Bafang: Are They the Best Electric Bike Motors?

Established in 2003, Bafang, a manufacturer of electric bike motors, seems to have found its place in a market where quality is paramount. Let’s see if Bafang, the Chinese manufacturer that equips 40% of electric bikes, can maintain its promise of robustness and durability despite its low prices. An opportunity to assess whether Bafang’s competitive prices align with the commitment to quality and longevity.

My Thoughts on Bafang

If you are familiar with the world of electrically assisted bicycles, this name will certainly ring a bell. Bafang is a brand that offers many high-quality products at competitive prices.

The motors and electric bike kits from the Chinese brand Bafang are particularly appreciated for their reliability and performance. The brand competes with major companies due to its wide range of products. Let’s take a closer look at this emerging manufacturer.

Bafang’s Electric Bike Product Range

Bafang is a supplier of electrical components offering a wide range of options. The company is known for its high-quality motors, kits, and batteries. Bafang products are valued for their reliability, quality, and longevity.

Bafang Electric Bike Conversion Kits

Bafang offers various kits to convert your traditional bike into an electric-assist bike: the BBS01, the BBS02 B, and the BBSHD. In this manner, you may swiftly and affordably get an electric bike that suits your demands. Thanks to those kits, you can make your own electric bike.

The first Bafang electric bike kit is one of the smaller models. It is also the most suitable Bafang motor for beginners. The motor of the BBS01 kit is the least powerful (250W), yet it’s very suitable for daily urban use. The 15.5 mph can be reached quickly and effortlessly

The battery, to be installed at the level of the luggage rack, has a range that varies according to the mode of assistance: between 43 and 60 miles. If you follow the instructions correctly, the kit can be easily installed in less than 2 hours, without needing extensive DIY skills or a lot of tools. Currently, it is difficult to find this motor in the US. Follow this link to read our review of the BBS01 kit.

The BBS02 B kit holds the top spot in our ranking of the best electric bike kits. This kit has a very good quality/price/performance ratio and allows you to transform any bike into an electric bike, whether it’s a mountain bike or a city bike. Its price is higher than the previous version: around $1100.

The motor (750W) has been optimized over the years. It is now powerful, quiet, and responsive to various uses. The assembly is simple and fast. You can read our review of the BBS02 B kit by following this link.

The last kit, the BBSHD, is designed for those seeking power. It is very versatile, capable of equipping mountain bikes, fat bikes, and tandems. Its 1000W motor, with 9 speeds, allows you to adapt your speed to any situation. This one will allow you to reach 37 mph without worry. The electric assistance is activated based on the level of pedaling. Without getting tired, it is possible to climb any hill. Here too, the installation is fast, although it takes more time due to the number of elements. To read our review of the BBSHD kit, follow this link!

Bafang Motors

In 2021, sales of electric motors accounted for 58.3% of the company’s overall sales, representing more than half of the brand’s products sold. Motors are the signature products of the brand, which offers motors of all kinds for all types of bikes, always at an affordable price. Bafang offers three different types of motors:

In the M series, we can find powerful Bafang pedal motors that are quiet and discreet. They are compact motors that can be installed on many types of electric bikes without disturbing the users.

In the HR (rear hub) series, the motors are distinguished by their high efficiency. They are powerful, and their drive systems efficiently support the riders. However, they are still very efficient in terms of battery consumption.

In the HF series (front hub), the motors are extremely light and perfectly suited to contemporary urban bikes. With their 250W power output, they provide harmonious assistance and perfectly support the cyclist in their daily urban travel.

Batteries

Designed for performance, Bafang batteries always get you where you want to go. Most are lightweight, fast-charging, and long-lasting, offering the highest level of efficiency. To find out if Bafang batteries are among the best batteries for electric bikes, follow the link! Whether it’s intube, downtube, or rack type, Bafang’s diverse range will meet the needs of any project and can power any electric bike.

Intube batteries are integrated into the frame of the bike. The weight is less noticeable, and the aesthetics of the bike are preserved. This type of battery works with any type of bike, offering high and low power versions.

Downtube batteries are both elegant and practical. They are mounted on the frame of the bike for easy handling, charging, and storage. Combining high power and light weight, these types of batteries offer a practical and reliable solution for any type of electric bike.

Bafang offers rack-mounted battery options (rack) for daily commuting or even long distances in the city. Reliable and durable electric assistance accompanies you throughout your journey.

Which Components for Which Needs?

On its website, Bafang indicates for each of its products which type of use it is suitable for. It names 5 different categories of use and assembly:

• eMTB: Dedicated to mountain biking, allows for full-power riding on mountain trails and hilly routes without difficulties. Safety is reliable and responsive.
• eROAD: Dedicated to road biking, allows for riding above 15.5 mph without weighing down the bike, all with reliable safety.
• eTOUR: Dedicated to touring, motor power is not the priority for this type of ride. Offers very good autonomy, allowing for long rides.
• eCITY: Dedicated to city commuting, the motors and batteries are lightweight to ensure mobility. Sufficient for safe daily commuting.
• eCargo: Dedicated to cargo bikes, powerful enough to handle heavy loads.

Investigation of the Renowned Electric Bike Motor Manufacturer

History and Origins

Bafang is a Chinese company founded in 2003 by Xian Bing He and based in Suzhou, near Shanghai. It is a leading manufacturer of e-mobility components and complete e-drive systems. Currently, it employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in eight different locations. Its sales and service locations include the Netherlands, the USA, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and China. The recently opened factory in Poland aims to expand the European market. Bafang focuses on all global future trends in e-mobility, including individual electric bikes, electric scooters, or public bike-sharing systems.

Its Mission

The company’s objective is to manufacture innovative and high-quality products to significantly enhance customers’ driving comfort. Bafang aims to develop new products that will set new standards for tomorrow. To this end, the company is expanding internationally, particularly in the European market. By 2021, Bafang’s sales in China accounted for 65.4% of total sales, while international sales accounted for only 34.6%.

Where to Buy Bafang Motors and Kits?

You can find Bafang products at some electric bike specialists, but the lowest prices are often found on the Amazon website. Bafang also mentions Eunorau and Ebike Repair Factory as authorized sellers on its website.

Which Brands and Bike Manufacturers Use Bafang?

Bafang products are used by no fewer than 60 different electric bike brands. These brands include U-Cargo Lite (which we mentioned in our guide to the best electric cargo bikes), Accolmile, Jojobike, and CTM. These brands offer a variety of e-bikes for different routes.

Alternatives to Bafang

Many brands offer alternatives to Bafang’s products:

• Bosch, one of the current leaders in electric bicycle components, is known for its Active Line and Active Line Plus motors. It also offers performance motors (Performance Line) and motors for cargo bikes (Cargo Line). Regarding batteries, the company offers the well-known PowerPack (300, 400, and 500) and PowerPack Frame (545 and 725), referred to as “intelligent.”

• The Japanese brand Shimano is also popular. It offers both electric bikes components and manufactures its own bikes. Braking systems, derailleurs, and motors from the brand regularly appear in our favorite electric bikes.

• Yamaha is also cited as a safe and reliable brand. It manufactures motors, batteries, and displays for electric bikes such as Babboe and Ghost.

• Other brands like Samsung (Li-ion) or Panasonic (26V, 36V, and 47V) are also recognized for their quality batteries.

In Terms of Legality…

While most Bafang motors have a power of 250W and are therefore homologated, this is not the case for all of them. The company also manufactures 750W and 1000W motors, so be cautious with these components, which are not homologated everywhere and should be used on private roads. To learn more, you can read our article on the legislation regarding electric bike kits.

The Advantages of Bafang

For several reasons, the brand has become essential in the e-mobility market:

• Quality and reliable products
• Very good quality/price ratio
• Innovative technologies
• Wide range of products

Conclusion

Bafang continues to strengthen its leadership in the field of electric bicycles with continually improving and perfected components in terms of quality, reliability, longevity, and safety. The Chinese brand has become a benchmark in electric bike motors and kits, expanding its market internationally.