More pressure for Bosch & Co.?

Preeto P90 Review

With the Preeto P90, another Chinese manufacturer is introducing its first proprietary e-MTB motor to the market. In our exclusive field test, we take a detailed look at the system: How does the motor perform on the trails? What does the tech say? And what perspectives does it open for the future of the industry?

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The changes in the e-bike industry are not only reflected in technological advancements but also in the origins of new innovations. After DJI caused a stir with the Avinox system and Hepha successfully entered the market, another Chinese manufacturer, Preeto, is now joining the fray.

The Preeto P90 is the debut product of the company ZHAOWEI, which has previously been a supplier in the automotive and smart home industries. Now, they aim to establish a foothold in the Western market with their own brand—not just as an “extended workbench” but as a serious player.

Important: We are testing a pre-production model that is not yet available in any EMTB in Europe.

Preeto EMTB Motor Test — Preeto wants to establish itself as a Chinese manufacturer with its mid-drive motors in the eMTB market. Do the Chinese master the technical intricacies needed for this?

Weights and Q-factor

The two full-power models weigh approximately 2,700 grams – making them lighter than current Bosch CX motors. The housing is sized between DJI and Bosch, with the axle measuring 154 mm, resulting in a approximately 20 mm higher Q-factor.

Preeto P90 — The Preeto Motor is no lightweight, but it doesn't go overboard on the frame size either.

Preeto P90 — The slightly higher Q-factor compared to other motors is noticeable when pedaling.

Feature: High-Level Sensor Technology

The rear wheel sensor system is reminiscent of DJI: a finely graduated sensor disc with over 40 pick-up points per revolution delivers precise data in conjunction with three internal sensors. This results in responsive and dynamic assistance – a real advantage.

Preto P90 Sensorik — The sensor disc with over 40 pickup points provides a high-resolution data basis on which the motor can make decisions.

Trail Test

In the challenging terrain, the Preeto P90 was certainly able to impress. Particularly noteworthy:

Modulation and power delivery: With slight slip, the motor reduces power in an instant. With stronger input, it delivers power forcefully – but not immediately to full power, like the HeFa motor, rather progressively.
Dynamic Ride: The Preeto demands more body input from the rider, resulting in a sporty, active riding experience.
Boost function: With the push of a button, the motor releases its full torque for 30 seconds, regardless of current pedal power. Ideal for steep, technical climbs.

Preeto P90 Practical Test — Steep ramp: No problem. The Preeto has the power and dynamics to tackle even such trials.

Performance values

In our standard performance test, where we measure output with 150 watts input at 85 RPM, the Preeto motor is roughly on par with the old Bosch CX Gen 4 motor. The Preeto P90 is a serious full power motor and can deliver even more power when you crank up the cadence.

Performance metrics — We always test the performance of all motors under uniform conditions in practice. The price in this test is roughly at the level of the Bosch CX Gen 4 motor.

Input power	Output Preeto P90
150 Watt	490 watts
200 watts	610 watts
250 watts	615 watts

These values are slightly below the Bosch CX Gen5 (around 670 watts) but are on par with the Bosch CX Gen4 or the Shimano EP801 – impressive for a first-generation motor.

Preeto P90 Experiences — If you want more power on the trails, you can get it by simply pedaling harder.

Range & Energy Efficiency

Preeto supplies two of its own batteries: 560 Wh and 720 Wh, but also offers full compatibility with third-party batteries. In our e-bike motor comparison test (150 W input, 100 kg system weight, Schwalbe tires), the motor achieved 1,659 meters of elevation with the 560-Wh battery.

This corresponds to 2.9 meters of elevation per Wh – a value that established manufacturers like Bosch or DJI also achieve. Only the battery level indicator did not function correctly in the test – a classic pre-production issue.

Performance — When it comes to range, Preeto holds its ground, achieving comparable results to Bosch and DJI with a similar battery size.

Range — We always determine the range on a paved climb with a system weight of 100 kilograms and an input power of 150 watts.

Display & Controls

Preeto currently offers three display options. Our test bike was equipped with the compact VIP display, which is similar to the ones known from Borose. It operates discreetly, clearly, and reliably. If you want more information or a larger display, you can opt for two larger variants.

Display — The display is small and can be operated by pressing with your thumb or swiping with your finger.

Display — Sometimes you need glasses to read the values on the display.

Noise behavior

The noise level of the motor varies greatly with the cadence:

at 60 RPM: quiet
at 80 RPM: audible
at 90 RPM: loud, high-pitched noise

On the trail, the drivetrain rattles slightly – about on par with the Shimano EP801, but a bit quieter.

Sound — The faster you spin the cranks uphill, the louder the Preeto motor becomes. This dependency is less pronounced with other systems.

Sound — On the singletrack downhill, the Preeto exhibits the typical gear rattling, similar to what you would expect from the Bosch CX Gen 4 or the Shimano EP801.

Pros

good modulation & dynamics on the trail
Boost function for technical climbs
Competitive range

Contra

Higher Q-factor than Bosch & DJI
Noise at high cadence
No long-term experiences yet

Preeto Test — We are curious to see if Preeto will be sponsored by manufacturers in the future. Technically, the motor is at an astonishingly high level.

Preeto Bike — Preeto only builds engines. Our test bike was just a demonstration bike for the engine, it is not offered in this form.

Conclusion: Impressive debut with a lot of potential

The Preeto P90 is not an absolute benchmark motor like the DJI Avinox system, but it delivers high-level results across almost all areas. Particularly impressive are the dynamics and trail feel—areas where other manufacturers often need several generations to achieve perfection.

For a first product, this motor is technically advanced, powerful, and ready for the market. If Preeto can iron out the initial issues (e.g., battery level indicator) before the market launch, they could soon become a real alternative to Bosch, Shimano & Co.—and significantly increase price pressure in the market.

About the author

Ludwig Döhl

... has spent more than 100,000 kilometers in the saddle of over 1000 different mountain bikes. The bottom line from many hours on the trail: mountain bikes are awesome if they match your personal preferences! With this insight, he founded bike-test.com to help bikers find their very own dream bike.