Are Yamaha E-Bike Motors Good?

History of Yamaha E-Bike Motors

Founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha, Yamaha began its history as a reed organ and piano manufacturer. In 1953, the 4th generation President Genichi Kawakami decided to branch out into motorcycles and small engines – which would eventually lead to them making electric bike motors.

As one would expect from a company over 130 years old, Yamaha has a long and storied history. Here is a timeline of the significant events in the history of Yamaha Motor Company:

1955- Yamaha has immediate success with its first motorcycle release, the YA-1. Yamaha forms the Yamaha Motor Company and splits from the main company (though Yamaha Company remains a major shareholder). It is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan.

1964- First international subsidiary in Thailand.

1968- Expands into Europe and sets up the first subsidiary in the Netherlands.

The 1970s- Yamaha introduces the first off-road and direct bikes. They were innovators in both.

1989- Yamaha creates the first electric-powered bicycle prototype.

1993- The first Yamaha PAS bike sold in Japan.

2003- A compact and lightweight center-mounted drive unit with a productive direct-to-chain assist was developed. To lighten pedaling when the battery is empty, a non-contact torque was developed.

2013- The Triple Sensor System was introduced to the all-new PW e-bike series, affording a smooth and steady ride. The increased precision of the assist control results in “natural and organic” pedaling.

Today Yamaha Motor Company motorcycles’ sales are the second largest in the world. The company also manufactures boats, personal watercraft, go-karts, golf carts, snowmobiles, generators, automobile engines, unmanned helicopters, wheelchairs, and of course, electric bikes.

What Motors Does Yamaha Make Today?

PW Series SE

All-New Smooth and Powerful Design

Yamaha’s PWSeries SE is based on the first-generation of the PW motor and brings all the features which made it so popular. This upgraded version brings an even faster speed sensor within the rear hub, making the motor response even quicker. A quicker response means a more natural feel with the assist.

Bluetooth® connectivity allows users to add their aftermarket cyclometer. The cadence support has also been increased from 100 rpm to 110 rpm.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 7.7 lbs
• Rated Nominal Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 70 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
• Max Support Mode %: High-280%, Standard-190%, ECO-100%, ECO+/50%

PWSeries ST

All-round Motor

The PW ST takes everything you enjoyed with the PW SE up a few notches while keeping it simple enough for anyone to use. Yamaha’s Quad Sensor System delivers just the right amount of assist to suit the conditions. Not only that, this drive unit brings an even broader range of assistance to help with that high-cadence pedaling.

Tuned as an all-around motor, this unit is ready for anything. The ST will accommodate the newest of riders while still giving veterans the performance they enjoy.

A big bonus with the ST is the Automatic Support Mode, which adds speed, adjusts seat height, and changes ride modes for you as the conditions change. No matter where you are in your ride, you can leave those variables to your smart bike and concentrate on shifting, braking, and staying on the trail.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 3.4 Kg
• Rated Output Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 70 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
• Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO+

PWSeries TE

The Pursuit of Comfort

Yamaha had comfort in mind when they designed the PWSeries TE drive unit. Primarily geared toward commuting or riding around the neighborhood, you’ll feel consistent assistance when needed as you cruise or tackle steep hills or stiff winds.

Sensors are everything when you’re looking for a natural ride, and the TE’s Quad Sensor Technology does just that. The system will automatically detect riding conditions and assist you accordingly.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 3.4 Kg
• Rated Output Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 60 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
• Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO+

PWSeries CE

Fun Ride

With the PWSeries CE, Yamaha focused their efforts on ensuring a natural, fun ride. They kept the weight down, reduced noise, and added the walk assist and Automatic Support Mode.

Amazingly lightweight at 2.9kg, the CE beefs up the natural assist setting to make your ride even smoother. So whether you’re riding or pushing the bike, the assist will make things easier.

Not only is this drive system quiet, but it’s smart too. When conditions on the trail change, your bike can follow suit with the Automatic Support Mode. Same performance as with the ST. This feature adds speed, adjusts seat height, and changes ride modes for you as the conditions change. You can just concentrate on shifting, braking, and staying on the trail.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 3.0. Kg
• Rated Power Output: 250 W
• Max Torque: 50 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
• Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO+

PW-X Series

Pure Ride

The P-X not only brings the fastest motor response technology to the table but does it so well you forget you’re riding an e-bike. With 70 Nm of torque, PW-X is the most powerful drive unit made by Yamaha and is super smooth with its natural assist. When conditions demand more, the PW-X takes it up a notch and provides up to 80Nm of torque.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 6.8 lbs
• Rated Nominal Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 70 Nm (HIGH/STD/ECO/ECO+) 80 Nm (EXPW mode)
• Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
• Max Support Mode %: EXPW- 320%, High-280%, Standard-190%, ECO-100%, ECO+/50%

PW-X2 Series

Your Passion. Our Power

The X2 takes everything the PW-X made famous and brings a top-of-the-line feel to it. The “Pure Ride” concept is again realized with the powerful and quick pedaling response, plus increasing power support within the higher cadence range.

The new Automatic, MTB, and Push support modes make this Yamaha’s most powerful drive system. The 80Nm of torque coupled with cadence support up to 170 rpm will satisfy even the most demanding riders’ needs.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Rated Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 70 Nm (HIGH/STD/ECO) 80 Nm (EXPW/MTB)
• Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
• Max Support Mode %: EXPW- 360%, MTB-360%, High-280%, Standard-170%, ECO-50%, Automatic (High/STD/ECO)

PW-X3 Series

High-end Sports Motor

The lighter, smaller, and higher torque output makes the X3 a beast. This is Yamaha’s high-end sports motor, with plenty of power with the 85 Nm. This drive unit still meets the toughest demands through a wide cadence range, even with the reduced size and weight.

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 2.75 kg
• Rated Power: 250 W
• Max Torque: 85 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
• Assist Modes: EXPW, High, Standard, ECO, +ECO

PW-X2 45

Big Time Power

Packing the highest rated output of all Yamaha motors at 500W, the X2 45 brings a lot in its small 3.1 kg package. Along with the power comes the torque, and the X2 45 isn’t lacking there either, with a beefy 80 Nm of torque and five assist modes. You won’t be disappointed!

• Drive Unit: Center mount
• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Rated Power: 500 W
• Max Torque: 80 Nm
• Max Support Speed: 28 MPH
• Assist Modes: EXPW, High, Standard, ECO, +ECO

What E-bike Brands Use Yamaha Motors?

Besides Yamaha’s own line of electric bikes, these brands use their motors:

• Giant
• Nishiki
• Winora
• Babboe
• Haibike

Final Verdict: Are Yamaha Motors Good to Use?

Yamaha Motor Company has been a major player in the small engine industry for over 65 years. A company with its reputation and experience should make anyone comfortable buying a well-reviewed e-bike with a Yamaha motor.

Yamaha motors are strong at low cadences and have excellent climbing assist–steep hills will never be a problem! And you won’t suddenly lose power while at high cadences. We love the Bluetooth-compatible cyclometers (with select drives).

We like and recommend Yamaha e-bike motors.