Shimano / Bafang swap out?

[foxyrider]

According to Shimano, the Steps mid motor on my Focus Bold is kapput with an EC10 fault, a like for like replacement unit is @ £900, the bike was a gift so i'd like to get it going again but with money tight, doing that isn't an option atm. A bit of research has suggested that a Bafang M620 or similar may be a cheaper way to get the bike back on the road but before i get too carried away and as a total newbie with ebike stuff i have some questions that may well seem stupid to those more experienced with this stuff.

So here goes:

1) I'm assuming the mounting points are the same?
2) Will the Bafang run from the installed Steps battery system (the bike has an internal and an external backup)?
3) assuming the answer to 2) is positive, will i need different power leads?
lastly 4) is this a sensible option or is there a different route?

This will be a winter project so i'm open to suggestions

[bikes4two]

• A brave project indeed.

• My experience is only with middrive conversions using the TSDZ2 and I know nothing about the Bafang you refer to but from reading forums such as pedelecs.co.uk (where I suggest you think about posing your questions), you pick up a bit of general ebike knowledge and these are some of the other considerations to think about

• Apart from the physical fit, is the Bafang motor the same operating voltage as your current system?

• Middrive systems usually have their controller built inside the motor casing and the handlebar display needs to be compatible with the controller (it's all down to software and communications protocols)

• It is probable that your shimano system battery communicates with the controller in some bespoke fashion (Bosch motors certainly do) and therefore may well not work with the Bafang system.

• My quick Google of the Bafang shows only 48v and 52v systems at power outputs of 750w and 1,000w respectively - much more than your Shimano and of course not street legal in the UK

Good luck.

[Carlton green]

According to Shimano, the Steps mid motor on my Focus Bold is kapput with an EC10 fault, a like for like replacement unit is @ £900, the bike was a gift so i'd like to get it going again but with money tight, doing that isn't an option atm.

A bit of research has suggested that a Bafang M620 or similar may be a cheaper way to get the bike back on the road …

What’s an EC10 fault?

As a knee jerk reaction I’d have thought interchangeability between the Shimano system and anything else would be near enough zero. I’d be wondering about repair of the motor rather than a new replacement, and if non-repairable then how to source a compatible second hand unit.

[richardfm]

If I was you I would talk to these people about getting your motor fixed https://www.ebikemotorcentre.com/

[the snail]

I wouldn't assume that the mounting points are the same. Even if they are, you will need a battery/controller/display that is compatible, so you would probably have to buy a complete kit and fit that. My guess is that it will be impossible or very difficult. You will get more knowledgable answers on pedelecs forum or endless sphere.

[rjb]

Google suggests this may be an easily fixed electrical connection issue. Try cleaning all the contacts first and using vaseline or similar to keep moisture at bay.
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/ques ... ible#53648

[Pinhead]

According to Shimano, the Steps mid motor on my Focus Bold is kapput with an EC10 fault, a like for like replacement unit is @ £900, the bike was a gift so i'd like to get it going again but with money tight, doing that isn't an option atm. A bit of research has suggested that a Bafang M620 or similar may be a cheaper way to get the bike back on the road but before i get too carried away and as a total newbie with ebike stuff i have some questions that may well seem stupid to those more experienced with this stuff.

So here goes:

1) I'm assuming the mounting points are the same?
2) Will the Bafang run from the installed Steps battery system (the bike has an internal and an external backup)?
3) assuming the answer to 2) is positive, will i need different power leads?
lastly 4) is this a sensible option or is there a different route?

This will be a winter project so i'm open to suggestions

Illegal motor in the UK 250W limit

[Carlton green]

According to Shimano, the Steps mid motor on my Focus Bold is kapput with an EC10 fault, a like for like replacement unit is @ £900, the bike was a gift so i'd like to get it going again but with money tight, doing that isn't an option atm. A bit of research has suggested that a Bafang M620 or similar may be a cheaper way to get the bike back on the road but before i get too carried away and as a total newbie with ebike stuff i have some questions that may well seem stupid to those more experienced with this stuff.

So here goes:

1) I'm assuming the mounting points are the same?
2) Will the Bafang run from the installed Steps battery system (the bike has an internal and an external backup)?
3) assuming the answer to 2) is positive, will i need different power leads?
lastly 4) is this a sensible option or is there a different route?

This will be a winter project so i'm open to suggestions

Illegal motor in the UK 250W limit

Bafang do do a 250 Watt unit. Details here: https://www.cogsygogs.co.uk/shop/mid-dr ... play-c961/

I’ve little idea whether it would be suitable for the OP but strongly suspect that it’s not interchangeable with what he already has.

My guess is that the OP’s bike has a Shimano Steps M8000 motor fitted to it and they are 250 Watt units.
https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/ ... E8000.html
https://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/bikes ... ue__126136

Edit.
Just to be clear the Bafang M620 is way above the legal power limit in the UK.
https://bafang-e.com/en/products/motors/m-series/m620

[Pinhead]

According to Shimano, the Steps mid motor on my Focus Bold is kapput with an EC10 fault, a like for like replacement unit is @ £900, the bike was a gift so i'd like to get it going again but with money tight, doing that isn't an option atm. A bit of research has suggested that a Bafang M620 or similar may be a cheaper way to get the bike back on the road but before i get too carried away and as a total newbie with ebike stuff i have some questions that may well seem stupid to those more experienced with this stuff.

So here goes:

1) I'm assuming the mounting points are the same?
2) Will the Bafang run from the installed Steps battery system (the bike has an internal and an external backup)?
3) assuming the answer to 2) is positive, will i need different power leads?
lastly 4) is this a sensible option or is there a different route?

This will be a winter project so i'm open to suggestions

Illegal motor in the UK 250W limit

Bafang do do a 250 Watt unit. Details here: https://www.cogsygogs.co.uk/shop/mid-dr ... id-drive-e

I know I have one on both bikes DONE BY THEM and the after sales service is excellent

#.

[mattsccm]

personally I would assume that there isn't a cat in hells chance of one make being a drop in fit for another.

[Bonzo Banana]

If you have a proprietary ebike with duff motor and a replacement is £900 which is likely uneconomic for an older such ebike I feel maybe the best option is sell the duff motor, battery, electronic parts and frame for the max you can get and install the other components on a secondhand standard frame and fit something like a tongsheng or bafang motor suitable for a normal bottom bracket. You still have;

1. Good wheels and tyres
2. drivetrain
3 hydraulic disc brakes
4. Saddle and saddle post
5. Handlebars and stem
6. Pedals and other misc parts
7. Forks and rear suspension

A secondhand frame could be £50-250 depending on required spec, a tongsheng around £200-250 and a battery maybe £150-250 and you might get back some decent money for the old frame and battery and few extra shekels for the other bits.

Once you have got a Tongsheng or Bafang you should have easy access to parts for ongoing maintenance.

[rjb]

This may be of interest and not to far from Bristol.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3902178 ... 9716535271
No connection with the seller.