Mid Drive VS Hub Drive
Let’s review the two major electric drive systems available in the world today.
Electric bikes are either powered by a Mid Drive Motor System or Hub Drive Motor System.
Mid Drive Motor Systems.
An e-motor installed and located at the lowest-to-gravity point on an electric bicycle. It sits smack between your left and right pedal. This is called the bicycle crank or “BB” ( bottom bracket ).
Fitting snug like a glove the motor sits inside your bicycle crank. Mid drives are versatile in that they are for all types of on road and off road riding and particularly good on very steep gradient roads or trails due to their high torque.
3 main advantages of a mid drive motor system:
High torque
Even-Weight Distribution
Better Range
Since the mid drive system drives your chain, it puts a bit more strain on your e-bike mechanical components which may result more maintenance. It is a trade-off between choosing higher torque (particularly helpful on very steep hills) and the possibility of higher maintenance and servicing.
Mid drive motor system electric bikes normally require a higher investment than hub drives.
Hub Drive Motor Systems - Front and Rear.
Front Hub drive - this e-motor is installed by lacing it with spokes into your bicycles front wheel. Front drives are mainly for riding on the road. They may also be used on very light off-road conditions but are really suited for road commuting conditions where the roads remain smooth because these front drive electric bikes normally do not have front air shocks. The motor is normally installed in road or hybrid e-bikes that have rigid forks however may also be installed on bikes with good quality air shocks.
Rear Hub drive - this e-motor is installed by lacing it with spokes into your bicycles rear wheel. It is screwed in and fully integrated with your bicycles rear gear cassette. Rear hub motors are also versatile in that they are for all types of on road and off road riding. They also provide good traction on the rear wheel on sandy trails, beaches and sand dunes due to the extra weight on the rear wheel.
3 main advantages of hub drive motor systems:
Less wear and tear - the hub motor drives your wheel putting far less stress of mechanical parts
More gearing - if your front chain wheel have 2 or 3 cogs then you may take advantage of a wider range of gears.
Never get stuck IF your Chain brakes - since the motor drives the wheel and not the chain then in the unlikely event your chain snaps you could still use your e bike motor to power you back.