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Hub-Drive vs Mid-Drive motor… what’s the difference?
It’s a question we get asked a LOT - especially from rental operators comparing different eBike systems. Let’s discuss the major differences between the two, and why you might choose one over the other…
Personally, I prefer mid-drive eBikes and they offer a smoother, more natural ride. You will usually find them on higher quality, more sophisticated eBikes. But ultimately, it comes down to individual preference and sometimes budget. So it’s definitely worth test riding both so you can make an accurate, informed and educated decision.
✅ First, the Basics
- A mid-drive motor is mounted in the bottom bracket in the centre of the bike, and directly assists your pedalling by driving the chain.
- A hub-drive motor, on the other hand, sits in the wheel hub (usually the rear) and drives the wheel directly and “pushes” you forward.
Pedal-assist E-bikes with motors require input from the rider to gauge how much or little power (or assist) to give you while you pedal; Pedal hard, you must want some acceleration. Pedal softly, you must just want a little power. The whole time you are riding it’s trying to decipher from your input whether to give more or less power at any given moment. Most mid-drives use a torque sensor in the crank to measure how hard you pedal and amplifying your effort instantly, a super-smooth transition of power that feels more natural. Hub-drives generally use a cadence sensor, which responds to how fast you’re pedalling - meaning the assistance can feel more on/off, as in when you pedal fast, it gives you more, pedal slowly & it gives you less power assist and stop pedalling, the motor shuts off – not the most precise or accurate way to translate rider input, but effective nonetheless.
⚙️ How It Feels on the Road
Because a mid-drive’s power goes through the bike’s gears, it:
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Climbs hills more effectively and reaches higher speeds
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Maximises battery range through efficient torque delivery
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Feels smoother and more natural as the power engages, even on hill starts
In contrast, hub-drive motors are typified by a sudden kick, or surge of power pushing the wheel along. Some riders prefer this as they feel the oomph immediately. But it’s a less efficient use of battery power, and on some cheaper eBikes can make the riding experience feel a bit jerky.
🤔 So Why Doesn’t Every eBike Use Mid-Drive?
Hub-drive systems are simpler and cheaper to build, and tend to appear on entry level or ready-riding eBikes, with little-to-no special frame design required to fit a battery & motor to the bike. Mid-drives are more expensive and the frame design is built around the motor and integrated battery. They also offer a smoother, more controlled and more natural ride. If you’re looking for a bike to ride a lot out on trails or on longer rides then we would recommend a mid-drive every time: you will very quickly feel the benefit of a mid-drive.
If you’re looking to test ride a mid-drive eBike for yourself, simply book a test ride here at Urban Pedaler or at your local Swiss E-Mobility dealer.
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