When it comes to choosing an e-bike motor, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’; every option has a unique selection of benefits. The best way to find the right motor for you is to get educated, weigh up the pros and cons, and figure out which model best meets your specific needs.
In this article, we’ll cover the fundamentals you need to consider when searching for an e-bike motor, before taking a glimpse into what the future might hold for this ever-advancing technology.
3 key Areas to Consider When Choosing an E-bike Motor
1. Hub or Mid-drive?
Electric bikes have either a hub or mid-drive motor. While hub e-bike motors sit within the front or rear wheel hub, mid-drive motors are positioned between the cranks. Here’s a whistlestop guide to their main advantages and pitfalls.
Hub Motors: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
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Cost-friendliness. Their positioning makes them cheaper to repair and maintain than mid-drive motors.
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Versatile. Generally, hub motors can be paired with any electric bike frame.
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Less reliance on pedalling. Hub motors assist based on cadence, meaning you’ll get lots of assistance, even if you’re not pedalling hard.
Disadvantages
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Can feel underpowered. This is due to the distance between the pedals and the motor.
- ‘Unnatural’ feel. Some riders report that hub motor electric bikes feel unnatural; rotational pull caused by the front or rear positioning of the motor can lead to a feeling of being ‘pushed’ or ‘pulled’ along.
Mid-drive Motors: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
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Sensitivity. Because they rely on torque rather than cadence sensors, mid-drive motors are more sensitive to pedalling. This gives their assistance a more ‘natural’ feel (similar to a traditional pushbike).
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Power. The position of a mid-drive motor means no pedalling power is lost before it reaches the motor.
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Noise. Mid-drive motors are typically quieter than hub motors.
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Efficiency. Mid-drive motors can be less of a drain on the electric bike’s battery than hub motors.
Disadvantages
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Cost. The key disadvantage of mid-drive motors is that they’re significantly more expensive than hub motors. This is because they’re more sophisticated, and require a special type of electric bike frame. Their positioning also makes repair and maintenance more complicated and, in turn, costly.
So, Which is Best?
There’s no short answer; it all depends on what you want. If you’re after a sensitive motor that delivers a quieter and more natural, ‘pushbike-esque’ feel, a mid-drive motor could be your go-to. On the flipside, if you want a reliable but cost-friendly option that provides consistent assistance even when you’re pedalling less, you might be best opting for a rear or front hub motor.
2. Brushed or Brushless?
What’s the Difference?
In a brushed motor, brushes make contact with a rotating spindle, which in turn creates friction and electrical energy to drive the motor. Brushless motors are simply a newer technology, in which the brushes are replaced by an electronic controller.
Which is Best?
Just like hub and mid-drive motors, brushed and brushless motors each have pros and cons. Brushed motors are cheaper, can deliver consistent performance, and their simplicity makes them generally easier to repair.
Despite this, brushless motors are largely preferred. They tend to be quieter, more efficient, longer lasting, and provide an all-round better performance. While their brushed counterparts may be simpler to repair, brushless motors are generally more reliable and therefore require less maintenance. This can lead to significant savings and a better return on investment over time.
3. Power Output
E-bike motors are available in a range of power outputs, with 250W, 500W, and 750W being some of the most popular choices.
Here’s a quick rundown:
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250W e-bike motors are perfect for commuting and recreational road rides. Vitally, e-bikes with 250W motors comply with EAPC requirements. This means that as long as they meet the other requirements, they’re road legal in the UK.
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500W and 750W e-bike motors are great for experienced cyclists who enjoy long, off-road adventures over challenging terrain. But, electric bikes with these higher powered motors can be quite heavy. They also don’t meet EAPC requirements, so should be avoided if you want to cycle on the road.
The Role of the Battery in E-bike Motor Performance
An electric bike’s battery and motor work in partnership. A high voltage, good quality battery will allow the motor to perform at its peak in terms of speed, power, and range. This means that if you want to invest in a powerful motor for maximum assistance over rough terrain, you must pair it with a battery capable of providing enough juice. To find out more on the impact of the battery on electric bike performance (and how to select the right battery), take a look at our in-depth blog post here.
What Does the Future Hold for E-bike Motor Technology?
E-bike users are constantly on the lookout for smaller, lighter, and more efficient motors that pack the same punch, and developments are already in the pipeline. Weighing in at just 1180g, the Urtopia Quark DM1.2 motor can easily fit in the palm of your hand while producing an impressive 60Nm of torque. New systems like this one aim to offer enhanced precision, so they’ll likely be a hit among the many e-bike riders looking for that authentic ‘pushbike’ feel.
Explore Motor Options and Find Your Electric Bike Today
If you’re buying a new electric bike, you’ll need to consider not only the motor, but other important components like the battery, suspension, and gear system. Naturally, it can get confusing.
Give E-Bikes Express a call for expert guidance today; we’ll listen to your needs and carefully match you with the best e-bike for your lifestyle and budget.
