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?

 

[Zayd Proctor]

Then go Bosch.

Well, it's not that simple. She prefers the Bosch solely for the way it delivers power. And, as I said, it's a preference by a small margin. But there are other things to consider, like the reliability, reparability, the quality of the other components, and price. That is my assignment and, at the moment, I think that the Raymon is the better package. I need to look into the reliability/reparability and then make a decision. And, of course, I already told her all this and she agrees.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

I need to further investigate the reliability, reparability and serviceability of these two motors. And that will probably be the deciding factor.

I've researched this a little, but found mostly opinions and anecdotes. But it seems that both motors are very similar in this respect.

In the meantime, I found a Haibike AllTrail 8 27,5" for 2400€ new. If you guys can confirm the components on it are decent, we will go ahead and buy it this weekend.

 

[Stihldog]

The components are decent but those are upgradable in the future.
It’s the motor, frame and battery that’s important imo. The price and manufacturer is great.

If you’re able to test ride, have the bike shop make some small geometry changes first. I would personally go with 29” wheels f/r.…but that depends on your style of riding.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

I would personally go with 29” wheels f/r.…but that depends on your style of riding.

The 29" size M is not on sale. Best I could find is 3000€.

It looks like the price was really good because the 27,5" is sold out now. The next best offer is 2600€. Still pretty good, imo.

 

[Zayd Proctor]

It's now the same price as the Whistle. The frame on the Whistle looks very similar to the Dengfu frames. The Whistle has a coil fork, bigger battery and a carbon frame.

2. WHISTLE B RUSH C5.2 750 Wh FULL CARBON --> 2600€

Spoiler: Specs

SPECIFICHE MECCANICHE​

Telaio	Full Carbon 29, Toray T700, integrated battery, internal routing, Rear travel 150 mm, 12x148 mm E-Thru
Forcella	Rock Shox 35 Silver R, 150 mm, Maxle Lite 15x110 mm, Coil, 1.5 Tapered, Lockout, E-Bike
Ammortizzatore	Rock Shox RS Deluxe Select R, 230x65 mm
Serie sterzo	Acros AZF-575, 1,5”, Internal routing
Guarnitura	FSA, 34T MegaTooth
Cambio	Shimano Deore RD-M6100 SGS, Shadow Plus
Comandi	Shimano Deore SL-M6100 Rapidfire-Plus, 12s, I-spec
Freni	Shimano BR-MT420, Four piston, Rotor SM-RT30 203 mm / 203 mm
Pacco pignoni	Shimano CS-M6100 12s 10/51
Pedali	Alu MTB Full+
Mozzi	F: Shimano Alivio MT400, 15x110, CL, 32h R:Shimano Alivio MT410B, 12x148, CL, MicroSpline, 32h
Cerchi	RADIALE X30, eDesign | Asymmetric, Tubeless Ready, 622x30c
Attacco manubrio	Satori Ursa, 35 mm, Internal routing
Piega manubrio	Rise Alu Oversize, 780 mm
Reggisella	Dropper Alpha 1, 31,6 mm, remote
Sella	Whistle Performance
Coperture	Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Performance, Addix, 29x2,60
Taglia	40 44 48 52
Colore	Black Matt/Rainbow Silver Glossy

SPECIFICHE ELETTRICHE​

Coppia massima	85 Nm
Tipo sensore	Torque
Batteria	750
Tipo caricabatteria	4 A
Tempo di ricarica	Up to 6 hours
Velocità max assistita	25 km/h
Display	LED REMOTE
Potenza	Eco: 60 %Tour: 140 %EMTB: Dynamic %Turbo: 340 %

Does anyone know this bike? Carbon frame, Bosch CX, 750Wh battery for 2600€ seems like a good deal to me.