Bafang creates hub motor with speed pedelec and electric MTB applications
Electric bike drive specialist Bafang has released detail on a new hub motor with e-MTB and speed pedelec applications in mind.
The H800 gear-drive rear hub motor, with 350 or 500 W output and a max torque of 55 Nm, features a modern MTB thru-axle design with Boost standard, something which Bafang has created a unique dropout design to accommodate.
With a diameter of just 180 mm, the hub motor is not overly visible from the disc brake side (rotor diameter 203 mm). The freewheel body fits 7 to 10 speed cassettes. It’s also been engineered for maximum heat resistance, and to be compatible with both 650B and 29” wheels.
The frame interface requires manufacturers to adapt their dropout 
design slightly to cope with the high-torque application. Frame designers will be required to create a groove for the thru-axle system to slide into and align with the axle’s insertion point.
Another unique feature is Bafang’s SmartPlug, a waterproof quick release cable connector that removes the need for stiff cables. The hub works with either speed or torque sensor bottom brackets, and many different display options are also available. Similarly, batteries of different types, f.e. the new, integrated F-series batteries from Bafang, or from other manufacturers can be selected if required.
The hub is said to be near-silent in operation, much thanks to a specially-designed gear reduction system.
The system will be available from Q1-2018 on and joins earlier motors announced for mountain bikes.
