LMX Introduces eMTB With 2 Drivetrains | Electric Bike Report

LMX, which builds its e-bikes in a factory in Lyon, France, bills the 64 as a Class 2 e-bike (20 mph max speed plus a throttle) with a 2500W motor restricted to 750W and a motorcycle-style twist throttle. So why does a Class 2 e-bike have a motor that produces 10x the wattage of Shimano’s EP8 and Bosch’s Performance Line Active motors, which are two of the most popular motors on eMTBs? The LMX 64 is meant to blur the line between what an eMTB and an e-motorcycle are. The LMX 64 can be unlocked to use the full 2500W of power, which can assist riders to a top speed of 31 mph (50kph).

LMX’s use of a non-drive-side motor and freewheel is a novel take on how to reduce wear on the drivetrain. Sending 250W through a drivetrain in addition to the power the rider puts out will result in faster wear on chains, chainrings and cassettes. Sending 10x that through the drivetrain would see riders spending hundreds of dollars replacing drivetrain parts every few months, so it’s a very smart solution to an obvious challenge.

That said, whether unlocked or ridden as a Class 2 e-bike, the LMX 64 will be restricted from riding anywhere that allows only Class 1 eMTBs, which is nearly any trail system currently open to eMTBs; riders will need to take the LMX 64 to OHV riding areas if they want to find legal off-road riding options.

The LMX 64 rolls on 27.5-in. wheels and features a 65-degree head tube angle and a 76-degree seat tube angle, which are in-line with current full-suspension eMTB designs. A RockShox fork and shock provide a meaty 180mm of travel. Formula 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes take the stopping duties and an 11-speed SRAM drivetrain gives riders a wide range of gears (though not as wide as what we typically see in this price range). It comes in just one size, large.

LMX produces the 64 in three colorways: black/gray, black/red and white/gray; it is available for order on their site.