You are looking to buy an electric bike. Choosing a mid-drive motor or hub-drive motor will come to a question. And of course, you may want to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of motor. Why is a mid-drive motor so much more expensive than a hub-drive motor?
What is the difference between them and which one should you pick?
What is a mid-drive motor?
A mid-drive motor is mounted in the middle of an electric bike. It connects with the crank, drives chains directly and puts the center of gravity of the bike at the lowest point. This feature will help the bike optimally use the battery energy and torque. Together with low gravity because the motor stays at the very center of the bike. It supports going up a very steep hill much easier than a hub-drive motor. Mid-drive motor bikes are suitable for all riding styles. Even if it is off-road, commuting, mountain biking and extremely good for heavy- duty sports like hunting or down hill sports.
Advantage
Using up energy and torque is the more advanced benefit of a mid-drive motor compared to hub- drive motor. A mid-drive motor usually has higher torques that help the bike conquer high hills with ease. The center position of the motor makes the bike get more balance that leads to a longer range.
Why is a mid-drive motor so expensive?
A mid-drive motor has a compact design, built together with the frame as a unified block. This makes the price of a mid-drive motor more expensive because it needs to be made to be compatible with the whole frame structure. It applies newer technologies and supplies more torque than a hub-drive motor. It can use max power from the battery to perform smoothly on all kinds of terrain
Mid-drive motors work quietly, lightweight and are very durable. Specifically they have a better gear ratio with strong components.
Disadvantage
The price of a mid-drive motor is more expensive than a hub- drive motor. We can usually find it on high-end electric bikes.
The bike’ drivetrain will be under pressure because it needs to work together with the motor to make the wheels move. So the drivetrain of a mid-drive motor will be less durable than a hub-drive motor.
What is a hub-drive motor?
A hub-drive motor can be mounted on the front wheel or on the rear wheel. It is enclosed and doesn’t need to be maintained. So hub-drive motor has 2 types: front hub motor and rear hub motor.
Advantage
Hub- drive motors are quite affordable for many people. It is easier to change and to mount on bikes than mid-drive motors. They stay independently on the front wheels or rear wheels and do not make any effect on the frame structure.
The advanced point of the rear hub motor is when the motor starts. It pushes the wheel moving and does not cause any stress on the drivetrain ( which include chain, gears, pedals..). So basically, these components will be more durable.
Disadvantage
A hub-drive motor usually is heavier than a mid-drive motor. It uses more energy than a mid- drive motor. A hub- drive motor also has high torque, however its efficiency can not be the same as a mid- drive motor.
When it comes to the problem of changing the tire for the rear wheel. It can be a bit complicated. Because of mounting on the front or rear wheels. The ability of weight distribution can not be perfect as a mid- drive motor. However, due to the reasonable price that can fit with many people’ budget. Manufacturers are mostly choosing hub-drive motors into producing their E-bikes. Moreover, detachable motors give a flexible choice for frame designs. Hub-drive motor E-bikes have frames with more vivid designs to suit the tastes of consumers
Summary
A final words, choosing a mid- drive motor or hub- drive motor will mostly depend on how you like and your financial ability. An expensive high-end, mid- drive motor bike will provide you more confidence in conquering the hills with long range capacity, with maximum optimum for heavy -duty purposes. However, an affordable hub-drive motor bike can also bring to you a decent bike with fully-function abilities in various ranges of use.
Image: A hunting bike of ADDMOTOR with mid- drive motor $ 3.099.00
