The Ebikemotion X35 M1 is aiming to be one of the most innovative E-road bike systems around! The brand relies on Apple-esque design with a single button to use the system. You can find out whether concept works in our detailed test here.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best E-road bike motor – The 5 most important E-road bike motors on test
The Ebikemotion X35 M1 hub motor provides support with a torque of up to 40 Nm. In contrast to the other concepts we’ve looked at, the motor doesn’t assist you based on your cadence or power input, but instead outputs power based on how quickly the cassette is turning relative to the hub. This design means the Ebikemotion drive can be tricked into riding with basically no input from the rider. As long as you keep the cassette and hub turning together, the motor continues to push forward – there’s no torque sensor to detect your lack of pedalling input as the system operates based on the speed of your cassette in relation to how quickly the wheel is turning.
At the 25 km/h assistance limit, the M1 motor reduces its assistance linearly and ensures a smooth transition to purely muscle powered riding. Below the limit, the motor reengages softly and without any stuttering. Does that mean that the Ebikemotion motor is the smoothest riding in the test field? It’s hard to make a general statement, but we do feel that because the motor requires more input to reach the same speed, your muscles are also more ready to take over when the assistance disappears, allowing you to pedal smoothly onwards.
The Ebikemotion motor continues pushing for a significant amount of time after you stop pedalling. As discussed, as long as the cassette turns sufficiently fast with respect to the hub, the motor stays on. Stop putting pressure on the pedals, but continue to turn the cranks sufficiently quickly and the motor will continue to push you forward. It’s particularly in tight and slow corners, or whilst riding in a group that this can become an issue. Stop pedalling altogether and the problem can be avoided. One additional issue which can’t be so easily resolved is the lacking support on steep slopes. On gradients larger than 10%, the Ebikemotion motor lacks significant power in comparison with its competitors. Our testing also found that the X35 system is most efficient at speeds between 15 and 25 km/h, rather than having an optimum rpm range like other motors. That’s because the motor drives the rear wheel directly and doesn’t benefit from being geared down or up through the drivetrain like mid motor drives are.
Depending on the frame and rims, the Ebikemotion hub motor produces anything from very little to a somewhat present amount of noise. Its handling likewise depend on how manufacturers choose to tune the motor parameters. However during our testing, we were able to identify several defining characteristics.The lower support levels, depending on the setup, offer similar levels of support, while only the third (red) level provides a noticeable boost. To change modes, you have to take your hand off the bars as the iWoc ONE remote is mounted in the top tube. The illuminated ring around the button provides information about the selected assistance mode as well as the battery level. However, depending on how bright it is, the LED ring can be harder or easier to see.
As a rider, you also have the opportunity to use the great Ebikemotion App to display ride data, or even to use a heart rate monitor to define zones when the motor should kick in and offer support. Zone 1 training on a hill? No problem! The app also allows you to configure the support offered by the different assistance modes too. One other benefit of the system is the standard bottom bracket and associated narrow Q-Factor.
Conclusion
The minimal design of the Ebikemotion X35 is easily integrated in any E-road bike. If you’re looking for a partner to accompany you for your base training or want a post-work ride with a permanent tail wind, this is the system for you! Unfortunately, when the road points up, the motor quickly runs out of steam and the 250 Wh battery capacity is one of the smallest in our test.The optional range-extender battery can help here though.
Torque 40 Nm
Motor weight 2.1 kg
Support modes 3
App control Yes
Tops
- Road bike looks and low weight of the bike
- App with lots of useful functions
- Standard bottom bracket and Q-factor
- Extra battery can be mounted in bottle cage.
Flops
- Changing modes requires you to take your hand off the bars
- Middling performance on steep slopes
- Removing the rear wheel if you have a puncture can be quite inconvenient
For more info head to: ebikemotion.com
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best E-road bike motor – The 5 most important E-road bike motors on test
All motors in test: Bosch Active Line Plus | FAZUA Evation | Specialized SL 1.1 | Shimano STEPS E8000
This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #012
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Words: Benjamin Topf, Felix Stix Photos: Robin Schmitt
