7 FACTS ABOUT MID DRIVE MOTOR EBIKES (CAN SAVE YOU $$$)

December 26, 2018 3 min read

Are you considering purchasing a motorized bike but feeling overwhelmed by the information available, particularly regarding motors? You might be wondering: Is a mid-drive motor superior? If so, why?

Which is better: a 750W hub motor or a 250W mid-drive motor?

Why does a $1,000 bike on Amazon feature a 500W motor, while a $7,000 German bike has only a 250W Bosch mid-drive motor?

In this article, we will simplify everything you need to know about motorized bike mid-drive motors. We recommend reading this article before making a purchase.

Hub Motors

The first generation of bike motors
Apply force directly to the wheel
Provide better initial acceleration
Easier to repair
Lighter weight
Quieter operation

Mid-Drive Motors

The latest technology in bike motors
Apply force to the crank
Higher torque for better climbing ability
Easier maintenance for your electric bike
Improved weight distribution
More efficient, resulting in a longer range

1. Weight Distribution

Hub motors are typically located in the front or rear wheel, which can lead to uneven weight distribution. In contrast, mid-drive motors are positioned at the center of the bike, near the crank. This central placement ensures a balanced weight distribution and maintains the center of gravity.

HUB MOTOR

MID DRIVE MOTOR

As shown, the mid-drive motor's weight is centered, providing stability, especially when riding downhill or over bumps. This balanced distribution also makes it easier to lift the bike.

While front hub motors can achieve a relatively balanced weight distribution when paired with a rear battery, they can put extra stress on the front fork's dropouts. Since most motorized bikes use standard bicycle forks, which are not designed for high stress, this can lead to potential breakage, especially with alloy forks that do not bend under pressure.

2. Motor Power

Mid-drive motors feature internal speed reduction gears that enhance torque. To illustrate, think of wind turbines, which generate significant torque at low speeds.

However, these gears can affect initial acceleration, making mid-drive motors feel less zippy compared to hub motors.

Why Do Mid-Drive Motors Have Speed Reduction Gears?

The answer is straightforward: they provide higher torque and efficiency. This allows mid-drive motors to climb hills more easily and operate efficiently at various speeds, while hub motors are typically efficient only at high speeds.

Mid-drive bikes are ideal for:

Riders seeking long ranges
Those needing to climb hills
Individuals using the bike for hauling
Riders who frequently change speeds, such as on trails

This is why all mountain bike brands exclusively use mid-drive motors.

Hub motorbikes are better suited for:

Riders in moderately flat areas
Those who do not need long ranges can still benefit. Larger batteries can extend the range. This is shown in the W-Premium ebike, which has a 48V18ah battery
Riders looking for quicker initial acceleration

3. Maintenance

Maintenance can be tricky. At Ariel Rider, we offer both mid-drive and hub motor bikes, allowing us to provide unbiased insights.

Hub motors are located at the center of the wheel, making tire changes and gear repairs more challenging than on a standard bicycle. Many users find hub motors harder to maintain.

In contrast, removing a mid-drive motor is straightforward—just unscrew four bolts. However, with hub motors, the spokes are connected to the motor, making removal labor-intensive and requiring expertise.

On the downside, mid-drive motors can be more complex to repair if they break. However, if you invest in a quality motor from brands like DAPU, Bosch, or Shimano, you can minimize concerns about reliability. Our first mid-drive motor has been tested for 72,000 km without issues, so choose a trusted brand.

4. Handling Your Bike

Mid-drive motors are positioned low and centrally, enhancing handling during:

Turns
Descents
Bumpy terrain

5. Noise Levels

Mid-drive motors utilize internal speed reduction gears, which, while effective at increasing torque, can also generate noise. Although the noise level is higher than that of hub motors, it is not as loud as some may suggest.

6. Long Range

Mid-drive motors, equipped with speed reduction gears, offer advantages for long-distance riding.

In summary, understanding the differences between hub and mid-drive motors can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a motorized bike.

Tools for Riders

Quick Range by Route

Adjust rider weight, elevation, and battery to estimate range.

Rider (lb) Elevation (ft) Assist Mode

Battery Single Dual

Voltage (V) Capacity (Ah) Or Total Energy (Wh) Motor (W) (reference)

- miles estimated

Enter your details above to calculate range.

Assumes Class 2 speeds (about 20 mph), calm wind, proper tire pressure, and a healthy battery. Open full calculator

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Legal & Safety Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, technical, or legal advice. Ariel Rider and its affiliates make no representations or warranties, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, reliability, legality, or suitability of any information herein. Specifications, performance figures, and availability may change without notice. Real-world results (e.g., range/torque/speed) vary with rider weight, terrain, weather, maintenance, tire pressure, and other factors.

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