-2:44 AM Pacific Time on September 7, 2021

Bafang just launched the new H700 electric bicycle drive system, equipped with a two-speed automatic shift motor and several other innovations as part of a complete electric bicycle drive package.

Bafang is one of the leading manufacturers of electric bicycle drives, and perhaps the only Chinese manufacturer that can compete with European heavyweights such as Bosch in terms of market share.

We actually had the opportunity to visit Bafang's factory in Shanghai, you can check the experience here.

Bafang has been increasing the types of motor systems in its model series, and the new H700 electric bicycle drive system incorporates many interesting advancements specifically designed for urban electric bicycles.

Although the company produces a variety of mid-motor electric bicycle drive systems, the H700 is based on a hub motor. In-wheel motors are generally considered to be older technologies, although Bafang’s new motors have brought new era changes to classic technologies.

The 3.2 kg (7 lb) motor is equipped with an automatic shift two-speed gearbox. When the rider starts, the bicycle will measure the current speed and shift gears accordingly to adjust the motor output. Lower gears provide more torque, which helps accelerate and climb. When the rider moves faster, a higher gear is automatically selected to provide faster speed.

This solution allows the motor to provide a wider torque curve without increasing the power of the motor. This is especially useful considering that the motor is classified as a 250W motor to meet the power limits of European electric bicycles. The company also confirmed that the torque output of the motor is 32 Nm, but it is not yet clear which gear it is in. If this is the peak torque output, it is likely to be in a lower gear.

The H700 drive system includes more than just a new motor. There is also a built-in battery, a single-button remote and a torque-sensing bottom bracket.

The battery is designed to slide in the down tube, which is a common location in urban electric bicycles, designed to hide the unsightly battery in the bicycle frame. This also makes it more difficult to steal batteries-a common problem with electric bicycles parked in cities.

The single button remote is designed to be integrated into the top surface of the bicycle upper tube. This is another common design for urban electric bicycles, helping to free up space on the handlebars for mounting phone stands, lights, and other commuting necessities.

Finally, the torque sensor is a more elegant way to use pedal assist on an electric bicycle. Unlike the cadence-based sensor that simply measures the pedaling speed and increases motor assistance accordingly, the torque sensor applies power based on the user's pedaling strength. Speed ​​can be a tricky way to measure pedal input, because speed readings take longer to calculate because the on-board computer waits for multiple readings to calculate speed over a period of time. The torque reading is almost instantaneous and based on a sensor similar to a strain gauge. This means that the motor responds faster and more accurately.

Bafang expects to start delivering its new H700 system at the end of September. We are likely to see it implemented in premium electric bikes available in the European or Australian markets.

Most of the better quality urban electric bicycles use mid-drive motors, especially those made by European manufacturers. This means that Bafang’s new H700 system is likely to appear on electric bicycles designed for more price-conscious riders.

With Bafang’s rapid launch history, we may soon see the first electric bicycle equipped with H700.

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Micah Toll is a personal electric car enthusiast, battery fan, and the author of Amazon’s top best-selling books "DIY Lithium Battery", "DIY Solar" and "The Ultimate DIY Electric Bike Guide."

You can send him a reminder via Micah@electrek.co

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