Are Dapu Electric Bike Motors Good?

History of Dapu E-Bike Motors

Founded in 1997 to produce electric boards for household appliances, Dapu is a Japanese-owned company that has also manufactures electric bicycle components since 2004. The Dapu company is led by a team of engineers and designers who aim for “pragmatic innovation.”

Though Dapu has its origins in Japan, the headquarters is in Shanghai, China according to their website. They have factories in Japan, Vietnam, and China. They also claim to supply leading European and American e-bike manufacturers and consumers in 40 countries.

Dapu says they are committed to new technologies and providing the ultimate e-bike experience. They are proud of the performance, variety, and exceptionally quiet operation of their engines.

What Motors Does Dapu Make Today?

M155 RD

Normal Power Motor

A compact, 200-250w rear motor suitable for disc brakes and accepts 6, 7, or 8-speed freewheel gears.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 350/500W
• Torque: 35/45 Nm
• Speed: 15-28 MPH
• Brake Type: Disk brake, V-brake
• Internal Freewheel

M155 CD

High Power Motor

A robust, very high torque rear motor that accepts 7, 8, 9, or 10-speed cassette gears.
Available rated from 250w to 500w–suitable for European and US markets. Their most popular motor.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 350/500W
• Torque: 35/45 Nm
• Speed: 15-28 MPH
• Quiet
• Brake Type: Disk brake
• Internal Freewheel

M155 CH

Normal Power Motor

A powerful, high-torque rear motor with an extra-wide axle needed for 4” tire compatibility. It accepts 7,8,9 or 10-speed cassette gears and is disc brake compatible.
Available in a rated power from 250w to 500w, making this motor suitable for the European and American market.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 350/500W
• Torque: 35/45 Nm
• Speed: 15-28 MPH
• Efficient
• Brake Type: Disk brake, V-brake

MD250

Dapu’s second-generation Mid motor, the MD250, generates a whopping 100 Nm max torque and manages a peak efficiency of ≥80%. To help streamline the bike, the torque sensor and motor controller are built into the motor body itself. This is a high quality and affordable option when compared with other mid motors.

• Motor Location: Mid ship
• Integrated Style
• Power: 350/500W
• Torque: 95-100 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Quiet
• Brake Type: Disk brake, V-brake, Rollerbrake
• Internal Freewheel

M206CS

Direct Drive motor with Energy Recovery

This nearly silent Direct Drive motor simplifies e-bike design by incorporating the controller and torque sensor within the engine. The no-maintenance motor has an Energy Recovery function that recaptures energy as the bike slows down or descends. This extends the system efficiency and range.

A direct drive motor with an integrated controller and torque sensor. It accepts 7, 8, 9, or 10-speed cassette gears and is disc brake compatible.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Integrated Style
• Compact
• Whisper Quiet
• Brake Type: Disk brake, V-brake

M155 FS/M155 FD

High Power Motor

A potent front motor with a very high torque that accepts 7,8,9, or 10-speed cassette gears. Available in a rated power from 250w to 500w make this motor suitable for the European and American market.

• Motor Location: Front
• Integrated Style
• Power: 350/500W
• Torque: 35/45 Nm
• Speed: 22-28 MPH
• Quiet
• Brake Type: Disk brake, V-brake
• Internal Freewheel

M135 FR

A 250w roller brake compatible motor.

• Motor Location: Front
• Power: 250 W
• Torque: 30 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Quiet
• Brake Type: Rollerbrake
• Internal Freewheel

M123 FS

A 250w, V-brake compatible, front hub motor.

• Motor Location: Front
• Power: 200/250 W
• Torque: 30 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Efficient
• Quiet
• Brake Type: V-brake

M123 FD

Normal Power Motor

A 200-250w disc brake compatible motor popular in the Japanese and European markets.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 200/250 W
• Torque: 30 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Quiet
• Brake Type: Disk Brake, V-brake

M123 RN

Normal Power Motor

A compact, 200-250w rear motor suitable for v-brakes and accepts 6, 7, or 8-speed freewheel gears.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 200/250 W
• Torque: 30 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Efficient
• Quiet
• Brake Type: V-brake

M123 RD

Normal Power Motor

A compact, 200-250w rear motor for disc brakes and accepts 6, 7, or 8-speed freewheel gears.

• Motor Location: Rear
• Power: 200/250 W
• Torque: 30 Nm
• Speed: 15-20 MPH
• Quiet
• Disk Brake
• Brake Type: Disk Brake, V-brake

What E-bike Brands Use Dapu Motors?

Dupa manufactures various e-bike components, including motors, torque sensors, controllers, and control panels. They may supply many e-bike manufacturers, but we only found three who use their motors:

• Rock Machine
• Lovelec
• Pedego

Final Verdict: Are Dapu Motors Good to Use?

All the hub motors you see on Pedego electric bikes are made by Dapu. Pedego is one of the biggest names in e-bikes and they trust Dapu. It’s fair to say any other well-reviewed e-bike you find with a dapu motor is likely a safe bet.

We view Dapu e-bike motors as good for entry to mid-level e-bikes. They are solid, not too noisy, and should hold up for many, many miles. So long as the price tag of the electric bike you’re looking to buy isn’t too outrageous, you can feel good knowing a Dapu equipped bike will offer respectable value.