Today when electric bicycles are becoming more popular. The trend of owning an E-bike for commuting and pleasure riding is increasing. People turn to use E-bikes because they provide a great comfort and economy value. There are two types of motors , mostly used today on market are Hub-motor or Mid-drive motor E-bikes. To understand how they work , let’s see together
What do E- bike motors do?
We can understand that an E- bike is a bike which has a motor mounted on the front wheel, rear wheel or on the center of the bike. They have battery which can be hung on the frame or a built -in inside of the frame.
E-bike motors do the support for riders through transferring motor power to the pedal. The sensors of the motors can count how much support the riders need when they are pedaling . So they will support the riders do activity without losing too much energy.
There are 2 types of motors
- Hub motors :Motors are placed in the center of e-bike wheels. They can stay in the front wheel or rear wheels and called front hub motors and rear hub motors
- Mid-drive motors are placed close to the center of the e-bikes. They transfer the motor power to the rear wheels through the e-bike chain drives. This type of e-bikes have become more popular in recent years.
What are advantage and disadvantage of Hub-motor or Mid-drive motor E-bikes
Hub-motor advantage
They are independent drive systems with all of their components inside the motor casing. The power of motors directly transfers to the wheel.
Hub-motor is a closed system. It require very little or no maintenance at all.
Hub motors have 2 types
- Geared hub motors :they have internal planetary gears to reduce speed of a higher RPM motor. The disadvantage for this type of motor :If a tooth breaks off which can lead to the reinforced gears being stripped over.
- Gearless hub motor: they have no gear and connect straight to the lower RPM motor. This type of motor is more durable because the bearing don’t move and and basically nothing to wear down.
The most advantages of Hub motors are they stay independent, and work independent. The power from motors transfer directly to the front wheels or rear wheels .So they do not cause any pressure to bike’ drivetrain systems. Means this system can last longer and more durable.
They have better traction mid-drive motor bikes.
The price of hub motors is normally cheaper than Mid-drive motors
Disadvantage
Front hub motors: motors are centered in the front wheel. When riders pedal the force from motor transfer directly to the front wheel and push the bikes ahead. Because of the trending pull ahead of motors, sometimes make the riders a bit hard to control at high speed.
Rear hub motors: motors are centered in the rear wheel. As result, the weight of the motor concentrate on the rear wheel and can cause a bit sluggish if riders drive uphill.
Gearless hub moto has one gear. They are ideally are suitable for flat areas but not for uphill .
The weight of hub motors are heavier than mid -drives.
Mid-drive motor advantage
The biggest advantages of mid-drive motors are they have more gears than hub motors. The riders can easily control the power which transfers from motors to rear wheels with ratio how much they want. Means that climbing uphill becomes easier when riders put the bikes at low gear.
The mid-drive motors are mounted directly to the crankshaft of the bikes that make the bike quite stable and neat.
Mid- drive motor using sensor to regulate the motor power to pedal to support riders. Level of support based on the sensor in of motor how much riders need.
A high- end mid-drive motor can offer 3 function modes. So they provide a very flexible ability for riders to use their e-bikes how they like. Riders can easily control the 3 mode functions through the LCD display mounted on hand bars.
- Human riding mode: When riders turn off the button power or put the gear into zero. The E-bike will return to a normal state as a regular bike.
- Electric start mode: the E- bike will switch to a state of operation. Entirely depending on the power supply from the battery, with energy levels ranging from 1 to 5.
- Power-assisted vehicle mode: The control system will sensor the force of the riders on pedal. And the motor will release power to support cycling as much as necessary .
Disadvantage
Drivetrains of e-bikes work cooperatively with Mid-drive motors and constantly receive stress from. This leads to components easily worn out ,resulting in more maintenance and changing new components.
They are more expensive than hub motor bikes.
Conclusion
So as we can see Hub-motor or Mid-drive motor E-bikes, both they have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, they all bring real value to riders ,and help the transportation become easier. Doing sport or daily commuting will no longer be a hard job.
E- bikes are suitable for all ages but for old people ,they are really a big gift . Because they can still enjoy driving even getting older and not as fit as when they were young.
A mid-drive motor E bike is normally more expensive than a hub-motor E bike. So depending on how much you can afford and your driving style. You can decide which kind of motor is suitable for your dream E-bike.
