Is a Mid-Drive Ebike Right for You?

The question of whether a mid-drive Ebike is right for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Understanding how mid-drive motors work, along with their pros and cons, can help you make an informed choice.

In this article, you’ll learn what a mid-drive Ebike is, how they work, their pros and cons, and how to use them in different situations.

What is a Mid-Drive Motor?

A mid-drive motor is an electric motor that rests on the bottom of the Ebike frame, usually near the middle. By contrast, hub motors are installed on the front or rear wheel hub.

Whereas hub motors deliver torque directly to the front or rear wheel, mid-drive motors deliver torque directly to the crankshaft, the part of the Ebike that moves the chain as you pedal.

Since mid-drive motors interact with the drivetrain, they produce more torque and utilise more gears than hub motors. The result is a faster ride and an easier time climbing hills.

How Do Mid-Drive Motors Work?

Mid-drive motors generate torque by interacting directly with the crankshaft. When the rider engages the pedals, the torque sensor measures the rider’s pedalling effort. The torque sensor transmits this data to the controller, which then instructs the motor to assist with rotating the pedals.

The result is a more natural pedal feel than a hub Ebike, as there is minimal lag between when the rider rotates the pedals and when the electric motor kicks in.

Pros of Mid-Drive Ebikes

The main advantages of riding a mid-drive Ebike are:

• Natural pedal feel – That is less jerky and more intuitive than riding an Ebike with a hub motor. You’ll feel like you’re riding a traditional bicycle, with the added benefit of the pedal assist mode.
• Wide gear range – Since the mid-drive motor interacts directly with the drive train, you can utilise a wider range of gears. This allows you to adapt to a wide variety of situations, such as climbing steep inclines.
• Better weight distribution – The central placement of the motor makes it easier to balance and control the frame. This is especially true when navigating uneven terrain, including gravel and sand.

Cons of Mid-Drive Ebikes

Some of the potential drawbacks of a mid-drive Ebike include the:

• High maintenance costs – Mid-drive motors have more moving parts than hub motors. This makes them harder and more expensive to maintain.
• Steeper learning curve – With more gears to choose from, you need to know which gear to use for the right situation. This can take time for beginner riders to learn.
• No throttle – Most mid-drive Ebikes do not have a throttle. So, you must engage the pedals to accelerate and maintain speed.

Who Should Consider a Mid-Drive Ebike?

Mid-drive Ebikes are great for casual and adventurous riders. Are you after a daily commuter for urban riding? An off-road companion for weekend getaways? Either way, a mid-drive Ebike could be for you.

Here are the different ways that you can use a mid-drive Ebike.

Off-Road Adventurer

Do you enjoy riding off the beaten path? Then you need a mid-drive Ebike with a robust frame, fat tires, and a durable suspension system.

The Heybike Galaxy T is a dependable off-road companion. Boasting a powerful Galaxy Venus Plus motor (providing 100 Nm of torque), the Galaxy T can tackle diverse, uneven terrain with ease. The Galaxy T also has a 500Wh lithium battery, providing up to 135 km of range on a single charge.

Mountain Biker

When traversing treacherous mountain trails, you need a wide gear range to overcome the steep inclines. Doing so will enable you to pedal at a comfortable pace yet still conserve your energy. This is especially true when used with the pedal assist modes.

For the perfect mountain biking experience, the Galaxy M is an excellent choice. What sets the Galaxy M apart is the Shimano Alivio 9SP 11-41T gearing system. This enables you to tackle a wider variety of terrain and inclines. From high-speed flats to steep hill climbs, the

Galaxy M allows for seamless adaptation to any situation.

The Galaxy M also has a hydraulic suspension fork with 120mm of travel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride on virtually any surface.

Family Rider

Family day trips are perfect for going outdoors and socialising. And the experience is even better on an Ebike. You just need the carrying capacity to bring supplies with you. That’s where the Heybike Galaxy X can help.

From hauling groceries to camping gear, the Galaxy X’s 150kg carrying capacity is impressive. You can even secure a child seat to the rear rack, enabling you to transport your kids safely. 

Urban Commuter

For daily commuting, a mid-drive Ebike that is comfortable and easy to use is ideal. In that case, the Heybike Galaxy C has you covered.

With a Shimano 7-speed internal gear hub, the Galaxy C ensures a seamless shifting experience. This makes the riding experience more accessible to beginners. Also, since the gears are housed in an internal unit, they’re low maintenance.

In addition, the Galaxy C has a hidden suspension seat post. By absorbing shock at the rear, the seat post guarantees a comfortable ride on smooth and rough terrain. So, you’ll be able to ride for longer – even on bumpy rides.

Multimodal Commuter

Does your daily commute involve riding and walking or using public transport? If so, then consider a mid-drive Ebike with a lightweight, compact frame.

The Heybike Galaxy K is a powerful Ebike with a lightweight frame, making it easy to carry when the situation calls for it. It is particularly good at navigating crowded urban environments and being taken on trains or buses.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Mid-Drive Ebike

Below are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a mid-drive Ebike. 

Budget

Generally, mid-drive Ebikes command a higher price than hub Ebikes. Depending on the make and model, you can expect to spend at least GBP 2,299.00. Keep in mind that the price will rise with a more powerful motor and longer-lasting battery.

Battery Range

Mid-drive Ebikes are renowned for their energy efficiency. You can expect an average travel range of at least 110 to 135km. We recommend an Ebike battery with a capacity of at least 500 Wh. This will enable you to travel far on a single charge.

Motor Torque

The torque rating on an Ebike determines your acceleration and top speed. For off-road riding, a torque rating of at least 100 Nm is ideal. It will enable you to conquer challenging conditions with ease. Meanwhile, for urban commuting, 80 Nm of torque will suffice.

Maintenance

Mid-drive Ebikes have more moving parts than hub motor Ebikes. This makes them more difficult and expensive to maintain. So, in theory, a mid-drive motor should last longer than a similarly-maintained hub motor. As a result, keeping your mid-drive motor in great shape will ensure it lasts for longer.

Final Words

Now that you know what to look for in a mid-drive Ebike, the next step is to choose your preferred model. At Heybike, we offer a wide range of quality mid-drive Ebikes, with the Galaxy collection being our latest exciting addition.

Mid-drive Ebikes unlock a world of possibilities. Explore out the full Galaxy range today.