Bafang Motors: What are the differences?

LEKKER’s approach to bike design is simple: the very best components on the market to build the very best bike that money can buy. From their traditional geared models to the snazzy Jordaan and Amsterdam eBikes, every element of a LEKKER bike has been perfectly curated to fulfil your every need. 

One such element is the Bafang motor which is the motor of choice for all LEKKER eBikes. Bafang has been developing motors for electric vehicles since 2003 – from eBikes to e-scooters, the Shanghai-based company is a world-leader in this particular field of engineering. All Bafang motors offer flexibility, and like with other elements of a LEKKER bike, they can be serviced all over the world. So no matter where you are in the world, you’ll have peace of mind.

There are three main types of Bafang motors used by LEKKER, and depending on the model you have, you might find your bike comes with either a front motor, rear motor, or a mid-drive motor. Each has its own benefits, and you might find one is more suited to you and your lifestyle than another. It’s something important to keep in mind when you’re buying any LEKKER eBike.

Front motors

You’ll find a Bafang front motor on the Jordaan+ and LEKKER X models. A front motor provides more of a pulling feeling when you’re riding along – in contrast to rear motors which give you a pushing feeling. Whilst they do feel slightly different, and might appeal to different users, they provide the same level of power, speed and efficiency, regardless of which option you prefer.

The Bafang H400 front motor is low maintenance, durable, and highly efficient; it’s a motor that’s designed to need minimal interference from the rider, and will last you a lifetime. In the rare instance you did need to service or replace the motor, the benefit of Bafang is their availability all over the world. It couldn’t be easier to find somewhere to help, should you need it.

At only 3.3kg, this a light, quiet motor – you won’t hear it when it’s on, and if you decide to cycle without the motor, its lightness means you won’t feel bogged down by a heavy motor on the front. However, that being said, because the motor is situated on the front, it will make the front of the bike a little heavier; it might be harder to lift up the front of the bike into some types of parking racks, but as the motor is only 3.3kg, it shouldn’t be an issue for most.

Rear motors

The Bafang rear motor is actually the same model as the front motor – LEKKER uses the same type (the Bafang H400) for both front and rear loaded motors. This is because the motor can be installed on either wheel.

You may find that the benefits of a rear motor outweigh those of the front loaded option. As more weight is focused on the rear wheel, a rear motor often helps balance out the weight more effectively. And with LEKKER’s characteristic lightweight aluminium frames in play, the placement of a motor to the rear will offer better traction in comparison to front-wheel motorised bikes. It also offers less gyroscopic effect when steering at high speeds throughout city streets.

Again, this motor is lightweight at only 3.3kg, and because it’s located at the rear, you’ll find the front end of the bike much lighter and more manoeuvrable. It’s something to think about if you’re going to need to lift up the front regularly to park. Equally, if you’re looking to add a basket for groceries or luggage to the front, you may find that a rear motor offers a lot more control as the weight distribution is far more even.

The LEKKER models featuring a rear loaded motor include the 1st and 2nd generation Amsterdam eBikes; the Amsterdam is a light, single speed eBike option that’s ideal for anyone looking for a quick commuter option.

Mid-drive motors

And finishing the line-up is the Bafang M420 mid-drive motor. This option allows both wheels to function as ‘normal’ bike wheels, as the motor is fitted to the middle of the bike (next to the pedals). The benefit of placing the motor here – and therefore giving you ‘normal’ feeling wheels – is that you can comfortably ride, even if your battery is dead. The weight is perfectly balanced, so any LEKKER Dutch eBike with the Bafang M420 is going to feel as close to a traditional bicycle as possible.

The LEKKER bikes with a Bafang M420 mid-drive motor attached benefit from one of the most powerful, compact, and silent motors on the market. There’s no noise pollution, no bulky, heavy motor, and most of all, no obvious signs that this is an eBike at all. These models are for the rider who want to embrace all the benefits of a Dutch eBike, whilst keeping the key elements of Dutch bike design that make them so instantly recognisable. 

Here you’ll find an incredibly powerful 80Nm of torque, alongside sensitive controls which make these bikes super user-friendly. LEKKER eBikes with a mid-drive motor also benefit from a rotational and torque sensor that estimates how much pressure you’re putting on the pedals whilst pedalling – then informs the motor about how much assistance is needed. The motor, in turn, mimics a natural bike riding experience far more closely. It’s the closest thing you can get to traditional cycling, all whilst benefiting from the power and drive that an eBike provides.

With a mid motor, you won’t feel push coming from the rear wheel (as with a rear motor) and nor will you feel a pull coming from the front wheel (as with a front motor) – instead you’ll feel a perfect balance between the two wheels, just as you would a regular geared bike.

You’ll find a Bafang M420 mid motor on the LEKKER Jordaan GT, Amsterdam GT and Outback models. These eBikes are truly state-of-the-art and are the very pinnacle of Dutch eBike design. They’re made to fit you and your lifestyle, and they’ll last you a lifetime. 

A little bit about LEKKER

Amsterdam-based LEKKER was originally founded in 2009 with a lofty goal in mind – to revolutionise the modern commute. Taking a Dutch classic and adding the latest in cycling technology, the LEKKER range is a masterclass in engineering. 

When founder Meindert swapped the streets of Amsterdam for Australia’s Bondi Beach, he quickly realised that there was something missing from this idyllic new lifestyle in the sun: his beautiful Dutch bicycle. And so, LEKKER as we know it was born.

Now sold across Australia, Europe, and the US, LEKKER bikes have been adopted by commuters and casual riders alike, from all walks of life – all coming together to enjoy the wonder of travel on two wheels.