Five years ago, Micah Toll from Electrek visited our previous headquarters and manufacturing facility to observe our R&D and production processes for eBike drive systems.
Micah recently returned to our new location to evaluate the advancements we have achieved during this period. It was a pleasure to host Electrek and share insights into our developments over the last five years to which Micah mentioned the difference is mind blowing, which Micah shared in his report on the trip. We’ve since caught up with Micah to explore his main observations from the visit; let us review his insights below.
1) It’s been five years since your last visit to our headquarters. What were you most eager to see this time around?
I was excited to see how much had changed at Bafang over the last five years. I knew the company had changed to a new factory building, added a lot of new technology in the motors and drivetrain/transmissions department, and added their own battery factory, but I hadn't seen those first hand yet and I knew there would be plenty of surprises I wasn't expecting.
2) Which aspects of Bafang technology left the strongest impression on you?
I was impressed by how wide the Bafang lineup now is, encompassing basically every part and component you could need to build an electric bike. Years ago it was motors, then more electronics, then batteries, then transmissions, and now it is basically a one-stop-shop. I think the only thing Bafang doesn't make is the bike frame!
Bafang’s Thread
Bafang don’t manufacture the bike frame. Instead, the company will concentrate on developing eBike drive solutions, while also keeping an eye on the overall trends in the eBike market and ensuring compatibility with other components. Our commitment is to deliver a comprehensive drive system that enhances the seamless cycling experience for users, integrating the rider and the eBike as one.
3) What recent technological advancements are you excited to see making waves
in the industry?
Bafang's advancements in batteries is very impressive, and I think it is something the industry greatly needs. There are so many small battery makers that don't have much of a name in the West. But everyone knows the Bafang name and what it means. So to bring Bafang's good reputation to the battery market is a big deal and will really help consumers.
4) In your opinion, where is the future of eBike technology headed?
The next few years seem to be heavily focused on safety and regulations. That can mean everything from battery safety to bike certification compliance and more. With Bafang's testing labs on site and high quality manufacturing, I think the company is well positioned for this direction the market is heading.
5) After testing some of our eBike technology on the road, how would you
describe that experience?
I definitely enjoyed the testing because it gave me the chance to feel very different e-bike systems. From lightweight and lower power road bike e-bike drive systems to extra powerful fat tire e-bike drivetrains, I could get a good sense of different performance levels all at the same time.
6) You mentioned that our brand stands out in production design. How do you
think this stacks up against other drive system manufacturers?
I think that there are many drive system manufacturers, especially in Asia, but very few can pretend to have anywhere close to the R&D and production standards that I saw at Bafang. It's very obvious that the company has made some major investments in these areas. That already shows now, but will continue to pay off in the future.
7) Did anything surprise you during your visit?
I had no idea that Winnie was that good at ping pong (table tennis). She could be a professional.
Bafang’s Thread
What’s more, the table tennis leisure room in Bafang is a well-loved spot, where some colleagues, skilled in billiards and yoga, are eagerly anticipating Micah's next visit. Additionally, we appreciate Micah's observation regarding the new setup, which features vacuum holes in the workstation surface that effectively draw fumes away from the table, ensuring that even the first worker is shielded from soldering fumes. It's crucial for a company to prioritize the physical and mental well-being of its employees.
8) If you had to sum up Bafang for potential partners in the eBike industry in just three words, what would they be?
Quality meets affordability
9) What was the most significant insight you gained from your time at our headquarters?
Definitely the breadth of products now offered by Bafang as well as the amount of care and attention that goes into producing them correctly to give riders the best performance they can get without having to pay crazy high prices for a German drive system.
Micah is gearing up to release an exciting new video on his personal YouTube channel, which you can find at here. In this upcoming video, he will present a comprehensive compilation that highlights his recent trips to a variety of companies in China. Viewers can look forward to an in-depth look at the innovative practices and technologies he encountered during his travels, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the latest developments in the industry. Stay tuned for this engaging content that promises to offer valuable insights and a unique perspective!
