(323) 303-3155
(323) 383-8998 Monday-Friday: PST 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
support@himiwaybike.com Haven’t ordered yet? Contact
customers@himiwaybike.com Already ordered? Contact
Himiway USA Shop 19449 E Walnut Dr S, City of Industry, CA 91748 Submit a ticket
Local Shops
2-Year Warranty
15-Day Return
Free Shipping
Wishlist
United States
Deutschland
Canada
United Kingdom
Himiway Electric Bike
Cart 0
  • Ebikes
    • Mountain eBike
      • D3(Cruiser) / Long Range Fat Tire Electric Bike D3
      • Himiway D3 ST (Cruiser ST) | All Terrain Step Thru Electric Bike -Himiway eBike D3 ST
      • Himiway D5 (Zebra) | Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike -Himiway eBike D5
      • D5 Pro / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5 Pro
      • Himiway D5 ST (Zebra ST) | Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike -Himiway eBike D5 ST
      • D5 Pro ST / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5 Pro ST
      • Himiway D7 Pro (Cobra Pro) | Softail Electric Mountain Bike -Himiway eBike D7 Pro
      • Himiway D7 (Cobra) | Full Suspension Electric Bike -Himiway eBike D7
      • Himiway D5 Plus (Rhino) | Dual Battery Off-road Electric Bike -Himiway eBike D5 Plus
    • Kids eBike
      • Himiway C1 | Kids Electric Bike -Himiway eBike C1
    • City eBike
      • A7 Pro / Urban Electric Commuter Bike A7 Pro
      • Himiway C5 | Electric Motorbike -Himiway eBike C5
      • B3 / Foldable Electric Commuter Bike B3
      • Himiway A3 | Urban Electric Commuter Bike -Himiway eBike A3
      • Himiway Escape Pro | Long Range Moped-Style Electric Bike -Himiway eBike Escape Pro
      • Himiway Rambler | Electric City Commuter Bike -Himiway eBike Rambler
    • Folding eBike
      • B3 / Foldable Electric Commuter Bike B3
    • Cargo eBike
      • Himiway C3 | Cargo Ebike -Himiway eBike C3
      • Himiway Big Dog | Electric Cargo Bike -Himiway eBike Big Dog
    • All Electric Bike
    • Sale
    • Himiway Labs
    • Safety Certified
  • Accessories
    • All Accessories
    • Storage
      • Bags
      • Baskets
      • Car Racks
      • Racks
      • Trailers
      • Phone mounts
      • Cages
    • Safety
      • Mirrors
      • Protective Gears
      • Helmets
      • Locks
      • Lights
    • Upgrade
      • Saddles
      • Stems
      • Handlebars&Grips
      • Forks
    • Components
      • Batteries & Chargers
      • Motors
      • Displays
      • Controllers
      • Lights
      • Brakes
      • Fenders
      • Wheels, Tires & Tubes
    • Tools
    • Apparels
    • Kit bundles
    • Others
  • Support
    • Payment
    • Finance
    • Warranty
    • Shipping Policy
    • Track your order
    • Refund
    • Help Center
    • Owner's Manual
    • Contact Us
    • Refer to Earn
    • Himi Points
  • Himiway USA Shop
  • Dealer
  • Prime Day Sale
  • Reviews
My Account
Log in Register
United States
Deutschland
Canada
United Kingdom
Local Shops
2-Year Warranty
15-Day Return
Free Shipping
Safety Certified
160K+ Riders
Himiway Electric Bike
  • Ebikes
    Hot Sale
    Shop by Category
    Himiway D5 (Zebra) | Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike -Himiway eBike
    D5
    Himiway D5 ST (Zebra ST) | Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike -Himiway eBike
    D5 ST
    Himiway A7 | Full Suspension Commuter eBike -Himiway eBike
    A7
    Himiway C1 | Kids Electric Bike -Himiway eBike
    C1
    Himiway D3 ST (Cruiser ST) | All Terrain Step Thru Electric Bike -Himiway eBike
    D3 ST (Cruiser ST)
    D3 (Cruiser)
    Mountain eBike -Himiway eBike
    Electric Mountain Bike
    Kids eBike -Himiway eBike
    Electric Bike for Kids
    City eBike -Himiway eBike
    Electric Commuter Bike
    Cargo eBike -Himiway eBike
    Cargo eBike
    Folding eBike -Himiway eBike
    Folding eBike
    Step-Thru eBike -Himiway eBike
    Step Through Electric Bike
    Full Suspension eBike -Himiway eBike
    Full Suspension Electric Bike
    Electric Motorbike -Himiway eBike
    Electric Motorbike
    • All Electric Bikes
    • Himiway Labs
    • Safety Certified
  • Accessories
    • Storage
      • Bags
      • Baskets
      • Car Racks
      • Racks
      • Trailers
      • Phone Mounts
      • Cages
    • Safety
      • Mirrors
      • Protective Gears
      • Helmets
      • Locks
      • Lights
    • Upgrade
      • Saddles
      • Stems
      • Handlebars&Grips
      • Forks
      • Shock Absorber
    • Components
      • Batteries&Chargers
      • Controllers
      • Motors
      • Lights
      • Brakes
      • Fenders
      • Wheels, Tires & Tubes
    • All Accessories
    • Tools
    • Apparels
    • Kit bundles
    • Others
  • Support
    • Pre-sale
      • Payment
      • Finance
      • Warranty
      • Shipping
    • After sale
      • Track your order
      • Cancellation, Refund & Replacement Policy
      • Refer to Earn
      • Himi Points
    • Help
      • Help Center
      • Owner's Manual
      • FAQs
      • Contact Us
    (323) 303-3155
    (323) 383-8998 Monday-Friday: PST 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
    support@himiwaybike.com Haven’t ordered yet? Contact
    customers@himiwaybike.com Already ordered? Contact
    Himiway USA Shop 19449 E Walnut Dr S, City of Industry, CA 91748 Submit a ticket
  • Dealer
  • Reviews
  • Prime Day Sale
Account Cart 0
Search our store
Himiway Electric Bike
Account Cart 0
Popular Searches:
ebike dual battery sales
Home News
What’s the Difference Between a Geared Hub Motor and a Mid-drive Motor? -Himiway eBike
News

What’s the Difference Between a Geared Hub Motor and a Mid-drive Motor?

Nov 26, 2021

What’s the Difference Between a Geared Hub Motor and a Mid-drive Motor?

Electric bike technology continues to evolve as the world adopts more green transportation methods. The team here at Himiway continues to scan the horizon for new and exciting ways of building our electric bikes. One area we’ve looked at recently is our electric motors. 

Are you aware that electric bikes can have different styles of motors? Well, some e-bikes are designed with a “geared hub” motor, while others are designed with a “mid-drive” motor. The differences are important, as we will see, and they impact the price, weight, loudness, and general operation of the bike.

As these two different types of motors compete for the top spot among e-bike manufacturers, it’s important to know what the advantages and disadvantages of each are so that you can confidently compare two or more e-bikes. For example, electric bikes with a mid-drive motor will likely be more expensive than a bike with a geared hub motor, but it is for good reasons, which we will explain below. 

Geared Hub Motor

Definition: Geared hub motors can be identified because the motor is housed inside the hub of the back or front wheel of the bike. Most e-bikes, like Himiway new E-bikes: Himiway Zebra, house the motor in the rear wheel, while some may even house a motor in both wheels, but it is not as common. You may also see geared hub motors called “direct-drive”, “hub-drive” or “geared” motors when reviewing different e-bike sites. These hub motors supply torque (which means force) directly to the wheel and operate separately from the bike’s gear system. Geared hub motors work most efficiently at high speeds and can accelerate quite quickly.  

Advantages of the Geared Hub Motor

A few advantages of the geared hub motor are:

Affordability – Because geared hub motors are not as complex, they are usually found on relatively affordable electric bikes and until recently, have been the most common motor type so parts will be more abundant should you need to replace one.  

Low-maintenance – Because these motors are not attached to the gear system of the bike and are enclosed, they are easier to maintain. They often require less overall maintenance than mid-drive motors. 

Redundancy – Because the hub motor is separate from the chain system at the pedals, losing power to the hub motor will not usually affect the ability for you to pedal with the gear system.

Weight – Hub motors are heavy, but this could be a good thing if you desire a stable ride with lots of traction. 

Low noise – Geared hub motors are not as loud as most mid-drive motors. The difference may not be giant, but some people will notice the higher amount of noise that comes from a mid-drive motor. Getting a bike with a geared hub motor may solve this. 

Disadvantages of the Geared Hub Motor

A few disadvantages of geared hub motors are:

One gear ratio – Only having a single gear ratio means hilly or mountainous terrain is not handled as efficiently as a motor that takes advantage of different gear. 

Weight – As mentioned above, geared hub motors weigh more than mid-drive motors. This may be an issue for loading and unloading bikes or for those that want a lightweight bike.

Standard size – Hub motors that come with your bike may limit the options you have when it comes to tires, wheels, and replacements. Changing your tire may be more difficult as well if you need to unplug the motor wire. 

Mid-Drive Motor

Definition: Mid-drive motors are placed in the middle of the e-bike, between the pedals. Instead of supplying torque (force) to the wheel like a geared-hub motor, mid-drive motors supply torque directly to the gear system of the bike. Mid-drive motors work efficiently at all speeds and accelerate evenly no matter the starting speed. 

Advantages of the Mid-drive Motor

A few advantages of mid-drive motors are:

Ride-quality – Many individuals will experience a more premium feel and higher ride quality with a mid-drive motor. This is because the motor is directly beneath your center of gravity and will feel more natural to accelerate from that position. 

Different gears – Having your motor take advantage of different gears will make your bike more efficient when climbing hills, as long as you shift to the proper gear.

Range - This may also contribute to a longer range so if you are looking for a long-range e-bike, consider one with a mid-drive motor. As long-range e-bike experts, we like the additional range mid-drive motors can provide due to their increased efficiency. 

Tire maintenance – Tire maintenance will be easier with mid-drive motors because you do not need to worry about a heavy motor in the center of your tire. This may also allow you to use different tires or different sizes to suit your needs. 

Disadvantages of the Mid-drive Motor

A couple disadvantages of the mid-drive motor are:

Price – Because mid-drive motors are considered higher quality, the e-bikes that come equipped with them will generally cost more upfront or be more costly to replace. Electric bikes with mid-drive motors are generally in the $2,000 and up price bracket. But remember, the price may be high, while the total cost of ownership may be low. If the bike is of higher quality, the higher price tag may be worth it.

General maintenance and repairs – Maintenance of e-bikes with mid-drive motors might be more expensive or difficult because the motor is combined with the gear system. This is not a guarantee, but it will depend on the type of maintenance you are performing. 

After all the comparisons are said and done, it’s clear both motor types have their pros and cons. In fact, Himiway manufacturers different bikes with different types of motors. It all depends on what you are looking for in your ride, what price you are willing to pay, and what type of bike you think you will enjoy owning.  

Be sure to check out our newest models, and for more comparisons between different e-bike features, check out our comparison pages on a wide variety of topics including our competitors’ e-bikes. 

Previous
Everything You Should Know About Types of E-bike Lithium Batteries
Next
Why e-bikes are one of the most favorable modes of commuting?

Related Articles

The Complete Guide to Electric Bike Battery Optimization and Maintenance (2025)

The Complete Guide to Electric Bike Battery Optimization and Maintenance (2025)

Read more
Father's Day E-Bikes: The Gift That Actually Gets Used

Father's Day E-Bikes: The Gift That Actually Gets Used

Read more
Best Electric Bikes for 10-Year-Olds: Safe, Fun & Growing Up

Best Electric Bikes for 10-Year-Olds: Safe, Fun & Growing Up

Read more
Best Children’s Day Gift for Active Kids-Why Electric Bikes Are #1

Best Children’s Day Gift for Active Kids-Why Electric Bikes Are #1

Read more

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Get the latest news & offers!

Join our community

Follow Us
Product
  • All E-Bikes
  • Fat Tire E-Bikes
  • City E-Bikes
  • Kids E-Bikes
  • Folding E-Bikes
  • Cargo E-Bikes
  • Step-Thru E-Bikes
Explore
  • Reviews
  • Refer to Earn
  • Himi Points
  • Service-oriented Groups Benefit
  • Press
Support
  • Help Center
  • Warranty
  • Payment
  • Finance
  • Order
  • Shipping
  • Return Policy
  • Responsibility
Company
  • Local Shop
  • About Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
Dealer
  • Find Himiway Dealer
  • Become Our Dealer
United States
Deutschland
Canada
United Kingdom
© 2025 Himiway Electric Bike All Rights Reserved.
Payment options:
  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • American Express
  • PayPal
  • Maestro
  • Google Pay
  • Apple Pay
  • Discover
  • Meta Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Klarna
  • JCB
  • Affirm
Shopping Cart
Your cart is currently empty.
Add note for seller
Estimate shipping rates
Add a discount code
Subtotal $0.00
View Cart
Add up to 23 models
A7 / Full Suspension Commuter eBike A7
D5(Zebra) / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5
D5 ST(Zebra ST) / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5 ST
D7 / Full Suspension Electric Hunting Bike D7 (Cobra)
D7 Pro / Softail Electric Mountain Bike D7 Pro(Cobra Pro)
D3(Cruiser) / Long Range Fat Tire Electric Bike D3 (Cruiser)
D3 ST(Cruiser ST) / All Terrain Step Thru Electric Bike D3 ST (Cruiser ST)
C1 / Kids Electric Bike – Perfect eBike for Kids! C1
C5 / Electric Motorbike C5
D5 Pro / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5 Pro ST
D5 Pro ST / Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike D5 Pro ST
A7 Pro / Urban Electric Commuter Bike A7 Pro
A3 / Urban Electric Commuter Bike A3
B3 / Foldable Electric Commuter Bike B3
Escape Pro / Long Range Moped-Style Electric Bike Escape Pro
Big Dog / Electric Cargo Bike Big Dog
C3 / Cargo Ebike C3
Rambler / Electric City Commuter Bike A5(Rambler)
D5 Plus(Rhino) / Dual Battery Off-road Electric Bike D5 Plus (Rhino)
Cobra Pro/ Softail Electric Mountain Bike Cobra Pro/ S...
selected