Originally Posted by
late
As that video pointed out, advertised watts aren't an accurate indication of power. I haven't tried one yet, but my impression is that the motor is close to twice as strong as my Shimano.
Volts x amps = watts.
That doesn't tell the whole story, of course. The cargo motors would be wound for max grunt, and the performance ones will be wound for speed.
You can get a better idea by digging up what the voltage and amperage is.
But, as always, the proof is in the pudding. I want to test ride a few, and that pretty much means going to NYC. But Boston has a good selection, they won't have R+M or Priority, but they do have a lot.
I like Belmont Wheelworks:
https://www.wheelworks.com/product-list/electric-1298/
LL Beans told me they were going to sell Gazelles, and there is a fairly steep hill just outside of town on the back way to Brunswick (just ask for directions). Prob ought to call first, to be sure they have stock in house.
I'm not entirely persuaded about integrated batteries. I have to take the battery off every time. I have heard some of those are a pain to get on and off. Something else you want to try for yourself. If you keep yours in a garage, you don't want to leave them there, lithium is nasty stuff when it burns. I don't want to freak you out, I've had mine for 3 riding seasons without incident. I did get a surplus ammo container that's in the cellar for winter storage.