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Hello and welcome to my Tongsheng TSDZ2 forum/message board. The questions and answers below have been gathered from the main TSDZ2 review article over the last few years. I have recently updated and re-published the article and I didn’t want to discard the hundreds of useful Q and A’s posted by readers.
This isn’t a forum in the classic sense, it’s more like a message board where you can post a question and hopefully receive an answer. I have kept it simple by not requiring any kind of registration to post. But, all comments are held in moderation before being approved. This means that it may take up to 24 hrs for your message to be displayed. This is an unfortunate necessity due to the high levels of spam.
Because I am using the native comments feature on this website, there will not be any notifications of replies to posts. You will need to check back periodically.
Forum Topics
Below, I have listed some of the most popular topics discussed. Please keep all questions relevant to the Tongsheng TSDZ2. I will always try and personally answer messages, but occasionally it may relate to a problem I haven’t encountered before.
- Compatibility: e.g. will the TSDZ2 fit a certain type of bicycle
- Installation issues: Problems with the installation process
- Motor faults: A very broad topic covering a multitude of problems
- Programming: Not something I have any experience with but I can point you in the right direction for resources
Everyone is welcome, but please keep the conversation specifically about the Tongsheng TSDZ2 or similar motors like the Bafang. Thanks for reading.
Please scroll down for the forum👇
Hi,
Tony.
I purchased a 750 w tsdz2, 48v 4000 rpm.
So, now, I need to purchase a frame.
I saw this model which has affordable price and your bottom support is 46x73mm. I was thinking to buy a 17″ 148mm version, however, I don’t know about the tsdz2 compatibility.
What do you think about this frame?
https://www.amazon.com/Airwolf-Carbon-Suspension-Mountain-Travel/dp/B07LB3WW4Q
Thank you!
Hi Armando,
I’ve checked the specifications on that frame and it would not be suitable as it has a pressfit bottom bracket shell (PF30). You need a frame that has a BSA 68-73mm threaded bottom bracket shell.
Regards,
Tony
Bonjour Tony
Tout d’abord , merci pour cette page et forum qui m’a beaucoup éclairé.
J’ai un moteur Tongsheng tsdz2 /250w/36v qui me donne une grande satisfaction. J’ai acheté chez Okfeet (aliExpress) un tsdz2 / 500w /36v . Je pensais obtenir plus de puissance sur ce deuxième moteur et il n’a absolument pas de puissance.( beaucoup moins de puissance que mon 250w) Je me demande ce que je dois faire? es-que la version 500w/36v existe vraiment ? es-que pour qu’il fonctionne je dois l’alimenté en 48v ?
Une autre remarque : il semble qu’aliExpress ne vende plus de TSDZ2 ? Grand remerciement .
Bonjour Alain,
Il semble qu’il y ait un problème avec le firmware. J’ai monté le 36v 500w, immédiatement après le 250w et il y a sensiblement plus de puissance. La puissance supplémentaire n’est perceptible que dans les deux niveaux d’assistance supérieurs, je contacterais OKfeet pour voir s’ils peuvent aider. Le TDZ2 est disponible dans les versions 36v 500w et 48v 500w. En ce qui concerne la disponibilité, j’ai été informé de manière fiable que le TSDZ2 a été retiré de la vente sur Aliexpress en raison d’un acte juridique avec un brevet Bafang. Cordialement, Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your reply to my question on suitability of a Trek District 1 Equipped (though I can’t see the message now). I was about to order a TSDZ2 kit on AliExpress, but it seems there’s suddenly no availability from your trusted vendors. Do you know if this is just a temporary supply issue, or is production of the TSDZ2 stopping?
Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim,
I just checked with that particular supplier and it looks like they’re out of stock. There’s another good supplier I’ve dealt with in the past called Greenergia. They have UK stock of the Tongsheng. Here is the link to the eBay listing.
All the best,
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for checking and for the link to Greenergia (though I’m in the Netherlands). I contacted the AliExpress vendor and they were able to supply me from remaining EU stock.
Cheers, Jim
You’re welcome.
Hi Tony
I have read recently that Bafang has sued Tongsheng for patent infringement. Bafang appears to have won this lawsuit in September, therefore the Tongsheng TSDZ2 officially can’t be sold on big platforms like Aliexpress and Amazon anymore.
I wonder if this is the reason some Sellers have stopped listing the TSDZ2? Have you heard anything about this?
Cheers, Brantley
Hi Brantley,
Yes it’s correct unfortunately. The Tongsheng is still available on Aliexpress, but they are listed without the name. It’s still available from some sellers on eBay and independent retailers.
It’s a real shame and I hope it can be resolved. I have been on the official Tongsheng website and it’s not there either.
I am waiting on a reply from a contact at Tongsheng and will post an update as soon as I know more.
Cheers,
Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for such a great source of information. I am considering adding a TSDZ2 to a Trek District 1 (or 2) Equipped. Do you have any thoughts on whether this would work?
Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim,
Looking at the specs on the Trek website, it looks like the TSDZ2 should be okay. The District 1 and 2 use a Prowheel PR-115 crankset and as far as I could make out it uses a standard threaded bottom bracket. The braking system is a roller brake, so you won’t need the coaster brake version (of the TSDZ2).
To be absolutely sure, I would remove the crankset and bottom bracket – as long as it’s a 68mm threaded cartridge type bottom bracket then you should be fine with the TSDZ2 installation.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Cheers,
Tony
I’ve recently purchased a Tongsheng TSDZ2, and was surprised it came with power off brake levers and a thumb throttle. I do not wish to fit these, but will the motor still work without them?
Thanks
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
Yes, the motor should work fine without the throttle and brake sensors fitted.
Hi Tony, am trying to buy a replacement 750 watt, 48 volt Tsdz2 controller. Okfeet has up to 500 watt, 48 volt (which I also need). Any reliable links for 750 watt, 48 volt controller please. I am in Malaysia. Thanks. Mak
Hi Mak,
Because the 750w version is a reprogrammed 500w motor (usually done by the supplier) you can’t buy a 750w-specific controller (only a 48v 500w). The 500w controller will work just fine, but if you want the higher power you will need to reprogram it using the opensource software.
Regards,
Tony
Hi Tony, many thanks for the info. That was really useful. I suspected that would be the case. By the way, I blew my 500 watt controller just by using the standard thumb throttle. I heard a small crack, then display went blank. Next day the unit reset itself and worked fine. Intrigued, I decided to give the throttle another try. This time there was a sharper crack,, and that was it. Moral: user beware use of thumb throttle. Cheers. Mak
The Open Source Firmware will allow you to set what ever power limit you want (within reason), but be aware of heat issue if you don’t also fit a temperature sensor (some rewiring required). The temp sensor is mutually exclusive with the throttle because they use the same (one and only) analogue input channel into the controller. Note that this info is true for the older but more common controller with the STM micro-controller. There is a new controller (2020) out there with a new Infineon CPU that is not yet compatible with the Open Source Firmware as far as I understand.
Thanks for the info, much appreciated?
Hello Tony
Thanks for so good webpage and all information inside.
I am thinking to install Tongsheng TSDZ2 in a Kalkhoff Voyager bike. It is my first time to do it. Do you know if it can be installed in this bike? What is the kit that you recommend (36/48V/52V 250w/350/500W/750W)? I will use the bike in a plain terrain (no mountains) and I am living in Europe (law restrictions?)
Thanks for your help
Best regards
Fernando
Hi Fernando,
I have looked at some photos but couldn’t find the exact specification of this bike. Looking at the photos, it looks like it has a regular threaded bottom bracket so the TSDZ2 should fit. You may need to re-route the cables as the cable guide (underneath the BB shell) usually gets in the way of motor installation.
If you are planning on riding fairly flat / gently undulating terrain then the 250w will be fine and it will be legal – you may need to set the maximum speed manually inside the display parameters.
If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Tony
Thanks a lot for info
Regards
Fernando
You’re welcome?
Two additional questions Tony,
In the kit it is recommended 34T for wheel plate when bicycle is 28 inch wheel. Do you recommend?
Also there is a set light sensor for speed sensor (optional) Do you recommend also?
Again thanks for your support
Hi Fernando,
A 34T will give you lower gearing for acceleration and hill climbing. A 42T would be better for flatter riding. It doesn’t have any bearing on the wheel size. The light sensor connector is useful if you’re planning on using lights that run off the battery. I’ve never used this option before as I have some powerful rechargeable lights.
Regards,
Tony
Hi Tony, I’m planning on fitting electric assist to my cargo bike and was going to go along the route of a 48V rear hub motor. Obviously where I need most assistance is on hills where the wheel speed will be low and therefore not at its most efficient. For that reason a mid drive has advantages however I would be interested to know if you think that the TSDZ2 would cope with a loaded cargo bike (approx 30kg for the bike, 70kg for the rider and up to 70kg load). I would probably opt for the 48V option. Also the question of gearing is raised. As the smallest chainring, without major chainline problems, is 42t I’m wondering how big a cassette I should fit so as to not overload the motor. Thanks, Ian
Hi Ian,
I have read numerous reports of the TSDZ2 not coping too well when climbing with heavy payloads – mainly overheating / motor cutting out and premature wear of the blue nylon gear. I would be more inclined to go with a Bafang mid-drive for this kind of set-up, plus the Bafang is much easier to re-configure and fine-tune. Regarding gearing, it depends on how steep the hills are. In Cornwall I always used a 1:1 for the lowest gear, so ideally you’d want the biggest cassette possible at the rear – something like an 11-46 which would require either SRAM NX derailleur or Shimano SLX / Deore M6100.
My personal experiences with the Tongsheng have been favourable, but unfortunately these motors do seem to suffer from long-term reliability issues. I have installed the TSDZ2 on several (fairly heavy) recumbents trikes and never had any issues.
I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please let me know.
All the best,
Tony
Hi Tony, thanks for your reply. I got the impression from what I’ve read here that the Tongsheng units are more reliable than the Bafang. Maybe I’ve misunderstood something? How would you reconfigure the Bafang unit to make it better suited to use on a cargo bike.
Cheers, Ian
Hi Ian,
It depends on which Bafang. I’ve had about a 10% premature failure rate with the 48v BBS02B but less than 1% with the BBS01B 250w 36v. I’ve never had any TSDZ2 failures, but many users report reduced reliability when using for long, steep climbs or towing a lot of extra weight. Unfortunately all of the retro-fit e-bike conversion kits are prone to gremlins, but the same can be said about a lot of the premium factory built brands.
With the Bafang you can change multiple settings using a USB lead and the free PC software – here is a link to an article that explains in greater details what you can and can’t change and what effect it has on the performance.
All the best,
Tony
Thank you for your help Tony. I’ve just come across the Bafang BBS01B ETM which appears to be uprated to cope with more torque. Could be a better option.
Ian
Yes the ETM motor has a higher torque output with different windings inside the motor and better mosfets in the controller. The BBS01B is also a lot quieter in operation than the TSDZ2, and if you program the motor correctly you get get a very smooth and seamless pedal assist. Brighton e-bikes sell it in the UK, I’ve had dealings with them in the past and never had any problems.
Thanks again for your help. There are couple of things about the Tosheng unit that appeal to me. It is more compact and as it will hang below the bottom bracket on my cargo bike this is a factor. It uses a smaller chainring and has better chainline. It uses a torque sensor which I like the idea of and I suspect will potentially put less strain on the motor on take up from a standstill. Any thoughts?
Cheers, Ian
I personally prefer the TSDZ2 to the Bafang, the torque sensing pedal assist works very well and efficiency is noticeably better. I built a Tongsheng powered hybrid bike in 2019 and covered over 500 miles on it without any problems, bearing in mind it was fitted to a 14kg bike with a 107kg rider. I think as long as you’re prepared to deal with any issues further down the line, then it’s a good buy. The good thing about both the Tongsheng and Bafang is us mere mortals can usually fix them if they go wrong (unlike Bosch etc.) and there’s good parts availability.
Ebay is always a good place to buy due to their long buyer protection – there’s a Chinese company selling the TSDZ2 via a UK warehouse. I’ve dealt with Greenergia before (through Aliexpress) and never had any problems. Here is a link to the TSDZ2 (with battery options) on eBay UK.
Cheers,
Tony
Thanks again Tony for your helpful replies. Would I correct in thinking that a 48V version of the 250W Tosheng would operate at a lower amperage and therefore potentially extend the life of the controller (and other parts)?
Cheers, Ian
Hi Ian,
Yes, that’s correct – higher voltage equals lower current draw, helping the motor run cooler.
Regards,
Tony
Can this motor be installed on a sunseeker trike?
It should fit the Sun seeker Tadpole trike as I’ve successfully fitted the TSDZ2 to several Ice Trikes which are a similar design. Not too sure about the EZ Classic though.
I have a problem with my TSDZ2. It cuts out (total instant power loss) when being ridden over a slight bump. I originally thought it was a loose connection somewhere but it only cuts out when it is providing assistance (i.e at least on ECO mode), and only when it is being actively pedalled. It seems to ride normally (i.e the same as it rode before this problem developed) until the second it goes over a slight bump. I cannot replicate the fault going over bumps when I am just coasting and/or when it is powered on but not assisting. Any pointers as to what the problem might be? Thanks
Hi,
It’s not a problem I’ve personally encountered but it sounds to me like a bad solder / lose connection in the torque sensor. There’s a small circuit board on the torque sensor that’s likely be the culprit. You will need to remove the torque sensor to access it.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Tony
Hi Tony
I’m planning on fitting a TSDZ2 to my Genesis Latitude, and I suspect I’m going to run into the problem of clearance with the bottom bracket mounted gear cable guide. Assuming paring down the plastic and using a low profile fixing (pop rivet perhaps?) isn’t enough, what hardware and re-routing do you recommend for the cable?
Secondly, I live in a very hilly part of Devon, and was wondering if a chain ring swap to about 36 tooth might work for me, and stress the motor less – are there any issues with doing that?
Thanks in Anticipation
Hi Ian,
Your best bet would be to get a gear cable outer and route the cable over the BB shell, as there’s usually not enough clearance even for a low profile cable guide. I’ve tried routing under the BB before using a full cable outer and the motor compressed it too much.
Regarding chainring I would consider a 34 or 36t, the only issue here is the stock 42t chainring is dished in slightly to compensate for the offset chain line. This means using a regular 110BCD chainring means compromised shifting (usually on the largest couple of cogs at the back). Another more costly option would be to stick with the stock 42t and fit an 11-42 cassette at the back. The only problem with that is the Shimano Deore M610 derailleur will go to about 40t max with the ‘b’ screw adjusted. You would need something like a Shimano M6000 or SLX derailleur to work with an 11-42.
I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.
All the best,
Tony
Once the bike is converted to a TSDZ2, would it be okay to leave it outdoors -without the battery– or do you recommend that the whole bike be taken indoors? In other words, does the motor get damaged in the hot, cold, rain and snow of the east coast?
Hi,
Yes it should be okay, but I would recommend using a waterproof bike cover. In my experience the TSDZ2 is fairly water resistant, but I would definitely protect the battery contacts and display from prolonged exposure to the elements.