This article is part of our big 2026 motor group test. Click here to read about all 11 systems we tested, discover the latest trends and dive into detailed results from both the lab and real-world testing.
With the Ride 60, German motor manufacturer FAZUA had anything but a smooth start in 2022. Due to reliability issues, their light-assist drive was long considered the problem child among eBike motors. But just how crucial reliability really is was made clear by our most recent reader survey, which revealed that reliability is the number one purchasing factor when choosing an eBike motor. In the fiercely competitive motor market, a dependable system is the foundation for customer satisfaction and long-term market success.
Thankfully, the latest batches of the Ride 60 performed flawlessly in our test bikes. Still, to survive in the long run, you need to offer more than just a reliable system. The market demands cutting-edge hardware and continuous improvement – through regular, substantial software updates, for example. FAZUA seem to have understood that, delivering a number of key updates in 2025. In March, they introduced a hardware refresh featuring a new remote control and a new 480 Wh battery. Then in June, they rolled out the extensive Firmware Bundle 12. But how does the freshly updated Ride 60 hold up against the competition?
The FAZUA Ride 60 in detail – Ride zua!
In the FAZUA Ride 60, the motor and gearbox sit in a straight in-line layout. This results in an elongated shape that makes the Ride 60 less compact than the TQ HPR60, though its dimensions are similar to the maxon AIR S and visibly more compact than the Bosch SX. Weighing in at 2.04 kg, the drive unit delivers 60 Nm of torque and a maximum output of 350 watts in Rocket mode. In Overboost mode, it can provide up to 450 watts for a maximum of 12 seconds.
For this test, we examined the FAZUA Ride 60 installed in the Santa Cruz Heckler SL. The frame design of the American light eMTB is closely based on the analogue Bronson. The FAZUA motor is fully integrated into the frame, allowing for an ultra-clean design. Only four bolts on the non-drive side hint at the electric power source hidden inside the carbon frame.
Inside the downtube of the Santa Cruz Heckler SL sits a permanently integrated battery with a capacity of 430 Wh. Since March 2025, a new 480 Wh battery is available, too. It’s 200 g heavier, but shares the same dimensions, making the switch from the 430 Wh model completely plug and play. The new version is available in both removable and fixed formats, as found in our test bike. Charging from 0 to 100% takes just over four hours, which corresponds to a charge rate of only 2.2 Wh/min – slower than any other charger in this test, apart from maxon’s.
Also new is the “Mode Control” remote, which replaces the much-criticised “Ring Control.” The new Mode Control features two raised buttons, allowing for precise control in both movement directions. There’s also a dedicated button for activating the Boost function. Overall, the new remote is easier to use and offers better control in demanding trail situations. The downside? The tactile feel is still lacking – there’s no defined feedback when pressing the buttons, and we still miss a premium finish or at least a rubberised surface.
That said, it’s commendable that FAZUA didn’t abandon the old Ring Control. It received a software update, so existing customers can benefit from improved functionality as well.
However, the display unit didn’t receive an update. The FAZUA LED Hub displays battery status via LED dots and indicates support mode through colour, but it feels rather basic, especially when compared with the TQ system. The coloured LEDs are also too bright, which can be distracting on the trail in darker sections. On top of that, the LED Hub is relatively bulky considering the limited information it provides. On the plus side, the USB-C port is neatly hidden under a movable cover – a thoughtful touch.
All the more surprising, then, is the free app: it’s intuitive, clearly laid out and easy to understand. The design is modern and uncluttered, even if the range of functions remains relatively limited compared to the competition. A practical feature: in addition to system health data like total kilometres ridden, maximum capacity and charge cycles, the app automatically generates ride statistics after every tour. For those who want more detailed information, the smartphone can also be used as a display, showing all relevant data clearly and compactly during the ride.
The three riding modes – Breeze, River and Rocket – can be customised in the app using three parameters: support ratio (i.e. the ratio of motor to rider power), maximum motor output, and the responsiveness with which the motor reacts to changes in pedalling force. However, the system still doesn’t match the functionality offered by the Avinox Ride app or Specialized’s app.
| Parameter | Our measurement | Manufacturer’s spec |
|---|---|---|
| Motor weight (kg) | 2.036 kg | 1.960 kg |
| Battery capacity (nominal, Wh) | 432 Wh | 430 Wh |
| Charge time (0–100%) | 4 h 8 min | – |
| Support ratio (%) | – | % |
| Max power output (W) | – | 350 (450 in Boost mode for a short time) |
| Max torque (Nm) | – | 60 Nm |
| Range* (km) | 17.6 km | – |
| Vertical range* (metres climbed) | 1,441 hm | – |
*All values were measured on the same test track with an average incline of 8.5%, using the maximum support mode, a consistent rider output of 150 watts, rider weight of 72 kg, and standardised tyres: MAXXIS HighRoller (DD, MaxxGrip) up front and MAXXIS Minion DHR II (DD, MaxxTerra) on the rear.
The FAZUA Ride 60 on test – The big comeback?
The FAZUA Ride 60 motor on the trail
Our first test of the Firmware Bundle 12 left a solid impression. We found that the system offers better responsiveness when setting off from a standstill, and at the same time delivers its power more smoothly. The annoying clicking noise from the motor’s freewheel has been addressed, and the fade-out of assistance at the 25 km/h threshold now feels noticeably more refined. The Ride 60 also delivers its support smoothly and with pleasantly quiet operation. While the TQ HPR 60 still feels slightly quieter, FAZUA delivers a strong overall experience in this regard.
Setting off on steep climbs is noticeably easier than with the Bosch SX. At low cadence and rider input, the FAZUA feels clearly more powerful than the TQ HPR60. This is where the relatively high support ratio becomes apparent. However, it also means the motor reaches its 350-watt power limit more quickly. As your own input increases, the FAZUA hits the ceiling where it can no longer deliver additional power. As our lab tests later confirmed, the Ride 60 reaches its peak at just 150 watts of rider effort.
For riders who need more support, there’s still Boost mode. Thanks to the new Mode Control, it’s now significantly easier to activate. With 450 watts, it delivers a noticeable extra kick on the trail, making tricky uphill sections easier to conquer with a clear surge of power. The new KickOverrun function can also help in these situations, but unfortunately it’s not as intuitive or playful to use as the overrun feature on Bosch motors.
The FAZUA Ride 60 on the test bench
DuringIn our 30-minute full-load endurance test, the FAZUA Ride 60 maintained a consistent power output for the first 15 minutes. After that, performance dropped only slightly – a strong result, especially considering that the motor is fully enclosed within the frame and doesn’t benefit from cooling airflow while riding. This points to a good level of efficiency, which is backed up by its performance in our efficiency measurements, where the FAZUA Ride 60 placed in the upper mid-field.
The picture changes in the simulated uphill test on a 15% gradient, where the FAZUA Ride 60 finished last. However, the real-world vertical range test on the road showed that the motor climbs faster in continuous uphill operation than the TQ HPR60, which couldn’t be included in the lab testing. When it comes to noise, the FAZUA Ride 60 is one of the quietest motors in all conditions. It also has very low tonal character, making it the leader in this category.
Tuning tip for the manufacturer: Develop a modern HMI to create a more appealing user experience.
Who should take a closer look at the FAZUA Ride 60? – and who should look elsewhere?
The FAZUA Ride 60 is for anyone looking for a simple, no-frills system without unnecessary extras. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the clean, well-designed app makes it easy for both to dial in a solid motor setup. The Ride 60 is also a great choice for those after lightweight, agile eBikes with quiet motor support. If you’re looking for a powerful drive unit with strong support or a display packed with detailed data, you may want to explore other options.
Conclusions about the FAZUA Ride 60
After a rocky start, the FAZUA Ride 60 has finally proven itself reliable in recent times, with meaningful updates leading to noticeable improvements in ride performance. The new Mode Control is another clear step forward. However, reliability and state-of-the-art functionality alone won’t be enough in the long run to stay competitive in the fast-moving and innovative motor market. Not even the well-executed smartphone app can fully make up for that. FAZUA still needs to improve its weak HMI (display & remote).
Tops
- Clean integration
- Quiet operation
- High support ratio
- Well-designed app
Flops
- Weak HMI
- Reliability issues with earlier software versions
- Software updates only via cable
For more information, visit FAZUA’s website.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to Our big eMTB Motor Comparison – 15 eMTB Motors on Test
All motors in test:
Avinox M1, Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5, Bosch Performance Line CX-R, Bosch Performance Line SX, FAZUA Ride 60, Mahle M40, maxon Air S, Pinion MGU E1.12, Shimano EP801, S-Works 3.1, TQ HPR60
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker
