🏔️ Performance: who wins in the mountains?
💡 The truth about ribs
Contrary to popular belief, a quality hub motor like those from Reebike can handle urban hills (up to 15% gradient) perfectly. Bafang BBS01/BBS02 motors excel on very steep hills thanks to their superior torque.
📊 Performance by use and engine type:
| Use | Reebike Wheel | Bafang BBS01 | Friction Kits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ Flat city | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🌳 Hills (5-10%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⛰️ Steep hills (15-20%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| 🏁 Mountain biking | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| 🚴 Long distance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| 🌧️ Wet conditions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
🎯 Reebike: the optimal choice for 90% of cyclists
Our comparative tests show that a Reebike kit perfectly meets the needs of:
- ✅ Urban and suburban home-work journeys
- ✅ Leisure rides up to 80km of autonomy
- ✅ Daily shopping and outings in town
- ✅ Moderate slopes up to 15% without problem
- ✅ Mixed use with rear wheel option (+100€)
🏆 Verdict: Only extreme mountain bikers really need a Bafang BBS02/BBSHD.
🔍 Which kit should you choose depending on your bike?
✅ Recommended Reebike kits for:
- City bikes and hybrid bikes → Perfect Cosmopolitan
- Folding bikes → Urban front wheel
- Antique or collector bikes → Guaranteed preservation
- Bikes with internal derailleur (Nexus, etc.) → 100% compatible
- Women's low-frame bikes → Easy installation
- Daily use → Maximum reliability
⚡ Bafang BBS01/BBS02 recommended for:
- Sporty mountain bikes with a sturdy steel frame
- Cargo bikes for heavy transport
- Intensive mountain use (>20% regular)
- Cyclists who are very demanding on sensations
- Budget >1200€ and mechanical skills
🔄 Friction Kits (Clip, Pikaboost) for:
- Occasional use (weekends only)
- Short journeys (<30km/day)
- Multiple bikes (kit sharing)
- Tight budget by accepting the limits
🛠️ Maintenance and durability: long-term comparison
✅ Reebike Kits - Minimal Maintenance
- Maintenance: Bearing lubrication 1x/year
- Wear: None on bicycle transmission
- Repair: Standard parts everywhere
- Cost: <30€/year maintenance
- Lifespan: 8-10 years minimum
- After-sales service: France network + 2-year warranty
⚠️ Bafang - Regular Maintenance
- Maintenance: Engine overhaul 2x/year
- Wear: Accelerated chain/cassette/chainrings
- Repair: Bafang specific parts
- Cost: 100-200€/year maintenance
- Lifespan: 5-7 years depending on use
- After-sales service: Importers + professionals required
🌍 Environmental impact and reversibility
Electrification with a Reebike wheel motor is more environmentally friendly because:
- 🔄 Total reversibility: Your bike remains 100% intact
- ♻️ Reuse: The kit can be fitted to another bike
- 🔧 Repairability: Standard components, less waste
- 📦 Logistics: Optimized packaging, less CO2 transport
- 🏭 Manufacturing: Fewer complex parts vs Bafang
🌱 Reebike's eco-responsible approach
Unlike Bafang motors, which permanently modify your bike, Reebike kits preserve your original frame . You can switch back to a muscle bike at any time or transfer the kit to another bike.
🎯 Configure your Reebike kit
Choose between Cosmopolit, Urban or Explorer • Front or rear wheel
See all our kits →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Front wheel (standard): Simpler, better balanced, optimal price. Rear wheel (+100€): Better traction, ideal for hills and hybrid bikes. For classic urban riding, the front wheel is more than enough. Only frequent hill users really benefit from the rear.
The Bafang BBS01 is legal but complex: 3-hour installation, frame modification, heavy maintenance, final price >€1200. For the same urban performance, Reebike costs €300-500 less and can be installed in 20 minutes without risk.
For occasional use yes , but significant limitations: 2x less autonomy, tire wear, degraded rain performance. If you ride >3x/week, a Reebike kit will be more profitable in the long term despite the higher investment.
Just like with any wheel: disassembly, standard tube repair, reassembly. Reebike kits use universal components. Easier than a bike with a complex derailleur! Check out our FUB repair guide .
Technically yes, but not recommended for safety reasons. Carbon fiber isn't designed for the added stresses of an electric motor. Choose a steel/aluminum frame for long-term reliability.
✅ Our final recommendation 2025
For 9 out of 10 French cyclists, Reebike is the optimal choice because it combines:
- ✅ Legendary simplicity (20 min vs 3h Bafang)
- ✅ Unbeatable price (€699 vs €1200+ crankset)
- ✅ Sufficient performance for everyday French use
- ✅ Proven reliability (+10,000 satisfied customers)
- ✅ Preservation of the original bike guaranteed
- ✅ French after-sales service and 2-year manufacturer's warranty
🏆 Choose Bafang BBS only if:
- Extreme mountain biking >20% daily
- Budget >1500€ without constraints
- Proven mechanical skills
- Top priority on sensations vs. practicality
⚡ Friction kits for: Occasional use and low budget
🚴♂️ Ready to join the Reebike revolution?
Cosmopolit €699 • Urban €799 • Explorer €999 • +€100 rear wheel
I choose my Reebike →ℹ️ Comparison based on internal Reebike tests, customer feedback and market analyses 2025 • Last updated: January 2025
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- Electric bike kit installation in 20 minutes
- 250W vs 500W: which power should you choose?
- Electric bike battery life: complete guide
🌐 Reliable external sources
🤔 Hub motor or crankset? Discover the complete comparison to make the right choice based on your needs, budget, and usage!
Want to electrify your bike but can't decide between a hub motor kit and a mid-drive motor kit ? This choice will determine your riding experience, ease of installation, and your budget. Follow our comprehensive guide to make the right decision!
🎯 In summary: the right choice according to your profile
🏆 Wheel Motor = Simplicity
Ideal for:
- DIY beginners
- Daily urban use
- A controlled budget
- Quick installation
⭐ Reebike Choice: Cosmopolit, Urban, Explorer
Standard front wheel + rear wheel option (+100€)
⚡ Mid-Motor = Performance
Ideal for:
- Experienced cyclists
- Mountain biking and steep hills
- Natural sensations
- Long distances
⚡ Example: Bafang BBS01/BBS02
⚖️ Detailed comparison: all criteria
| Criteria | Wheel Motor (Reebike) |
Pedal Motor (Bafang BBS01/02) |
Friction Kit (Clip, Pikaboost) |
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of installation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 20 minutes |
⭐⭐ 3-4 hours |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 minutes |
Friction/Wheel |
| Complete kit price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 699-999€ |
⭐⭐⭐ 800-1500€ |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 500-800€ |
Friction/Wheel |
| Autonomy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 60-80km |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 70-90km |
⭐⭐ 30-50km |
Wheel/Crankset |
| Long-term reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐ Average |
Wheel Motor |
| Natural sensations | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
⭐⭐ Artificial |
Pedal Motor |
| Steep hills (>15%) | ⭐⭐⭐ Correct |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
⭐⭐ Limit |
Pedal Motor |
| Bike compatibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 95% of bikes |
⭐⭐⭐ 80% of bicycles |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 100% of bikes |
Friction/Wheel |
| Legality (250W) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 100% compliant |
⭐⭐⭐ Depending on model |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Compliant |
Wheel/Friction |
🏆 Why Reebike chose the wheel motor
At Reebike, we opted for the wheel motor after analyzing the real needs of French cyclists:
- ✅ Installation 20 minutes vs 3 hours for a Bafang BBS01
- ✅ 3 models available: Cosmopolit, Urban, Explorer
- ✅ Standard front wheel + rear wheel option (+100€)
- ✅ Compatible with 95% of bikes without frame modification
- ✅ Affordable price to democratize electrification
- ✅ Maximum reliability with fewer wear parts
🔧 Installation: the major difference
🚀 Reebike Wheel Motor: Ultra Simple
Installation steps:
- Disassemble the front/rear wheel (5 min)
- Install the Reebike motorized wheel (10 min)
- Fix the battery on the luggage rack (3 min)
- Connect the plug & play cables (2 min)
⏱️ Total: 20 minutes
🔧 Tools: Classic bike wrenches
💡 Option: Rear wheel available (+100€ on Urban/Explorer)
⚙️ Bafang Mid-Motor: More Complex
BBS01/BBS02 Installation Steps:
- Disassemble the complete crankset (45 min)
- Check compatibility with 68mm BSA case (15 min)
- Install the Bafang motor to the crankset (60 min)
- Reconfigure transmission + brakes (45 min)
- DPC-18 screen programming (15 min)
⏱️ Total: 3-4 hours
🔧 Tools: Bottom bracket extractor, special Bafang wrench
🆚 Friction kits: Clip and Pikaboost
💡 New generation: friction kits
Kits like Clip (formerly Gboost) and Pikaboost use a roller that rubs against the tire. Ultra-fast installation but limited battery life.
✅ Advantages of friction kits:
- 5 minute installation (clip on frame)
- 100% compatible with bikes
- Instantly removable
- Attractive price (€500-800)
⚠️ Important limitations:
- Reduced autonomy (30-50km vs 80km Reebike)
- Accelerated rear tire wear
- Degraded performance in the rain
- Audible friction noise
- Less torque on hills
⚠️ Important: Installing a Bafang mid-drive motor often requires frame modifications and may void your bike's warranty. Reebike kits fully preserve your original bike.
💰 Price and budget: real market comparison 2025
💚 Reebike Kits (Wheel Motor)
2025 Price:
- Cosmopolit: €699 (front wheel)
- Urban: €799 (+€100 rear wheel)
- Explorer: €999 (+€100 rear wheel)
+ Installation: DIY 20min = 0€
🏆 Total: €699-1099
💸 Bafang Crankset
2025 kit prices:
- BBS01 250W: €850-1100
- BBS02 750W: €1200-1500
- BBSHD 1000W: €1400-1800
+ Professional installation: 200-400€
💸 Total: €1050-2200
⚡ Friction Kits (Clip, Pikaboost)
2025 Price:
- Clip (ex-Gboost): €549-699
- Pikaboost: €599-799
+ Installation: 5 min = €0
⚠️ But autonomy 2x less
By choosing a Reebike wheel motor kit , you save on average €400 to €800 compared to an equivalent mid-drive motor, while maintaining excellent performance for everyday use.
🏔️ Performance: who wins in the mountains?
💡 The truth about ribs
Contrary to popular belief, a quality wheel motor like those from Reebike handles urban hills perfectly (up to 15% gradient). The difference is only felt on very steep and long hills (>20% over several km).
📊 Performance by use:
- 🏙️ City and suburbs: Wheel motor = perfect
- 🌳 Paths and hills: Wheel motor = very good
- ⛰️ Extreme mountain: Mid-engine = better
- 🏁 Sport mountain bike: Mid-drive motor = recommended
🎯 For 90% of cyclists: the wheel motor is more than enough
Our tests show that a Reebike kit perfectly meets the needs of:
- ✅ Commuting
- ✅ Leisure walks
- ✅ Urban races and outings
- ✅ Moderate inclines (up to 15%)
🔍 Which kit should you choose depending on your bike?
✅ Wheel Motor recommended for:
- City bikes and hybrid bikes
- Folding bikes
- Antique or collector's bikes
- Bikes with internal derailleur (Nexus, etc.)
- Women's bikes with low frames
⚡ Mid-engine recommended for:
- Sports mountain bikes
- Heavy cargo bikes
- Intensive mountain use
- Very demanding cyclists
🛠️ Maintenance and durability
✅ Wheel Motor Advantages:
- Minimal maintenance (bearing lubrication 1x/year)
- No wear on the bicycle transmission
- Simple and inexpensive repair
- Spare parts available everywhere
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
⚠️ Pedal Motor Constraints:
- Regular engine and transmission maintenance
- Accelerated wear of chain/cassette/chainrings
- Complex and expensive repair
- Specific parts sometimes difficult to find
- Recommended professional revisions
🌍 Environmental impact
Electrification with a wheel motor is more ecological because:
- 🔄 Reversibility: Your bike remains intact
- ♻️ Reuse: The kit can change bikes
- 🔧 Repairability: Fewer wear parts
- 📦 Packaging: More compact, less transport
🎯 Discover the Reebike kits
20-minute installation • Compatible with 95% of bikes • 80km range
See our wheel motor kits →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No! At equal power (250W), the performances are very similar. The difference is in the torque, but a quality wheel motor like Reebike offers more than enough torque for 90% of urban uses.
The extra weight (3-4kg) on the rear wheel is quickly forgotten after a few rides. Balance remains excellent and stability is even improved. Reebike riders adapt in 2-3 rides maximum.
Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages. With a Reebike kit, installation takes 20 minutes with basic tools. Our video tutorials guide you step by step.
As with any wheel, you disassemble, repair or change the tube, then reassemble. Reebike kits use standard inner tubes, available everywhere. Check out our FUB bike repair guide .
Modern hub motors are very quiet. Reebike kits emit less than 40 dB, which is less than a normal conversation. Much quieter than some mid-mounted motors.
✅ Our final recommendation
For 9 out of 10 cyclists, the wheel motor is the best choice because it combines:
- ✅ Easy installation (20 min vs 3h)
- ✅ Affordable price (-50% vs. pedals)
- ✅ Sufficient performance for everyday use
- ✅ Proven reliability and minimal maintenance
- ✅ Compatible with your current bike
Choose a mid-drive motor only if:
- You do extreme mountain biking regularly
- You live in the mountains with slopes > 20%
- You have a budget > €1,500
- You have mastered bicycle mechanics
🚴♂️ Ready to make the right choice?
Find out why over 10,000 cyclists have chosen Reebike
I choose my Reebike kit →ℹ️ Comparison based on our internal tests and feedback from over 10,000 Reebike customers • Updated: January 2025
📚 Related articles
- Electric bike kit legislation 2025
- Electric bike kit installation in 20 minutes
- 250W vs 500W: which power should you choose?
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