What's the difference between hub motor and mid motor bikes?Updated a month ago
Hub motors and mid-drive motors are two primary types of electric motors used in ebikes, each with its own set of unique characteristics for your consideration.
Hub Motors:
Location: Hub motors are placed within the hub of the bike's wheel. Vvolt hub motor bikes are rear-wheel powered and provide assistance to a gear ratio.
Qualities:
- Simplicity: Hub motors are relatively simple in design and installation, making them easier to maintain and replace if necessary.
- Direct Power: They provide direct power to the wheel, making them suitable for flatter terrain. You can still climb some hills, no worries there!
- Cost-effective: Typically more affordable compared to mid-drive motors.
- Weight Distribution: Hub motor bikes bias weight onto whichever wheel contains the motor.
Mid-Drive Motors:
Location: Mid-drive motors are positioned near the bike's bottom bracket, between the pedals, connecting directly to the bike's drivetrain. Vvolt only uses internally geared hubs for our mid-drive ebikes.
Qualities:
- Better Torque: Mid-drive motors leverage the bike's gears, providing better torque and efficiency, especially on uphill terrains.
- Improved Handling: Since the weight is centered and lower, they offer better handling and balance, especially in challenging terrains.
- Battery Efficiency: They tend to be more efficient in terms of battery usage due to utilizing the bike's gears effectively.