Ebike Mid-Drive vs Hub Motor: A Complete Guide

The electric bike motor is one of the most important components on an ebike. Powered by a battery, the motor enables the electrical assist features to function properly. These features help you accelerate and maintain speed while minimizing (and even eliminating) pedaling effort.

When shopping for an electric bike, you’ll encounter two motor types: mid-drive and hub. Each motor type has its benefits and use cases. Understanding how they work and where they perform best can help you choose the best one.

Read on to learn about the relationship between motors and sensors. You will also learn about the differences between mid-drive and hub motors, and what to consider when choosing an ebike engine.

The Relationship Between Motors and Sensors

Electric bikes use sensors to optimize the riding experience. They detect when you use pedals and, upon detecting motion, instruct the motor to help you rotate the pedals. The two main types of sensors are cadence and torque.

Cadence sensors detect when you pedal, and torque sensors detect when and how hard you pedal. Torque sensors are more advanced, as the pedal assistance is proportional to how hard you rotate the pedals.

FURTHER READING: What is an Electric Bike and How Does It Work?

What is a Mid-Drive Motor Electric Bike?

It is an electric bike with a mid-drive motor installed in the centre of the frame, typically the downtube or above the bottom rack. They generate torque to spin a shaft that connects to the chainring. By contrast, hub motors turn the wheel independently of the drivetrain.

Mid-drive motors are often found on mid-to-high-end electric bikes. They use torque sensors to measure your pedaling effort. The harder you pedal, the more pedal assistance that you will receive.

Pros of Mid-Drive Motor Ebikes

Since mid-drive motors are paired with torque sensors, they provide a more natural pedal feel than hub motors with cadence sensors. They are also lighter than hub motors. The result is a more seamless riding experience and better handling due to the reduced weight.

Mid-drive motors also produce less lag than hub motors. This means there is minimal delay between pedaling and when the electric motor kicks in.

Cons of Mid-Drive Motor Ebikes

Mid-drive motors are typically integrated into the bike frame. This means they are harder and more expensive to install and maintain than hub motors.

Most mid-drive motor electric bikes don’t have a throttle, either. As a result, you must always pedal to accelerate and maintain speed. This may be a problem for riders needing extra assistance to ride an ebike safely.

What is a Hub Motor Electric Bike?

Hub motors are installed on the front or rear wheel hub of an electric bike. Most electric bikes with hub motors place the motor on the rear wheel hub. The rear position can provide better torque conversion, creating the feeling of being “pushed” from behind.

Tip: Direct-Drive Hub Motors vs Geared Hub Motors

Regardless of position, hub motors come in geared and direct drive variants. Geared hub motors use an internal gear system to operate the ebike engine. They are the most common type of hub motor as they are lighter, smaller, and more efficient.

Direct-drive hub motors are gearless. Instead, the motor uses a series of magnets to operate. While larger and heavier than geared hub motors, they are quieter and last longer. Most classic 3 electric bikes use direct-drive motors.

Pros of Hub Motor Ebikes

Hub motor electric bikes are more affordable than mid-drive electric bikes. They are easier to install and maintain. This helps keep the cost of labor and replacement parts down. You can even use a DIY conversion kit to retrofit a hub motor onto a traditional pedal bike.

Hub motors are also quieter than mid-drive motors. Mid-drive motors generate noise via the chain and gears in the drivetrain, whereas hub motors interact with the wheel directly. The result is a quieter riding experience.

Cons of Hub Motor Ebikes

Depending on motor placement, hub motors can make an e-bike feel front- or rear-heavy. This can negatively impact handling and performance, especially when climbing hills. Also, since hub motors use cadence sensors, they produce a less natural ride feel.

Mid-Drive vs Hub Motor: Which Type is Right for You?

Besides the difference in price and configuration, the motor type influences the ride quality. When shopping for an electric bike, consider the following.

Performance

Mid-drive motors are integrated into an electric bike’s internal gear system. As a result, they can generate more torque and climb steep inclines more easily.

Hub motors rotate the wheel they are connected to, which is less efficient but easier to maintain. Most hub electric bikes have a throttle, which makes it easier to accelerate. Throttles also make e-cycling more accessible to people with limited physical capabilities.

Ride Quality

Mid-drive motors are paired with a torque sensor. Their pedal assist is proportional to pedaling effort for a more natural ride feel. There is also reduced lag between when you engage the pedals and when the electric motor kicks in.

Range

The range on an electric bike determines how long the motor can last on a single charge. Mid-drive motors are integrated into the internal gear system. So they have more torque and better acceleration than hub motors.

The extra torque means that mid-drive motors use less battery than hub motors, resulting in better travel range.

Motor Size and Weight

Hub motors are smaller and lighter than mid-drive motors. They are installed onto the front or rear wheel hub. However, their placement can lead to uneven weight distribution. The resulting position can affect handling.

Although mid-drive motors are larger and heavier than hub motors, they are in the centre of the frame. The result is a more even weight distribution and better handling. Plus, the additional torque helps overcome the limitations of the weight increase.

Gears

Since hub motors power the wheel, they operate independently of the bike’s gear system. The result is less strain on the gear system and a longer lifespan.

Hub motors don’t interact with the gear system. So they don’t perform as well on hills and varied terrain. Mid-drive motors can adapt to varied terrain, giving you more control over the gears.

Maintenance

Hub motors do not interact with the bike’s gear system. This makes them easier and cheaper to maintain and replace.

Mid-drive motors are integrated into the frame instead of just the wheel hub, making them harder to maintain and replace. However, they have been known to last longer than hub motors. Of course, this depends on your riding style and frequency.

Use Your Best Judgement to Decide

Hub and mid-drive motor electric bikes have their advantages and use cases. Hub motor electric bikes are lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. Meanwhile, mid-drive motor electric bikes are powerful, long-lasting, and versatile.

Ultimately, the best electric bike depends on your needs and preferences. Do you live in an area with flat terrain and few inclines? Then, a hub motor electric bike is an ideal choice. If you plan to ride on varied terrain and hills, a mid-drive electric bike could be a better choice.

Consider your unique circumstances. Then, choose an electric bike that will provide the most enjoyable riding experience.