Help choosing my girlfriend's first emtb

[Zayd Proctor]

Having built my first emtb, I now need to get one for my girlfriend who, like me, is new to both emtb and mtb. I was thinking something used, under 3000€. Entry level components will do just fine.

I think the most important thing here is the choice of motor. Ideally, I'd go with the Bafang M510 because it works with custom batteries, it's serviceable, it can be derestricted, it's easy to upgrade to the M560 if needed.
The problem is that there aren't many offerings with that motor. The best I could find is this refurbished Berria Mako for 3100€.

I have no idea how the other motors compare with Bafang. This is where I need your help. What would you choose?

Spoiler: I have asked chatgpt as well.

Here's a comparison of the main mid-drive motors for eMTBs, covering their pros and cons to help you choose the best one for your needs.

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BAFANG (M500, M600, M620)​

Best for: Custom builds, high power, DIY enthusiasts

Pros:
✔ High power & torque (M620: 160Nm, M600: 120Nm)
✔ Open system → works with aftermarket batteries
✔ Customizable via third-party apps & programming
✔ Easy to repair with widely available parts
✔ Affordable compared to premium brands

Cons:
✘ Less refined power delivery, can feel jerky
✘ Noisy at high torque levels
✘ Can overheat under sustained load
✘ Heavier than Bosch/Shimano motors

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⚙ BOSCH (Performance Line CX, Smart System)​

Best for: Reliability, smooth power delivery, premium eMTBs

Pros:
✔ Excellent power curve & natural feel
✔ High reliability & premium build quality
✔ Strong dealer support & service network
✔ Smooth integration with eMTB components (ABS, Kiox, etc.)
✔ Good battery efficiency

Cons:
✘ Requires proprietary batteries
✘ Firmware locked, no DIY tuning
✘ Expensive motor & parts
✘ Some overheating issues on long climbs

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SHIMANO (EP8, E8000, E7000)​

Best for: Lightweight builds, natural pedal feel

Pros:
✔ Lightest mid-drive motor (~2.6kg for EP8)
✔ Smooth, natural pedal assist
✔ Compact design with good ground clearance
✔ Efficient power usage for longer rides
✔ Works well with standard MTB drivetrains

Cons:
✘ Less torque than Bosch/Bafang (EP8: 85Nm)
✘ Can overheat under heavy loads
✘ Sensitive to firmware updates that may reduce performance
✘ Limited aftermarket tuning options

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BROSE (Drive S Mag, Drive T, Specialized Turbo Levo/Kenevo)​

Best for: Quiet operation, premium feel, integrated eMTBs (Specialized, Rotwild, etc.)

Pros:
✔ Smoothest & quietest motor in the market
✔ High torque (90Nm) with natural power delivery
✔ Compact & lightweight (~2.9kg)
✔ Good integration with premium brands (Specialized, Rotwild)
✔ No resistance when pedaling without power

Cons:
✘ Brose motors have had reliability issues (belt failures, water ingress)
✘ Proprietary system → harder to repair or customize
✘ Limited third-party support & expensive replacement parts
✘ Specialized versions locked to their ecosystem

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YAMAHA (PW-X3, PWseries S2, PW-X2)​

Best for: Power & durability, alternative to Bosch/Shimano

Pros:
✔ Strong torque (PW-X3: 85Nm)
✔ Reliable and robust build (good for long-term use)
✔ Works with both proprietary & third-party batteries in some cases
✔ Responsive motor engagement (good for technical trails)
✔ Less software restriction compared to Bosch/Shimano

Cons:
✘ Heavier than Shimano/Brose (~3.1kg)
✘ Power delivery less refined than Bosch/Shimano
✘ Fewer eMTB brand integrations compared to Bosch/Shimano
✘ Aftermarket tuning options are limited

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Which One to Choose?​

Motor	Best For	Torque (Nm)	Weight (kg)	Customization	Battery Flexibility	Reliability
Bafang M600/M620	Power & DIY	120-160	3.6-5.3	High	Open	Moderate
Bosch CX	All-round performance	85	2.9	Locked	Proprietary	High
Shimano EP8	Lightweight, smooth ride	85	2.6	Limited	Proprietary	Can overheat
Brose S Mag	Quiet, premium feel	90	2.9	Locked	Proprietary	Past reliability issues
Yamaha PW-X3	Durability & power	85	3.1	Limited	Semi-open	High

Final Thoughts​

• If you want customization & repairability: Bafang
• If you want premium reliability & smooth ride: Bosch or Brose
• If you prefer lightweight & efficiency: Shimano EP8
• If you need durability & power: Yamaha

Which motor are you considering?

 

[Money Pit]

I'd be going for a giant trance or something similar. Can be had for about £2500 in UK.

 

[Stihldog]

Try your best to buy locally (LBS). You’ll eventually need their support. Also support a few items from them such as helmets, gloves, pedals, grips etc.

There’s 5 or 6 major brands out there. They all have reality decent motors. All of us here could persuade you to a certain manufacturer …but which one is best? It might be easier for me to choose my favourite child.

 

[irie]

Try your best to buy locally (LBS). You’ll eventually need their support. Also support a few items from them such as helmets, gloves, pedals, grips etc.

There’s 5 or 6 major brands out there. They all have reality decent motors. All of us here could persuade you to a certain manufacturer …but which one is best? It might be easier for me to choose my favourite child.

To which I would add that as you get into it the demands you make of your bikes will probably increase (a lot!) so buying more capable bikes than you think you now need will probably be a good move.