E-Bike Motor Comparison: Hub Motor vs. Mid-Mount Motor

The electric bike market is growing rapidly, and the electric bike motor is a key factor in determining the riding experience. Currently, hub motors and mid-drive motors are the two most common motor types.

This article will compare the working principles, advantages and disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of the two, and recommend related brands to help you choose the most suitable electric bike.

1. Hub Motor

Working Principle

The hub motor is installed at the center of the front wheel (front hub motor) or rear wheel (rear hub motor) of the bicycle, and directly drives the wheel to rotate without chain or gear transmission.

Advantages

Suitable for long-range electric bicycles – Low speed saves power, suitable for daily commuting.

Simple structure and low maintenance cost – Since the hub motor is not related to the transmission system, its wear rate is low.

Quiet operation – No mechanical friction, less noise, more comfortable riding.

Cheaper price – Suitable for riders with limited budget, there are many entry-level E-bike options.

Easy installation and strong compatibility – Many traditional bicycles can be easily converted into electric bicycles.

Disadvantages

Low energy efficiency – The hub motor cannot utilize the variable speed system, resulting in weaker climbing ability and faster battery consumption.

Heavy weight – Directly mounted on the tire, it increases the burden on the wheel, especially for brushless DC hub motors.

Poor heat dissipation performance – Long-term riding or high-speed driving may cause the motor to overheat, affecting efficiency.

Applicable scenarios

Urban commuting, electric bike sharing, short-distance riding.

Suitable for users with limited budget and low requirements for climbing.

Recommended Electric Bike Brands

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus – suitable for urban commuting, 750W rear hub motor, range of about 72km.

Aventon Pace 500.3 – 500W rear hub motor, equipped with smart controller, suitable for daily commuting.

Himiway Zebra – 1000W powerful hub motor, suitable for light off-road and long-distance riding.

KETELES K800 - 2000W front and rear dual motors, suitable for mountain, off-road, all-terrain riding

2. Mid-mounted motor

Working Principle

The mid-drive motor is installed in the bottom bracket and connected to the chain or belt drive, so that the motor can cooperate with the electric bike gear system to achieve more efficient power output.

Advantages

Excellent climbing ability – Torque can be adjusted using the transmission, suitable for mountain off-road and long-distance riding.

Higher energy efficiency – Reduce battery loss and increase driving range through reasonable speed change.

Better handling – The center of gravity is centered, the weight of the wheel is reduced, making riding more stable.

Disadvantages

Higher price – Generally 30%-50% more expensive than the hub motor, suitable for mid-to-high-end models and professional riders.

High maintenance cost – The complex structure may increase the wear of the chain and flywheel, and regular maintenance is required.

Higher running noise – Due to the need to be linked with the chain, high-power mid-mounted motors may generate loud noise.

Applicable scenarios

Long-distance riding, mountain off-road, and highway riding.

Suitable for riders who have higher requirements for power, control, and endurance.

Recommended mid-motor electric bike brands

Trek Allant+ 9.9S – Bosch Performance Line CX mid-mounted motor for long distance riding.

Specialized Turbo Levo Comp – Specialized 2.2 mid-mounted motor for great climbing ability.

Haibike XDURO AllMtn 5.0 – Yamaha PW-X2 mid-mounted motor for hard-core mountain biking.

3. Summary of comparison between hub motor and mid-drive motor

Comparison Dimensions	Hub Motor	Mid-drive Motor
Power Output	Directly drives the wheel	Power is optimized through the speed change system
Climbing ability	Suitable for flat roads	Suitable for steep slopes and off-road
Energy efficiency & battery life	High energy loss, short battery life	High efficiency and energy saving, longer battery life
Price	Cheap, suitable for entry-level	High-end, suitable for professional cyclists
Applicable scenarios	Urban commuting, short-distance	riding Long-distance travel, mountain off-road

4. How to choose the right motor?

If you need an affordable, easy-to-maintain, and daily commuting electric bike → choose a hub motor.

If you are looking for stronger power, longer range, and suitable for mountain or long-distance riding → choose a mid-mounted motor.

If you have a low budget and want to convert a traditional bicycle into an E-bike → choose a hub motor.

If you plan to buy a high-end electric bike and need an excellent riding experience → choose a mid-mounted motor.