Mid-motor or hub motor? How the new Bosch Performance Line Speed (2025) changes the speed pedelec game

Mid-motor or hub motor? If you are looking for a speed pedelec (45 km/h), this is the fundamental question you’ll need to answer. For a long time, the consensus was clear: “If you want to maintain a true 45 km/h, you need a rear hub motor.” However, with the latest generation of the Bosch Performance Line Speed, released in June 2025, Bosch has effectively dismantled this argument.

For us, it was only logical to equip our new Suvea Speed for Continental Europe with this motor. In this article, we look at why the new Bosch drive system is now the premier choice for demanding commuters.

The Prejudice: “Mid-motors can’t reach a true 45 km/h”

While hub motors push the rear wheel directly, mid-motors must transfer their power through the chain or belt. Earlier generations often struggled to reach 45 km/h for this reason. The wear and tear on mechanical components due to the higher torque was also a weak point.

The 2025 update improves everything: Bosch massively enhanced both software and hardware for the new Bosch Performance Line. Thanks to a maximum output of 750 watts and a maximum torque of 100 newton meters, the motor not only approaches the 45 km/h mark faster but also maintains its speed much more easily. With a chain drive, a cruising speed between 40 and 45 km/h on flat terrain is now the standard for speed pedelecs like the Suvea Speed, no longer a strenuous exception – and even with a belt drive, you can travel almost as fast.

4 Decisive S-Pedelec Advantages of the New Bosch Generation

1. Natural Riding Feel Instead of a “Moped Push”

Rear hub motors often push abruptly. In contrast, the Bosch mid-motor measures your pedal pressure over 1,000 times per second. The support of up to 400% kicks in so precisely that it feels like you have superpowers in your own legs—without ever losing control or the “bicycle” feel.

2. Unbeatable on Climbs

This is where the mid-motor plays its trump card: it utilizes the bike’s own gears. While hub motors can overheat or lose efficiency on steep hills, the Performance Line Speed stays in its optimal RPM range. For commuters with elevation on their route, there is no better choice.

3. Individual Customization via the Flow App

Every commuter is different. Using the Bosch eBike Flow app, you can fine-tune the motor’s dynamics yourself—even while on the go. Do you need maximum “kick” at the traffic lights? Or do you want to prioritize battery range for a long haul? You decide.

4. The Brilliant “Limit Mode”

A speed pedelec is a powerhouse, but sometimes you want to take it slow. Perhaps you’re on a weekend tour with a partner riding a standard 25 km/h e-bike. Perhaps you’re riding in a country where you’re allowed to go on the bike path if you maintain a moderated speed. The new Limit Mode caps the assistance at 25 km/h. With the touch of a button, a bike like the Suvea Speed transforms into a “regular” e-bike for recreational rides.

Maintenance and Wear: No Longer a Drama

A common concern with powerful mid-motors is drivetrain wear. The logic: “If 100 Nm of torque pulls on the chain in addition to my own leg power, it won’t last a year.” This wasn’t entirely unfounded in the past—but today, we have technological solutions.

The Robust Solution: Shimano Linkglide

Some speed pedelecs rely on derailleur systems featuring Shimano Linkglide technology. Unlike standard racing components designed for minimum weight, Linkglide components are built significantly thicker and more robust. Bikes like the Suvea Trip Pro go even further, offering electronic shifting as well.

• Electronic Precision: The electronic Shimano CUES Di2 drivetrain continuously self-trims. Furthermore, the automatic shifting function can take over the work for you, ensuring you are always in the right gear for the 100 Nm of torque.
• The Benefit: Linkglide drivetrains last, on average, three times longer. Even under the high load of the Bosch motor at 45 km/h, the system shifts smoothly and precisely.

The Carefree Solution: Gates Carbon Drive

For those who prefer not to think about their drivetrain at all, pick a speed pedelec like the Suvea Style Speed, which features a Gates Belt Drive and an Enviolo HD hub.

• The Benefit: The belt doesn’t stretch, doesn’t rust, and never needs oiling. It lasts five to six times longer than a chain and is virtually silent.
• Built for Torque: We specifically use the Enviolo HD (Heavy Duty) variant because this hub is engineered to withstand the massive 100 Nm forces of the new Bosch motor over the long term.

Conclusion: Agility Meets High Speed

The new Bosch Performance Line Speed (2025 generation) is now on par with hub motors. Bikes like the Diamant Suvea Speed are now the ultimate tools for anyone who wants to arrive faster without sacrificing the comfort and reliability of a well-engineered system.