VS 

Hub Motor Advantages

1. Lower Cost – Hub Drive motors are less expensive to manufacture and require less time for assembly and integration. This equates to a lower overall price compared to a mid-drive motor.

2. No Chain Required – If something were to happen such as a derailleur or chain breaking, hub drive motor Ebikes can be ridden without a chain by using the throttle only. This is a nice feature in the event of a mechanical failure.

3. Smooth & Peppy – It’s hard to explain without first-hand experience but hub-drive motors have a smooth, yet peppy take off which makes riding fun with exhilarating.

Hub Motor Disadvantages

1. Less Torque – Because hub-drive motors do not utilize the mechanical advantage of the chain and gearing when using throttle only, riders will have pedal more often to climber steeper terrain or to pull heavier loads.

2. Added Rear Weight – Having the weight of the motor in the rear wheel makes the bike “back- heavy” which is a little more cumbersome when riding in technical terrain.

3. Increased Time for Rear Wheel Maintenance– Due to the location of the motor in the rear wheel and added wiring, routine tube repairs and/or tire changes can be a bit more time to complete.

Mid-Drive Motor Advantages

1. Increased Torque – Mid-Drive motors are directly integrated with the pedals and crank, which equates to a more efficient power transfer from the motor. Whether you are using pedal assist or throttle only, the chain and mechanical gearing are always engaged, which results in better hill-climbing and heavier load-pulling capabilities.

2. Longer Battery Life – When ridden in the proper gearing, mid-drive motor eBikes typically see longer mileage per battery charge due to a more efficient power transfer through the gearing on throttle only.

3. Superior Balance – With the weight of the motor housed in the center of the bike, balance is optimized for a better riding experience in technical, off-road terrain.

4. Added Versatility and Natural Feel – A mid-drive motor has a more natural pedaling feel because it is integrated with the crank. Additional features such as torque sensors that are found in our ebike ranges provide a more fluid riding experience and power versatility.

Mid-Drive Motor Disadvantages

1. Higher Cost – Mid-Drive motors cost more money due to advanced technology and design. They also require more labor to install and require a customized frame to be fully integrated as an Ebike. For example, the mid-drive 500W ebike will be usually US$500 more compared to the 750W hub motor ebike. To put this into perspective, these two models are pretty much the same bike.

2. Increased Stress on Components – Electric mid-drive motors are very powerful and the added torque from engaging the drive train will require slightly more maintenance than a hub-drive bike. Chains may stretch a bit more and derailleurs will need more tune-ups, especially during the first 100 miles break-in period.

Summary

At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either motor option. Both Hub-Drives and Mid- Drives are great designs with many years of proven performance and reliability. The key to determining the best motor type is evaluating the specific needs and characteristics of each individual such as terrain, intended use, and budget. A person that lives in the Midwest with moderate rolling terrain and whom is more price conscious will be perfectly happy with the performance of a Hub-Drive bike. On the other hand, someone who lives in a more diverse, mountainous environment will be better suited with a Mid-Drive bike due to longer/steeper inclines and more technical terrain. Both motors will work in any scenario and any environment, but it is important to recognize the potential trade-offs before making a purchase.