Comparing noise from 8 emtb motors

We’ve taken a closer look, or rather listen, at 8 of the motors we’ve ridden lately. This is a comparison of full power emtb motors, yet one of the contenders is the small and mild TQ HPR50 motor. This is the most silent motor we’ve ever ridden, so we included it as a benchmark. Sure, it’s a tad unfair as more power usually means more noise. Reducing the power will make most motors more silent. All motors are ridden at max power.

A noise comparison works best in video format. Check out our video to hear the noise for yourself or keep reading below. All clips are recorded with a chestmounted Gopro 8. We haven’t done any adjustments to the audio.

Dyname 3.0​

This motor can be found on Rocky Mountain emtbs up to 2021. We tested the 2021 version that is slightly more silent than previous model years. The motor isn’t loud and there is no motor whine when the pedaling frequency increases. But there is a sort of grinding noise, almost like drivetrain noise. It’s a different noise to most other motors. This isn’t a silent motor, but we don’t find it that intrusive. There is no rattle noise when coasting.


The Dyname 3.0 on a 2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

Dyname 4.0​

This motor is new for 2022, and it’s much more silent than the 3.0. The grinding noise is reduced, and there is no high pitch whine that we’re used to. This is the most silent full-power motor in the comparison. There is no rattle noise when coasting.


The Dyname 4.0 on a 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay

Shimano E7000​

We really don’t know, but 2022 could be the last year for the E7000. We expect it to be replaced by the new Shimano EP6. It’s a relatively silent motor. Sure, you can hear it while pedaling, but the pitch doesn’t increase when we pedal harder. It’s significantly more silent than the old Shimano E8000. There is no rattle noise when coasting.


Shimano E7000 on a 2022 Rossignol Mandate Shift

Shimano EP8 (EP800)​

This motor too might be replaced for 2023. We know the new EP8 (EP801) is coming, and who knows, it might be quieter. The EP800 is pleasant while pedaling, noise isn’t that bad. It’s better than the old E8000 and the Bosch Performance CX. But there is an issue when coasting. The motor will rattle when not pedaling, typically when descending on bumpy trails.


Shimano EP8 (EP800) on a 2022 Rock Machine Blizzard INT

Bosch Performance CX​

There is a high-pitched whine while pedaling, especially when accelerating and reaching higher pedaling frequencies. And then there’s the rattle. Just like on the Shimano EP8, there is a noise when not pedaling. It’s most noticeable when descending on bumpy trails.


Bosch Performance CX on a 2023 Unno Mith

Specialized 2.2​

This new motor is noisier than its predecessor, the 2.1 Rx. Still, it’s one of the more silent motors in this comparison. The noise never turns into a loud whine. And there is no rattle noise when coasting.


Specialized 2.2 on a 2022 Specialized Levo

Polini EP-3+​

There are two versions of the Polini EP-3, this is the weaker one at 75Nm. There is a high frequency noise that increases as the cadence increases. We don’t find the noise problematic, but it can be heard.


Polini EP-3+ on a 2022 Focarini Ultra

TQ HPR50​

You really need to see the video to get an idea of the difference between this small motor with milder assistance and the average full-power motor. We never found motor noise that problematic. But the HPR50 with an almost complete lack of motor noise affects the riding experience, it makes me feel more connected to the surroundings and the nature. Yeah, sorry about the cliché, I couldn’t find a better way to describe the sensation.


TQ HPR50 on a 2012 Scott Lumen eRide

Final words​

The Bosch and Shimano-motors take a huge chunk of the emtb market. I prefer the lower frequency and lower volume motor noise of the EP8 while pedaling. But they’ve both got the motor rattle while coasting. It wasn’t a dealbreaker to us, but we know it is for some. So, what do you chose then? Only a very few brands use the other motors. There are a few bikes running the Yamaha-motors. Unfortunately, it’s been years since we tested any of them, so we didn’t include Yamaha/Giant in this video. But it can be found in our old motor noise video, check it out.