Hub Motor vs Mid Drive | Electric bike motor comparison

The electric bike experts at NYCeWheels are here to make sure you're getting the right e-bike for your needs! Here's our take on the pros and cons of these different types of motor systems, how they work, and how they effect your ride!

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[anthonybyrne]

G'day from Australia I recently brought a hub motor bike and I love the bike. This is my first pedal assist bike.

[thomask]

I am on my 4th ebike. I have had two mid drives and two hubs. One mid drive was a bafang the other a bosch performance CX. With regard to the hubs, one was a Heinzmann the other a direct drive from china. Which one do I like the best? I commute and for this purpose I have found the direct drive hub the best. If I was a mountain biker then I would go the mid drive bosch. But for me, the hub is far superior for the commute. It is quieter, and more powerful for hills. Plus it is a heck of a lot cheaper and I can work on it myself.

[jkkn]

I purchased a 1500w hub motor ebike and returned it. The ride was extremely off balanced but most importantly it was extremely heavy in the rear side. Believe me when I say this, I couldn't lift the bike with two hands for more than a couple seconds. Only positive side is that its cheaper than mid drive, even thought it's slower on acceleration, it had a higher top speed (30mph+). It's also easier to customise and replace.

I also purchased a 750w mid drive motor ebike. The ride was perfect, it felt like a normal bike. Yes it's slightly heavier than a normal bike but it's definitely lighter than a hub motor ebike. Torque on acceleration is immaculate, pulls like a train! Top speed is nothing to worry about. I was only 5-10mph falling short off the 1500w hub motor top speed (25mph+).

Overall verdict:
Hub Motor 6/10
Mid Drive 8.5/10

[elmundir]

Wow this by far the best video comparaison between both type of motor that I ever seenThanks you this was very clear and informative

[logans]

Thanks for the video! This is the first video that could explain the pros and cons. Keep up the great videos!

[BillSprague]

I know this is an older video but thank you NYCeWheels for the clear concise comparison. I'm considering either a TerraTrike with a hub motor or a Hase Trigo with a Steps system and a differential. It would be my second "car."

[UncleManuel]

Main differences covered, well done!
Hub motors are having a certain rpm in which they have the best efficiency. Above or below they drain more amps thus need more energy. Geared hubs do have more low end torque while gearless hubs run better at high rpm. But that's too technical for a general comparison video and you have already covered that in a separate video... ;-)

[jerrybianchi]

I'm a part time bike rider, mostly on paved roads & bike paths. Here are some problems experienced by "Ahem" a 76 year older bike rider. When riding with younger groups we often have a hard time keeping up with others especially on slight hills, but more important is handling is a lot different when you are older with slower reflexes. From what I read so far I think the front wheel drive would not be suitable for some one of a "certain age" leaving rear wheel or mid drive. I would like to hear some of your thoughts from my prospective. Thanks

[olitonottero]

This is the best explanation I found thank you so much

[amansaad]

Personally I'll choose Wilier Cento1Hybrid for a hub drive. A 250w and 11.9kg for a complete bike for work commuting.

[lordanrautraut]

That's a kind of explanation that im looking for and a clear explanation the difference of hub and mid motor..because i totally confuse what kind of drive i choose..thanks man really help me a lot i choose mid drive because i gonna carry my guitar and my riggs..thanks for the help again..more power..

[freedomofmotion]

I like a hub motor and a throttle, I match the throttle to my peddling speed so always getting optimal power for what I need.

Plus of I catch a case of the zoomies I just full throttle 😂

[michaelgerard]

I liked your E-bike review, but as a 30 year Paramedic
Please wear a helmet, be safe.

[rcm]

I really liked the video. However, I need clarification. I recently rode a e-bike with a hub motor and I really enjoyed my experience. I have not ridden a mid-drive motor. I would like to know if the mid-drive motor can be self-propelled analogously to the hub motor which you can override the pedaling function just with a push of the throttle.

[piotrbernat]

I have hub motor at rear from brand das kit and i have too many problems with spokes falling apart each every four days i wish i bought mid drive but like everyone is learning something on beggining i guess

[bicycles-as-far-as-im-aliv]

Not all mid drive have the torque sensing function. I know mid-drive kits like befang bbs02 & bshd utilize only candence sensing. While others like befang ultra, Bosch, Yamaha use toque sensing

[fernandabozo]

Hi. I am looking for a bike to commute, but live in a city with a considerable number of hills. I want an e-bike to assist me during up-hills in order to make it easier to get to work... what do you recommend? Thanks and great video!!

[adams]

You could have mention the noise level of both motors also.

[nobodyisprfct]

Ok there are 2 new ideas for gearing. One is by Christini and he has an interesting idea on 2 wheel drive bike.

Personally I am Looking for a battery that can be charged via, solar. Looking for pedal assist long distance up hill including off road up superior capabilities. Fat tires and full suspension for a 4 season bike. Not every one weighs 160 lbs. So it would be awesome not to listen to words but an actual test on different companies. Test on different batery makers. Amount of charges a battery can take. In some cases I would be curious about towing weight capacity. So basically not looking for a take my word for it kind of review.

The electric bike to look for or the bike to build off of would be the one from this company. The Danish company "CeramicSpeed" 99 percent efficiency and is the 2nd bike! Wow now we are talking! With a crank motor.

[nickcoudounellis]

Look up XION rear hub motors. They operate very much like a mid drive. The XION is 250 watts with a maximum of 1100watts so you have plenty of power going up hills. The XION rear hub motor in my view is the best on the market