A Guide to Gazelle Electric Bike Motors. From Shimano Steps to Bosch.
Whatever you want from your e-bike - whether you're dropping the kids to school or scaling windswept mountain sides, there's a Gazelle electric bike with a motor that's up to the challenge. But what do the different e-bike motors of 2023 actually do and how do they affect the ride?
We've created this simple guide to bring some clarity and understanding to the world of Bosch and Shimano electric bike motors. Having a quick read of this will massively help you in choosing your next Gazelle e-bike.
Shimano Mid Mounted Electric Bike Motors
Generally found at the lower end of the Gazelle electric bike range, the Shimano e-bike motors are aimed at cyclists who want assistance in their everyday ride. Whether that be nipping across town to speed up your commute or making longer daily rides manageable. We've found that if you're needing to tackle very steep hills, especially while carrying heavy loads this may not be the motor to focus on due to the max torque of 60Nm.
Listed in order of power / performance. Low - High.
Shimano E5000 Electric Bike Motor
This is the entry level for Gazelle e-bike motors, housing the least torque in Gazelle electric bike range. For the right person though this motor shouldn't be over looked as it's also the lightest that Gazelle feature. So if you're daily ride doesn't include any massively steep hills and you'd like a more versatile, lightweight e-bike then this could be the perfect option. It also has the option to go to automatic gearing for carefree riding.
Which Gazelle's use the Shimano Steps E5000?
Shimano Steps E6100 Electric Bike Motor
The more powerful of the two Shimano Steps E-Bike motors used by Gazelle. Still relatively lightweight but now with a torque of 60Nm. So aimed at cyclists living in slightly hillier areas or carrying heavier loads.
Which Gazelle's use the Shimano Steps E6100?
Bosch Mid Mounted Electric Bike Motors
If you're expecting a lot from your e-bike whether that be carrying heavy loads or climbing steep hills then a Bosch electric bike motor is where you should focus your e-bike search. You'll generally find these at the higher end of the Gazelle electric bike range.
Listed in order of power / performance. Low - High.
Bosch Active Line
The Bosch Active Line e-bike motor is aimed at commuting or leisure riding. It's ideal for giving your ride extra support and allowing you to arrive at your destination with energy left for the rest of the day. Ride an e-bike equipped with Bosch Active Line and you’ll experience controlled acceleration and gentle support, perfect for city riding.
Which Gazelle's use the Bosch Active Line Electric Bike motor?
Bosch Active Line Plus
Essentially the Bosch Active Line with an extra 10Nm torque. The Bosch Active Line Plus is most commonly found on Gazelle's urban and leisure range. With a torque of 50Nm it still gives the rider a big helping hand but in our experience is best suited to everyday city riding in a flat to moderately hilly area.
Which Gazelle's feature the Bosch Active Line Plus electric bike motor?
Bosch Performance Line SX 
While this motor isn't featured on any of the Gazelle ebike range we've included it to give you the complete picture. This Bosch e-bike motor benefits from being both small and lightweight. Despite it's size the compact Performance Line SX still generates a torque of 55Nm.
The growth in this light and powerful ebike motor shows it's possible to have a mid mounted motor that offers stability and power without being heavy or restrictive.
Bosch Performance Line
Aimed at cyclists who want an ebike capable of everything. From mountain rides, to heavy loads and everything else. The Performance Line is a super powerful e-bike motor. With a huge 75Nm of torque (Smart System version), it's powerful enough for serious hills whilst still suiting electric city bikes. This is an extremely versatile electric bike motor.
Which Gazelle's feature the Bosch Performance Line electric bike motor?
