Mid Drive Vs Hub Motor Electric Bike: Pros and Cons

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when choosing an ebike is whether you want to go with a mid-drive or hub motor design. Mid-drive motors are located in the center of the frame, between the peddles and applies power through the chain. Hub drive motors are built into one of the wheels (usually the rear) and applies torque directly to the wheel. The motor type plays a major role in the price, ride quality, and overall performance of the bike. In this guide, I’ll outline the main differences between the two types of motors. I’ll also list the pros and cons of mid-drive vs hub motor ebikes. I’ll cover performance, maintenance, ride quality, handling, cost, range, and much more.

Mid drive ebikes are the better choice for those who need more range, those who value performance, hilly areas, off-road riders and those who prefer a more natural ride feel. Hub motor ebikes are better for those on a tight budget, casual riders, those who value low maintenance, and those who want to have a throttle.

Over the past 10 years, I have owned both mid-drive and hub motor electric bikes. Generally, I prefer the performance of mid-drive systems but the hub motor certainly has its place. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.

What is a Mid Drive eBike?

On a mid-drive ebike, the motor is located at the center of the bike between the pedals, at the bike’s bottom bracket. The cranks attach directly to the mid-drive motor. The mid-drive motor is integrated into the e-bike’s frame.

Mid-drive motors provide power through the bike’s drivetrain. The motor turns the cranks and chainring and provides power to the rear wheel through the chain.

A mid-drive ebike motor can take advantage of the bike’s gears because it is integrated into the drivetrain. You can use the mechanical advantage of the gears to multiply the motor’s power.

For example, when you shift down it becomes easier for the motor to turn the cranks. This allows you to easily power up steep hills. When you shift up, the motor has to work harder to turn the cranks. The mechanical advantage of the gears allows you to reach higher speeds. You can also use the gears to keep the motor in its ideal RPM range. Using the gears allows you to ride faster and more efficiently and ride varied terrain. 

Mid-drive ebike motors have a built-in pedal-assist sensor. Most mid-drive ebikes come with a torque sensor. This sensor uses a strain gauge to measure the amount of force you’re putting into the peddles. It then relays this information to the bike’s control unit. The control unit then adjusts the level of assist based on that measurement. When you pedal harder, the motor provides more power.

Most mid-drive ebikes only offer pedal assist. They do not have a throttle. This means you have to pedal in order for the motor to supply power.

Mid-drive ebike motors are a relatively new technology. Expensive high-end ebikes tend to come with mid-drive motors. Mid-drive ebikes are sometimes referred to as central hub or mid-motor ebikes.

What is a Hub Motor Electric Bike?

Hub motor ebikes have an electric motor built into the hub of the wheel. The hub motor is used in place of a standard hub. Usually, the motor is installed in the rear wheel but it can be installed in the front wheel as well.

The hub motor directly powers the wheel it’s built into. In other words, it applies torque directly to the wheel. It operates completely separately from the bike’s drivetrain. A hub motor is not affected by gear changes. Hub motors are the most common type of motor, by far. 

There are two types of hub motors: geared and gearless. Gearless hub motors have no moving parts other than the hub bearings. Gearless motors are also called direct drive hub motors.

Geared hub motors use internal planetary gears to reduce the RPMs of the motor. The gears allow a smaller motor to produce more power, improving efficiency.

Most hub motor electric bicycles come with a cadence sensor based pedal-assist system. The cadence sensor measures if you’re pedaling. Some models also measure your pedaling speed.

When you start pedaling, the sensor sends a signal to the bike’s control unit. The control unit then turns the hub motor on. When you stop pedaling, the sensor signals the control unit and the motor shuts off. 

Most hub motors supply a constant level of power when you pedal. The motor is either on or off. Some hub drive ebikes allow you to adjust the level of pedal assistance. There may be 3-5 assistance settings. When riding on level 1, the motor provides minimal assistance. On level 5, the motor operates at full power. On higher-end models, the system may adjust automatically based on your cadence.

Some hub motor ebikes also feature a throttle control. The throttle is mounted on the handlebars. You manipulate the throttle with your fingers to control the motor’s speed. When using the throttle, you don’t have to pedal. 

Mid Drive Vs Hub Motor eBikes

eBike Range

Mid-drive ebikes almost always offer more range than hub motor models. For example, a mid-drive ebike might give you 40-45 miles of range. A comparable hub-drive ebike may only give you 25-30 miles of range. On average, a mid-drive ebike gives you 10-15 miles more range than a hub motor model. This is assuming that the battery sizes and motor sizes are the same. If you plan to ride long distances, mid-drive is the best choice.

Mid-drive ebikes offer more range because they can take advantage of the bike’s gears to keep the motor running at the most efficient RPM. Mid-drive e-bike motors are optimized to operate at maximum efficiency when they are running at the speed of a natural cycling cadence. For the average cyclist, this will be somewhere between 60-85 rpm. The motor uses less power when it’s running at its optimal speed. Electric motors run efficiently at higher RPMs.

Ebike motors tend to use less power when you’re riding in lower gears at a higher RPM. The motor doesn’t have to work as hard because it can use the mechanical advantage that the gears provide. For example, if you’re riding up a hill, you can shift into a low gear. This makes the cranks easier for the motor to turn. The motor stays in its optimal RPM range while you climb. This saves power. When you’re riding at speed on a flat surface, you can shift up into a higher gear so the motor doesn’t run too fast. Again, the motor maintains its optimal RPM and runs efficiently.

Most mid-drive ebikes also come with a torque sensor. This improves range by allowing the control system to vary the amount of power that the motor puts out. The motor always outputs the ideal amount of power based on your pedaling force. When you pedal gently, the motor only provides a little bit of power. The motor only operates at full power when you pedaling hard. This saves energy because the motor never gives you more power than you need.

Hub motor ebikes can’t use the mechanical advantage of the bike’s gears because the motor operates independently from the bike’s drivetrain. Sometimes the motor runs at too high or too low of RPM for the conditions. When this happens, it won’t operate efficiently and your range will suffer. For example, while climbing a hill, the motor will have to work extra hard and will use more power. This reduces your range. Some high-end hub motor ebikes offer regenerative braking. This can improve the range by around 5%.

Hub drive ebikes usually have a cadence sensor that measures if you’re pedaling or not. The motor turns on when you pedal and off when you stop pedaling. The sensor works like an on/off switch. There is only one speed. This is less efficient because the motor provides more power than you need in some situations. In most cases, you can adjust the level of pedal-assist manually. You can often switch to a low-power eco mode to increase your range.

Of course, the battery size also plays a major role in the ebike’s range. You can increase your range by installing a larger capacity battery. A hub drive ebike with a large 600 Wh battery will offer more range than a mid-drive ebike with a much smaller 300 Wh battery.

The type of pedal-assist sensor the bike uses can also play a big role in range. A hub motor ebike with a torque sensor can have a similar range to a mid-drive ebike.

The motor type is important as well. A geared hub motor offers better range than a gearless hub motor. The internal gears provide some mechanical advantage.

Motor size also plays a role in your range. Larger motors use more power than smaller motors.

The weight of the rider and bike is also important. A 100 lb person will get much more range than a 200 lb person on the same bike. It takes more energy to move more weight.

For more in-depth info, check out my guide to e-bike range.

Winner: Mid-drive ebikes offer more range than hub motor ebikes. If you need a range of over around 25-30 miles, you’re better off going with a mid-drive model.

Handling

The weight of the heavy electric motor and battery affects the handling of the ebike. For the best handling, you want the weight of your bike to be distributed 50/50 between the front and rear axle. Having a low center of gravity is also preferable.

Mid-drive e bikes offer better handling than hub motor ebikes due to the placement of the motor and battery. The mid-drive motor is placed in the center of the bike, near the bike’s center of gravity. The battery is also placed near the center of the bike, on the downtube.

The benefit is that the additional weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear of the bike. The center of gravity remains near the center of the bike.

As a result, the bike feels more balanced and natural to ride. You don’t feel the weight of the motor while maneuvering a mid-drive ebike as much. Weight added near the center of gravity is less noticeable because it’s balanced.

In addition, the mid-drive motor is mounted lower on the bike, near the bottom bracket. This lowers the center of gravity. A low center of gravity gives the bike better traction. This allows you to turn harder without your tires sliding out from under you. The low center of gravity can also make the bike feel more stable. Particularly while maneuvering at lower speeds. 

Hub motor ebikes can feel unbalanced because the weight of the motor moves the bike’s center of gravity toward the front or rear of the bike (depending on which wheel the motor is in).

Having the weight of the motor in the wheel also creates an odd gyroscopic effect while riding at high speeds. When you lean the bike, the heavy spinning motor feels like it’s trying to right itself. This can affect the steering. Particularly on front hub motor ebikes. 

This makes the extra weight much more noticeable. You may not be able to turn as quickly or as hard with a hub motor. You can really feel the weight of the motor as you maneuver the bike. It takes some getting used to.

The weight of the battery can be used to offset the weight of the motor to balance the bike. For example, if the hub motor is in the front, you can place the battery in the rear. This can help to improve handling. 

Suspension also plays a major role in handling. Many ebikes have a suspension fork or full suspension system. The suspension system on mid-drive ebikes accommodates the extra weight of the motor because the motor is attached to the frame. In other words, the weight of the mid-drive motor is suspended. When you hit a bump, the suspension dampens the shock. You don’t notice the extra weight of the motor as much when hitting a bump. This allows mid-drive motor ebikes to handle better on rough terrain and while riding off-road. For this reason, mid-drive motors are better for mountain biking.

On hub motor ebikes, the weight of the motor is unsuspended. The wheel with the motor can behave unexpectedly when it hits a bump due to the extra weight of the motor. For example, when you hit a pothole, the wheel with the motor drops harder and faster because it’s heavier. This can make handling a bit less predictable. It also makes the ride feel a bit rougher. The rough ride can affect the bike’s handling.

Of course, the weight distribution of the motor and battery isn’t the only thing that affects handling. The tires also play a major role. Ebikes need quality tires that can handle high speeds.

The geometry of the bike also affects handling. Some bike geometries offer more responsive and precise steering than others. Most ebikes have an upright ride position that gives you a good view of the road ahead and wide handlebars that offer plenty of leverage for steering.

Winner: Mid drive ebikes offer better handling than hub motor models due to the placement of the motor.

Ride Quality

Mid-drive ebikes offer better ride quality than hub motor models. There are a number of reasons for this. First, power delivery feels more natural. This is because mid-drive motors apply power through the chain or belt. Power delivery feels natural because it’s the same way you power a bike while pedaling.

Hub drive motors apply power directly to one of the wheels. This gives the bike a different feel while riding. It kind of feels like you’re being pushed if the motor is at the rear or pulled if the motor is at the front. You get used to this feeling over time but it doesn’t feel quite as natural. Some riders do enjoy the ride feel of a rear hub motor. It’s kind of like riding a motorcycle.

The pedal assist sensor type also affects ride quality. The sensors tell the pedal-assist system when to engage the motor, how much power to apply, and when to disengage the motor.

The two different types of pedal assist sensors used on ebikes include torque sensors and cadence sensors. Mid-drive ebikes usually come with a torque sensor while hub drive ebikes usually come with a cadence sensor. Torque sensors offer better ride quality. 

Torque sensors measure the amount of force you’re delivering to the pedals. The bike’s control system then adjusts the motor’s power accordingly.

Cadence sensors measure if and how fast you’re pedaling. The most basic systems work like an on/off switch. When you start pedaling the motor engages. When you stop the motor disengages. Higher-end models can vary the power based on your pedaling speed.

Torque sensors make pedaling feel smoother, more natural, and more intuitive than cadence sensors. This is because torque sensors react more quickly to changes in your pedaling power. The system adjusts almost in real-time. A quality torque sensor can take 1000 torque samples per second and adjust the motor’s power delivery accordingly.

The connection between you and the motor feels much more direct as a result. When you start pedaling harder, the motor instantly gives you more power. This makes you feel like you have superhuman legs. When you pedal softer, the power instantly eases up. It’s seamless. This is great for ease of use.

Cadence sensors can make the ride feel kind of jerky or rough. When you start pedaling and the motor engages at full power. It’s either on or off. This can cause the bike to jerk forward. This happens every time you start pedaling.

Sometimes there’s a lag before the motor turns on or off. This is because cadence sensors can only take 3-12 cadence samples per rotation of the pedals. You have to rotate the pedals 30-120 degrees before the system can sense that you’re pedaling.

Cadence sensor pedal assist systems also can’t adjust as quickly to changes in your pedaling speed. Some systems can’t adjust at all. They just switch on and off as you start and stop pedaling. As a result, the bike feels less intuitive to ride.

The quality of the bike also plays a major role in the overall ride quality. High-end hub motor ebikes often come with torque a sensor. Lower-end mid-drive ebikes sometimes come with cadence sensors. A hub motor ebike with a quality torque sensor may offer better ride quality than a cheap mid-drive bike with a cadence sensor.

The quality of the sensors plays a big role in the ride quality as well. Low-end torque sensors can give the bike a jerky ride feel because they don’t measure torque and adjust power as frequently as high-end models. High-end cadence sensors can offer a smooth ride.

The location of the motor on the bike can also affect ride quality. As outlined above, mid-drive ebikes have better weight distribution because the weight of the motor is placed near the bike’s center of gravity. When the bike is balanced, handling, traction, and stability are better. The bike feels more natural to maneuver. Hub motor ebikes can feel unbalanced because the weight of the motor sits near the front or rear.

Suspension also plays a role in ride quality. Mid-drive ebikes also offer a smoother ride. This is because the weight of the motor is supported by the bike’s suspension system because the motor is attached to the frame. The suspension system is designed to accommodate the extra weight of the motor. Suspension helps to dampen shocks when you hit a bump in the road.

On a hub drive ebike, the weight of the motor is unsprung. The bike’s suspension system doesn’t hold the weight of the motor because the motor is in the wheel. The added weight of the motor in the wheel makes bumps feel harsher.

The bike’s components also affect the ride quality. For example, a high-quality drivetrain makes shifting faster and smoother. Wide, high-volume tires can give the bike a plush ride. A fat bike e bike is a popular choice for this reason. A quality saddle and suspension seat post can help to smooth out bumps.

Winner: Mid-drive ebikes usually offer better ride quality than hub drive because the power is delivered through the chain. They also usually come with torque sensors, which offer smoother power delivery than cadence sensors.

Gears

One major advantage to mid-drive ebikes is that they can use the mechanical advantage of the bike’s gears. This is possible because the motor powers the bike through the drivetrain. The motor turns the cranks, just like you do when you pedal.

Shifting changes the gear ratio of the motor. When you shift down into a lower gear, the cranks require less force to turn. This makes it easier for the motor to turn the cranks. When you shift up into a higher gear, the cranks require more force to turn. This makes it harder for the motor to turn the cranks. The ideal gear ratio depends on the incline and road conditions you’re riding on as well as your preferred cadence.

Being able to change the gear ratio allows you to keep the motor running at its optimal RPM at all times. Electric motors run most efficiently at high RPMs. Mid-drive motors are designed to run at peak efficiency while you’re pedaling at a natural cadence. For most cyclists, this is somewhere between 65-80 RPM. When the motor is running optimally, it uses less electricity. This improves your range. The motor can also produce more power and torque while it’s running in its optimal range

Your bike’s gearing comes in handy while climbing steep hills. You can shift down into an easier gear so the motor doesn’t have to work as hard. This allows the motor to power you up hills more easily and efficiently. Low powered hub motors often can’t handle hills.

Being able to use the gears is also beneficial for heavy riders or carrying heavy loads. You can gear down to give the motor more mechanical advantage to accelerate the load. Most electric cargo bikes have mid-drive motors for this reason.

You’ll also be able to achieve a higher top speed with a mid-drive ebike.On flat surfaces and when going down hills, you can shift up into a higher gear and maintain a higher speed. This allows you to cover more ground in less time.

Hub motors can not utilize the bike’s gears because the motor operates independently from the drivetrain. Both systems are separate. The motor is not affected by the bike’s gearing.

This means that the hub motor sometimes runs outside of its optimal RPM. While climbing hills, the motor will run too slow. While riding at high speeds, the motor may run at too high of RPM. As a result, it will burn more energy. 

Hub motors also can’t supply as much power because they can’t use the mechanical advantage of the gears. Some small hub motors may not have enough power to climb steep hills. This is often the case with sub-200-watt hub motors. You’ll have to pedal or walk the bike up if the motor can’t provide enough power. 

Another benefit of mid-drive motors is that they are compatible with internal gear hubs and belt drives. These are popular due to their low maintenance. Internal gear hubs also allow you to shift while stopped. This comes in handy while riding in stop-and-go city traffic and while riding in hilly areas.

Rear hub motors are not compatible with internal gear hubs. You could use a Pinion gearbox with a rear hub motor if you wanted a belt drive and internal gears.

It’s important to note that you can’t shift a mid-drive motor e-bike while under power. The torque of the engine will damage or break the chain. You must momentarily slow your pedaling when you want to shift. Most modern mid-drive e-bikes automatically cut power to the motor for you when you shift.

Winner: Mid-drive ebikes can utilize the bike’s gears. Hub motor ebikes can’t use the gears.

Repairs and Maintenance

Hub motor ebikes require less frequent maintenance than mid-drive models. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, the motor does not connect to the bike’s drivetrain. This means it doesn’t put any additional stress on the chain, gears, derailleurs, or shifters. These parts will last longer and require less frequent maintenance as a result.

The hub motor is also mechanically simpler. All of the components are sealed inside the hub. Many hub motors are gearless. This means they have no moving parts that can wear out. The only maintenance you’ll have to do is grease the hub bearings every year or so and keep the outside of the hub clean so it doesn’t rust. This is standard maintenance that you have to do to any hub. 

Maintaining the wheel with the electric motor is more challenging. When you need to repair a flat or change the tire, you’ll have to remove the wheel. This involves disconnecting the motor from the electrical system. Usually, there is just a single connector that you pull apart. 

The tire is also slightly harder to remove from the wheel and replace due to the added weight of the motor. A hub motor can weigh 5-20 lbs. It’s cumbersome. You also need to be careful with the wheel while changing the tire so you don’t damage the motor. It’s more fragile than a standard hub. Repairing a flat tire on a mid-drive ebike is simpler. The process is exactly the same as on a normal bike. 

Mid-drive ebikes require a bit more frequent maintenance. The main reason is that the motor is harder on the bike’s drivetrain components. This is because the motor powers the bike through the drivetrain. Mid-drive motors create more torque and put out more power than a cyclist can. This puts wear and tear on the chain and cogs. 

The average cyclist puts out 100-150 watts of pedaling power while cycling casually. During a hard sprint, they may put out 250-300 watts temporarily. A mid-drive motor can run at 250-750 watts continuously. This is the equivalent of a professional cyclist hammering down on your peddles as hard as they can. The motor can sustain this force all day.

You’ll have to replace your chain, rear gear cluster, and chainrings more frequently when you ride a mid-drive ebike. You’ll also have to use premium drivetrain components that can handle the added stress. In addition, you’ll have to clean and grease the chain more often so it doesn’t wear out as quickly. Some cyclists rotate between 2-3 chains every 500-100 miles to extend drivetrain life. 

If you want a lower your drivetrain maintenance, you can choose an ebike with an internal gear hub and belt drive. These require less maintenance but cost much more.

Ebikes, in general, require a bit more maintenance than standard bikes. Over time the battery capacity declines. When you can no longer get the range you require, you’ll have to replace the battery. You will need to replace the battery every 2-4 years depending on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in.  

You’ll also go through tires quicker than you’re used to because you’re riding at higher speeds and covering more miles when you ride an ebike. When buying new tires, make sure you choose models that are designed for the high speeds that ebikes travel at. The tires should have a speed rating that matches the max speed of your bike.

Of course, you’ll also need to take care of regular bicycle maintenance such as keeping the brakes and shifters adjusted, replacing brake pads and cables as they wear out, cleaning and lubing the drivetrain, and greasing the bearings, etc. Ebikes use the same parts as non-powered bikes.

Winner: Hub motor ebikes require less frequent maintenance than mid-drive ebikes.

Pricing

Hub motor ebikes are much cheaper than mid-drive models. Mid-range hub motor ebikes cost around $1000-$1500. To compare, similarly specced mid-drive ebikes cost around $2000-$3000. Premium mid-drive ebikes can cost as much as $5000-$8000. On average, a mid-drive ebike costs around $600-$1000 more than a comparable hub motor model. 

Low-end hub drive ebikes are also available. These start at around $600. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also convert your existing bike into a hub drive ebike. A decent hub drive conversion kit costs around $250-$300. You can build a battery for around $200. If you’re willing to put in some work, you could convert your existing bike into an ebike for less than $500.

Hub motor ebikes are cheaper than mid-drive models because they are less complex and are easier to manufacture. The motors contain fewer parts. The motor technology is also older. Hub motors are mass-produced in factories by the hundreds of thousands. The same designs have been used for many years. Hub motor ebikes also use standard frames. There are fewer proprietary parts required. All of this cuts down on the cost of manufacturing.

Mid-drive ebikes are much more expensive to produce. The frames need to be custom-made to fit the motor. The mid-drive motor is also more complex. They contain a complicated gear reduction system and gear sensors that cut power to the motor while you’re shifting. 

The pedal assist sensor type also plays a big role in the cost of the bike. Hub motor ebikes usually come with cadence senso