The motor shapes how an e-MTB feels more than any other part. Torque figures tell part of the story, but power delivery, noise, weight and app tuning matter just as much. Here is a plain-English look at the motors you will find on the bikes we sell.
Motors at a glance
| Motor | Torque (as listed) | Type | Found on |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Avinox M2S | Up to 150 Nm, 1,300 W peak | Full-power | Pivot Shuttle AMP’d, Propain Ekano |
| Specialized 3.1 (S-Works) | Up to 111 Nm | Full-power | S-Works Turbo Levo 4 |
| Specialized 3.1 | 101 Nm, 666 W peak | Full-power | Turbo Levo 4 Expert |
| Bosch Performance CX-R Gen 5 | 100 Nm, 750 W peak | Full-power | Pivot Shuttle AM |
| Shimano EP801 / EP801 RS Gen 2 | Up to 85 Nm | Full-power / light builds | Cannondale Moterra SL, Orbea Rise |
| Bosch Performance SX | 600 W peak | Lightweight | Pivot Shuttle SL/AM |
| TQ HPR60 | 60 Nm, 350 W | Lightweight | Propain Sresh SL |
| Fazua Ride 60 | 60 Nm | Lightweight | Santa Cruz Heckler SL |
Full-power motors
DJI Avinox
The newest name in e-MTB motors and the most powerful on paper, with up to 150 Nm of torque and 1,300 W of peak power on the M2S. Pair it with an 800 Wh battery, as on the Pivot Shuttle AMP’d and the Propain Ekano AL Enduro, and you get huge climbing power for long days.
Specialized 3.1
Specialized’s own motor, tuned through the Specialized app. The Turbo Levo 4 Expert gets 101 Nm and 666 W peak, while the S-Works Turbo Levo 4 version goes up to 111 Nm. Both run an 840 Wh battery.
Bosch Performance Line CX and CX-R
Bosch is the most widely used full-power system, known for natural, responsive assistance and a large dealer network. You will find it on the Pivot Shuttle AM, Pivot Shuttle LT and Cannondale Moterra 1, all with 800 Wh batteries.
Shimano EP801
Shimano’s motor delivers up to 85 Nm and pairs well with Shimano drivetrains. Orbea’s RS Gen 2 version on the Rise LT and Rise SL uses Orbea’s RS Control System, and Cannondale uses the EP801 on the Moterra SL.
Lightweight motors
Bosch Performance SX
A compact Bosch motor with 600 W of peak power, built for lighter bikes. On the Pivot Shuttle SL/AM it runs a 400 Wh battery that can be expanded with a 250 Wh range extender.
TQ HPR60
Known for being very quiet and natural to pedal. The Propain Sresh SL uses it to deliver 60 Nm and 350 W.
Fazua Ride 60
Another 60 Nm lightweight system, used across the Santa Cruz Heckler SL range with a Fazua Energy battery.
How to choose a motor
- Decide full-power or lightweight first. This narrows the field more than anything. Our full-power vs lightweight guide explains the trade-offs.
- Match torque to your terrain. Steep, long climbs reward more torque. Rolling trails work well with 60 Nm systems.
- Consider noise and feel. Lightweight motors are generally quieter and feel more like your own pedaling.
- Look at the battery. A powerful motor uses more energy. See our battery size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is more torque always better?
No. More torque helps on steep climbs, but it adds weight and uses battery faster. Many riders prefer a lighter 60 Nm motor for everyday trail riding.
Can I tune motor power?
Most current systems, including Specialized, Bosch, Shimano and DJI, let you adjust assist modes through an app.
Need help choosing? Email support@cyclevanta.shop or browse our electric mountain bikes.