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.

---

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

---

⚙ 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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.

 

[ebsocalmtb]

get an orbea rise. new batteries are still available for very cheap on ebay (250 usd or so). In addition, the way the motor applies power will be important as she likely doesn't weigh a ton. When you're 200lbs, subtle and sophisticated power application isn't a big deal, it's a real big deal when you're 120-140lbs.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

It might be easier for me to choose my favourite child.

Lol. Maybe I should tell you what I care about the most so we can find a good fit:

1. Non proprietary batteries or cheap proprietary batteries.
2. Good power delivery
3. Repairability or high reliability or both

Nice to have:
1. Quiet
2. Customizable

Things that matter less: power, weight.

 

[Tooks]

Lol. Maybe I should tell you what I care about the most so we can find a good fit:

As well as your list, what does she care about/want from a bike?

I know everybody is different but is bike weight an issue if it needs lifting over trail obstacles etc?

It would be advisable to try as many different models as possible to ensure that she can find one that ‘fits’ her best (it’s likely to be different to what fits you) and then try and find one used?

I’d second the find one supportable by your local bike shop as well, unless you’re going to keep spare motors and batteries ready for if they go wrong.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

As well as your list, what does she care about/want from a bike?

She is completely new to this, she doesn't have any specific needs at the moment. We rented two Trek Rail last summer and she liked it. But pretty much anything would do. Something not too heavy would be preferable.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

As well as your list

That's not my list otherwise "power" would have been at the top

 

[mike_kelly]

I highly recommend as light as you can afford.

 

[Stihldog]

She is completely new to this, she doesn't have any specific needs at the moment. We rented two Trek Rail last summer and she liked it. But pretty much anything would do. Something not too heavy would be preferable.

I seriously overestimated my wife’s ability one day. She had heard my numerous stories and saw my pics of our MTB trails on our mountain.

After riding the tame trails and flats available in our area with her, I decided to show her my playground one day.

This was a huge mistake on my part. What was I thinking? . We both took our Bosch powered hardtail Powerfly’s and I turned into a black/double black trail. I thought the beauty of the area would make her happy. Was I ever wrong. She left her bike at the top of a long decent and slid down on her bum. Her eyes had swelled up with tears and she could barely talk when we met at the bottom. I can’t remember feeling this bad.

The remainder of the trail was, sometimes, a slow go with the occasional dismount.

She still uses her hardtail for the tame trail network in our area. 40-60km trips are fun for both of us.

I’ve since parted with my HT and purchased a full suspension Fuel EXE (TQ motor). This has leveled the playing field between us. She uses and likes the “ladies” saddle on her HT now.

She also likes the speed of the HT and probably doesn’t need a full suspension. Her bike is a small, Bosch Gen4 CX HT Powerfly. The power is the same as my Rail but she can be much faster (32kmph limit), because of the lighter weight and suitable tires.

 

[irie]

Not mentioned yet is colour and how it looks - must be attractive.

Not being sexist, just that in general for girls how it looks is more important than for boys.

 

[mike_kelly]

Not mentioned yet is colour and how it looks - must be attractive.

Not being sexist, just that in general for girls how it looks is more important than for boys.

It used to be so...

 

[BeBiker]

So she's complete new to this.
If she's young and not too heavy, there's really no need to buy a full suspension.

A hardtail with branded basic parts can be found new form 2200 euro (Decathlon e-st900) to 2500 euro (Cube reaction 625)

 

[KnollyBro]

Buy a used SL emtb. Trying to get your g/f into biking will most likely lead to frustration on both sides as you try to push her to do more and her fear and different priorities don't align with yours. If she has friends to ride with as well, that would be the best place to get her interested in riding more and at a higher, level where it's worth spending a pile of money on a fancy bike.

 

[Stihldog]

… as you try to push her to do more and her fear and different priorities don't align with yours.

Yup…found that out the hard-way once.

A full powered Hard Tail suits her well. Colour was important and a nice ladies saddle. She trusted me on everything else.

Our trails here are mostly black diamond …but there are a few blue and green level trails. The trails in our neighborhood and municipal parks are definitely green. She likes those.

 

[mike_kelly]

With the low prices now you should be able to get an Orbea Rise for her within your budget.

 

[Gavalar]

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.

---

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

---

⚙ 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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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?

I take it that your girlfriend doesn't have an opinion of what she'd actually like.

 

[CraigR]

Check out the Giant Liv bikes. They are made specifically for women and have geometries for woman. They have models that are the "equivalent" of the Giant Stance and Trance EMTB's but are built for women in terms of geometries. They have similar motors, batteries, shifters, brakes, etc.... They also have a "guide" section which has introduction to MTB and Biking articles written by woman for women which may be helpful. Here is the website: Liv Cycling

 

[CarbonMan]

W

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.

---

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

---

⚙ 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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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?

Whatever you get her, make sure she can (barely) outrun you if she tries hard enough... You might also consider getting the same brand motor as you have; same ecosystem might help simplify things.

 

[jb759h]

Since you're familiar with Bafang and building, i'd go with the LCE930 w/ the m820 motor. That thing rips. lighter, slimmer. covers a ton of ground. Plenty of power for uphill, etc etc. I ride pretty gnarly stuff and it handles everything.

Otherwise, my gal has the new Salsa Moraine (Fazua motor). motor is silent and has worked flawlessly for 6 months.

 

[ottoshape]

Don't we ask for pics of girlfriend before making recommendations???

 

[Tooks]

Years ago, I persuaded my now wife to come out cycling with me, to see how I spent my time and of course show her how awesome I was on a bike.

She kicked my arse, and that hasn’t changed with the advent of e-bikes.

We don’t ride together much now, I just slow her down!

Get your violins out please guys.

 

[irie]

Years ago, I persuaded my now wife to come out cycling with me, to see how I spent my time and of course show her how awesome I was on a bike.

She kicked my arse, and that hasn’t changed with the advent of e-bikes.

We don’t ride together much now, I just slow her down!

Get your violins out please guys.

Just turn your assistance up. Rocket science. Not.

 

[Tooks]

Just turn your assistance up. Rocket science. Not.

If it were merely down to pedal assistance...

I did try and talk to her about it, but she ended the conversation by saying we should both start seeing other men.