Which types of motors used in E-Bike [Best one For You]

The motor is the essential part of an Ebike which gives power to your Ebike. So in this article, we’ll discuss that what are the different types of motors used in E-Bike & we’ll also see which one will be the Best One For You.

In the Ebike you got 3 types of motors which are “Front hub motor”, “Rear hub motor”, and “mid-drive motors”. Below we’ll discuss each in detail & their pro & cons so that you can choose which one to buy & which one to avoid.

Table of Contents

What does Ebike Motor do?

In the Ebike, the motor provides assistance to the rider. While riding a bicycle you need to use the pedal but in E-bicycle you also get assistance with the pedal.

So with that assistance, you’ll not need to use that much leg force while riding because your motor is producing it now.

It is very helpful in steep climbs & hilly areas for bicycle riding. Now let’s learn about different motors.

Types of motors used in E-Bike

As we discuss earlier that Ebike comes with 3 types of motors, “Front hub motor”, “Rear hub motor”, and “Mid-drive motors”. Before you choose your Ebike it’s worth researching which one is best for you. So let’s get started.

1. E-Bike Front hub motor

The Front hub motor is mounted on the front wheel of the e-bike. This is the least common type, which means you’ll rarely find any Ebike with a Front hub motor style. But still, you should know about this.

In this, the motor gives the power to the front wheel & your padel gives the power to the back wheel so it crates a good all-wheel drive system.

Benefits of a Front hub motor:

Extra traction provided due to the all-wheel drive system makes it a good choice for snowy areas.
As you’re getting balanced traction to both wheels then it’s also good for while you’re riding in Sand.
There is no gear system installed in the front wheel so it’ll be easy to install to repair in the future.
It’ll create a well-balanced weight distribution as the motor is installed at the front & battery is installed at the middle or back of Ebike.

Disadvantage of a Front hub motor:

Your weight is mostly on the rear wheel so lower on the front wheel make it spin more freely, this will make your riding experience a bit different & it’ll take some time to adjust you.
Not suitable for long climbing.
Make you feel that something is pulling you.
Overall less power as compared to “Rear hub motors”, and “mid-drive motors”.
Not easy to find in the market.

2. E-Bike Mid-drive motors

As its name says, a mid-drive motor is present in the middle of your E-bike i.e between the pedals. As it’s connected directly to the paddle drive system so in terms of efficiency they are best. In this, as the motor works, it’ll also give traction to the drivetrain.

But As you can see in the picture that, they also give bulky look to the Ebike & sometimes a bit noisy too as they are connected to the paddling components.

Benefits of a Mid-drive motor:

The mid-drive motor comes with its own gear system so connected to your bicycle gear system it makes your hill-climbing easier.
You can remove both wheels normally as you do with your normal bicycle because the motor & electric parts are not connected to them.
The mid-drive motor gives the best lower center gravity so you can ride better.
They are the best for off-roading.

Disadvantage of a Mid-drive motor:

Mid-drive motor cause chains and shifters to wear out more quickly as they are associated components.
It’s expensive to buy & also expensive to maintain as we explain in the previous point.
Make the Ebike look bulky.
You’ll find a very less number of Ebikes with this type due to low demand due to high price.
Learning about their gear management is very impotent otherwise it can create serious issues.
Can’t ride with a broken chain.

3. E-Bike Rear hub motors

Now let’s see the last type which is the Rear hub motor, it’s a little bit similar to the Front hub motor as it’s also positioned on the hub of the rear wheel. Rear hub motors are the most common type of motor that you can find in all types of brands & price ranges.

Benefits of a Rear hub motor:

Instead of the feeling of getting pulled by the front hub motor, the rear one will give the feel of push. Which will feel more natural the same as a conventional bicycle.
Available in a wide range of power options as compared to the others.
Cheaper than a mid-drive motor.
It’ll easily hide in the rear wheel gears & give you the good old look of a bicycle. As Compared to “Front hub & mid-drive” which get very exposed to the public.
Less wear and tear compared to other.
If the chain is broken then you are still able to ride it.

Disadvantage of a Rear hub motor:

As gear systems & motors are placed in the same place so wheel replacement will bit difficult.
Not powerful as a mid-drive motor.
If the battery is also mounted at the back then it can be a bit heavy on the backside as a lot of components are placed on the same side.

Which eBike motor is best for you?

As I have explained everything in detail then you must have got the answer for you. Because everyone got different requirements, so you can choose the best for you. But here are some key points that you can take into consideration.

At first, I won’t recommend you to get a front hub because they are not easy to find. But If you really want it then you can try it.

Now between “Rear hub motor”, and “mid-drive motors”, if you need power then you can go with “mid-drive”. But more power comes with more complexity.

The “Rear hub motor” will have a bit less power but you will not feel any complexity in riding it. So there is no learning curve in this.

Another key point will be your budget if you have a high budget then you can go with “mid-drive motors” because buying will bit expensive & after that maintenance will be a bit expensive.

If you are low if budget then you can go with the “Rear hub motor”. As they are also available at low prices.

Conclusion

As you have got all the important information related to them now I want you to go out & do the test drive for some time. Real-life riding experience can defiantly change the decision & mindset you have created by the stuff available online.

If you need to connect with me then I’ll be happy to help you.