The Basics of Hub Drive E-bike | Advantages and Disadvantages of Hub Drive E-bikes
One of the most important decisions you need to make when purchasing an electric bike is whether to go for a mid-drive or hub-drive motor. Your choice of engine system can significantly impact the quality of your ride, and it would be nice to know the differences.
What is a Hub Drive E-bike?
A hub drive motor is the standard type of motor you will see on cheaper electric bikes, with the motor built into the front or rear wheel. This is more common, but some bikes even have motors on both wheels. A driveshaft transfers torque directly to the wheel and works independently of your bike's gears.
Some riders find that a hub motor e-bike doesn't maneuver naturally. The electric bike feels pushed or pulled depending on whether the hub motor is on the front or rear wheel. This can cause problems for an inexperienced rider, either because the additional weight on the rear wheel makes balance difficult or because the extra weight at the front makes steering difficult.
What Are The Advantages of Hub Drive E-bike?
It is actually hard to explain without first-hand experience but hub-drive motors have a smooth but lively start that makes riding fun with exhilarating.
If something happens, such as a chain-breaking or derailleur, hub drive motor e-bikes can be driven without a chain by applying the throttle only. This is a distinguishing feature in case of a mechanical failure.
Hub Drive motors are cheaper to manufacture and require less time to assemble and integrate. This corresponds to a lower overall price compared to a mid-drive motor.
What Are The Disadvantages of Hub-Drive E-bike?
Increased Time for Rear And Wheel Maintenance
Due to the location of the motor in the rear wheel and an added wiring, routine tube repairs or tire changes can be a bit more time-consuming.
Less Torque
Because hub-drive motors don't utilize the mechanical benefit of the chain and gearing when utilizing throttle only, bikers will have to pedal more frequently to pull heavier loads or to climber steeper terrain.
Added Rear Weight
The motor's weight in the rear wheel makes the e-bike "back-heavy," which is somehow more cumbersome when cycling in technical terrain.
Our Verdict to Hub Drive Electric Bikes
There is frequently a lot of debate about which is better: A hub-drive electric bike motor or a mid-drive motor. Like any technology, there are individual circumstances and many variables to consider when choosing which suitable e-bike motor for you.
At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong with a hub-drive electric bike. There are excellent designs with years of proven reliability and performance. The key to choosing the right e-bike lies in evaluating each individual's specific needs and characteristics, such as terrain, intended use, and budget.
E-bikes have perpetually changed the way we ride. Not only has it widened the demographic of being able to jump on two wheels and hit the trails (pedal-assist bikes have been shown to be very beneficial for older riders), but it has also opened up riding possibilities that we would have never dreamed of on analog bikes.
Without a battery and a motor, riding 25 miles straight in a national park and considering making it back to your camping site before the sunset would have been laughable. However, every bike company races to design an e-bike that will go faster, further, and climb higher.
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