Why is there no publicly available data on motor reliability by brand and model ?
This may seem a bit of a rant but it is based on true experience
Manufacturers seem to build a wall of silence and I have found no data to support any buyer of an EMTB in selecting the best motor (reliability) which is a key part of a very expensive purchase. We are paying nearly as much for EMTBs as a small family car yet have to take on trust that the motor will be reliable for the life of the bike. Who would buy a new car without reliable information on dealer and manufacturer support to maintain and service the most costly component i.e. the engine / motor ? At least on a car you can service the engine and rely upon the electrics being fit to use in all weathers and conditions !
I may be jaundiced by the fact that I have had 4 total motor failures on 2 bikes in 5 years - 3 Shimano E8000 and 1 Shimano EP8 but surely I can't just be unlucky!! The concept of Shimano Service Centres is wholly flawed as they are not able to service anything, just charge you for the benefit of diagnosing something (which should be available via their App ) and then charging to remove the motor and return it to Shimano. And that is when it is within the warranty period ! I am certainly looking to avoid Shimano on any future EMTB but how can I avoid similar problems when selecting an alternative motor ?
I take great care of all of the electrics but it seems that there is not even basic IP66 protection from water and dust ingress ( hurrah for Specilaized for their IP56 certifed SL motors but where is the rest of the industry?)
Ebikes are deisgned to be ridden in all varieties of dry , wet, dusty and muddy conditions but it seems most motors are not fit for purpose leaving the internal electronics very vulnerable to ingress of dust and dampness.
Unfortunately bike reviewers are also culpable in their obsession with relative power and feel without any guidance on proven relaiobility and support.
My (very costly and frustrating) experience has negatively tainted my enthusiasm for all things EMTB as it is a wonderful sport - until the motor goes wrong. So let's get some proper information to support consumers and also push for proper long term warranties from motor manufacturers and/or the bike manufacturers.
This may seem a bit of a rant but it is based on true experience
Manufacturers seem to build a wall of silence and I have found no data to support any buyer of an EMTB in selecting the best motor (reliability) which is a key part of a very expensive purchase. We are paying nearly as much for EMTBs as a small family car yet have to take on trust that the motor will be reliable for the life of the bike. Who would buy a new car without reliable information on dealer and manufacturer support to maintain and service the most costly component i.e. the engine / motor ? At least on a car you can service the engine and rely upon the electrics being fit to use in all weathers and conditions !
I may be jaundiced by the fact that I have had 4 total motor failures on 2 bikes in 5 years - 3 Shimano E8000 and 1 Shimano EP8 but surely I can't just be unlucky!! The concept of Shimano Service Centres is wholly flawed as they are not able to service anything, just charge you for the benefit of diagnosing something (which should be available via their App ) and then charging to remove the motor and return it to Shimano. And that is when it is within the warranty period ! I am certainly looking to avoid Shimano on any future EMTB but how can I avoid similar problems when selecting an alternative motor ?
I take great care of all of the electrics but it seems that there is not even basic IP66 protection from water and dust ingress ( hurrah for Specilaized for their IP56 certifed SL motors but where is the rest of the industry?)
Ebikes are deisgned to be ridden in all varieties of dry , wet, dusty and muddy conditions but it seems most motors are not fit for purpose leaving the internal electronics very vulnerable to ingress of dust and dampness.
Unfortunately bike reviewers are also culpable in their obsession with relative power and feel without any guidance on proven relaiobility and support.
My (very costly and frustrating) experience has negatively tainted my enthusiasm for all things EMTB as it is a wonderful sport - until the motor goes wrong. So let's get some proper information to support consumers and also push for proper long term warranties from motor manufacturers and/or the bike manufacturers.