Electric bikes are either powered by a mid drive or hub motor.  Hub drive motors are located in the hub of the bike's rear wheel, while mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the bike, near the pedals. Both types of motors can be used to power electric bikes, but they have some key differences.

Hub-drive motors are generally simpler and easier to maintain, but mid-drive motors tend to be more efficient and provide better traction, especially when climbing hills. Mid-drive motors also allow the rider to take advantage of the bike's gears, which can be useful in hilly or varied terrain. Overall, the choice between hub drive and mid-drive motors depends on the specific needs and preferences of the rider.

The Case for a Mid-drive Motor

A mid-drive motor is located near the bottom bracket of the bike, which is the part of the frame that connects the pedals to the bike. This type of motor transmits power through the bike's chain, just like the pedals do. This means that the motor can take advantage of the bike's gears.  There are several key advantages that a mid-drive motor provides:

Increased Efficiency

Mid-drive motors are more efficient than hub-drive motors because they use the bike's chain to transmit power, which allows them to take advantage of the bike's gears. This is especially beneficial when climbing hills, as it allows the rider to shift into a lower gear for more torque.

Better Traction

Because the motor is located near the pedals and the bike's chain, mid-drive motors provide better traction than hub-drive motors. This helps in slippery or uneven terrain.

A More Even Weight Distribution

Mid-drive motors help to distribute the weight of the bike and its battery more evenly, which can make the bike feel more stable and easier to handle.

High Compatibility with Different Bike Types

Mid-drive motors work with a wide range of bike types, including mountain bikes, road bikes, and cruiser bikes.

Improved Torque

Mid-drive motors provide higher torque at lower speeds, which can make them more powerful and responsive than hub-drive motors.

The Simplicity of Hub-Drive Motors

A hub motor is located in the hub of one of the bike's wheels. This type of motor transmits power directly to the wheel, so it doesn't use the bike's gears. Hub motors are simpler to install and maintain, and are easier to use because they don't require shifting gears.

There are several major advantages to using a hub motor for an electric bike:

Higher Degree of Simplicity

Hub motors are generally simpler and easier to maintain than mid-drive motors because they have fewer moving parts. This can make them more reliable and require less maintenance over time.

A Quieter Operation

Hub motors tend to be quieter than mid-drive motors because they do not use the bike's chain to transmit power.

Easy installation

Hub motors are easily installed on most bikes, as they do not require any modifications to the bike's drivetrain.

No Risk of Chain Wear

Because the motor is located in the hub of the rear wheel, there is no risk of the chain wearing out or requiring maintenance. This is especially beneficial for riders who do not want to worry about maintaining their bike's drivetrain.