Short answer: a dual motor e-bike drives both wheels. As a result, it grips better on loose ground, pulls harder up steep hills and feels calmer at full power. It is not faster, though, and it uses more battery when both motors work hard. In this guide, we explain honestly what two motors change, and where a single motor is still the smarter choice.

Most e-bikes have one motor, usually in the rear wheel. The Shengmilo S600 PRO and S700 PRO have two: one in the front wheel and one in the rear. That sounds like a small detail. However, you feel it from the very first hill.

Two hub motors, one in each wheel: front and rear drive.

Dual motor e-bike vs single motor: who wins?

First, the honest overview. We compare the S600 PRO with both motors working against the same bike on one motor. The numbers come from the manufacturer; the rest is simple physics.

So, two motors win where it matters most on rough ground: torque, grip and climbing. A single motor wins on weight and battery use. Notice, too, that top speed is a draw. The controller sets the speed limit, not the number of motors. Anyone who promises you more speed just because of a second motor is selling a myth.

How a dual motor e-bike works

The idea is the same as all-wheel drive in a car. Each wheel has its own hub motor, and both push at the same time. In other words, the power is shared across the whole bike instead of coming only from behind.

On the S600 PRO, the two motors deliver 2 × 1000W and 2 × 80 N·m. Combined, that is 160 N·m of torque. Torque is the twisting force that gets you moving from a standstill and pulls you up a hill. Power (watts), by contrast, is what keeps you moving once you are rolling.

Why grip matters more than power

Power is useless if the wheel spins. With one rear motor, all the force goes through the back tire. On gravel, wet grass or snow, that tire can lose grip, and the bike simply digs in.

With two motors, however, the front wheel pulls as well. When the rear wheel slips for a moment, the front wheel keeps you moving. As a result, you stay in control on surfaces where a single-motor bike starts to slide.

40° of climbing: what does that really mean?

The S600 PRO is rated to climb slopes of up to 40°. That number sounds abstract, so let’s put it in perspective.

Road signs show gradients in percent, not degrees. A 40° slope equals a gradient of about 84%. For comparison, Baldwin Street in New Zealand, once listed as the steepest street in the world, reaches about 35%, or roughly 19°.

In short, you will almost never ride a hill that uses the full rating. That is exactly the point, though. Because there is so much power in reserve, normal hills feel easy. The motors don’t strain, the bike doesn’t slow down, and you arrive at the top without fighting the pedals.

A calmer, safer ride

Many riders expect two motors to feel wild. In practice, it is the opposite. Because the work is shared, each motor runs with less strain, and the power feels smooth and even. A single rear motor, on the other hand, tends to push you from behind, which can feel jerky on loose ground.

Many of our riders tell us this is what they notice most: the bike feels stable and controlled, even at full power. For older riders and heavier riders in particular, that calm feeling builds confidence quickly.

One or two motors, your choice

You don’t always need both motors. On flat roads, you can ride with one motor and save energy. Then, when the hills or the rough ground start, you switch the second motor on. In this way, you get the efficiency of a single motor and the strength of two, on the same bike.

The battery: power you can use all day

Two strong motors need a battery to match. The S600 PRO therefore uses a 48V 25Ah battery with 1200Wh. That is about 43% more energy than the original S600’s 840Wh battery.

• Up to 90 km with pedal assist
• Up to 50 km on the throttle only
• Removable, so you can charge it at home
• 1,500+ charge cycles, with at least 80% capacity after 18 months

Real range always depends on your weight, the terrain, the temperature and how much you use the throttle. For real-world numbers, read our guide How far can you really go on a 1200Wh battery?

Fat tires: where the power meets the ground

The 26 × 3.0 inch fat tires are the third part of the package. A wide tire puts more rubber on the ground. Consequently, the power from two motors actually reaches the road instead of spinning away.

Fat tires also act like extra suspension. Together with the front and rear suspension, they soften bumps, roots and potholes, which you will feel in your back and wrists after a long ride. Moreover, on sand and snow, where narrow tires sink, fat tires stay on top.

What else the S600 PRO brings

• Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, with automatic motor cut-off when you brake
• Full suspension: double-shoulder front fork and rear shock
• 4.2-inch colour display, easy to read in sunlight
• IP64 water resistance on the motors, so rain is no problem
• Shimano 7-speed gears
• 300 kg maximum load, plus a strong metal rear rack

Is a dual motor e-bike right for you?

Choose a dual motor e-bike if you ride on hills, gravel, forest tracks, sand or snow. It is also the better choice if you are a heavier rider or often carry luggage. Our guide E-bike for heavy riders explains why.

Be honest about the downsides too. A dual-motor bike is heavier than a simple city e-bike, and using both motors at full power drains the battery faster. So, if you only ride short, flat distances in town, you may not need two motors.

Not sure which model fits you? Compare them:

• New S600 PRO vs. old S600: what’s upgraded?
• S600 PRO vs. S700 PRO: full suspension or step-through?
• S600 PRO vs. S900 PRO: all-rounder or off-road?

See the S600 PRO →

Frequently asked questions

Is a dual motor e-bike faster than a single motor e-bike?

No. Top speed is set by the controller, not by the number of motors. Instead, a second motor gives you more torque, better grip and stronger climbing.

Does a dual motor e-bike use more battery?

Yes, when both motors work at full power. However, you can ride on one motor on flat roads and switch the second one on only when you need it.

Are two motors more reliable than one?

Each motor does half the work, so it runs with less strain. Both motors are covered by our warranty against manufacturing defects.

Can I ride a 2000W e-bike on public roads?

In most of the EU, no. See the section below.

Where can you ride it?

With 2 × 1000W, our dual-motor bikes are not classed as standard EU e-bikes (pedelecs, which are limited to 250W and 25 km/h). Rules for public roads differ by country, and this overview of e-bike laws shows how much they vary. In most of the EU, bikes like these are meant for private land and off-road use. Limiting the speed or switching off the throttle does not change this classification. Please check your local rules before riding on public roads.