STEVENS E-Bikes & Mahle drive units

The X20 system was newly developed by Mahle and, at 3.2 kilograms including drive unit, battery and head unit, is probably the lightest E-bike rear motor drive system on the market. The motor disappears discreetly into the rear wheel hub, which is largely enclosed by the brake disc and the cassette. This makes the rear wheel indistinguishable from that of a classic bike. In combination with the battery discreetly housed in the down tube and the compact head unit, this results in a practically invisible drive system. In terms of performance, Mahles X20, as used in the top model E-Strada 8.3.4 FEQ, does not have to hide behind significantly larger and heavier drive units. The drive unit delivers a torque comparable to that of a 55 Nm mid-motor, enough power to dynamically climb inclines, take the fear out of headwinds even on long journeys or simply arrive at your destination in a relaxed manner. The integrated 236 Wh battery and the optional range extender enable ranges of well over 100 kilometres.

Bikes with this drive unit

The Mahle X30 rear hub motor is used in the E-Strada 7.3.4 FEQ and E-Strada 6.3.4 FEQ. This offers a torque comparable to a 45 Nm mid-mounted motor. This means an increase of over ten percent compared to the predecessor X35+, for even more power on inclines, in headwinds or when riding with a lot of luggage. Thanks to a new sensor system with speed sensor (E-Strada 7.3.4 FEQ) or torque sensor (E-Strada 6.3.4 FEQ), the drive is also more sensitive in its response behaviour. For even more natural support and intuitive riding behaviour. With a total weight of around 3.65 kilograms for the motor, 236 Wh battery and head unit, the drive unit is also one of the lightest on the market. It therefore enables the E-Strada 6.3.4 FEQ and 7.3.4 FEQ to have a low total weight of around 16.4 to 17.6 kilograms. Based on the X20 system, the X30 Drive Unit utilises the control unit familiar from the X20. Sleekly integrated into the frame design, it provides information about the battery charge status and the selected support level at a glance. It also offers Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for the integration of smartphones and bike computers. The system is operated via a single button on the head unit. It switches the system on and off and allows the different support levels to be selected. The cockpit is therefore free of any operating aids.

Bikes with this drive unit

The iX2 battery of the X20 and X30 drive systems offers a capacity of 236 Wh at an extremely low weight of just 1.5 kg. Thanks to its slim design and a small diameter of just under 50 mm, it can be installed invisibly in the slim down tube of the E-Strada series and has an excellent weight-to-capacity ratio. Thanks to the intelligent quick-charging system, it can be charged to 75 percent in just two hours.

To further increase the range of the internal batteries, a 171 Wh range extender is available from specialist retailers for the X20 and X30 systems. It can be easily and securely attached to the bottle cage eyelets on the frames and is connected to the system via the charging port. The range extender is good for additional ranges of 60 kilometres and more. Ideal for extended tours or when a lot of power is required over a longer period of time.

The Active Charger for the X20 and X30 system allows the internal battery and the range extender to be charged with charging currents of up to 4.5 amps. There is a direct data connection between the battery and charger, which makes the charging process faster and more efficient. The result is an optimised charging time and longer battery life. An integrated status LED display provides information about the charging mode and status, while an integrated micro USB port allows simple firmware updates of the charger or charging of a mobile phone or bike computer.

The head unit of the Mahle X20 and X30 system is a multifunctional control unit that serves as an on/off switch and controls the choice of assistance levels and the lighting system. An integrated LED display provides information on the remaining battery capacity, the selected support level and system information. Bluetooth connectivity allows simple ‘over the air’ system updates using the Mahle SmartBike app. Ant+ capability enables the integration of wireless Mahle or third-party devices to expand the existing system. The control unit is discreetly integrated into the top tube, where it can be operated quickly and intuitively even while riding.

Specialist retailers have a suitable range of accessories available for the X20 and X30 system. These include the PulsarOne display, which provides comprehensive information about the E-bike - such as the battery charge status, remaining range and assistance level - as well as riding information (speed, distance, riding time). Cadence, a power meter or health information can also be read out and displayed using Ant+ connectivity and, if necessary, third-party devices. The e-Shifter Remotes are also available from specialist retailers. The two small control units can be easily mounted on curved or straight handlebars. They allow you to control the drive unit without having to take your hands off the handlebars and they provide haptic feedback via vibration technology.

The Mahle MySmartBike app allows extensive and intelligent networking of the rider with the E-bike. The system behaviour and performance can be changed and adjusted via a Bluetooth connection. It enables the recording of riding data and remaining range, allows the individualisation of support levels and the recording of activities, which can be shared via third-party apps if required. Other features of the MySmartBike app include showing statistics on bike usage and displaying the current location of the bike.