• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Budget!
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists – Fitbit and Garmin
    • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart & Video: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus: Premium vs. Budget!
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets, 2020 – Waterproof and Windproof
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
        • How to Choose the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • 9 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women, 2020
      • 7 of the Best Short Sleeved Cycling Jerseys for 2021
      • 7 of the Best Cheap Cycling Jackets Under $100
    • 90 Best Gifts for Cyclists – Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
      • 3 of the best bike lights for commuter cyclists – Light & Motion Urban 350 vs. CatEye Volt 800 vs. NiteRider Lumina 750
    • Bike Saddles
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
    • Headphone Reviews
      • 5 of the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling in 2021
    • Recumbent Trikes
  • Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Detailed Chart & Videos: Edge 130 Plus, Explore, 530, 830 and 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s NEW About the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus Bike Computers: Premium vs. Cheap
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65, 2020 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Best Bike Computers, 2020 – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 7 of the Best Bike Computers, 2020 – from Budget to Premium
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Cycling and Strength
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Study Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
        • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
        • 5 Great Strength and Conditioning Exercises for Cyclists
        • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
        • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
    • Kids biking
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos – 2020
      • 9 Simple Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • 10 Family-Friendly USA Cycling Trails to Visit with the Kids
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Core Workout for Cyclists
      • 5 Best Core Exercises for Cyclists
      • Muscle Stretching: The Cyclist’s Secret Skill – Why Stretching is Important for Cyclists
      • The 10 Best Stretches for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
      • Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging
      • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
    • 7 Top Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • What is a Smart Turbo Indoor Trainer?
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 5 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets to Safely Take Your Dog Cycling in 2021
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • How Cycling to Lose Weight Saved Phil’s Life – Heartwarming Video
    • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
      • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
      • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Training (HIT) on Your Bike – And How to Add Interval Training to Your Cycling
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
      • How to Prevent Cycling Knee and Hip Pain – Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
    • How to Keep your Bike from being Stolen – Top 10 Tips
      • 7 of the Best Bike Locks to Keep Your Bike Safe, 2021
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • How to Pick the Right Size Bike – Complete Bike Frame Size Guide
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • 9 Useful Tips for Women Bike Commuters
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
        • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2021
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Winter Cycling
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women, 2021
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers, 2020 – for Better Bike Commuting and Touring
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Ten Reasons to be a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow!
      • 5 Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Set Up a Commuter Bike
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 4 Benefits of Separated Bike Lanes
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • How to Use Bike Reflectors to Be More Visible
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2021
You are here: Home / Electric Bikes / Average Joe Cyclist Electric Bike Reviews / What Size Motor Should You Buy for Your Electric Bike?

What Size Motor Should You Buy for Your Electric Bike?

February 4, 2015 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

Avatar

Start by Thinking about what Size Electric Bike Motor You NEED for Your Electric Bike

As with every other question about a new electric bike, the answer to this one comes down to your personal needs and choice. Will your daily commute take you off road, and over the top of a mountain? If so, you are going to need the kind of big, tough motor that is found on, for example, Optibikes. Their top of the line mountain bike is powered by a 48 V lithium ion battery with Cool CarbonTM 1100 W Motorized Bottom BracketTM. With this, you could commute over mountains without much trouble. And in fact, many people do! On the other hand, if your commute is more conservative, your needs will be similarly less conservative. Still, the Optibike looks AWESOME!

how to buy the right electric bike - optibike electric bike huge motor size
Everyone wants power – but what size motor do you actually NEED?

BionX Bikes

http://electricbikeblog.com/bionx-electric-bike-kit-review/
Click to read my complete review of the BionX electric bike kit

Like Optibikes, BionX offers a whole range of motor sizes, so you can choose something that meets your needs. You can even buy a kit to convert your existing bike for a very reasonable price (especially considering that they make premium quality products). Their Premium series pairs their SL 350 HT DT XL* motor with an extra long-range 48 V battery, and claims a range of 105 km (65 mi.). This bike has a 350 W motor (one of my favorites, reviewed here).

My new electric bike book is packed with reviews of some of the newest, best quality electric bikes, thanks to my collaboration with two of the greatest ebike reviewers in the world
My new electric bike book is packed with reviews of some of the newest, best quality electric bikes, thanks to my collaboration with two of the greatest ebike reviewers in the world

At the other end of the range, the BionX PL 250 M is a much smaller motor, at 250 W. However, I used one of these for years, and it easily sufficed for my needs (my Bionx PL 250 is reviewed here). At the time, I was not doing any hills, and just needed a boost so that my long commute would be faster and less daunting. I upgraded to one of their 350 W motors when my commute changed to include a couple of steep hills. (Bear in mind that I weighed just under 200 pounds for most of this time.)

Minimum Electric Bike Motor Size for Your Electric Bike

In a nutshell, you should not be looking at a motor smaller than 250 W if you have to deal with hills. And if you weigh more than 200 pounds, your minimum should be 350 W. Unless you are riding a bike such as my BH Emotion Race Bike, which cleverly combines gear power with a crank-drive 250 W motor. With this bike, I can climb major hills without too much sweat.

A 350 W motor will meet most needs, and will take a heavy cyclist up big hills with minimal sweat (but not without pedaling). After that, the bigger the motor, the more power you have. The 500 W motor is very powerful. The 750 W motor is tremendously powerful. The 1100 W offered by Optibikes is insanely powerful, but the price tag matches the power.

But bear in mind that the bigger the motor, the bigger the battery you need. So a powerful 500 W engine will need a big battery, making for a heavy combination. On the other hand, the beautiful Swiss-made Stromer electric bikes are big and heavy – but fast and wonderful.

how to buy the right electric bike - stromer-electric-bike-large-size-motor
Click to read all about my book on how to buy the best electric bike

Also, bear in mind that none of these sizes gives you a motor scooter. All the way up to 750 W, you still have to do some pedaling. But that’s a good thing. If you didn’t want to pedal and get fit, presumably you’d be reading a book about motorcycles.

Size Doesn’t Matter with Electric Bike Motor Sizes

how to buy the right electric bike - Emotion-BH-bike-reviewWell OK, it matters a bit. But the point is that configuration comes into it too. For example, if you ride an awesomely engineered Emotion Race Bike (reviewed here), the excellent Panasonic motor is in the crank drive, so that the motor and gears work together to give you amazing speed and hill climbing ability.

Laws about Electric Bike Motor Sizes

Finally, keep in mind that there are laws about the size of motor that electric bikes can have. In the EU, Japan, China, and other countries, the power limit is 250 watts. In Canada, 350-watt engines are common. Eight of Canada’s provinces allow electric power assisted bicycles, and in seven of these, they are limited to 500 watts output. In the province of Alberta the limit is 750 watts. In the USA, the limit is 750 watts. In the UK cyclists are severely limited, and the motor’s maximum continuous rated power output must not exceed 200 W for bicycles, 250 W for bicycle tandems (i.e. two seaters) and 250 W for tricycles. I am completely confident that this will change as the reality of gas shortages finally dawns on the United Kingdom’s legislators.

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos

Usually you will not be able to buy motors that are too big for the laws of your own country (although with internet orders, it is possible to get around this). Also, highly technical people can put together motors that exceed legislative limits.

If you are not sure what is legal in your jurisdicition, get some advice from a reputable dealer.

We buy all our electric bikes at the same store, so we can be sure of continuous support from a reputable store (Evolution Bikes in North Vancouver).

You may also be interested in my post about Types of Electric Motors for Electric Bikes, which will be published on Monday morning, 10th February.

This entire post is taken from my new book all about How to Buy the Best Electric Bike. Get this book for much for advice and information about how to buy the best electric bike. Click here for information and multiple buying options, including PDF, Kindle and book.

Did you like this post or find it useful? If so, please support our blog:

We spend a lot of time writing these posts, and we would appreciate it very much if you would SHARE it with others (using the Share buttons) or LIKE our Facebook page. If you really want to show your appreciation, please consider clicking on one of the Amazon links before buying from Amazon; or clicking on any of the other affiliate links on this page. Small commissions help pay for our time. Or BEST OF ALL – just SUBSCRIBE to our blog. It makes you part of our community, and gets you free weekly updates about our posts – as well as a Free Download of our Bike Buyer’s Guide. Thanks in advance – reader support keeps us going and makes it all worthwhile!

Save

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Average Joe Cyclist Electric Bike Reviews, Electric Bikes, Electric Bikes Blog, Technical Advice on Electric Bikes Tagged With: 350 W motor, BionX!, ebikes, Electric Bikes, Optibikes, Panasonic motor, Stromer electric bikes

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shop at Amazon in the USA.

Amazon USAShop at Amazon in Canada.

Amazon CanadaShop at Amazon in the UK.

Amazon UK

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2021
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • A Guide for Fat Cyclists. I am not exactly your stereotypical cyclist with the body of a greyhound. However, I don’t let my weight stop me from cycling. This was a 15-mile cross-country ride I did with my wife. We are pushing our bikes here because we were on loose gravel A Guide for Fat Cyclists
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
  • We simply did not evolve to sit in front of a computer all day. No wonder exercise is such a mood lifter, when we actually get out and do it. 7 Steps to Lose Weight by Cycling
  • The 10th Annual Ride to Conquer Cancer Presented by Wheaton Precious Metals. Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
  • Tips for Cyclists Who Have Had Knee Replacement Surgery 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery

​

Special Offer for Average Joe Cyclist Readers – Get 10% off a New Totem Pole Bike Rack!

Transport up to 6 bikes with the revolutionary new Totem Pole Bike Rack! AND get a 10% discount off the price! Just use the discount code AVERAGEJOE

Click here to claim your discount!

9 of the best road bike saddles

How Women Cyclists can prevent saddle soreness and associated issues

World's first folding electric carbon bike

Copyright © 2021 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.