Eurobike 2025 is shaping up to be a showdown of motor performance. Every manufacturer is vying for attention with bold claims, power figures and fresh upgrades – and ZF are right in the mix. Until now, the CentriX delivered 90 Nm of torque and 600 watts, all squeezed into a 2.5 kg package. Now, this ultra-compact drive unit is stepping it up: 105 Nm of torque and a peak output of 750 W.
There’s news on the software front too: the ZF Ride app now lets you activate three new ride modes – for maximum performance, wet conditions and everyday use. You’ll find all the details in the press release below:
ZF press release on the new CentriX performance update
ZF have managed to boost the CentriX’s performance without increasing its size – the motor remains as compact as a drinks can and weighs just 2.5 kilograms. Existing drive units already on the market can also be upgraded via a software update. The new peak torque is accessed through the “Race” ride mode, one of three new preset modes that ZF are presenting to the public for the first time at Eurobike 2025. These profiles can be selected via the ZF Ride app. The system always remembers the last selected preset mode and reactivates it automatically when restarted. The CentriX motor has been in full series production since spring 2025. The app is available from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
“With the new ride modes, users can fine-tune their ZF drive unit more quickly and precisely to match their intended use,” says Daniel Härter, head of ZF’s Micro Mobility division. “By leveraging the software, we’re able to get the very best out of our now even more powerful motor for typical riding scenarios.”
The presets influence several key aspects of motor behaviour – including the overrun, which is the boost you get after you stop pedalling, the responsiveness when setting off, how the system reacts when you reach the maximum supported speed, and the overall power output.
Race mode: squeezing out maximum performance
Anyone looking to get the absolute most out of the ZF Bike Eco System will find it in Race mode. The motor responds instantly and delivers full power without compromise. It also cuts off sharply at the 25 km/h assistance limit. This mode is best suited to dynamic riding in dry conditions.
Wet mode: taking on the rain
When roads or forest trails are wet, tyre grip drops significantly. For an e-bike motor, that means reducing power and delivering it more gradually, while also dialling back the overrun. This helps prevent the rear wheel from spinning out or sliding in corners due to excessive drive torque.
Ride mode: built for everyday riding
On dry surfaces, whether you’re riding in the city or off-road, this mode aims to deliver optimal performance for each situation, with a perfect balance between control and responsiveness. Each support level is finely tuned to provide the ideal ratio of motor assistance to rider input. Regardless of the selected level, the motor offers full support when the rider’s power output exceeds 350 watts. In Boost mode, the motor unleashes its maximum power. Overrun is adjusted dynamically depending on your current speed.
Does more really mean better? No doubt about it – the performance upgrade and especially the new ride modes are welcome news. But our previous tests of the ZF CentriX motor have made one thing clear: the system is still rough around the edges. The grinding ride feel and high noise levels remain major points of criticism, and it’s unlikely that a software update alone will fix those. On the plus side: the original CentriX motor lacked punch at the top end. The extra power could genuinely make a difference here.
Of course, competitive performance figures matter when it comes to market position. But in the end, it’s not about the numbers on paper – it’s about the power the system actually delivers on the trail, and how well it all works together as a complete drive system. In the long run, more power alone won’t cut it. You need more than just a boost in torque and output!
Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: ZF
