-drive systems.
Chinese drivetrain specialist L-Twoo expands its business into e-drive systems with the introduction of a compact rear hub motor designed for the light-support segment. Weighing just 1.38 kg and boasting a maximum efficiency of 85 percent, this motor enables lightweight e-bikes that closely resemble conventional bicycles while still providing smooth electric assistance. With its slim design, the motor allows for seamless battery integration into the frame’s downtube, maintaining a clean aesthetic while ensuring balanced weight distribution. The system operates with minimal noise, further concealing its electric support to deliver a natural riding experience. Featuring Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, the motor is compatible with various cycling devices, offering enhanced customization and performance tracking.
DT Boost, a subsidiary of the Taiwanese parent company Da Shiang Automation, is also making a strong impact in the motor segment. At the Taipei Cycle Show, they showcased a range of hub motors, spanning from compact to powerful and robust designs. The lightest motor from DT Boost, the FMS-01, weighs just 1.5 kg and is designed for e-road bikes and e-gravel bikes. With 23 Nm of torque—claimed to be equivalent to 55 Nm in a mid-drive motor—it should provide sufficient power. Meanwhile, the 250Wh battery, available either as a bottle-style unit or integrated into the downtube, offers an impressive range.
What About E-Bike Motors from Europe?
Notably, many prominent European motor manufacturers are absent from Taipei Cycle 2025, possibly due to economic considerations. However, this does not imply a lack of innovation on their part. At Eurobike 2024, Bosch unveiled its fifth-generation Performance Line CX motor, maintaining 85 Nm of torque and up to 600 W peak power, while focusing on enhanced digital integration and features like eShift for seamless gear transitions. Also last year, Italian specialist Polini Motori introduced the E-P3+ GP, an upgrade to their E-P3+ model, now delivering 80 Nm of torque, balancing low weight with high performance. Another major industry move came from ZF, which officially entered the e-bike market at the end of 2024 with the new CentriX drive system, making big waves in the industry. Weighing just 2.5 kilograms and measuring only 88 millimeters in diameter, this compact motor integrates effortlessly into the e-bike, making it nearly invisible. With 90 Nm of torque and a peak power of 600 W, the CentriX 90 is an excellent choice for mountain, trekking, and SUV bikes.
A Dynamic and Evolving E-Bike Motor Landscape
The e-bike motor market is more competitive than ever, as seen at Taipei Cycle 2025. Manufacturers are relentlessly refining mid-drive systems—making them lighter, more powerful and increasingly versatile—while hub motors are staging a strong comeback with greater efficiency, seamless integration and advanced features. Innovations such as automatic shifting, thru-axle hub designs and enhanced connectivity are pushing performance boundaries across all categories. Meanwhile, European brands have taken a different route, choosing to unveil new products at Eurobike and other trade shows rather than at Taipei Cycle. However, companies like Bosch and ZF have recently also introduced next-generation drive systems, solidifying their dominance in premium motor technology while meeting the rising demand for compact, high-torque solutions. Ultimately, the race for efficiency, integration, and power continues, with both mid-drive and hub motor manufacturers delivering compelling solutions. Taipei Cycle 2025 highlighted just how fast-moving and competitive this market has become—one that shows no signs of slowing down.