Here at Electric Bike Revolution, we believe that information is vital and that the purchase of an Electric Bike is a serious investment in time and money. We want to give our customers every opportunity to purchase their perfect E-Bike, and that includes informing them of all the different options they might have when it comes to their next Electric Bike.
That is why we have created the Revolution Report, a series of blogs that will highlight the differences that you may be considering during your Electric Bike purchase. This Revolution Report will focus on the different types of motors available for Electric Bikes:
Previously we discussed choosing the perfect E-Bike style for your needs. Today, we will discuss making sure you have the correct motor for your needs. The choices can be difficult to distinguish between, but we will make sure after reading this report, you will have a clear understanding of the slight differences. *Please note that not all motor options are available on all E-Bike styles.*
There are three main types of electric bike motors. Each design has its own strengths, and the best option depends on the needs of your riding style.
Rear Hub Motors
As the name indicates, the Rear Hub Motor is located in the hub of the rear wheel and is the standard for electric bikes The motor powers the rear wheel of the E-Bike by activating an electromagnetic coil of wire with electricity. This type of motor gives you the most considerable amount of traction due to the bulk of the weight on a bicycle is located in the rear of the bike. However, you must be aware of which gear you are in to make the best use of electricity in the battery. These motors can be powerful but are often not the most efficient use of electricity, giving you less power than other motor options. Front Hub Motors
The Front Hub Motor is similar to a rear hub motor. This motor is situated on the front wheel instead. Many of the three-wheel E-Bikes use a front hub motor as well as many E-Bike conversion kits. Front Hub Motors are not as standard as Rear Hub Motors or Mid-Drive Motors.
Mid-Drive Motors
The Mid-Drive Motor is located in the crankset of the electric bike (where the pedals are located). This motor will take the electricity from the battery and put it exactly where the rider is creating energy with the pedals. This double effort is the most efficient way to generate power and gives you the most "bang for your buck" when it comes to energy consumptions. In addition, Mid-Drive Motors offer the best torque capabilities for off-road E-Bikes, making them the most expensive of the three motor options.
Watts
A watt is a unit of power. You determine the wattage of an E-Bike by taking the voltage and multiplying it by the amps of the battery. They measure the potential output of a machine powered by a battery. In simple terms, the higher the Watts of an electric bike, the more powerful the motor is. Standard E-Bike motors are 350W, 500W, 750W, and 1000W.
How Much Power Will I Need?
The power that is needed for a rider will depend on several different factors: rider weight, the terrain of your commute, and any cargo that you might be carrying. Riders who are between 125 and 225 pounds and riding on a flat surface can easily use a 350W motor. As your terrain gets steeper and/or more uneven, you will want to think of upgrading to a 500W motor. Once you take your E-Bike offroad and start carrying large cargo an upgrade to the 750W motor is in order. Finally, if you are over 225 lbs with any form of off-roading or steep hills, you will want to move up to a 1000W motor for a smooth ride.
Now that you have an idea of each of the Electric Bike motor types, you can make the best decision on which one suits your personal needs.
