MY1016 vs MY1020 vs MY6812: Comparing Popular E-Bike Motors in India

India’s electric mobility market is growing fast, and the DIY segment is growing even faster. From electric bicycles for daily commuting to compact scooter conversions for campus and factory use, builders need one thing above all: the right motor. Among the most commonly used brushed DC options in India, three names keep coming up—MY1016, MY1020, and MY6812. Each one is popular for different reasons: size, power, torque, and cost. If you’re choosing an ebike motor for your next build, this comparison will help you pick the right model based on real-world Indian conditions.

In this detailed blog, we’ll compare MY1016 vs MY1020 vs MY6812 across power, voltage, torque feel, heat management, typical use cases (e-bike vs scooter conversion), controller/battery matching, and what affects e bike motor price in India. We’ll also explain where hub kits and mid-drive setups fit in—so you don’t overpay or under-spec your build.

Why MY-Series Motors Are So Common in India

MY-series brushed DC motors are widely used because they are straightforward to install, easy to troubleshoot, and compatible with commonly available controllers. For many builders, they’re the easiest entry point into EV conversions. Unlike a fully integrated electric motor hub kit, these motors can be paired with a chain or belt drive, allowing you to tune torque using sprocket ratios. That flexibility is useful in India where load, road quality, and riding style change a lot.

• Easy maintenance: Simple brushed design, easy to service and replace parts.
• Affordable ecosystem: Controllers, throttles, and mounts are widely available.
• Flexible gearing: Chain/sprocket changes allow torque tuning for hills or load.
• Good for prototypes: Great for student projects, startups, and low-volume builds.

Quick Summary: Which Motor Is for You?

If you want a simple rule of thumb:

• MY1016: Best for lightweight e-bikes, student builds, and short commutes.
• MY1020: Best all-rounder for daily use e-bikes and light cargo bikes.
• MY6812: Best for high torque scooter conversions and heavier loads.

MY1016 Motor: Compact, Budget-Friendly, Beginner-Safe

MY1016 is a small, commonly used motor for entry-level e-bikes. Builders choose it when they need a compact motor that fits easily on a bicycle frame and works well at lower power levels. It’s typically found in 24V and 36V variants. If your goal is a smooth, easy build and a controlled top speed, it’s a strong start.

For many buyers, the biggest advantage is the overall system cost. Since MY1016 is lower power, you can pair it with a smaller controller and battery, which reduces total setup cost and improves safety for first-time builders. That’s why MY1016-based builds often win when the main concern is e bike motor price and simplicity.

• Typical Power Range: ~250W to 350W (varies by version)
• Common Voltage: 24V / 36V
• Ideal For: Lightweight e-bike, student project, short commute
• Ride Feel: Smooth, controlled acceleration, limited hill performance

Where MY1016 may not be ideal is for heavy riders, steep flyovers, or frequent stop-start traffic with extra load. If your bike is loaded with groceries or you’re converting a heavier frame, you’ll likely want more torque.

MY1020 Motor: The Most Practical Choice for Indian Conditions

MY1020 is often considered the “sweet spot” for DIY builds in India. It gives you noticeably more torque than MY1016 while still being manageable in terms of wiring, controller cost, and mounting complexity. This motor is commonly used in 36V and 48V builds and can deliver comfortable performance for daily commuting.

If you’re deciding between buying a premium electric motor hub kit or building a chain drive setup, MY1020 provides a balanced middle path. It’s powerful enough for many real-world situations, but the ecosystem remains affordable. So overall system cost stays reasonable, even when the e bike motor price is slightly higher than MY1016.

• Typical Power Range: ~500W to 750W (varies by version)
• Common Voltage: 36V / 48V
• Ideal For: Daily commuting e-bike, light cargo, longer rides
• Ride Feel: Stronger pickup, better hill climbing, more flexibility

MY1020 is also a good pick if you’re not ready to invest in a mid drive electric motor system but still want a punchy ride. Many builders choose MY1020 for its practical torque-to-cost ratio.

MY6812 Motor: High Torque for Scooter & Heavy Loads

MY6812 is the heavy-duty option in this comparison. It’s commonly used in scooter conversions, electric go-karts, utility builds, and heavier two-wheelers where torque matters more than compact size. In India, this motor is often selected when you need confident acceleration from a standstill with load, or when the base vehicle is heavier than a regular bicycle.

If your use case resembles a hub motor for scooter build but you want flexible gearing and easier serviceability, MY6812 is a strong alternative. Because it’s chain driven, you can tune the gearing for torque or speed based on your route and payload.

• Typical Power Range: ~1000W (common rating)
• Common Voltage: 48V
• Ideal For: Scooter conversion, cargo vehicles, heavier riders
• Ride Feel: Strong pull, better load handling, more heat to manage

Because MY6812 is more powerful, it needs a stronger controller, proper wiring, and careful thermal management. So while it delivers excellent performance, system design matters. In most cases, the higher build cost is justified if your goal is a utility-focused vehicle.

Key Differences That Actually Matter

Comparing motor models is not only about wattage. In real-life India usage, the most important factors are: torque under load, heat behavior in traffic, battery drain, and how easy it is to mount the motor on your frame.

• Torque Feel: MY6812 > MY1020 > MY1016
• Compact Size: MY1016 > MY1020 > MY6812
• System Cost: MY1016 < MY1020 < MY6812
• Best Use Case: Light e-bike (MY1016), All-rounder (MY1020), Heavy builds (MY6812)

Chain Drive vs Hub Kits: What Should You Choose?

Many buyers get confused between chain-drive motors like MY-series and a complete electric motor hub kit. Hub kits are clean and convenient: the motor is inside the wheel, installation is simpler, and the design looks professional. But hub kits can be more expensive, and repairing a failed hub motor can be harder than swapping a chain motor.

Chain-drive MY motors give you more flexibility. You can place the motor where it balances the frame better, choose different sprockets for tuning, and service components more easily. For experimentation, education, and custom vehicle layouts, MY-series motors remain a very practical choice.

Where Does a Mid Drive Electric Motor Fit In?

A mid drive electric motor typically drives the crank area and uses the bike’s gears, which can be very efficient on hills. These systems are great for premium e-bikes, but they can cost more and require a more precise installation. Many DIY builders in India start with MY-series motors because the learning curve is easier and parts are easier to source.

If your goal is a commuter build with normal loads, MY1020 often gives you enough performance without going fully mid-drive. If your goal is heavy load and higher torque, MY6812 can be a cost-effective alternative, especially when tuned with sprocket ratios.

E Bike Motor Price in India: What Changes the Cost?

The e bike motor price in India depends on motor rating, build quality, brand, and supply chain. But the total project cost is more than the motor itself—controller rating, battery capacity, wiring, mounts, and drivetrain parts all add up.

As a practical approach, start by deciding your power requirement and then match the motor and controller accordingly. For updated options and variants, explore: KitsGuru E-Bike Motors Collection. This is the easiest way to compare available motors and build your motor + controller + drivetrain plan.

Selection Guide: Pick the Right Motor for Your Build

Here’s a simple decision framework to help you choose quickly:

• Choose MY1016 if you’re building a light e-bike, want easy installation, and your focus is budget-friendly entry-level performance.
• Choose MY1020 if you want a practical commuter build with better pickup, moderate hill support, and a balanced system cost.
• Choose MY6812 if you’re doing a scooter conversion, carrying extra load, or want a strong torque-first build similar to a hub motor for scooter use case.

No matter which motor you pick, plan your motor mount, chain line, sprocket ratio, and controller compatibility early. That’s what decides how reliable and smooth your final ride will feel.

Final Thoughts

The MY1016 vs MY1020 vs MY6812 comparison shows that these motors serve different needs—and choosing the right one is about matching your vehicle weight, route, and budget. If you need a beginner-friendly setup, MY1016 is a safe start. For everyday Indian commuting, MY1020 is often the best overall value. For heavy-duty scooter conversions and torque-focused builds, MY6812 is the strongest pick.

If you’re ready to choose the right ebike motor for your project and compare options in one place, browse the KitsGuru E-Bike Motors collection and build a setup that matches your goals.