MAHLE Updates X20 Motor, Chinese Bike Imports Spike, NYPD May Confiscate Batteries | TWR Ep 48

The Spanish e-bike drive system manufacturer MAHLE, whose products are found on premium lifestyle and performance e-bikes, has increased the power of its flagship X20 motor.

Previously, the unit had a peak output of 250W and could produce 55 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, but new motors will peak at 275W (a 10% increase) and max out at 65 Nm of torque (an 18% increase). The increased power will boost acceleration and climbing speed in lightweight electric road and gravel bikes where the system is often found.

A change in programming also allows the motor to sustain peak output across a wider cadence range, ensuring that riders have access to its full power when needed. New motors are also compatible with universal derailleur hangers (UDH), which should help to protect the drivetrain and make it easier to replace parts.

Owners of existing X20 systems will benefit from the increased power, though not immediately, as MAHLE plans to release firmware updates toward the end of 2025.

Our Take: We’ve seen similar tweaks to motor output this year, primarily from Bosch; in May, the output of the brand’s Performance Line CX Gen. 5 mid-drive jumped from 600W and 85 Nm to 750W and 100 Nm.

While MAHLE’s update shouldn’t drastically change the feel or performance of any e-bikes equipped with the X20 system, it’s great to see the brand making adjustments to deliver more power. After all, the beauty of an e-bike is to not have to work as hard while riding.

In the case of performance road and gravel bikes, that means riders can take advantage of longer rides with less exertion, though we expect the system’s maximum range potential to decrease slightly.

Earlier this summer, the Trump administration threatened to impose up to a 145% reciprocal tariff on imported goods originating from China. The two countries reached an agreement to delay the import tax for 90 days before it went into effect at the beginning of August.

According to new data from the US Department of Commerce, this threat resulted in a spike in imported bikes from China in the month of July as bike companies aimed to get ahead of any additional costs.

There has been an overall decrease in the number of bikes imported since last year. The US imported over $30,000 worth of bikes in June 2024, but that number dropped to below $10,000 in the same month in 2025. In July, imports rose by 128%.

Cambodia recently surpassed China as the US’ largest source of bike-related imports, with $32.6 million of bikes imported from the former country through July, versus $17.7 million from China. The latter country still leads in individual units, however.

Our Take: It’s no surprise to us that brands would look to order and import a large quantity of bikes to avoid paying higher costs if or when new tariffs are put in place, though we don’t expect the spike to carry over into August or beyond.

Considering the scope of the Trump administration’s tariffs, it’s also not unexpected to see significantly lower imports from China this year when compared to 2024. In the wake of these tariffs, many brands have shifted their production to other countries.

If the Supreme Court upholds the US Court of Appeals’ decision that the administration’s reciprocal and fentanyl tariffs are unlawful, however, we would expect imports from China to rise again.

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has proposed a new plan to ensure that all e-bike batteries on the city’s streets are UL certified. Following the enactment of a new law in 2023 designed to combat lithium-ion battery fires, all e-bikes for sale within the city limits are required to carry batteries built to meet UL safety standards.

The new plan targets e-bikes already in operation before the UL certification requirement was put in place. It would allow NYPD officers to confiscate non-UL-certified batteries, which would then be disposed of by the city’s Sanitation Department.

So far, data suggests that the city’s measures have been effective, with a downward trend in e-bike battery-related incidents over the last three years. Six fatalities were attributed to battery fires in 2024, but so far, there has only been a single related death in 2025.

Our Take: While battery fires are rare, they can quickly become a deadly problem in densely populated urban areas. Considering that New York City offered a free e-bike/battery trade-in program for food delivery workers earlier this year, the proposed new rules don’t seem egregious.

With that in mind, we would like to see some discount or other plan offered to encourage residents who own e-bikes without UL-certified batteries to upgrade or otherwise replace them. Without such measures, riders could be left without functional transportation if the NYPD confiscates their batteries.

• Do we still recommend the Aipas M2 Pro after learning that the battery is not built as advertised with UL Certification and Samsung cells?
• Would a $400 Amazon e-bike provide the range, power, and longevity to carry a 345-lb rider up hills?
• Where does the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail rank in our picks for the Best E-Bikes for Seniors?
• Should I buy a cheap battery from an independent source or stick with proprietary batteries from the e-bike manufacturer?
• Would we recommend the Velotric Breeze 1 over the Fold 1 Plus, and, if so, why?
• Is the Aventon Aventure 3’s range really that bad?