Upgrade your bike to an e-bike with Bafang motors
In addition to commercially available e-bikes, there are now many retrofit systems. These include the manufacturer “Bafang”. This is one of the leading manufacturers in this sector – both in terms of e-components and complete systems for retrofitting to e-bikes.
Functional principle and advantages of the Bafang BBS01/02/HD mid-motor

What is a mid-engine?
When electrifying a bike, there are 3 options for positioning the motor:
- Directly on the front wheel (in the wheel hub – hub motor)
- Directly on the rear wheel (hub motor)
- Or at the bottom bracket – i.e. in the “middle” (mid-motor)
In contrast to the hub motor, the motor power is not transmitted directly to the wheel, but to the bicycle chain. This means that the rear bicycle gears can also be used with motor assistance, which is not only an advantage on climbs. Other advantages include positive weight distribution, a low center of gravity and a very natural riding feel. In addition, the front and rear wheels can still be changed without any problems.
The way the Bafang BBS motor system works is very simple: the electric motor drives the front chainring via an internal gear ratio of 22:1, the crank arms are decoupled by means of a clutch so that they do not have to be moved at the same time.
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Exploded view of the Bafang BBSHD motor (BBS01 and BBS02 have the same design).
| 1 - Motorgehäuse | 12 - Schrauben |
| 2 - Stator | 13 - Befestigungsdreieck (Triangle) |
| 3 - Rotor | 14 - Befestigungsschrauben (2 Stk.) |
| 4 - Controller | 15 - Erster Sicherungsring |
| 5 - Gehäusedeckel, PAS Scheibe, Kupplung | 16 - Zweiter Sicherungsring |
| 6 - Dichtung Stator-Seite | 17 - Kettenblatt |
| 7 - Gummidichtung Controller | 18 - Kettenblattschrauben |
| 8 - Dichtung Antriebsseite | 19 - Linker Kurbelarm (L) |
| 9 - Bolzen zur Ausrichtung | 20 - Rechter Kurbelarm (R) |
| 10 - Imbusschrauben | 21- Kurbelschrauben |
| 11 - Bolzen |
Advantages of the Bafang BBS system:
- Motor is very quiet in operation (low noise)
- Even without battery power, the pedal resistance is barely noticeable
- Bafang BBS e-bike motors are very low-maintenance
- Spare parts are available and easy to replace yourself (many videos available on YouTube to help you)
- System components are freely selectable (chainring, display, battery, …)
Technical comparison of the 3 different Bafang BBS motors:
| Motorbezeichnung | BBS01 250W | BBS02 500W | BBSHD 1000W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Ampere | 15A | 20A (25A bei 750W) | 30A |
| Max. Drehmoment | 80 Nm | 90-100 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Motorgewicht | 3,7 kg | 3,7 kg | 5,6 kg |
| Akkuspannung (nominal) | 36V | 48V / 52V | 48V / 52V |
| Ansteuerung | PAS-Sensor (Kadenz) | PAS-Sensor (Kadenz) | PAS-Sensor (Kadenz) |
| Drehmomentsensor | Nein | Nein | Nein |
| Rekuperation | Nein | Nein | Nein |
| Rücktritt möglich | Nein | Nein | Nein |
| Betrieb mit Gashebel möglich | Ja | Ja | Ja |
| Programmierbar | Ja | Ja | Ja |
| Schaltsensor-/Bremssensor-Anschluss | Ja | Ja | Ja |
Converting a bike to an e-bike – but how?
Installing the e-bike conversion kit is very easy and can be done by yourself with a little manual skill. Briefly described:
- Remove bottom bracket
- Install the Bafang motor and secure it with both circlips
- Mounting the battery on the bottle cage
- The rest consists of cabling with plugs
We have explained this in detail in our video:
The powerful Bafang e-bike retrofit motor is equipped with a 12fet controller with 30A and offers the option of using 52V batteries (14S) in addition to 48V. As a result, the motor delivers an impressive 1.6 KW of power. The simple assembly enables a quick conversion to an e-bike. This drive is very quiet and impresses with 160 Nm torque. The motor runs extremely efficiently – even on long uphill rides without overheating. Compared to its little brother BBS02, the Bafang BBSHD is significantly more robust and can deliver 30A of power continuously. Thanks to the internal gear ratio of 22:1, the motor rotates at a higher speed while remaining efficient and cool.
- Weight: approx. 8 kg (complete set with display, cranks, screw connection)
- Max. Speed with 26″ rim: approx. 60 km/h
- Motor-battery connector: Anderson PowerPole 45
This motor is suitable for bottom brackets with widths from 68 to 120 mm, whereby we recommend the following widths:
68 mm = 68 to 75 mm
90 mm = 75 to 92 mm (e.g. Pressfit BB92)
100 mm = 90 to 100 mm
120 mm = 100 to 120 mm
The manufacturer’s specifications for the axle length are measured without thread. Shims may need to be added to ensure that the triangular mounting plate is parallel to the bottom bracket.
You can find an overview of the most common bearings here .
The motor axle has a diameter of 33.4 mm and is installed in place of the bottom bracket. A bicycle frame with BSA bearings (e.g. Shimano Hollowtech) has the right diameter for the motor, while an individual adapter is required for BB92 and BB30 bearings.
Included with the motor (see pictures):
- Motor and mounting set
- All required cables and plugs
- Speed sensor
- Integrated PAS pedal sensor
Various displays, chainrings, throttle levers and accessories are also available.
A special tool is required to fit the motor axle. The second circlip can be tightened with the bearing wrench for Shimano, SRAM and Co. All other screw connections are mainly made with Allen keys.
We also recommend the use of sensors – such as a gear sensor or brake sensor.
The motor can be operated with 48V (13S) and 52V (14S) batteries. The motor does not work with 36V (10S) batteries. The undervoltage cut-off can be defined between 40 and 43V in the programming software.
The motor has a built-in pedal sensor (PAS sensor) and can also be operated without a throttle lever. The throttle lever overrides the pedal sensor and can be activated if required.
Bafang mid-motor – retrofitting the bike
A Bafang mid-drive motor is an electric motor located near the crank axle of a bicycle. In the case of Bafang, it is a brand that manufactures a range of mid-drive motors for e-bikes. The Bafang mid-drive motor is usually installed in the bottom bracket area of the bike frame, which creates a central position for the motor. This type of drive is popular due to its efficiency and balanced center of gravity. With a Bafang mid-motor, any conventional bike can be converted into an e-bike. Special features of the Bafang mid-drive motor include
- Power: Bafang offers various models of mid-drive motors with different power levels, ranging from models for everyday commuting to powerful motors for mountain bikes.
- Support modes: The motors are often equipped with different support modes that allow the cyclist to select the level of electrical support.
- Integrated design: Bafang mid-drive motors are often designed to fit seamlessly into the overall design of the bike. This includes the integration of batteries, control systems and other components.
- Cadence control: The Bafang retrofit motors in the BBS series have motor support based on crank movement, also known as cadence control. This means that they work just as well with a little effort as with a little.
- Versatility: Bafang offers motors that can be used in different types of bikes, including city and trekking bikes, e-mountain bikes and folding bikes.
Bafang mid-motor – the advantages
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of a Bafang mid-drive motor:
- Natural ride feel: Bafang mid-drive motors often offer a more natural ride feel compared to other drive systems. Due to the central placement of the motor in the bottom bracket area, the weight distribution of the bike feels more balanced.
- Efficiency: Mid-mounted motors use the bike’s gear changes more effectively, which can lead to more efficient use of energy and a better range.
- Powerful assistance: Bafang mid-drive motors offer powerful electric assistance, especially in hilly terrain or difficult riding conditions.
- Integrated design: Many Bafang mid-drive motors are designed to integrate seamlessly into the design of the e-bike. This can create an aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Low wear: Mid-mounted motors cause less wear on components such as the chain and cogwheel than other drive types. This contributes to the longevity of the entire drive system.
- Low noise: The mid-mounted motors are very quiet in operation and therefore not the least bit annoying.
- Maintenance: Bafang mid-drive motors are very low-maintenance, spare parts can be easily replaced by yourself – without any special tools. This means you can easily dismantle, maintain and repair the motors.
Another point: system components such as chainring, displays or batteries are freely selectable.
Convert the Bafang mid-motor yourself
With a little skill, you can install a Bafang mid-motor yourself. The bottom bracket is removed, the motor installed and secured with locking rings, then the battery is added and finally the wiring with plugs. You can find detailed instructions in our video. Alternatively, you can use our e-bike retrofit service. Get your Bafang mid-motor today and benefit from the convenience of an e-bike.
Information on product safety
Bafang Electric (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
No.6 Dongyanli Rd Suzhou Industrial Park
Suzhou, Jiangsu, CN, 215125
service@bafang-e.com
Mesona Handels GmbH
Langgasse 22
6460 Imst, Austria
office@mesona-handel.at
There is no relevant safety information available for this product.
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