EP02 : What E-Bike Motor is best for you ? Hub vs Mid Deep Dive

Hey guys, thanks for checking out this video.

In this video we go deep into the differences between the different motors for your ebike. This includes geared hub, direct drive hub, mid drive, and even front vs back hubs.

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Thanks for watching and happy EBiking!!

[nahumah]

For the love of God, please either change the background music or turn it down.

[nancybryson]

TY so much for this important info, I just couldn't concentrate due to the punishing background noise.

[completesalvation]

I am trying to be helpful. Let me make a couple of points about the placement of the motors. Of course it’s understood a geared motor is not necessary to place on the front nor a direct drive on the rear. A couple of mandatory things that need to be addressed are the front drive motor and the bike frame. The most dangerous thing is the promotion of the front wheel drive. A bike is not designed to be pulled from the front fork. Particularly with a strong motor, Over time this will stress the front end and make it likely to break off, possibly causing serious injury. The front motor is also likely to twist itself off the front end. It would be advisable to use not only one but two torque arms for safety. As you mentioned it is quite unstable and particularly bad on wet roads. Personally I’d use a front motor only on a trike or something similar where the rear or mid drive is not desirable. Additionally for all e-bike conversions, a bike frame needs to be strong of good quality, not fragile or lightweight because of the stress the motor will cause. (In my opinion steel is preferred above aluminum or carbon fiber) It is no longer a bike but a “motor-cycle “. I will also say that particular attention should be given to the brakes and brake maintenance. A 750-1000w e-bike is dangerous. Again It is not a foot powered bike anymore, it is motorized and is subject to a higher level of stress and pushes the limits and level of speed a standard bicycle is designed to withstand.

[daztastic]

Great video very well explained so even someone with little or no experience with e-bike systems can easily understand all the factors, very useful 🙌

[billmoxon]

By far the best comparison video on the internet!! Very impressively explained.

[vatsmith]

Turn the workshop radio off before you start recording your next video!

[greyscout]

As a complete newby, I appreciate the info. Well done video. Thanx.

[usertlsdca]

I have 2 motor types of gear and gearless DD. I use the 350watt gear motor to go long distance of over 12 Miles but only 20mph top speed. I use the Gearless DD to do in town delivery stops of steep hills of 2000watt top speed at 42 mph but can not ride over 3 Miles full throttle. What I did was a DIY Dual E Bike using both motor types to coralate function for practical and energy efficient use. Use the 350 watt Gear as base motor as once I go to cruise control at 20mph, I turn on the 2000watt gearless as an accelerated Boost Mode function of going 40mph on long distance over 12 Miles while pulling 200lbs. I couldn't just set up a Dual bike without putting in the right system of function of motors used together. Most ppl go ahead and put on the Gearless DD as both motors but end up using more energy output of battery. My set up was to use half the throttle speed on both motors as 1 throttle to maintain wattage outage use. Jus say I only charge my batteries once a week of both over 3 times a week before of having jus 1 motor. It was genius on my part to hook up right method to be practical and energy efficient as many end up defeating the purpose without putting this in thought.

[dalvenable]

I want simple, I want power, I want silent I use Direct Drive rear hub motors. I stress Rear Hub motor. I love the silent power and reliability of the No Moving parts motor. They are heavy but when you move as fast as these will you want a little more weight on the frame. Look for systems with built on torque arm if possible. I use 1500 watt systems which go without restrictors in place 40 plus mile per hour couple it with a 48 volt 20 ah 1600watt battery you can climb a mountain without pedaling. I build E-BMX Mini bike for kids using only a direct drive with no bicycle pedals or chain. Just foot pegs in the frame and motor hub on the rear. I call it Wire drive.

[jobmariano]

I am currently enjoyed using a direct drive hub user, it has less maintenance especially on chains, brake pads and capable of engine braking that cant be done by a mid drives.But there are pros and cons .

[edinelsonramirez]

Thanks for shedding light on that subject matter!
Appreciate the info, bro!

[norbertlutz]

Great video, but what is the music for?

[johnreese]

Your little helper is a movie star!! Great info/video, thanks! 2 mid drives here!

[jasondundom]

You should be carrying a Tool kit "chain breaker" any ways.. The BBS02 can be set to 1470w, With my 52v batt and a 52t chainring i can hit 32pmh throttle only, 42 peddling as fast as i can full throttle, 46 drafting a box truck.! and only weight 55lb. All hub drives hate pulling a load "Trailer" at a slow pace.. Especially going slow on rocky trails. Mid drives excel at this and use the bikes derailleur.. "Mine 9 gears" I pull my trailer with the dog on trails that would burn up hub drives.. Yes there are builds that can handle what i do with my ebike.. as the more watts you push the more capable your build will be. Here in Cali the legal max is only 750w tho i'm pushing almost double that.. i'm able to ride with traffic when i have to and not bothered going up any overpass 😎 Where hub drives really shine is commuting in town / leisure riding.. But if you like hill climbs, trail riding and jumps "Off Road" I recommend The CYC X1 Pro Gen 4 5000W Mid Drive Conversion Kit.. yes you will pay big.. but you will have a crazy powerful electric motor cycle "Depending on your build.. there are many groups that can help you out on Facebook 👍

[elgringoec]

I found that very informative and thought provoking. Not sure, I like the advantages of the mid drive but question the biometrics of the cranksets. Also I have heard they're really hard on the wheel freewheel mechanism. I def wouldn't go front wheel drive.
Do they have mid drives with locking freewheel mechanisms to allow selective regenerative braking plus motor disconnect for manual operation?

That was cool hearing the baby. 😁

[Xtrafix]

Great tips thanks the music was a lil too much but I enjoyed video

[leedlbo]

Good information but music was over powering what you were saying, made it almost impossible to hear you .

[JustMe-lpem]

When considering weight you must factor in everything like the rim, tir, spokes etc just as you dont weight the the frame mount motor with the frame.

[ZebbMassiv]

Front hub on a silent coaster bike. No drag so quiet.

[aabc]

What if you use both mid and hub drive