Which motor to choose an electric bike with?
Have traffic jams, expensive fuel, limited parking spaces and increasing car tax made you think about an electric bike? Maybe it’s the right time to choose a proper electric bicycle? How to make the right choice?
In principle, an electric bike should be chosen just like a car. Should it be a comfortable cruiser or a sporty sprinter or a forest adventurer? Then, of course, you should think about which electric bike to choose. Well, in the end, appearance is still important, let’s be honest. 😊 But here we will focus on the pros and cons of the two main types of electric bike motors.
Hub motor and hub motor are the two most common types of e-bike motors. The drive motor inside the hub is located inside the front or rear wheel e. as the name suggests: inside the hub. The motor that drives the center gear, however, is located in the middle of the electric bike, near the pedals.
Electric bikes with hub motor
The hub motor is integrated into the hub of the e-bike. This means that the motor is located inside the wheel hub, which gives the electric bike a discreet appearance and makes the motor less noticeable. If the battery of such an electric bicycle is hidden in the frame, you may not realize at first glance that it is an electric bicycle. From the outside, such an electric bicycle looks like a normal bicycle, but in fact, it has a small and good helper hidden in it.
There are two types of hub motors: front and rear hub motors. Front hub motors use less tire wear but are more unstable. Rear hub motors are preferred because they are more stable, with smoother acceleration and better traction.
Electric bikes with hub motors usually have several power levels that allow the driver can adjust the assistance of the electric motor according to the need and driving conditions. Electra electric bikes with hub motors have three power levels.
Electric bikes with mid-range motor
E-bikes with mid-drive motors are quieter, more technically sophisticated and also smarter than hub motors and have several advantages. Centrifugal motors are more efficient than hub-drive motors. This means you can go further on a single charge and they tend to have better torque than hub-drive motors. An electric bike with a mid-range motor is easier to ride up a steep hill and is also suitable for carrying heavier loads.
Electric bicycles with a mid-motor motor offer a more natural riding experience. This is because it has a more even weight distribution and the motor powers the bike through the pedals just like the cyclist’s own legs. Bosch mid-drive motors are all assist motors, that is, without cranking, the electric bike does not run. But this need is not even there, because with maximum power, cranking is very easy, it feels like you are driving downwind and downhill. Bosch motors offer four power levels and the motor is very intelligent: it constantly measures the rider’s cranking power and adds power accordingly. In other words, the faster the rider cranks, the more the engine provides additional power.
Pros of hub motor electric bikes
Cheaper: Hub motors are generally cheaper than mid-drive motors.
Lighter: In-hub motors are lighter than mid-drive motors, meaning the e-bike weighs less. This is important when the electric bicycle cannot be stored in a garage or a storage place without steps, but needs to be lifted up the stairs every day. Electric bikes with Electra hub motors have a torque of 40 Nm, for a lighter e-bike this is enough torque for a quick start.
Good for the commuter: A hub motor electric bike is a good choice for shorter and medium daily commutes as they are more affordable, low maintenance and lightweight.
Disadvantages of hub motor electric bikes
More modest power: Hub motors are not as powerful as mid-drive motors, so a hub motor e-bike may not be the best choice for riders who ride long distances, have a lot of steep climbs or need to carry heavy things.
Riding Experience: Hub motors assist cranking with a fixed power, they don’t make a difference to the rider’s cranking power. So the driving experience is somewhat more robust. There is also some noise from the running hub motor, but it is not disturbing. In city traffic, where the general noise level is higher, you don’t even notice this sound.
Advantages of mid-range electric bikes
More powerful and smarter: mid-drive motors are more powerful than hub motors, so they are perfect for the cyclist who rides a lot, long distances, takes a child to daycare by bike every day, and carries large bags of groceries. Steep climbs are not a problem for an electric bike with a mid-range motor, even if you are carrying a heavier load.
Bosch mid-range electric bikes are high-tech: safely and without lifting your hands from the handlebars, you can control navigation, make and receive calls, and select music for your headphones, the app even shows the weather forecast. Another useful function is walk assist – the electric bike will carry itself up the hill by the hand by the motor. This is helpful in situations where it is not possible to ride uphill (for example, too narrow or dangerous track), then you don’t have to push the 25 kg electric bike up the hill, it does it by itself. You just have to hold the steering wheel.
More natural riding experience: Mid-drive motors offer a more comfortable riding experience than hub motors because the motor is located in the mid-drive and is directly connected to the pedals. Bosch mid-drive electric bikes are very quiet.
More Efficient: Mid-drive motors are more efficient than hub-drive motors. Electric bikes with Electra mid-range motors have quite powerful batteries (500 Wh) so that with one charge you can travel twice as far as electric bikes with hub motors (approx. up to 120 km). Depending on the model, the torque is either 50 Nm or 65 Nm, which gives the e-bike a very sudden start.
A decent electric bike with a mid-range motor is a serious alternative to a car. If you plan to ride all year round, we recommend an electric bike with a mid-range motor.
Disadvantages of mid-drive electric bikes
More expensive: electric bikes with mid-drive motors are more expensive.
Heavier: a mid-drive motor is heavier than a hub drive and, as a rule, the battery of an electric bike with a mid-drive motor is also larger, therefore also heavier, which makes handling such electric bikes somewhat more difficult, for example, it is easier to lift them when you need to transport the electric bike or lift it up stairs .
What should you consider when choosing an electric bike suitable for your needs?
Environment: if you plan to ride an electric bike in the mountains, on uneven terrain or on a hiking trail, an electric bike with a mid-range motor is definitely a better choice. Hub motors are not as powerful and can sometimes get into trouble in more extreme conditions. Electric bikes with both types of motors can handle the normal urban terrain perfectly.
Riding Style: If you are an experienced cyclist who enjoys fast and active riding, an electric bike with a mid-range motor is a slightly better choice. Mid-range engines offer excellent driving comfort and are also suitable for aggressive driving. If you are a rider who rides less often, for example for fun rides on weekends and you are looking for a simple and affordable electric bike, an electric bike with a hub motor is a good choice.
Budget: E-bikes with mid-drive motors are generally more expensive than those with hub motors. If you have a smaller budget, an electric bike with a hub motor is a more affordable option.
Driving range: think about how long distances you plan to drive. The distance traveled on different electric bikes can be many times different. For example, you can ride an electric bike with an Electra mid-range motor up to 120 km on a single charge, but an e-bike with a hub motor can go up to 60 km.
Some tips for choosing an electric bike with the right type of motor
Try Ride: Test ride several different models of e-bikes with different types of motors before making a decision. This gives you the opportunity to feel the difference and decide which type of e-bike you prefer. Very often, it is the test drive experience that determines the decision. Besides the engine, the comfort of the driving position should not be underestimated. Therefore, we definitely recommend trying the electric bike before buying.
Check reviews: Read reviews of different models and motors before buying an electric bike. This helps to better understand the pros and cons of each engine type.
Talk to an expert: if you are still not sure which type of e-bike is the most suitable for you, contact an e-bike specialist. In every decent bike shop, you can find an expert who has riding experience and knows the technical side of electric bike motors and the soul. An experienced specialist will help you assess your needs and can recommend the best electric bike with the best motor.
Come to our Electra bicycle shop for a test drive and experience for yourself the difference between a hub motor and a mid-drive electric bicycle. When ordering from our e-store, you can test the electric bicycle in your own home, and if it does not meet your expectations, you can return it to us.
Our bike shop has a wide selection of electric bikes with both types of motors available for on-site testing, you’re sure to find the one that suits your needs. Our knowledgeable staff will help answer all questions and help you choose the best electric bike for your riding style and budget.
Come for a test ride today and see for yourself that electric bikes are the best way to get around both in the city and in the countryside!
Why come for a test drive?
- You can try different types of electric bicycles and you will feel for yourself which one appeals to you.
- You can get help from our expert staff when choosing the best electric bike for your needs.
- You can get more information about the various functions, advantages and technical aspects of electric bicycles. Our specialists have the time and experience to answer all questions about electric bikes.
- You avoid post-purchase disappointment, which can happen, for example, when ordering from China.
- You will get richer by experience! If you haven’t ridden an electric bike before, come and experience how fun and great it is.
Book a test drive already today! You are welcome.
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