Why the E-Bike Motor Matters More Than Ever
Electric bikes are evolving at pace - and at the heart of that evolution is the drive unit. An e-bike motor doesn’t just determine how fast you climb or how far you go; it fundamentally shapes the bike’s weight, ride feel, software behaviour, battery efficiency, frame integration, and long-term ownership experience.
For the past few years there have been two clear directions: lighter, lower power systems (the "lightweight" category) and high-torque, high-power systems (the "full power" ebikes).
As we look toward 2026, we are seeing these distinctions merge.
Key Trends – What We Are Seeing
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Continued growth in lightweight systems, especially in the trail, long-distance, and commuter segments, with emphasis on more power and torque
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Increasing software sophistication with an emphasis on the ability for rider customisation and rider aids (e.g. Bosch Smart System) and brand-specific tuning (e.g. Orbea Rider Synergy)
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Greater focus on battery flexibility, including modular capacities and range extenders rather than one-size-fits-all solutions
Top E-Bike Motors for 2026 – Our Picks
Here are our picks of the top 5 ebike motor systems to have or watch for 2026 — these have shaped (or will shape) the next generation of premium electric mountain bikes and e-bikes.
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Bosch Smart System - Gen 5 Performance CX
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Bosch Smart System - Performance PX
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DJI Avinox Motor System
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Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit
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Mahle M40 Mid-Drive System
Bosch Smart System - Gen 5 Performance CX & Performance PX
Brand/manufacturer background
Bosch eBike Systems has been a dominant force in the e-bike drive market for years. It was established as a spin-off of the German automotive/industrial Bosch organisation in 2009 and since the debut of their first drive system at Eurobike in 2010 they have built a massive ecosystem of motors, batteries, and displays. Furthermore they have established an excellent reputation for performance and reliability and backup support.
The release of the Bosch Smart System in 2022 signalled a new era for Bosch ebike systems. The ‘Smart System’ is a connected platform featuring a high level of digital integration for greater user customisation, a whole new range of hardware (displays, batteries etc) and some excellent after-market accessories. It is a highly useable platform, providing practical and useful features that draw upon their years of experience, and Bosch is continually enhancing it.
In Australia and, in time for 2026, are two excellent new motors, the Gen 5 Performance CX and the Performance PX.
1. Bosch Performance Line CX (Gen 5) motor
Characteristics
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The Gen 5 Performance Line CX (aka "Bosch Gen 5 CX") builds on Bosch’s proven CX platform - it's top sporty platform - while delivering meaningful refinements rather than radical changes. Torque in standard configuration remains at 85Nm and you now have the option through the EBike Flow app to increase to 100Nm. It has 750W peak power, and weight has dropped to 2.8 kg. Improvements include quieter operation, more compact packaging, a simplified two-bolt mounting interface, and more responsive sensor integration.
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Bosch’s sensor suite — combining cadence, torque, speed and inertial inputs — continues to set the benchmark for a predictable, natural ride feel, particularly on technical climbs. Cut-off at the 25 km/h assistance limit is smoother, reducing the “wall” effect experienced on earlier generations.
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Bosch's sustained power performance is the best on the market (still) and this has been further improved with the Gen 5 CX. Why does it matter - no fade when the going gets tough! (ie. Strong climbing support, especially for technical trails).
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Battery options now extend to 600Wh and 800Wh Powertube units (with the 400Wh, 750Wh and range extender). The new generation of batteries use lighter, denser cells so have reduced in weight and increased in efficiency providing greater range for less cost.
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Software & connectivity: Mature, stable ecosystem with the Bosch Smart System with regular firmware updates and broad dealer support. Practical features such as digital locking are included however the highlight is the degree of rider customisation in the rider modes.
Which of our brands will have this Bosch motor?
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Focus - the full e-mountain suite and also some of the higher-end touring models
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Kalkhoff - the premium touring models including their new dual suspension stepthroughs
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Riese & Muller - most of the premium touring models
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Orbea - the Wild eMTB range and the Muga dual suspension SUV range
2. Bosch Performance PX – Touring & SUV E-Bike Motor
Background
The Performance PX motor is Bosch’s response to the growing demand for lighter, more efficient drive systems in trekking, touring and commuter e-bikes. With slightly reduced torque compared to the CX, but lower weight and smoother delivery, the PX prioritises range, comfort and natural pedalling feel over outright trail aggression.
This motor is expected to feature heavily in premium e-touring and SUV-style e-bikes through 2026, particularly where long-distance riding and reliability are priorities.
Characteristics
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The Bosch Performance PX motor is the evolution of the Bosch Performance Line so retains the whisper-quiet ride and adopts some of the Gen 5 CX form from a mounting and operational perspective.
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Torque in standard configuration is 75Nm and you have the option through the EBike Flow app to choose 90Nm. Peak power is 700W depending on configuration, with an impressive 400% max support.
Which of our brands will have the Bosch PX motor?
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Focus - on the more economical touring and hardtail models
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Kalkhoff - a majority of their range will have either this motor or its predecessor
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Riese & Muller - the CORE Charger5 and Nevo5 and many of the urban models.
- Moustache - a majority of their range will have either this motor or its predecessor
Why You Might Choose Bosch?
Bosch is a tried and tested choice and an excellent option if you want broad support, predictable motor behaviour and motor performance. Their motors have set the benchmark for others to chase and the large OEM base means greater parts availability, serviceability and resale value. The other benefit of an established player is the secondary parts and accessories ecosystem e.g. lighting systems, electronic gearing systems that are compatible, braking systems that provide ABS and IBS braking.
DJI Avinox Motor System – Next-Generation Performance
Brand/manufacturer background
DJI, globally known for drones and camera stabilisation systems, entered the e-bike motor space with their Avinox drive system in 2025 after taking out the prestigious Eurobike Gold Award in 2024. It was a bold move and the system has received rave reviews since.
The Avinox system signals what many believe is the next generation of e-bike drives: more torque, lighter weight, smart software, highly integrated and high performance - and its popularity has driven other motor manufacturers to respond.
Characteristics
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The Avinox system represents a genuine step change in e-bike motor performance. In its Normal mode it has 105Nm torque and peak power of 850W with up to 120Nm and 1,000W. It is a weapon of a system for climbing!
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Lightweight and so powerful. Avinox redefines what is possible in a premium e-MTB drive, packing excellent power into a compact 2.56 kg motor weight.
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Two battery choices are provided: 600Wh and 800Wh. Because it is a system that draws a lot of power most manufacturers currently tend to opt for the 800Wh battery. A smart move on the part of Avinox though is to provide a fast charger with the bike meaning short bursts of charging go a long way towards topping up your battery on those big days.
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Where Avinox really stands apart is software integration: highly customisable ride modes, a polished app experience, and advanced display options. Rider feedback consistently highlights a unique ride feel that blends power with refinement rather than brute force alone.
Why might you choose the Avinox system?
For premium segment cyclists, seeking cutting-edge performance, connectivity and next-generation integration, and who want best-in-class climbing. There is rumour of a new Avinox motor in the pipeline too so watch this space.
Which of our brands will have the DJI Avinox motor?
Pinion Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU) – Integrated Motor & Transmission
Brand/manufacturer background
Pinion is a German gearbox specialist known for their high-end multi-gear gearboxes in analogue bikes. Recently they have moved into the e-bike motor market with the Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU) which combines gearbox and motor in a single sealed unit.
Pinion MGU Motor System: Advantages & Trade-Offs
Pinion’s Motor Gearbox Unit represents a fundamental rethink of e-bike drivetrains. By combining the motor and a sealed gearbox into a single unit, Pinion eliminates the rear derailleur entirely, dramatically reducing maintenance and improving durability — particularly good for high-mileage and off-road use.
The trade-off is weight (around 4.1 kg). However, for riders prioritising longevity, low maintenance and clean integration, the MGU is one of the most compelling systems to watch through 2026.
Characteristics
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The Pinion MGU system represents a genuine step change in e-bike drivetrains. The motor system itself is no slouch either with 85Nm torque, up to 600W peak power and 400% support in the highest mode.
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Smart.Shift, Pinion's core software - for fans of automatic shifting (and anything in between). This adopts features similar to what's available in the Rohloff E-14 2.0 shifting system and adds some - manual electronic shifting, full auto shifting (with two modes depending on your rider experience), plus two semi-automatic modes for starting and coasting.
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Software: Like the other systems Pinion have an app that allows riders to individually customise their ride modes. It also enables the rider to fine tune that Smart.Shift functions.
Which of our brands has the Pinion MGU system?
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Moustache - released on the Clutch eMTBs (we had some on their way but... the note below happened)
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Riese & Muller - in an industry first Riese & Muller designed their premium dual suspension touring models to be compatible for two systems, Pinion MGU and the Bosch Gen 5 CX. For now, the Pinion MGU will not be available in Australia however we are watching this space.
Important Australian note: Prior to Christmas, Pinion decided to limit distribution to only European markets. We would love to have some Pinion MGU models so we are continuing to work with Moustache and Riese & Muller regarding getting some :)
Mahle M40 Mid-Drive System – Lightweight 48V High-Power Alternative
Brand/Manufacturer
Mahle is best known to the Australian market for its lightweight hub-drive systems (e.g. X35, X20), that were gamechangers for the road and gravel e-bike segments a few years ago. The Mahle Group, headquarterd in Stuttgart, is one of the world's largest automative suppliers and they acquired Spanish ebike drive specialist, Ebikemotion Technologies, seven years ago.
The Mahle M40 is the first 'Mahle' branded motor from the group, now known as Mahle SmartBike Systems, and signals a major strategic shift into the high-powered mid-drive segment.
Characteristics
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The Mahle M40 is a powerful 48V lightweight mid-drive motor system which has twice the volume of sensor inputs than other motors allowing it to deliver power very sensitively and respond very quickly to changes in pace or terrain. In short, very natural but very powerful support.
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It is compact, weighs just 2.5kg (slightly less than the Avinox), and delivers 105Nm torque, 850W peak power with a 400% max support ratio. It is designed for demanding riding, and reportedly offers high levels of support even at high cadences.
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One of the key features of the new motor is its ability to hold its full 850W output for up to 12 minutes before it enters derating mode. This addresses a downside of the Avinox system which operates best with a full battery.
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The My SmartBike App lets you connect your motor to you phone, similar to other systems. This lets you record rides, tweak power modes, analyse stats and upload to other platforms like Strava. There is also GPS tracking and navigation built in.
Which of our brands have the Mahle M40 system?
As of now, we don't know! However Orbea is based in Spain too and has a history with Ebikemotion so ... watch this space I guess.
In Summary - The Stats: Comparison of E-Bike Motors
The table below lines up the motor systems discussed above side by side.
Published torque, power and support ratios vary by firmware, riding mode and manufacturer configuration. Real-world performance may differ.
Tips for Australian Riders (Brisbane/QLD region) Buying for 2026
The motor system is important but there is way more to a good electric bike - the right ebike for for you - than just the motor system. Choosing which one depends on many factors, many of which are particular to you.
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Check local service network: If you pick a niche drive (like Avinox or Pinion MGU), make sure your local dealer can service the system and source parts.
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Consider terrain & ride style: Brisbane and SE Queensland have short steep climbs, trails and mixed terrain — higher torque drives (85 Nm+) will help if you ride steep trails loaded. For more all-round or commuter use, lighter systems may suffice.
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Battery & range: Torque is one thing, but how efficient the system is (and how large the battery) matters for ride length.
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Software & updates: Systems with a good app/firmware support allow you to tune your ride feel and also provide some useful tools e.g. walk assist with hill hold, GPS tracking, locking, the ability to add indicator or brake lights...
Final Thoughts: Which E-Bike Motor Is Best for You?
As we move into 2026, the e-bike motor landscape is more competitive — and more interesting — than ever. Systems like Bosch Gen 5 CX/PX, DJI Avinox, Pinion MGU and Mahle M40 each bring distinct strengths across torque delivery, software sophistication, integration, weight and long-term ownership considerations.
For Australian riders, the key is not chasing headline numbers, but selecting a system that suits your riding style, terrain and — critically — has reliable local support.
If you’d like assistance choosing the right e-bike motor or model for your riding needs, our team is always happy to help you navigate the options. Feel free to complete our ebikefinder questionnaire if you would like some help getting started too.
