Compare Hub vs Mid-Drive Motors for Electric Bikes - Advantages & Disadvantages

E-bikes are a great way to get around and can provide a fun and efficient way to explore your surroundings, but with so many different models and options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

Quick Comparison: Hub Motor vs Mid-Drive at a Glance

What Is A Hub Motor Electric Bike?

Electric hub bike motors are usually integrated into the front or rear wheels. Simply put, it is an electric motor that is built into the hub of the wheel.

The hub motor is powered by a battery that is located on the frame of the bike. This type of e-bike is designed so that the motor provides power directly to the wheel, propelling the bike forward. Another thing is it's not affected by gear changes.

These types of motors are easier to install, and they are also more affordable than mid-drive motors.

Generally, there are two types of hub motors: geared and gearless hub motors. They are popular for their simplicity and ease of use, as the motor is hidden from view and does not interfere with the look or feel of the bike.

Understanding Geared vs Gearless Hub Motors

Geared hub motors use internal planetary gears to reduce the motor's high RPM to a more usable wheel speed. This design makes them lighter and provides better torque at lower speeds, making them ideal for stop-and-go city riding. However, the gears can wear over time.

Gearless (direct-drive) hub motors have no internal gears - the motor spins at the same speed as the wheel. They're heavier but virtually maintenance-free since there are fewer moving parts. Many direct-drive motors also offer regenerative braking, which can recharge your battery slightly when slowing down and significantly reduce brake wear.

Advantages of Electric Bicycle Hub Motor

• The biggest advantage of a hub motor electric bike is its easy installation and maintenance.
• The hub motor is usually much lighter than a mid-drive motor, which makes it easier to maneuver and transport.
• Due to its enclosed nature, this system has much less potential to fail.
• Avoid over-stressing your chain or shifters and causing parts to wear out faster.
• Quiet operation.
• Good for casual riding.
• Can be used with any type of bike frame.
• More affordable than mid-drive motors.
• Provides redundancy - if your chain breaks, you can still ride using the motor.
• Direct-drive models offer regenerative braking capability.

Disadvantages of Electric Bicycle Hub Motor

• Heavier wheel weight affects handling
• Less torque for climbing steep hills compared to mid-drives
• Cannot utilize the bike's gears for efficiency
• Limited options for customization
• May overheat on very long, sustained climbs
• Tire changing is more difficult with hub motors
• Uneven weight distribution can affect bike balance

Best Use Cases for Hub Motors

Hub motors excel in several specific scenarios. They're ideal for flat urban commuting where you primarily ride on paved roads without significant elevation changes. The simplicity and reliability make them perfect for daily transportation needs.

They're also excellent for casual recreational riding where you want electrical assistance without the complexity of a mid-drive system. Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the $600-$1,000 savings compared to mid-drive bikes.

Additionally, hub motors with throttle capability provide a safety advantage in urban traffic. When you need to accelerate quickly from a stop or navigate through congested intersections, the throttle allows immediate power without worrying about gear selection - a real benefit in situations where being stuck in the wrong gear could be a safety issue.

What Is A Mid-Drive Ebike?

A mid-drive electric bike is a bike that uses a mid-drive motor in its drivetrain. It is located in the middle of the bike between the pedals, and it is powered by a battery that is also located in the middle of the bike.

The mid-drive motor is connected to the crank, which allows it to use the bike's gears to provide more power and torque, resulting in more control and efficiency. This motor is usually known as being more powerful and efficient than a hub motor, and it is also more responsive.

Additionally, mid-drive motors are popular for their improved performance, especially when climbing hills and negotiating rough terrain.

Rather than powering the wheel directly like hub motors, mid-drive motors provide power to the bike through its drivetrain. The motor attaches to the cranks and chainring, and its power is then transmitted to the rear wheel via the chain.

How Mid-Drive Motors Use Gears Effectively

The key advantage of mid-drive motors lies in their ability to leverage your bike's existing gear system. When you shift gears, you're changing both your pedaling effort and the motor's efficiency simultaneously.

On steep climbs, you can shift to a lower gear, which reduces the force needed to spin the cranks while keeping the motor running at its optimal RPM (revolutions per minute). Electric motors perform best at high RPMs, so this gear advantage means the motor uses less electricity while still delivering plenty of power and torque.

This is similar to how a car's transmission works - you wouldn't try to climb a mountain in fifth gear. The same principle applies to mid-drive ebikes, giving them superior efficiency and climbing performance compared to hub motors that cannot adjust their operating speed through gearing.

Advantages of Electric Bicycle Mid-Motor

• Better ride quality and more range.
• Offers 10 to 15 miles more range than the hub motor model.
• Improved torque for climbing hills.
• Better control and stability on rough terrain.
• Increased efficiency in high gear.
• More customizable with different components.
• Smaller and lighter than a hub motor of similar power.
• Freedom to use any wheels, tires, and cassettes that you wish.
• More natural riding feel - like riding a regular bike with stronger legs.
• Optimal weight distribution for better handling.

Disadvantages of Electric Bicycle Mid-Motor

• More complicated installation and maintenance.
• Can output 250-750W of power continuously.
• More expensive than hub motors.
• Heavier motor weight at the center.
• Limited options for frame compatibility.
• More noise during operation.
• Increased wear on chain and drivetrain components.
• Most models lack throttle functionality.

Best Use Cases for Mid-Drive Motors

Hilly and mountainous terrain is where mid-drive motors truly shine. The ability to use gears means you can tackle 30-40 degree slopes that would cause hub motors to struggle or overheat.

They're also the clear choice for off-road and trail riding. The balanced weight distribution and superior torque make them ideal for technical terrain, and the motor's position at the bike's center of gravity improves handling on challenging trails.

For long-distance touring or riders who need maximum efficiency, mid-drives offer 10-15 miles more range per charge due to their efficient gear utilization. Serious cyclists who want an experience that feels like "riding a regular bike but with stronger legs" will prefer the natural power delivery of mid-drive systems.

What Is The Difference Between A Mid Drive And Hub Motor Ebike?

When it comes down to buying an electric bike, apart from the motor, there are some other common things to consider, such as range, riding quality, reliability, safety, and more.

So, here we will discuss how the differences between these two hub and mid-motors affect other factors of an electric bike.

Range

Mid-drive motors tend to have a longer range compared to hub motors because they use the bike's gears to transfer power, resulting in more efficient use of energy. The mid-drive motors can also make better use of the energy generated by regenerative braking in some models, which helps to extend the range of the e-bike.

Hub motors, on the other hand, can have a shorter range because the motor is located in the wheel and cannot adjust its operating speed to match terrain efficiently, which can cause a loss of energy.

Where a mid-drive ebike may give you over 40-45 miles of range, a hub drive motor typically offers 25-30 miles of range. This means a mid-drive motor is more efficient than a hub motor and can provide a longer range.

Of course, you can get an increased range with a hub drive e-bike by installing a large capacity battery. For example, the Himiway Cruiser ebike comes with a geared hub motor with a 48V 17.5Ah battery. Despite being a hub-drive e-bike, it is known as the long range electric fat tire bike that offers a 35-50 miles range per charge.

Handling

To ensure optimal handling of an e-bike, the weight should be balanced between the front and rear axles.

With a mid-drive e-bike, the motor and battery are situated in the center of the frame, so the additional weight is spread evenly between the front and rear of the bike.

Additionally, a mid-drive motor is connected to the crank, which allows it to use the bike's gears to provide more power and torque. This results in improved handling and stability, making the bike easier to control.

Hub motors, on the other hand, tend to have a heavier weight distribution, and the motor's weight shifts the bike's center of gravity either forward or backward, which can negatively impact handling, especially when riding on rough terrain.

In terms of handling, mid-drive e-bikes are better than hub-drive e-bikes.

Ride Quality

A mid-drive motor is more responsive than a hub motor, so it can provide a smoother ride.

Mid-drive motors tend to offer a smoother ride because they use the bike's gears to transfer power. This allows for a more gradual distribution of power, resulting in a smoother ride. The power delivery feels natural - like your legs are stronger - because both your pedaling and the motor's assistance happen at the same point in the drivetrain.

Conversely, hub motors will give you a feel like you are being pushed because the motor provides direct power to the wheel, which can result in a more noticeable "kick" when the motor engages. However, this difference has narrowed significantly with modern torque sensor technology, which we'll explore in more detail later.

Gears

The biggest advantage of a mid-drive ebike over a hub-drive e-bike is that mid-drive motors make better use of the bike's gears, which helps to increase efficiency and improve performance.

Being able to change the gears, you can keep the electric bike's motor running at its optimal RPM. This results in using less electricity, improving your range, and producing more power and torque while riding.

In the case of hub motors, they can't utilize the bike's gears as the motors of hub-driven e-bikes operate independently from the drivetrain. This means hub motors may run outside their optimal RPM - the motor will run slower while climbing hills, burn more energy, can't supply as much power, and ultimately can limit performance.

So, in terms of gears, a mid-drive motor is connected to the crank, so it can use the bike's gears to provide more power and torque.

Motor Size And Weight

If you are a cyclist, you must know that the lighter your electric bike, the faster it will be. Not only this, but a lighter e-bike is much more efficient and easier to maneuver also.

So, when it comes to motor size and weight, hub-drive motors tend to be larger and heavier than mid-motors, which can impact the weight and balance of the bike. The motor weight is concentrated in one wheel, creating an unbalanced feel.

Mid motors are typically smaller and lighter and really easy to carry and ride. More importantly, the weight is centrally located, which provides better balance and handling characteristics similar to a traditional bicycle.

Climbing Hills

Mid-drive motors offer improved performance when climbing hills, due to their increased torque and the ability to make better use of the bike's gears.

With a mid-drive e-bike when encountering a steep hill, you can shift down to reduce the gear ratio. This takes less force to spin the cranks.

Additionally, with a lower gear, the motor won't have to work as hard, while still keeping a high RPM. This is beneficial as electric motors usually perform best when running at high RPMs.

In contrast, hub motors tend to struggle when climbing hills, as they have lower torque and lack gear options. However, it's important to note that many hub motors have peak power outputs well over 1,000W (some reaching 1,300-1,400W), while most mid-drives peak around 700W despite their higher price.

For moderate slopes (up to 10%), a powerful hub motor can perform surprisingly well. Real-world experience shows that a 500-750W hub motor can maintain 5-7 mph on 10% grades even with 220 pounds of weight - essentially a fast walking or slow jogging pace, which is adequate for most commuting needs.

The key point: Mid-drive motors excel on steep, sustained climbs (30-40 degree slopes), but for short to moderate hills, a quality hub motor can deliver satisfactory performance at a lower cost.

Reliability

Hub-drive motors can be more reliable and safer compared to mid motors because they tend to last longer than mid-drive motors. Since they don't have complex internal gearing (in direct-drive models) or many moving parts, there is less to wear out or break.

Another benefit of a hub motor is that it provides redundancy - the motor works independently from the drive system. This means if your bike's chain breaks, you can still ride the bike using motor power alone (if equipped with a throttle).

Mid motors, on the other hand, have more complex electronics and internal gear reduction, and do not offer this redundancy, which can increase the risk of failure. However, when properly maintained and not abused, mid-drive motors from reputable manufacturers prove quite reliable. The key is keeping the motor in its optimal RPM range by using gears appropriately.

It's evident that hub-drive motors, especially direct-drive models, have a reliability advantage due to their mechanical simplicity.

Regenerative Braking

Hub-drive motors, particularly direct-drive models, can make better use of the energy generated by regenerative braking, which helps to extend the range of the e-bike. This feature also significantly reduces brake wear - a practical benefit that lowers maintenance costs over time.

Regenerative braking works by turning the motor into a generator when you brake, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy that recharges the battery. While the energy recovered is modest (typically adding 5-10% to your range), the reduction in brake wear can be substantial, especially for riders who frequently navigate hilly terrain.

Mid motors, on the other hand, typically do not offer regenerative braking since the motor is connected to the drivetrain rather than directly to the wheel. When you stop pedaling, the motor doesn't continue rotating, thus eliminating the possibility of energy recovery through regenerative braking.

Performance

Mid-drive motors are known for their better performance on challenging terrains, like steep hills and rough trails. This is because the motor is located close to the bike's center of gravity, which results in improved weight distribution and enhanced capability to navigate difficult terrain.

Mid-drive motors are also known for providing better torque, power through the drivetrain, acceleration, reaching a higher top speed, and climbing better, making them a better option for more demanding riders.

On the other hand, hub motor e-bikes can be less stable on rough terrain because the motor is located in the wheel, which can affect the bike's balance. However, on flat ground and moderate hills, the performance gap narrows significantly. Some high-powered hub motors can even outperform entry-level mid-drives on short climbs due to their higher peak wattage output.

All in all, a mid-drive motor is more powerful and efficient than a hub motor for challenging terrain, but hub motors offer excellent performance for their intended use cases at a more accessible price point.

Throttle Control

The way that an electric bike is powered can impact throttle control. Hub motor ebikes typically use a throttle to control the amount of power the motor provides, while mid-drive motors use the pedal assist system, which provides power when the rider pedals the bike.

Some riders prefer the throttle control offered by hub motor ebikes because it is more intuitive and useful in certain situations - such as starting from a complete stop at a traffic light, or navigating through busy intersections where you need immediate power without worrying about pedaling or gear selection.

Others prefer the natural feel of pedal assist provided by mid-drive motors, which makes the riding experience feel more like traditional cycling with an extra boost. The ride feels like "cycling with stronger legs" rather than being pushed by an external force.

Repairs And Maintenance Cost

Mid-drive motors are usually more expensive to repair and maintain compared to hub motors because they are more complex, put more wear and tear on the drivetrain components, and have more moving parts. Besides, a mid-drive motor can be more complicated to install than a hub motor.

However, the increased drivetrain wear is often overstated. Real-world experience shows that with proper maintenance and using e-bike-specific components, chains on mid-drive bikes can last nearly 4,000 miles compared to 2,500 miles for standard 11-speed chains. Regular cleaning and using quality lubricants can significantly extend component life.

Hub motors, on the other hand, are simpler and easier to maintain, which can result in lower repair and maintenance costs. Electric bikes with hub motors tend to be more reliable and durable, potentially leading to a longer lifespan with minimal intervention.

One consideration: changing a flat tire on a hub motor (especially rear hub) is more complex than on a mid-drive or regular bike. However, mid-drive repairs often require specialized knowledge or dealer service, while hub motor maintenance can frequently be handled at any standard bike shop.

Pricing

Due to their simpler design and lower manufacturing costs, hub motor electric bikes are much more affordable than mid-drive e-bikes.

If you are on a tight budget, then the hub motor wins the race. You can save $600 to $1,000 by choosing a hub-drive electric bike instead of a mid-drive.

This price difference makes e-bikes accessible to a wider range of riders and represents excellent value for commuters and recreational riders who don't need the advanced capabilities of mid-drive systems.

Which Motor Type Is Better for Hills?

The question of hill-climbing ability isn't as simple as "mid-drive is always better." The answer depends on several factors: the steepness and length of the hills, the motor's power output, and how you use it.

Understanding the Hill Climbing Equation

For gentle to moderate slopes (5-10% grade), a quality hub motor with adequate power (500W or more) performs very well. Many hub motors have peak outputs exceeding 1,000W - some reaching 1,300-1,400W - which provides substantial power for short to medium-length climbs.

Real-world testing confirms this: a 500W hub motor has been shown to climb test hills faster than some mid-drive motors, completing climbs in comparable or even better times. On a 10% grade with 220 pounds of total weight, a 750W hub motor can maintain 5-7 mph without pedal assistance - equivalent to a fast walking or slow jogging pace.

However, for steep sustained climbs (15% grade and above, or long mountain ascents), mid-drive motors pull ahead decisively. Here's why: By using lower gears, you can keep the mid-drive motor spinning at its optimal RPM even on steep grades. This prevents motor overheating and ensures efficient power delivery.

Hub motors on very steep or extended climbs can overheat because they cannot adjust their operating speed. While they might handle a 2-3 minute climb admirably, a 30-minute sustained ascent could cause thermal issues.

The Gear Advantage Explained

Think of it like a car's transmission: You can shift a mid-drive to "first gear" for steep hills, keeping the motor happy and efficient. A hub motor is stuck in one gear ratio, which means on very steep hills, it's like trying to climb a mountain in your car's fifth gear - possible with enough power, but inefficient and stressful on the system.

Bottom line: For mountain biking, frequent steep hills, or heavy cargo hauling up grades, choose mid-drive. For rolling hills, moderate inclines, and occasional climbs, a powerful hub motor offers excellent value and performance.

Hub Motor vs Mid-Drive for Daily Commuting

For daily commuters, the choice between hub motor and mid-drive often comes down to your specific route and priorities rather than one being objectively better.

Urban and Flat Terrain Commuting

If you're commuting in a relatively flat city environment, hub motors offer compelling advantages. Their simplicity means less can go wrong, and you'll spend less time and money on maintenance. The throttle functionality available on most hub motor bikes provides a significant safety benefit in urban traffic.

Consider this scenario: You're stopped at a red light in heavy traffic. When the light turns green, you need to accelerate quickly to keep up with traffic flow. With a throttle-equipped hub motor, you get instant power regardless of what gear you're in. With a mid-drive pedal-assist system, if you're in the wrong gear, you might struggle to accelerate quickly - and being stuck in the wrong gear in urban traffic can be a genuine safety issue.

Additionally, experienced riders report that even after years of cycling, you don't always remember to shift perfectly, especially when navigating complex traffic situations. The throttle provides a safety net in these moments.

Hilly Commutes and Longer Distances

For commuters facing significant hills or longer distances (15+ miles each way), mid-drive motors shine. The 10-15 mile range advantage adds up over a week of commuting - you might need to charge only once or twice per week versus daily charging with a hub motor.

The efficiency advantage also means you'll consume less electricity over time, reducing operating costs. For a daily commuter covering 20 miles round-trip five days per week, this efficiency difference can translate to noticeable savings on electricity costs over years of use.

Weather and Reliability Considerations

In winter climates with ice and snow, hub motors offer an advantage: if your chain ices up or breaks (which happens more easily in wet, cold conditions), a hub motor with throttle can still get you home. Mid-drive systems depend entirely on the chain functioning properly.

However, mid-drive motors generally experience less wear on chains than feared. With proper maintenance - using e-bike-specific chains, quality lubricants, and mudguards to keep grit off components - chain life on mid-drives can actually exceed standard derailleur bike chains.

Recommendation: For flat urban commuting under 10 miles each way, hub motors provide excellent value, reliability, and urban safety features. For hilly commutes or distances over 15 miles, mid-drive efficiency pays dividends in range and reduced charging frequency.

Sensor Technology: How Torque and Cadence Sensors Affect Your Ride

Beyond the motor type itself, the sensor system significantly impacts your riding experience - yet this is often overlooked in motor comparisons.

Cadence Sensors: Simple but Less Natural

Cadence sensors work by detecting pedal rotation. Once you start pedaling (moving the cranks forward), the motor activates and provides a set amount of power based on your selected assist level. It doesn't matter how hard you're pushing - just that the pedals are moving.

This creates an "on/off" feel that some riders find less natural. The motor either provides full assistance for that level or none at all. This can feel abrupt, particularly when starting from a stop or navigating technical terrain where you need variable power.

Cadence sensors are commonly found on budget hub motor bikes. While they work fine for casual riding, experienced riders often find them frustrating once they've tried the alternative.

Torque Sensors: Natural and Responsive

Torque sensors measure how much force you're applying to the pedals. The harder you push, the more assistance the motor provides. This creates a riding experience that feels like "cycling with stronger legs" rather than being pushed by an external motor.

The sensor uses strain gauges or similar technology integrated into the bottom bracket or crank to measure your pedaling pressure. The motor's response is proportional and immediate - there's no lag or delay.

Riders who've experienced both sensors overwhelmingly prefer torque sensors. As one experienced rider put it: "Once you've tried a bike with torque sensor, you never want to go back to cadence sensor bikes. The difference in ride quality is night and day."

Matching Riders' Speeds and Effort

An underappreciated benefit of torque sensors: they make it much easier for two riders to stay together naturally. With cadence sensors, two bikes will almost never maintain the same speed comfortably because the power delivery isn't proportional to effort. One rider ends up constantly accelerating ahead while the other struggles to keep up.

With torque sensors, riders can match speeds naturally by applying similar pedaling effort, making group rides far more enjoyable.

Availability and Cost

Torque sensors add cost and complexity, which is why they're more common on mid-drive bikes and higher-end hub motor bikes. However, the good news is that torque sensor technology is becoming increasingly standard even on direct-to-consumer brands at moderate price points.

If you're buying a hub motor bike, strongly consider spending extra for a torque sensor model. The improvement in ride quality justifies the additional investment, particularly if you plan to ride regularly.

Key takeaway: The sensor type matters as much as the motor type for overall riding enjoyment. A hub motor with torque sensor can feel more natural than a mid-drive with cadence sensor.

Cost Comparison: Initial Price vs Long-Term Ownership

While the upfront price difference between hub and mid-drive motors is significant ($600-$1,000), it's worth considering the total cost of ownership over the bike's lifespan.

Breaking Down the Costs

Drivetrain Wear: Mid-drives do stress chains and cassettes more than hub motors, but the difference in real-world costs is smaller than often claimed. Using e-bike-specific chains and proper maintenance can extend chain life to 3,000-4,000 miles. Over five years of average use (3,000 miles/year), you might replace the chain 3-4 times versus 2-3 times with a hub motor.

Wheel/Tire Changes: Changing a flat tire on a hub motor rear wheel is more complex than on a standard or mid-drive bike. While some hub motors feature quick-release designs that simplify this, many require disconnecting electrical connections and dealing with torque arms. If you pay for shop service, this added complexity can cost an extra $20-30 per flat.

Motor Repairs: Hub motors, especially direct-drive models, have fewer parts to fail. Mid-drive motors have complex internal gearing that can require expensive repairs if problems occur outside of warranty. However, major motor failures are relatively rare with both types from reputable manufacturers.

Shop Accessibility: Hub motor repairs may require specialty shops or manufacturer service, while mid-drive bikes can often be serviced at any quality bike shop for drivetrain-related issues (though motor problems still need specialist attention).

Value Proposition

For budget-conscious buyers or those unsure about long-term e-bike commitment, hub motors offer exceptional value. The $600-$1,000 savings upfront is significant, and total ownership costs remain lower over time.

For serious riders who will use the bike extensively (5,000+ miles/year) and need maximum capability, mid-drive's higher efficiency can partially offset the cost through reduced electricity consumption and the longer range means less frequent charging cycles on the battery, potentially extending its lifespan.

Consider this: The money saved on a hub motor bike could fund accessories like quality lights, a good lock, panniers, or even a second battery for extended range - practical additions that enhance your actual riding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose the Right Motor for Your Needs

After exploring all the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both motor types, the choice between a hub motor and a mid-drive motor for an electric bike ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.

Quick Decision Framework

Choose a Hub Motor if you:

• Ride primarily on flat or gently rolling terrain
• Commute shorter distances (under 15 miles each way)
• Want the most affordable entry into e-biking
• Prefer simple, low-maintenance operation
• Value having throttle capability for urban riding
• Don't plan to tackle steep sustained climbs
• Want the quietest possible operation

Choose a Mid-Drive Motor if you:

• Regularly ride in hilly or mountainous terrain
• Want maximum efficiency and longest range per charge
• Plan to do serious off-road or mountain biking
• Prefer a riding feel most like a traditional bicycle
• Need to climb steep sustained grades regularly
• Are willing to invest more upfront for better performance
• Don't mind slightly higher maintenance requirements

Final Thoughts

Hub motor e-bikes offer a simpler, more affordable option for riders who prioritize ease of use, reliability, and value. They excel at flat-terrain commuting and casual riding, providing years of dependable service with minimal maintenance.

Mid-drive motors offer a more advanced, customizable option for riders who prioritize performance, efficiency, and versatility. They're the clear choice for challenging terrain, serious riding, and situations where you need maximum capability.

The good news? Both technologies have matured significantly, and you'll get a quality riding experience with either choice if you match the motor type to your actual riding needs.

No matter which type of motor you choose, with the right electric bike, you'll be able to enjoy a new level of freedom, efficiency, and convenience on your next ride. Explore Himiway's full range of e-bikes to find your perfect match for every riding style and terrain.