Hub vs. Mid-Drive Motor for eBikes. What’s the difference?

By FloridaBicyclist

Hub vs. mid-drive motor? When it comes to eBike propulsion, that’s likely the most important question. Let’s dive into it and look at the differences.

The most obvious difference between a hub vs. mid-drive motor is placement. Hub motors are located in one or both wheel hubs, while mid-drive motors are located between the cranks (where the pedals attach to the frame). Besides location, this is an important distinction in functionally. A hub motor will rotate the wheel it’s placed in, while a mid-drive motor rotates the bicycle’s crankset, which causes the rear wheel to move via the chain (This is the same principle as a human pedaling the bike).

An example of a rear-hub eBike is the Mokwheel Basalt 2.0, while the Ride1up CF Racer uses a mid-drive motor.

Most (but not all) mid-drive equipped bikes don’t include a throttle mode (where the bike moves without you having to pedal). This is likely due to a number of factors such as the impression of throttle mode as “cheating” and the fact that many mid-drive bikes are also sold in Europe, where laws restrict throttling. But with the hub-mounted motor, there will likely be a throttle that, when engaged, allows the bike to move without pedaling.

eBikes equipped with mid-drive motors are typically more expensive and lighter than those with hub-mounted motors. They also have a more natural pedal feeling and can better utilize the eBike’s gearing, which makes them work better at climbing hills. These are also popular choices for higher-end bikes, like those from the big bike companies but also smaller companies like Ride1up and Gazelle.

Because they are essentially part of the wheel, hub-mounted motors don’t need a special frame to accommodate them. This means they are the only choice for eBike modification kits. Hub motors are the simpler of the two and are easier to replace since it’s just a matter of swapping wheels vs. taking apart the entire drivetrain.

On the flip-side, repairing a flat tire or fixing a broken spoke are much easier on a mid-drive bike, since the wheel doesn’t include a motor.

Hub vs. Mid-Drive Motor bottom line

It likely comes down to preference and use. Are you a cycling purist, who cares about weight and doesn’t want throttle mode, but could use help getting up hills? Mid-drive is likely for you. If you’re a casual rider who likely isn’t transporting a bike on a rack, and likes the idea of cruising without pedaling, a hub motor would be a good choice.

Most of the bikes in our eBike Buying Guide utilize hub-mounted motors, but we do have a few listed with mid-drive motors.