JRA
Well-Known Member
When Bosch came out in 2010 with their Gen 1, only available in the EU, motors it was obvious that they would come to the US but they chose not to until they had partnered with Magura to handle their supply and service here as well as putting on service courses to certify mechanics. This was very smart.
Bafang is seeming to get on that bandwagon now at a much later date but the market is still maturing, even in the EU, and there is no doubt that they have the ability to design eBike motors but they have never been at all good about after sale support. That is about to change according to this:
Doesn't do anything for the US market but if brands in the EU that also market here start to adopt Bafang systems that might change but is going to take awhile.
The DIY market here and the hub motor bikes like RAD will remain popular here but I don't see any love coming in that direction from Bafang in regards to mid drives as they adopt CAN BUS type controllers and are dropping the ability to easily change parameters within. Doesn't mean the popular M620 is going away but it doubt we'll be seeing any improvements other than custom efforts by smaller companies like the silent gear thing being promoted that Bafang could easily recognize as an issue and take care of itself.
Bafang is seeming to get on that bandwagon now at a much later date but the market is still maturing, even in the EU, and there is no doubt that they have the ability to design eBike motors but they have never been at all good about after sale support. That is about to change according to this:
Bafang digs in to compete against European e-bike motor makers with new service plan
Bafang is making a new play in its battle for European e-bike market share, introducing a Dealer Direct Service concept....
electrek.co
Doesn't do anything for the US market but if brands in the EU that also market here start to adopt Bafang systems that might change but is going to take awhile.
The DIY market here and the hub motor bikes like RAD will remain popular here but I don't see any love coming in that direction from Bafang in regards to mid drives as they adopt CAN BUS type controllers and are dropping the ability to easily change parameters within. Doesn't mean the popular M620 is going away but it doubt we'll be seeing any improvements other than custom efforts by smaller companies like the silent gear thing being promoted that Bafang could easily recognize as an issue and take care of itself.