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Entry Level Hub-Drive Vs Mid-Drive E-Bikes
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What Are Hub Drive and Mid-Drive E-Bikes?
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, use a motor and battery to assist the rider when pedaling. There are two main types of e-bike motors – hub drive motors and mid-drive motors.
Hub drive motors are located in the hub of one of the wheels, usually the rear wheel. They are direct drive motors, meaning they directly turn the wheel.
Mid-drive motors are located in the bottom bracket area and drive the crankset and chain to propel the bike. They provide assistance through the gearing system.
Hub drives and mid-drives each have pros and cons in terms of performance, handling, efficiency, maintenance, and cost. Evaluating these factors can help decide which is better for your needs as an entry level or budget conscious e-bike buyer.
Hub Drive E-Bike Advantages
Simpler Design
Hub drive e-bikes have a very simple, self-contained motor and gear system built into the rear hub. This makes them an easier, more straightforward e-bike system to manufacture and maintain.
Mid-drive systems integrate the motor into the bike’s drivetrain, making them more complex overall. This added complexity raises manufacturing costs.
Better Affordability
The simpler hub motor systems allow them to be more affordable than mid-drives on average. This makes them ideal for entry level e-bike buyers.
Complete hub drive e-bikes can readily be found for $1000 to $2000. Mid-drive bikes under $2000 are rare.
Lighter Weight
With the motor located in the hub, the weight is concentrated in one area instead of being centered within the frame. This reduces the overall feel of the weight when riding.
However, mid-drives with lightweight motors can still achieve lower overall bike weights than many hub drive models.
Higher Top Speeds
Hub drive motors directly turn the wheel faster, allowing them to more easily achieve 28+ mph top speeds. They are not limited by gearing.
This makes them preferable for flat land riding where high top speeds are desirable. Many mid-drives max out at 20 mph top speeds.
Hub Drive E-Bike Disadvantages
Heavier Wheels
Concentrating all the motor and battery weight in the rear wheel hub makes for a very heavy wheel. This negatively impacts handling and maneuverability.
It also leads to more flats, broken spokes, and other wheel maintenance issues.
Less Efficient Power Delivery
Hub motors deliver power in a direct drive format through the wheel. This is less efficient than transmitting torque through the bike’s gearing system.
More rider input is required to achieve the desired level of assist. The power delivery can feel less natural as well.
Uneven Weight Distribution
Adding so much weight to one wheel creates a lopsided weight distribution. This further deteriorates the bike’s handling and traction compared to a more evenly distributed mid-drive.
Higher Wheel Wear
Combining a heavy hub motor with the forces involved in regular pedaling and braking accelerates wear on the rear wheel.
The wheel and tire are more prone to need truing or replacing sooner than a regular bike or mid-drive e-bike.
Limited Hill Climbing Ability
The direct drive hub motors lack the gearing advantage of mid-drives. As a result, they often struggle to deliver enough torque for steep hills and off-road terrain.
Wheel slippage or losing momentum are more likely, requiring more rider input on inclines.
Mid-Drive E-Bike Advantages
Better Weight Distribution
With the weight centered within the frame triangle, mid-drive e-bikes handle much more similarly to a regular bike. The front and rear wheels share the load better.
This also lowers the center of gravity, improving stability and confidence when cornering or balancing at low speeds.
Natural Ride Quality
Mid-drives deliver power through the drivetrain and gears. This provides a smoother, more seamless assist that feels like your natural pedaling force amplified.
Shifting gears for varied conditions also feels more intuitive and effective. The assistance adjusts optimally with the gearing.
Increased Efficiency
By utilizing the bike’s transmission, mid-drives make the most of each watt of power from the motor. They require less energy input for a similar output.
This enables mid-drives to use smaller, lighter motors to achieve speed and distance similar to hub motors.
Enhanced Torque and Hill Climbing
The gearing advantage of mid-drives allows them to maintain ample torque, even on steep hills. The motor force multiplies through the lower gears.
This torque enhancement gives mid-drives an edge for off-road riding, terrain, and challenging inclines vs direct drive hubs.
Lower System Stress
With the propulsion spread across the full drivetrain, individual components experience less force and wear over time. Wheels, chains, cassettes, etc. hold up better.
Mid-drive systems have higher long-term durability, with fewer components needing replacement or repair.
Mid-Drive E-Bike Disadvantages
Increased Cost
Mid-drive motors and systems are more expensive to manufacture than simple hub motors. This leads to a higher retail cost.
Budget buyers can get more features for their dollar with a hub drive. Mid-drives cost $1000+ more on average.
Greater Complexity
Integrating the motor into the drivetrain creates a more complex e-bike system overall. This can intimidate some new owners when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Professional service is more often required compared to simply changing a hub motor wheel.
Potential for Increased Drivetrain Wear
While mid-drives do spread out the force well, adding motor torque does put more stress on the drivetrain components. Chains, cassettes, and chainrings wear faster.
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring long component life. Chain lubrication and tension adjustment help minimize wear.
Less Motor Cooling Ability
With the motor nestled in the frame, air circulation is more limited compared to an open hub shell. Insufficient cooling can lead to motor overheating on longer climbs.
Mid-drives function best for commuting over shorter distances rather than all-day adventures.
Comparison Chart
| Attribute | Hub Drive E-Bike | Mid-Drive E-Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive on average | Higher initial cost |
| Weight Distribution | Heavier rear wheel | Centered, balanced weight |
| Power Delivery | Less efficient, more rider input needed | Natural feel through gears |
| Performance | Higher top speeds | Better torque and hill climbing |
| Maintenance | Rear wheel wears faster | Drivetrain wears faster |
Recommendations for Entry Level E-Bikes
For e-bike beginners or budget buyers, I would generally recommend considering:
- Hub drive e-bikes if you value simplicity and affordability, ride mostly on flat terrain, and don’t mind sacrificing some handling finesse. Look to reputable brands offering quality hub motors and batteries.
- Mid-drive e-bikes if you can afford the higher price, value natural ride feel, need to tackle hills/trails, and want a system with long-term durability. Focus on mid-drive models using lightweight, torque-rich motors from Bosch, Shimano, Brose, etc.
Below are some of the top entry level models available that can match well with new e-bike riders’ needs and budgets:
Hub Drive E-Bikes
- Ride1Up Roadster V2
- Rad Power Bikes RadMini
- ECOTRIC Fat Tire Ebike
- NAKTO Electric Bike 250W
- SwagCycle EB7 Plus Folding Ebike
Mid-Drive E-Bikes
- Trek Verve+
- Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0
- Giant Explore E+
- Cannondale Quick Neo SL
- Diamondback Haanjo Metro
Prioritize purchasing from reputable bike brands that offer good warranties and support. Test ride different e-bikes when possible to feel the stability, power delivery, and ride quality firsthand. Consider your terrain, riding style, and typical distances traveled when deciding between hub and mid-drive motors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more torque, hub or mid-drive motor?
Mid-drive motors deliver significantly more torque, especially at lower speeds. Their gearing advantage allows them to excel at hill climbs that would require more pedaling effort with a direct drive hub motor.
Are hub drive e-bikes faster?
Hub motors often reach higher top speeds around 28+ mph since they directly drive the wheel. However, mid-drive acceleration and speeds are still very quick in the 20-25 mph range.
Do mid-drive e-bikes wear out chains faster?
Potentially yes, the added motor torque does increase drivetrain wear over time. However, with proper maintenance like lubrication and tension adjustment, mid-drive chains can still last thousands of miles.
Which type has better range?
Range is more dependent on the battery capacity than the motor type. But mid-drives tend to be slightly more efficient, yielding more range from the same size battery compared to direct drive hubs.
Is a hub or mid-drive motor quieter?
Hub motors generate noise directly from the wheel. Mid-drives have more gear noise. Overall they are comparable in sound levels. The motor itself and quality of build have a larger impact on noise than the location.
Conclusion
Evaluating hub motors versus mid-drives involves prioritizing your budget, riding needs, and desired performance. Hub drives keep costs low and offer simple operation, while mid-drives provide a more refined experience. Seek an affordable but quality e-bike from a trusted brand, choose accessories to suit your riding style, and enjoy the benefits of electric pedal assist! Reach out with any other e-bike questions.