Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor (The Real Difference)
While I was looking to purchase my first e-bike, I knew I needed to decide if I wanted an eBike with a hub motor or a mid-drive motor. To make my decision, I first compared the two on factors like torque, cost, efficiency, and power. Then, I made a pros and cons list for both hub drive motors and mid-drive motors. I have compiled my research, results, and answers to several other questions in this article.
On average, mid-drive motors are expensive and difficult to maintain, but they are highly efficient. If you often ride your electric bike on rough terrain or steep hills, an electric bike with a mid-drive motor would be the ideal choice for you.
As a general rule, hub motors are less expensive, easy to maintain, and provide a powerful ride. If you ride your electric bike in an urban environment or mainly use it for commuting, an electric bike with a hub motor would be great for you.
As a whole, mid-drive motors are better than hub motors. Mid-drive motors are efficient, more powerful, and offer a better riding experience than hub motors. Hub motors are less expensive and easier to maintain but they are not nearly as powerful as mid-drive motors.
While we believe mid-drive motors are better than hub motors, hub motors might be a better option for some riders. If you would like to find out which motor is best for your needs, keep reading.
Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
On average, the main difference between a hub motor and a mid-drive motor is the efficiency, due to the torque. Mid-drive motors tend to be more efficient than hub motors because they provide more torque.
To compare hub motors and mid-drive motors, you will need to look at the cost, power, acceleration, maintenance required, weight distribution, if retrofitting is an option, torque, and efficiency. I have created a few different charts highlighting the key differences between hub motors and mid-drive motors with these factors in mind.
| Motor Type | Power | Cost | Acceleration | Maintenance Required | Weight Distribution | Retrofitting | Torque | Efficiency |
| Hub Motor | Less powerful than mid-drive motor | Less expensive than mid-drive motor | Acceleration not as good as mid-drive motor | Require much less maintenance than mid-drive motors (and are easier to maintain) | Weight distribution not as good as mid-drive motor | Easier to retrofit than mid-drive motor | Produces less torque than mid-drive motor | Less efficient than mid-drive motor |
| Mid-Drive Motor | More powerful than hub motor | More expensive than hub motor | Better acceleration than hub motor | Can cause frequent chain breakage, requiring frequent maintenance | Better weight distribution than hub motor | More difficult to retrofit than hub motor | Creates more torque than hub motor | More efficient than hub motor |
Pros and Cons of a Hub Motor
| Pros of a Hub Motor | Cons of a Hub Motor |
| Can ride without pedaling | Difficult to change a flat tire because the hub motor is located on the wheel |
| Easier to maintain than a mid-drive motor | Not as powerful as a mid-drive motor |
| Less expensive than a mid-drive motor | High risk of accidental wheelies with front-wheel hub motors |
| Not as efficient as a mid-drive motor |
Pros and Cons of a Mid-Drive Motor
| Pros of a Mid-Drive Motor | Cons of a Mid-Drive Motor |
| Easier to change a flat tire than an e-bike with a hub motor because the motor is not in the way | More likely to break a chain due to stress from immense torque |
| Looks similar to a standard bike due to the placement of the motor | Cannot ride without pedaling |
| More efficient than a hub motor | Require frequent gear shifting |
| Better torque than a hub motor |
Power of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
As a whole, mid-drive motors are more powerful than hub motors because they work with your e-bike’s gear system. Hub motors power your eBike by powering the wheels, but mid-drive motors power your eBike by powering the gears, which provides more power to your e-bike.
If you compare a hub motor and a mid-drive motor of the same wattage (Wh), you will find the mid-drive motor is more powerful because it is more efficient. This all comes down to the fact that mid-drive motors are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, allowing your motor to provide power that is equally distributed throughout your eBike, and powers your eBike based on how hard you pedal, not how fast.
The Power of a Hub Motor
While mid-drive motors are typically more powerful than hub motors, you can still get a very powerful hub motor. A front hub motor can be powerful, but front-wheel hub motors work by powering the wheels, not the gears, causing the motor to run less efficiently than when it is integrated with an eBike’s gearing system.
To learn more about the differences between front-wheel and rear-wheel hub motors, check out our article “Front Wheel Vs. Rear Wheel (Best Place for eBike Hub Motor).”
The Power of a Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors are generally more powerful than hub motors because they work with the gearing system to power your eBike. Mid-drive motors are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, which causes them to have better torque than hub motors.
More torque means your motor will perform much better when you need a lot of power, like on hills or rough terrain. If you are looking to get an electric mountain bike, we recommend that you consider buying one with a mid-drive motor.
“It doesn’t matter what motor I have. I’m happy when I ride.”
-Electric ride owner
Cost of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
On average, the cost of a hub motor is less than the cost of a mid-drive motor. The average cost of a hub motor is about $250, and the average cost of a mid-drive motor is about $500. The average cost of e-bikes with hub motors is less than the average cost of e-bikes with mid-drive motors.
Mid-drive motors or eBikes with mid-drive motors are generally more expensive because they are more powerful and have a higher wattage than hub motors. There is a common misconception that a more expensive motor or eBike is better than less expensive options, but that’s not always the case.
There are many powerful, high-end eBikes with hub motors. However, in general, hub motors or eBikes with hub motors tend to cost less than mid-drive motors or eBikes with a mid-drive motor.
The Cost of a Hub Motor
There is no difference in price between front-wheel hub motors and rear-wheel hub motors. These motors are about $250, depending on the brand. E-bikes that have hub motors generally cost about $2,000, depending on the brand. For example, the Flyer M880 from Radio Flyer costs $1,799.
You may also want to calculate the cost of installation if you are installing a hub motor onto your eBike into the overall cost of your hub motor. The cost of installation will vary by state and by individual bike shops, but the average hourly cost of bike servicing is about $100.
You may be able to install a hub motor onto your electric bike by yourself using a conversion kit. You will want to find a conversion kit specific to which wheel you are installing your hub motor, or you will want a dual conversion kit.
For example, this hub motor conversion kit from AW, available on Amazon, is for front and rear wheel hub motor conversions.
The Cost of a Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors typically cost about $500, depending on the brand. E-bikes with mid-drive motors costs start at around $2,000 but can be as much as $10,000, depending on the brand. For example, the Verve+ 2 Lowstep from Trek costs $2,849.99, whereas the Trance X Advanced E+ 0 from Giant costs $9,500.
You will also want to factor in the cost of installation for your mid-drive motor. This price will vary by state and by individual bike shops, but the average hourly cost of bike servicing is about $100. We recommend taking your e-bike with a mid-drive motor to a professional when having the motor or a replacement motor installed.
You may be able to install a mid-drive motor onto your electric bike by yourself using a conversion kit. In this case, the motor and the necessary parts for installation will be provided in the kit. You will need a conversion kit that is specifically for mid-drive motors. For example, this mid-drive motor conversion kit from BAFANG, available on Amazon, is for mid-drive motor conversions.
Acceleration of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
In general, mid-drive motors accelerate better than hub motors. They provide better acceleration than hub motors because they generate more torque, which makes accelerating from a low speed or a full stop to a high speed much more efficient.
Torque is essential to accelerate your eBike to higher speeds in less time. When you accelerate, you want to make sure your eBike wheels have enough traction with the ground to sustain such a high speed.
While front-wheel and rear-wheel hub motors are generally the same in most scenarios, they differ when it comes to acceleration.
Mid-drive motors and geared rear wheel hub motors provide great torque during acceleration because these motors are integrated with your gearing system. Front-wheel hub motors can accelerate well, but they do not provide great torque because they are not integrated with your eBike’s gearing system.
The Acceleration of a Hub Motor
Acceleration with a hub motor will differ based on whether your hub motor is attached to the rear wheel or the front wheel. This is because rear-wheel hub motors are often integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, but front-wheel hub motors are not.
While front-wheel hub motors provide great acceleration on flat, paved roads, they do not perform well on steep or rough terrain. However, rear-wheel hub motors are great in almost any riding environment.
Rear-wheel hub motors will accelerate a lot faster than front-wheel hub motors because they have great torque. When compared to rear-wheel hub motors or mid-drive motors, front-wheel hub motors do accelerate more slowly.
On eBikes with either a front or a rear-wheel hub motor, you can accelerate without pedaling. Since the motor powers the wheel, these motors do not require pedaling to activate the motor.
One final thing to note is how the placement of your hub motor will affect the sensation of acceleration. An eBike with a front-wheel hub motor may give you the sensation of being pulled during acceleration since your hub motor is sending power to the front wheel. In contrast, an eBike with a rear-wheel hub motor may give you the sensation of being pushed during acceleration since your hub motor is sending power to the rear wheel.
The Acceleration of a Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors work well in situations when rapid acceleration is required because they work with your eBike’s gearing system to offer a high level of torque. You can accelerate comfortably on any terrain while riding an e-bike with a mid-drive motor.
Mid-drive motors will accelerate faster than front-wheel hub motors, but generally at the same pace as similarly rated rear-wheel hub motors, since both rear-wheel hub motors and mid-drive motors work with your eBike’s gearing system during acceleration.
Since mid-drive motors are placed in the middle of your eBike, there will not be a pushing or a pulling sensation like there is with a hub motor. Some riders prefer this, since the sensation of accelerating on an eBike with a mid-drive motor is very similar to accelerating a standard bike when pedaling.
It is also important to note that you cannot accelerate an e-bike with a mid-drive motor without pedaling. Pedaling activates the mid-drive motor’s pedal-assistance, so motor assistance is not available without pedaling.
Maintenance Required of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
As a general rule, mid-drive motors require more maintenance than hub motors. This is because mid-drive motors are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, which can cause frequent chain breakage. Hub motors are easier to maintain because they are self-contained.
Mid-drive motors and hub motors do not require any extra maintenance unless they are damaged. However, mid-drive motors can cause more damage to other components of your eBike than hub motors. Because mid-drive motors work with the gearing system on your e-bike to supply power, this can cause some significant stress to the chain and the gears on your eBike.
As long as you store your e-bike in a mild and dry environment, you should not have to replace or repair your motor due to damage. To read more about how to store your eBike safely, check out our article, “17 Storage Ideas You Can Actually Use (Home, Garage, Outside).”
The Maintenance Required of a Hub Motor
Hub motors are generally easy to maintain, as they should not cause damage to other parts of your eBike. However, some rear-wheel hub motors integrate with your eBike’s gearing system, so you may run into the same issue of chain-breakage with a rear-wheel hub motor as you would with a mid-drive motor.
However, if you happen to break a chain while riding an eBike with a rear-wheel hub motor, you can still ride your eBike if you have battery power because the motor specifically powers the wheels.
While hub motors should not require much maintenance when you do need to maintain your hub motor it may be difficult if you have a rear-wheel hub motor. With a front-wheel hub motor, you can just dismantle it from your eBike and perform the maintenance it requires. However, with a rear-wheel hub motor that is integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, you will have to also dismantle the gear system to detach the motor.
It is also important to note that if you have a hub motor, changing a tire can be difficult. This is because you will have to detach the hub motor from the wheel on which the tire needs to be replaced. If you have a rear-wheel hub motor and need to replace your rear tire, this process can be difficult and time-consuming.
The Maintenance Required of a Mid-Drive Motor
When it comes to general maintenance, like a routine tune-up or changing a tire, these processes are a bit easier with a mid-drive motor than with a hub motor. This is because a mid-drive motor is located in the middle of your eBike and it does not share a space with any other component on your e-bike.
It may be easier to perform general maintenance on an eBike with a mid-drive motor, but when the motor needs maintenance the process is a little more difficult. Maintaining a mid-drive motor can be difficult because it is integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, so various disassembly processes are required to access the motor.
Since mid-drive motors work with your eBike’s gearing system to supply power, there is a lot of stress placed on the chain which can cause frequent breakage. Chain breaks are relatively easy and cheap to repair, but if your chain breaks while you are riding an electric bike with a mid-drive motor, you will no longer be able to ride your eBike because the eBike is powered by pedaling. If your chain breaks, we highly recommend this ZONKIE Chain for 6/7/8 Speed Bikes on Amazon.
Weight Distribution of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
On average, mid-drive motors provide better weight distribution on an eBike than hub motors. Hub motors are either placed on the front or rear wheel of an eBike, causing the weight to be unbalanced one way or the other. Mid-drive motors are at the center of an eBike, so the weight is much more balanced.
It is very important to keep a watchful eye on the weight distribution on your eBike. If the weight on your eBike is imbalanced, specifically if there is more weight in the rear than in the front of your eBike, you may run the risk of “popping a wheelie”. Wheelies can occur when accelerating from a full-stop to a high speed and can be very dangerous, especially if they are not intentional.
The Weight Distribution of a Hub Motor
Front-wheel hub motors generally offer better weight distribution than rear-wheel hub motors, especially if your battery is in the middle or the rear of your e-bike. Front wheel hub motors offer the ideal weight distribution for eBikes because the motor is on the front of your eBike, and your weight is generally added to the rear of the eBike.
If your battery is located in the rear or the middle of your eBike, having a rear wheel hub motor will imbalance the weight distribution on your eBike. Rear wheel hub motors cause an imbalance in the weight distribution on an eBike because all of the substantial weight (motor, battery, human) is located in the rear.
The Weight Distribution of a Mid-Drive Motor
An imbalance in weight distribution is not an issue on an eBike with a mid-drive motor. On an eBike with a mid-drive motor, the heaviest components of an eBike (motor, battery, human) are placed in the middle, eliminating the risk of an imbalance of weight in the front or the rear of the e-bike.
Retrofitting a Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
As a whole, it is easier to retrofit a hub motor to an electric bike than a mid-drive motor. Retrofitting a front-wheel hub motor is easier than retrofitting a rear-wheel hub motor or a mid-drive motor because it does not require integration with the gear system.
We recommend you take your e-bike to a bike shop to have your motor retrofitted onto your electric bike. If you want to retrofit a hub motor by yourself, you can do so with a conversion kit, like AW’s hub motor conversion kit, available on Amazon. If you want to retrofit a mid-drive motor by yourself, you can do so with this mid-drive motor conversion kit from BAFANG, available on Amazon.
We do not, however, recommend retrofitting an electric bike motor onto a traditional bike. Traditional bikes are not built to bear the weight of an electric motor along with the weight of a rider. We only recommend retrofitting an electric bike motor on an electric bike.
Retrofitting a Hub Motor
If you are retrofitting a hub motor to the front wheel of your electric bike, the process will generally be easier than retrofitting a hub motor to your rear wheel. If your gear system is on your rear wheel, a hub motor on your front wheel does not have to integrate with your gear system.
The retrofitting service will cost less if you affix your hub motor to your front wheel than having a hub motor retrofitted to your rear wheel because the process is less intensive on the front wheel than on the rear wheel, due to the lack of interference with the gearing system.
If you are retrofitting a rear-wheel hub motor to your electric bike, the process will generally be more difficult than retrofitting a hub motor to your front wheel. The gear system is located on your rear wheel, so the rear wheel hub motor has to integrate with your gear system to power your eBike. This is taking into account that your eBike has a gearing system.
Generally, if you are retrofitting a hub motor to your front wheel, you should be able to do it easily with a conversion kit. However, if you are retrofitting a hub motor to your rear wheel, we recommend taking it to a professional bike mechanic because the process can be difficult and require advanced technical knowledge.
Retrofitting a Mid-Drive Motor
If you are retrofitting a mid-drive motor to your electric bike the process may be difficult. Since a mid-drive motor needs to be integrated with your eBike’s gearing system the process is more intense than retrofitting a hub motor.
The retrofitting service may be costly because it is intensive and may take a while. Since a mid-drive motor needs to be integrated with an eBike’s gearing system, you will need to disassemble your electric bike to some degree to retrofit your mid-drive motor. This is why we recommend having a professional with advanced technical knowledge retrofit your motor for you.
Torque of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
As a general rule, mid-drive motors offer more torque than hub motors. When riding on rough terrain or accelerating from a full stop to a high speed, torque is essential. Greater eBike torque allows you to go from a slower speed to a higher speed in less time.
For more information on the importance of torque, check out our article, “Electric Bike Torque: The Ultimate Guide to eBike Torque.”
The Torque of a Hub Motor
Geared rear wheel hub motors have great torque because they work with your gear system. So, if you have a geared rear wheel hub motor and you are trying to go uphill from a stopped position and are requesting a lot of power from the motor, the motor will be in a position to potentially provide the amount of power you need.
You can cause damage to your motor by requesting more power from your motor than it can supply. Using your front wheel hub motor to power you uphill or to accelerate you to a fast speed from an idle position may cause your motor to overheat. If you continue to overload your front hub motor and it continuously overheats, you can damage your motor over time.
The Torque of a Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors have more torque than both rear and front-wheel hub motors because they are integrated with your eBike’s sprocket and gear system. When your motor is integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, torque is supplied as your pedal. Torque allows you to have more control over your eBike as you ride on rough terrain or in situations in which you need a lot of power from the motor.
When you are going uphill or accelerating to a high rate of speed from a stopped position with a mid drive motor, your motor will have to generate a lot of power. The mid drive motor will be able to provide the amount of power you need, because of the torque it generates from your eBike’s gears as you pedal.
Efficiency of Hub Motor Vs. Mid-Drive Motor
In general, mid-drive motors are much more efficient than hub motors. Mid-drive motors are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, and as a result, they generate more torque. A mid-drive motor is also more efficient because it is only powered when you pedal and need a boost on your ride.
It is important for your motor to be efficient, as the efficiency of your motor will determine how much you will need to charge your battery and how your eBike will perform on rough or hilly terrain. Generally, an efficient motor will use the battery effectively and will perform well on rough terrain or steep hills.
The Efficiency of a Hub Motor
Hub motors are not as efficient as mid-drive motors. Since hub motors power the wheels and can be powered without manual effort, these motors are not very efficient. Riding on rough terrain or on steep hills can rapidly drain the battery. Frequently accelerating from a full stop can quickly drain the battery as well.
Another reason hub motors are not as efficient as mid-drive motors are because they do not have as much torque as mid-drive motors. Having low or no torque in situations torque is needed can drain your battery and cause your motor to run less efficiently.
The Efficiency of a Mid-Drive Motor
Mid-drive motors are more efficient than hub motors because they are powered by the strength and the pace of your pedaling. Since these motors are only powered when you are pedaling, they only provide as much power as is needed.
Mid-drive motors allow you to ride with much more torque than hub motors, making your eBike ride much more efficient. Being able to generate the appropriate amount of torque in situations where it is needed can help maintain your battery level and ensure your motor is not working harder than it needs to.
Watch the video below about hub-drive vs. mid-drive motors.
What Is Better: Hub Motor or Mid-Drive Motor?
On average, mid-drive motors are more efficient, more powerful, and offer more torque than hub motors, making them better than hub motors. Hub motors can be powerful and efficient, but since mid-drive motors are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, they tend to be more efficient.
While hub motors are a great choice for a beginner or for someone who does not frequently ride on steep hills or rough terrain, they come with several disadvantages.
For example, hub motors are not nearly as efficient as mid-drive motors. Hub motors work by powering the wheel on which they are attached, which is not the most efficient way to derive power from a motor.
Another disadvantage of a hub motor being less efficient than a mid-drive motor is they do not have as much torque as a mid-drive motor. Torque is essential when riding on rough terrain or up steep hills, as it allows you to have more control over the power and speed at which you ride.
When your eBike has better torque, your motor does not have to use as much battery as it would in a situation with low torque, thus allowing your eBike to have a further range. This is taking into account that you frequently ride on rougher terrains and up hills. However, if you don’t ride under these conditions, having increased torque will not make as big a difference in your battery life.
Are Hub Motors Better?
In general, hub motors are not better than mid-drive motors. Hub motors can be a great option for a beginner or for someone who will be riding in predominantly urban areas. Hub motors are not better than mid-drive motors because they are less efficient and less powerful.
Generally, mid-drive motors are better than hub motors. They are more powerful and efficient than hub motors because they are integrated with your eBike’s gearing system. Hub motors are not usually integrated with your eBike’s gearing system, with the exception of some rear-wheel hub motors.
While mid-drive motors are usually better than hub motors, there are several advantages to using a hub motor. For example, they are less expensive, require less maintenance, and can be activated without pedaling. This means you can ride your eBike without having to pedal.
There are several advantages to riding an electric bike with a hub motor, but in general, mid-drive motors are much better. They are more efficient because they work with your eBike’s gearing system, which also allows you to ride with much more torque. Mid-drive motors can also be ridden on a wider variety of terrains than hub motors.
Why are Hub Motors Better?
As a general rule, hub motors can be better because they are less expensive, require less maintenance, and perform well in a variety of scenarios. Hub motors are a great option for an electric bike novice, or for someone who frequently rides on flat, paved terrain.
While we generally prefer mid-drive motors over hub motors, hub motors are a great option for a variety of riders. For example, hub motors can be a great choice for a beginner because they require minimal maintenance and you do not need to be vigilant with gear shifting as you do with a mid-drive motor.
Another advantage of hub motors is their low cost. Hub motors are generally less expensive than mid-drive motors, yet some are just as powerful as mid-drive motors. A hub motor might be a better choice for you if you do not frequently ride on rough terrain or steep hills because you do not need the amount of power or efficiency that mid-drive motors provide.
For more information about the differences between front-wheel hub motors and rear-wheel hub motors, check out our article titled “Front Wheel Vs. Rear Wheel (Best Place for eBike Hub Motor).”
If you are looking for a hub-motor conversion kit, we recommend picking up this AW Electric Bicycle Motor Kit on Amazon.
Which Motor is the Best for an Electric Bike?
As a whole, the best type of motor for an eBike is a mid-drive motor. Mid-drive motors work efficiently with your eBike’s gears to provide maximum power, range, and acceleration. Mid-drive motors also offer better weight distribution than hub motors.
Mid-drive motors are the best type of motor for an eBike because they power the sprocket instead of the wheels. The sprocket is the mechanism on which the gears are attached, so by providing power to the gears your eBike is powered with much more stability and efficiency than a hub motor, which powers the wheels on your electric bike.
Mid-drive motors are more efficient than hub motors, so your eBike will get a much better range with a mid-drive motor. Since a mid-drive motor powers the gears, it provides much better torque than a hub-motor. When your eBike has better torque, your motor does not have to use as much battery as it would in a situation with low torque, thus allowing your eBike to have a further range.
Since mid-drive motors are located in the middle of your electric bike, they provide much better weight distribution than hub motors, which are typically located on the front or rear wheel. Balanced weight distribution on your eBike ensures your safety during your ride, as an imbalance of weight can cause your e-bike to wheelie during rapid acceleration.
If you are looking for a powerful mid-drive motor, we highly recommend this BAFANG BBS02 48V 750W Mid Drive Kit on Amazon.
If you are interested in a comparison between Bosch and Brose e-bike motors, you can check out our article, “Bosch eBike Motor VS Brose Motor (The Best, Reliable, Noise).”
