BAFANG
MOTORS · LCD · BATTERY · COMPONENTS
By Thomas Rivière, Product Analyst — Last updated: 30 October 2026
BAFANG rear wheel motor HR corresponds to the BAFANG HR (Rear) motor range.
The BAFANG HR series is mainly characterized by very high efficiency. These powerful rear-drive motors support cyclists even on long rides.
The range covers 250 W models with 50 to 60 Nm for city and trekking bikes, up to 750–1000 W versions with 85 to 100 Nm for cargo and fat bikes. Rear hub motors stay battery-efficient and suit most types of bicycles.
Current BAFANG HR models
The table below lists the HR models currently shown on Bafang’s official website, with the figures Bafang publishes. A dash means the figure is not published.
| Model | Rated power | Max torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| H305 | 250 W | 55 Nm | — |
| H405 | 250 / 500 W | 55 / 60 Nm | — |
| H410 | — | — | 2.3 kg |
| H560 | 500 / 750 W | 85 Nm | — |
| H550W | 750 / 1000 W | 85 / 100 Nm | — |
| H550 | 1000 W | 100 Nm | — |
| H700 | 250 W | 50 Nm | — |
| H720 | 250–1000 W | 60–100 Nm | — |
Source: bafang-e.com, October 2026. Older references are no longer listed by Bafang; check the exact specifications with the seller before buying.
BAFANG HR Rear Wheel Bike Motor
How Does a BAFANG HR Rear Wheel Motor Work?
A BAFANG rear wheel motor placed in the hub of the rear wheel is powered by electricity from the battery. Upon receiving power, the motor will drive the axle of the rear wheel, propelling the rear wheel and thus the bike’s dynamics through the rear wheel’s push.
Can You Increase the Power of a BAFANG HR Motor?
In Europe and the UK, an electrically assisted bicycle must stay within 250 W rated power, with assistance cutting out at 25 km/h. Tampering with the speed sensor or the controller to go faster takes the bike out of this category: it is then treated as a motor vehicle, requires type approval, registration and insurance, and is no longer covered by the manufacturer warranty. If you need more power for off-road use or private land, choose a rear hub motor rated for higher power from the start rather than modifying a 250 W motor.
What Is the Maximum Speed of an Electric Bike with a BAFANG HR Rear Wheel Motor?
In Europe, an electric bike can reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h. In the United States, some bikes can reach 32 km/h due to a rear wheel motor capable of delivering 500 watts of power.
Does a Rear Wheel Electric Bike Motor Work Your Muscles?
An electric bike, even with a rear wheel motor, works the whole body’s muscles. One common misconception about cycling is that it only develops the lower limbs. This is false: by pedaling, you indeed engage your entire body. Of course, an electric bike will require less effort than a classic bike, so you will work out a bit less.
How to Brake with an Electric Bike Equipped with a BAFANG HR Rear Wheel Motor?
An electric-assist bike equipped with a rear wheel motor can feature various brake types: rim brakes, disc brakes, hydraulic brakes, or cable brakes. Regardless of the type, the brakes of a rear wheel motor electric bike must also meet compliance standards. To brake the electric bike, simply stop pedaling to avoid the motor’s push or pull and squeeze the brake levers on the handlebars.
5 Key Facts About the BAFANG HR Rear Hub Motor
- Rear-wheel drive integration: The HR motor integrates into the rear wheel hub, providing rear-wheel propulsion independently from the bike’s drivetrain.
- Drivetrain-independent operation: No modification to the chainset, bottom bracket, or derailleur is required — the motor propels the rear wheel directly.
- Compatible with geared drivetrains: Continue using your existing gears normally; the motor and drivetrain operate completely independently.
- Discreet appearance: Integrated into the rear wheel, the HR motor is often barely noticeable to casual observers, keeping the bike’s appearance natural.
- Simplified installation: Without the need to remove the bottom bracket, installation is typically faster than a mid-drive conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BAFANG HR Rear Hub Motor
How does the Bafang HR rear hub motor work?
The Bafang HR motor is built into the rear wheel hub. When the PAS sensor detects pedalling (or when a throttle is used if fitted), the motor energises and drives the rear wheel directly. The front wheel and drivetrain operate normally and independently from the motor’s propulsion.
What is the difference between the Bafang HR and BBS mid-drive motors?
The HR is a hub motor that drives the rear wheel directly, without using the bike’s gearing. The BBS series (BBS01, BBS02, BBSHD) are mid-drive motors that mount at the bottom bracket and drive through the chain, benefiting from the bike’s gears. Mid-drives offer better climbing ability and weight distribution; hub motors offer simpler installation and drivetrain independence.
Is the Bafang HR motor compatible with bikes that have rear gears?
Yes, the Bafang HR rear hub motor is designed to work alongside standard rear cassettes and internal gear hubs. A freehub body compatible with your cassette standard must be specified when ordering. The motor and gears operate independently, so shifting performance is unaffected by the motorisation.
What battery pairs well with the Bafang HR rear hub motor?
The HR motor is typically available in 36V or 48V versions. A RACK battery mounted on the rear carrier is a natural pairing — it places the weight low and centrally, balancing the added weight of the hub motor in the rear wheel. TUBE or INTUBE batteries are also compatible if the frame allows.
Compare with the HF front hub motor, explore RACK batteries for an ideal pairing, and read our installation guide.
A rear hub motor adds weight directly over the rear wheel — factor this into tire and spoke durability, especially on a bike not originally designed for e-bike loads.