Category: Fat Tires

That everybody loves an e-bike is common sense, but which e-bike technology is better for me? Hub-drive or Mid-drive?

Both technologies are very good and reliable, but this question has no easy answer because it all depends on what you plan to do with your e-bike. So let’s dig a bit into both:

Hub Drives:

Position of the motor: Back wheel

Delivers the power to: The back wheel

Feeling: Pushing sensation that can be minimized with the torque sensor that delivers the power when needed.

Assistance: Pedal assistance (while pedaling) and throttle (direct power from the motor, no need to pedal).

Indicated to: weekend recreational rides and city commuters for short distances (up to 40 miles). This technology is perfect for people who want to cruise around town, commute to work, the grocery store, or school, or explore some low-elevation trails.

Mid-Drives: 

Position of the motor: directly between the pedals at the bike’s bottom bracket.

Delivers the power to: the cranks and sends force through the drivetrain.

Feeling: a more natural riding feeling, like a regular bike.

Assistance: Pedal assistance, multiplying your effort while pedaling and also better taking advantage of the bike’s existing gears.

Indicated to: They are highly recommended for e-mountain or electric road bikes for long rides or steep elevated terrains.

Always remember that electric e-bikes made for riding on the weekends across town occasionally can have a different level of performance and efficiency than mountain or electric road e-bikes made for long rides or steep elevated terrains. This choice will also impact the price of your next electric bike because mid-drives are usually more expensive than hub drives.

Still not sure? We invite you to come to e-Bikery and try both!