The most searched query in the e-bike world: which is the best motor in ebike: Hub motors vs Mid-drive motors? And I have seen people arguing and declared some kind of debate but it’s not. It’s just people are confused between these two motors and have lack of knowledge.
Hub drive motor is for different segments of people and the mid-drive motor caters to different segments of people.
For a layman, both motors work the same but for an e-bike enthusiast who has deep knowledge, knows the difference between hub motor and mid-drive motor. Because it almost generates the same amount of power (a little bit here and there) and the same torque. Now you have been thinking what’s the difference then? Correct, the difference lies in the way of use.
If you have read any similar articles on the internet before reading this one then you must have encountered these 2 things: “Which e-bike motor is lighter in weight” and another one is “hub motor and the mid-drive motor has two variants geared, geared less, direct, internally geared…”
So, we will answer both the queries in this blog post that thousands of people have asked and seen.
Let’s start the post!
What is a Hub Motor?
A hub motor is an electric motor that is mainly fitted in the rear wheel of the bike. In this, the motor drives the wheel directly so, the rotational force originates right from the rear wheel and the chain stays still.
Hub Motor works 100% independently from the standard bike components that you use when you pedal. In fact, you could take the chain completely off and the motor would still drive the wheel without any issue.
In a hub drive e-bike, it doesn’t matter what gear you’re in, high or low the motor will perform the same even when you climb the hill no need to shift the gear.
In simple words – Riding a hub motor e-bike is like driving an automatic car. Just twist the throttle and go.
Common Issue Faced by Hub Motor E-Bike Users
1. The only issue that is faced by the hub motor e-bike owner is changing the rear wheel. As you know hub motor is fitted in the rear wheel and whenever rear wheel faces any issue hub motor cable needs to be disconnected first and there is so much hassle in fixing rear wheel.
2. Hub motor e-bikes used to come with cadence sensors only but nowadays it is coming with torque sensors as well. The reason I’m putting this is because hub motor ebikes that come with torque sensors are costlier than cadence sensors. The torque sensor gives a more natural feel while riding the bike.
What is a Mid-Drive Motor?
The mid-drive motor is mounted inside the bike frame between the crank arms it delivers power to the rear wheel in the same way that your pedalling does through the chain this allows the motor to take full advantage of gears on your bike.
Common Issue Faced by Mid-Drive Motor E-Bike Users
When it comes to performance mid-drive motors are superior in every aspect but differences don’t stop here. When a mid-drive is used properly with the bike’s gears the motor spends most of the time running at ideal RPM this means the motor is gonna last longer and has a lower risk of burning out. However, if the bike’s gears aren’t used properly then there is high chance of breaking the bike chain sooner.
Note: I would like to clarify one thing, I wanna keep the pros and cons not in-depth so you can have a quick knowledge about the best and bad points.
Comparisons: Hub Motor vs Mid-Drive Motor
I have given my opinion and points so it will be more convenient for you to see which motor has advantages.
1. Maintainance
Hub motor has almost zero maintenance but in mid-drive motor, you need to lubricate the gears and chain more frequently.
Point goes to: Hub Motor
2. Power
Hub motor delivers power directly to the wheel whereas in a mid-drive motor power goes through the chain and gears. This makes hub motor more powerful.
Point goes to: Hub Motor
3. Ride Quality
Ride quality is subjective as it totally depends on who is going to ride because hub motor ebike is more for beginners, senior citizens or those who don’t want any hassle just a simple ride.
Point goes to: No points
4. Durability
In a hub motor, you just need to press the throttle and you’re good to go but in a mid-drive motor, there is a fear of chain breaking because it uses gear to speed up.
Point goes to: Hub motor
5. Weight
Mid-drive e-bikes have great weight distribution because the motor is fitted middle of the bike whereas in hub motor is installed in the back wheel which makes the weight distribution uneven.
Point goes to: Mid-drive motor
6. Cost
The mid-drive motor is more advanced than the hub motor.
point: goes to: Hub motor
7. Noise
For me, both create the same level of noise. I have seen people talking about mid-drive motorbikes being quieter, while people who own hub drive ebike say it is quieter.
Note one thing while riding with mid-drive shift gear makes noise but the motor doesn’t and it’s vice versa with the hub motor. To be honest, I like gear shifting (click-clack) noise, it gives me more feel 😅.
Point goes to: No points
8. Braking
Some hub motor e-bikes offer regenerative braking. This system converts some of the kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This provides a smoother deceleration experience. This is the only advantage hub motor e-bikes have. The rest of things are the same in both the motors.
Point goes to: hub motor
9. Range
Mid-drive motors give more range than hub motors because it uses power efficiently, using power efficiently means more range.
Point goes to: Mid-drive motor
10. Throttle Compatibility
The throttle in the hub motor is easier, all you need to do is twist and good to go, no gear involved. But in a mid-drive ebike, you have to change gears to increase speed and by mistake, you put the wrong gear.
Point goes to: Hub motor
11. Handling
As you know mid-drive e-bikes have great weight distribution and uses gear that makes the handling of the bike more stable.
Point goes to: Mid-drive motor
The total points earned by the hub motor is 6 points and by the mid-drive motor is 3 points out of 11.
Myths Regarding Hub Motor and Mid Drive Motor
1. Mid-drive motors are always better for climbing hills.
Well, I’m pretty sure you have heard this thing from many people on YouTube or even read on the blogs and yes, it’s kind of true. The mid-drive e-bike will climb in a much more efficient manner if compared to the hub motor but that doesn’t mean the hub drive is bad or you will see drastic differences that’s not the case. I use a hub-drive e-bike more than mid-drive and while climbing hills it does its job.
2. Hub motors are less efficient than mid-drive motors.
Again there is one condition that mid-drive motors are great with tackling steep hills as it’s use a gear system like motorcycle that makes the climb more efficiently. Otherwise, hub motor e-bikes are also great. It’s a 50-50 scenario.
3. Hub motors are always quieter than mid-drive motors.
That’s a myth, at least according to my ears both the e-bike motors do make equal dB noise. Mid-drive e-bikes make a little bit more noise as we need to shift gears. unlike the mid-drive, hub motor e-bike bypasses the gears.
Just to highlight, noise coming from these motors is way less than compared to gas bikes. A quick short example to make you understand, if a person is walking 5 meters away from you he will not know somebody is coming from behind (condition added – if the surrounding has some noise or he is listening to some music then he would definitely would not have known). This is that much quieter (both motors).
4. Hub motors are less durable than mid-drive motors.
It’s a myth, actually it’s the opposite. Hub motors are more durable than mid-drive motors.
5. Mid-drive motors are always more expensive than hub motors.
Yes, that’s true. You won’t find mid-drive motors on a budget e-bike normally. In case you find it it will not come with advanced features.
Which is Better: Hub Motor or Mid-Drive Motor?
If you ask me which one will I pick? Hub motor ebike any day anytime. But why? Let me tell you hub motor e-bikes are easy to use, you don’t need to think much while riding, no need to be attentive, just give throttle and you’re good to go.
For me, I find hub motor e-bikes are always best in every aspect whether in terms of money, usage, performance and even climbing is way easier in hub ebikes. Mid-drive ebikes are more for professional riders those who want to do mount biking, off-roading and those looking for superior performance and better battery efficiency.
FAQs
Q1. Which motor type is more efficient in terms of battery usage?
Ans. The mid-drive motor is more efficient in terms of battery usage as it uses gear system to produce adequate power.
Q2. Are mid-drive motors more expensive than hub-drive motors?
Ans. Yes, mid-drive motor e-bikes are generally more expensive than hub-drive motors.
Q3. Are there any legal restrictions or regulations regarding the use of hub drive or mid-drive e-bikes?
Ans. Yes, there are some rules and regulations on using ebikes on the road but it varies from different state. For more info read here.
Q4. Are hub drive or mid-drive motors waterproof and suitable for all weather conditions?
Ans. Not all hub-drive e-bikes and mid-drive e-bikes are made waterproof. If you have IPX4 rated or more ebike then it’s an all-weather ebike.
