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One major element to consider when buying an ebike is what kind of motor to invest in. For the most part electric bicycles come with one of two types of motors: Hub-drive or Mid-drive.

Hub-drive motors are found built into either the front or rear wheel, not integrated into the bike frame. They work by spinning the wheel they are mounted on instead of driving the chain drive system, and can be found on city cruisers and ebikes that are for commuting and casual riding.

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Mid-drive motors are stationed in the center of the bicycle in between the pedals. They provide a low center of gravity, providing load balancing and the feeling of riding a traditional bicycle. Generally riders don’t feel the weight of the motor because of its centered positioning. These motors are generally found on ebikes meant for climbing steep hills, long rides, and carrying heavy loads.

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Each of these motors come with their own set of pro’s & con’s and depending on what you’re looking for in a ride it may determine which kind of ebike you consider.

Hub-Drive Motors

Screen Shot 2021-02-08 at 4.03.27 PM.png — Qualisports Nemo

Arguably one of the major benefits of hub motor ebikes are their price points. At Ebikes Hawaii you can get on a solid hub motor ebike for $1100 for a QualiSports folding bike (pictured above) and around $1650 for an Aventon Pace 500. Why the lower price point? Manufacturers make these parts more universal to fit a wider variety of frames which means less customization, equaling to lower costs for the consumer.

Another benefit of the hub motor ebike is the throttle function. A throttle is a small lever you can push with your finger that will quite literally throttle you forward without needing to pedal. A few benefits to this is that it allows you to get your ebike up to speed at a dead stop without pedaling and allows you to ride without frequently changing gears making for a more carefree, comfortable ride.

And because hub motors are on the wheel, they do not wear down the chain because they use lower torque power than mid-drive ebikes.

Naturally there are going to be some downsides to almost anything, including these motors. Because the hub motor is stationed in the wheel there is a tendency to see broken spokes over time. Spokes are a part of the foundation of the tire and due to the weight of the motor it can sometimes cause some breakage.

Also, changing a flat can be a bit more cumbersome as you will have to take additional steps due to the motor being mounted inside of the frame. It could be more costly and you may have to take it to a shop to repair.

Another downside is that since hub motors have a higher wattage than their mid-drive counterparts, it puts a larger draw on the battery decreasing the overall range ride on a charge. Remember the cool throttle function? Since you’re not pedaling using the throttle often can drain the battery faster which means you won’t get optimal range. Not a problem if you’re just cruising a few miles but if you plan to ride all day bringing another battery or your charger may be ideal. And depending on which wheel the hub motor is stationed, it can impact the weight and balance of the ebike due to the bigger motor and battery required for the higher wattage required to set the ebike in motion.

Last downside to the hub motor is the cadence sensor system for the pedal assist; using a magnet on the crank, it engages the motor on when you start to pedal and turns it off when you stop pedaling. Because it does not sense the pressure you’re putting into when pedaling you have to control the boost level and speed by adjusting the assist mode manually up and down. This can make it a little less of a natural feel than a regular bicycle or a mid-drive ebike as it pushes the bike forward, and can at times feel a bit jarring and counterintuitive.

Mid-Drive Motors

Let’s go over some benefits of mid-drive motors, to review, these are the motors that are stationed in the center of the ebike between the pedals giving the bike a more balanced feel and ride; they are smaller, lighter, and quieter than their hub-motor counterparts.

Changing tires on mid-drive motors are going to be the same as a regular bicycle, no wires and a less cumbersome task than a hub-motor tire change. Mid-drives have more advanced sensor systems; superior pedal assist, cadence, torque, and speed sensors which all work together for a more natural riding experience. They work with the bicycle’s gears to propel the ebike forward in a seamless and powerful way, feeling more like a bicycle. Torque sensors are used to regulate the motor power based on how hard you push the pedals for a more smooth and natural feeling ride.

Ebikes with these motors are great for going fast, carrying heavy loads, and climbing hills easily because the power from the motor is channeled through the drivetrain, as opposed to the wheel. They get better range as the smaller wattage motor puts less of a load on the battery ensuring a longer ride and can be found in cargo ebikes like the Tern GSD that can carry 400+ pounds!

Another key benefit is a better warranty. Typically mid-drive’s come with two year warranties on electronics with excellent diagnostic programs if you ever need to troubleshoot issues, this provides great peace of mind knowing you can get support down the road.

The downsides to mid-drive motors are their price points, paying around $2500 for a Bosch, Yamaha, or Brose ebike, and due to the higher end components the cost of repair like a failing battery or motor outside of the warranty can be a bigger hit financially. The mid-drive motor can be hard on the bike’s drive system due to the continuous output of power on the drive chain produced by pedaling, it can have more points of failure since it has more moving parts than a hub-drive system. The last downside is that they don’t come with a throttle feature which means you have to use your gears like a regular bicycle.

In conclusion, choosing a hub-drive or mid-drive motor will be based on your needs as a rider. How much do you want to spend? Will you be cruising or going up steep hills? How important is the throttle function? Answering these questions will help you choose an ebike motor system that is right for you.

For a more in-depth guide for what to consider when buying an ebike click here!

Click below for an in-depth video on Hub vs. Mid-Drive Motors!

Hub v. Mid-drive Motors: Determining the Right Fit for You