Trek Motor Noise

[Rented Mule]

Just started looking to purchase my first ebike. Test rode a few different Trek models. On the Verve + 2 and 3 models I did not notice any noise from the motor assembly or drive train. On the Allant models i notices quite a bit of motor noise anytime a mode was selected and pedaling. In the off mode or when not pedaling there was no noise. The 8S model was quite loud. The noise was definitely coming from the motor area. It could also be heard with no load by lifting the rear tire and cranking by hand. I liked the fit and power of the Allant models better but not the noise.

Is this noise normal for an ebike? Do ebikes seem to get quieter or louder after they have broken in? The bike shop said the noise was normal. Perhaps the noise would have neen less of an issue if I had not rode the Verve models first.

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

[Dallant]

The Performance Line CX and Speed motors of the Allant family are normally louder than the Active Line motors of the Verve models. They’re also considerably more powerful. Not sure what you are planning as far as what and how you plan to ride. After a year and over 1600 totally reliable miles of mostly paved and very hilly trails I barely notice the sound of my Allant+7‘s CX motor. I hear the birds, wind, tires, and sometimes the traffic.

 

[Rented Mule]

Thanks for the response I will try to do another test ride. I often ride with one earphone in so it may not be as noticable then

 

[Mulezen]

The motor does quiet some after a few hundred miles

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The motor does quiet some after a few hundred miles

Because the rider has learnt not to hear it

 

[Sparky731]

Agree: the Allant’s motor is much noisier than the Verve’s. Although, besides the extra power and greater torque, the Performance Speed motor is more efficient than Active Plus motor. After longer rides with our bike group at lower speeds (<16mph) my Allant+ 7s has much more battery left than any of the Active Plus bikes in the group.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Brose motor... So quiet!

 

[4REEE]

Brose motor... So quiet!

Agreed. When I'm climbing a hill, sometimes people will ask, "Is that an e-bike? Turn on the motor," and I tell them, "It is on." They all say the same thing, "Are you sure? I don't hear anything."

But when riding my wife's ebike with a Yamaha PW motor that sounds like my RC car, I get the snarky, "Cheater!" remarks.