Understanding Ebike Hub Motors: A Comprehensive Guide

by milton ferrara CEO

The motor of an electric bicycle from Ebikeling for example is not just the power it has. All engines from each manufacturer have their characteristics.

Engine Types

There are three main types of motor for electric bikes, and which one you choose will depend on the riding you want to do.

Hub Mounted

Electric bicycle motor - hubAs the name suggests, these motors are mounted on the wheel hub on either the front or rear wheel. Hub-mounted motors are mostly found on hardtail e-mountain bikes and touring bikes. You won't find many electric bikes with the motor mounted on the front wheel. These are usually aftermarket kits that convert a traditional bicycle into an electric bicycle.

The downside to rear ebike hub motor is that the bike is poorly balanced. Additionally, they can alter the handling of a bicycle with rear suspension. This isn't a problem for most people, but the uneven weight distribution can make riding tricky if you like to ride technical mountain bike trails.

However, bikes with hub-mounted motors are much cheaper and virtually maintenance-free. Electric bikes with hub-mounted motors are ideal for light off-road and street riding. These systems use a cadence sensor, which monitors your pedaling and tells the motor when to activate. It also tells the engine how much power to ask for about the selected level of assistance.

The motor gives you a set amount of power when you pedal slowly, but when you start pedaling faster, your power is reduced as you gain momentum. Motors mounted on the rear hub use this system so that the pressure you exert on the pedals is relatively light. If you have mobility issues or are recovering from an injury, an electric bike with a cadence sensor will be more comfortable to ride.

Before the engine starts, you have to pedal. Therefore, some electric bikes with a cadence sensor also have a throttle. Therefore, you can move in acceleration mode before pedaling to activate the motor.

Bolt-On Motors

Bolt-on motors are also used in conversion kits. These motors can be a little heavier than hub or center-mounted motors. Additionally, you have to carry the battery in a backpack, which raises the center of gravity.

Center Mounted Motors

Center-mounted motors are smaller and more compact, allowing frame designers to make the bike's geometry more like a regular mountain bike. The great advantage is that you do not need to adapt your driving style.

The motor is mounted between the cranks, so all the weight is down, lowering the bike's center of gravity. It balances the bike well, fore and aft, making its handling predictable and more like a regular mountain bike.

Bikes with mid-mounted motors are ideal for people who ride technical terrain or live in mountainous areas. The engine uses a torque sensor to determine the assistance you need.

An electric bicycle of 1500 watts ebike with a torque sensor requires you to exert effort on the pedals to calculate the force you are applying.

The torque sensor tells the motor to increase its power depending on the force you exert on the pedals. When you press the pedals harder, the engine gives you more power. The system gives you a more natural feeling. It's more like riding a regular bicycle but with amplified pedaling efforts. You can also feel the chain's effort since it is connected directly to the motor.

A system with a torque sensor connects faster than one with a cadence sensor. They make the system more efficient and can extend the range of your bike. Therefore, the type of motor you choose will depend on the use you want to give to your electric bicycle. But, once you've made your choice, the engine shouldn't be the only deciding factor in which bike to buy.

You have to think about the bike's geometry, size, and additional features to ensure it is the best one for you. But still, we will focus on the engines so you can get all the information.

Engine Weight

Electric bike motors typically weigh 3.5kg; some are slightly heavier, while others are lighter. The weight of the motor is not as critical as its size and where it is mounted. You should not worry about it too much, and the engine's weight will decrease considerably as the technology evolves.

Power And Torque

Torque figures vary between 75Nm and 90Nm. The torque you get from an engine is important as it affects how it delivers power. This comes down to how easy or difficult it is to pedal your e-bike, which is affected by the level of assistance you select.

Typically, Eco mode will give you 50% extra assistance, and Turbo mode will give you about 300%. These figures vary between brands and models, but the principle is more or less the same. However, it is you, as the pilot, who decides how to use the engine's power.

The range of your electric bicycle is determined to a greater extent by the size of the battery, the way you drive the bicycle, and the degree of inclination of the route. However, a larger motor will consume battery power more quickly.

For example, a 250W motor powered by a 500W battery running at 100% for 2 hours will drain the battery.