Taiwanese manufacturer Hyena is currently working on an all-new electric motor named MRC-A150. Ultra light and limited to a power of 150 W, this system aims to support you modestly on your journeys. On paper, it’s an interesting ally for road bikes and electric gravels.
Light motorizations are on the rise in the field of electric bicycles. Several manufacturers are trying to bring their own solution to this niche, like Mahle and its Mahle X20 that we were able to test on Origin Help. Another manufacturer enters the dance: Hyena, straight from Taiwan, tells us eBike News.
Hyena presented a brand new solution (E-Road Air) encompassing both motor, battery and controller for a total weight of 3.2 kg. The most striking element is none other than the MRC-A150 engine of only 1.3 kg, and whose weight would have been reduced by 40% compared to the previous system.
Very moderate power
This type of engine is not intended for any type of electric bike. It is indeed cut for road bikes or gravels, which seek to be supported by a light motorization not necessarily ultra powerful. Because the MRC-A150 is indeed not a thunderbolt with its nominal power of 150 W and its torque of 30 Nm.
For the city, for example, we generally expect a minimum torque of around 45 Nm to experience minimal dynamic starts and pick-ups. Above all, almost all of the motors deliver a power of 250 W, the legal limit in Europe. It is very rare to come across lower values.
This engine is no less interesting for more sporting practices, for anyone looking to deliver a minimum of effort, without killing themselves with the task.
Without any test in real conditions, it is difficult to describe the electrical behavior of such a system. But its power and its relatively low torque lead us to think that it will be necessary to intensify its pedaling more than average… and especially more than a 250 W motor with a torque of 80 Nm for example.
Finally, the MRC-A150 can be a good compromise to both keep a light electric road bike, provide a measured but real effort and benefit from moderate electric assistance.
Expertly chosen partners
Riding a featherweight e-bike also allows you to cut the whole system if you feel like it, and transform your mount into a muscle bike. Then just play with the right gear ratios to adjust your gear ratio.
Inevitably, Hyena associates this set with a torque sensor. With the latter, the electric assistance is transmitted proportionally to the force you put into the pedals. The overall feeling is all the more natural.
The battery, for its part, claims a capacity of 250 Wh, which is again very low to successfully control the weight of the system. The Taiwanese company has already forged interesting partnerships with Trek and Cannondale, ideal candidates for integrating its solution on road bikes and electric gravel bikes.
The manufacturer plans to reveal more at the Eurobike show which is being held June 21-26 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Want to join a community of enthusiasts? Our Discord welcomes you, it’s a place of mutual aid and passion around tech.