Mid-drive vs Hub Drive Ebikes
Mid-drive and hub drive e-bikes are two different types of electric bicycles that have different configurations for their motors and drive systems. Here are the main differences between mid-drive and hub drive e-bikes:
Motor placement: The main difference between mid-drive and hub drive e-bikes is the placement of the motor. Mid-drive e-bikes have their motors mounted on the bottom bracket, which is located between the pedals. Hub drive e-bikes have their motors mounted in the hub of either the front or rear wheel, usually the rear wheel.
Weight distribution: Mid-drive e-bikes tend to have a more even weight distribution between the front and rear wheels, which can make them more stable and easier to handle. Hub drive e-bikes, especially those with rear-mounted motors and rear mounted batteries, can have a higher proportion of weight on the rear wheel, which can affect their balance and handling.
Many folding ebikes will mount the battery in the lower front part of the frame which balances well with either mid or hub drive motors.
Maintenance:
Mid-drive e-bikes require a little more maintenance because the motor is connected to the bike's chain and gears, which can wear out a little faster with the added stress from the motor.
Hub drive e-bikes require less maintenance because the motor is separate from the bike's drivetrain. However it is a little more difficult changing tires with a hub drive motor as the power cable will need to be disconnected also.
Cost: Mid-drive e-bikes tend to be more expensive than hub drive e-bikes, in part because they are more complex and require more specialized components. Most of the high end bicycle builders have gravitated toward mid drive systems.
Mid-drive bikes tend to dominate the higher priced bikes however hub drive motored bikes are outselling mid-drive by a wide margin due to the lower price.
E-Bike Motor Size in watts
Electric Motors are usually rated in watts. In the context of electric motors, the watt (symbol: W) is a unit of power that indicates how much energy the motor can output or consume. Specifically, it measures the rate at which the motor can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy or vice versa.
300W, 350W, 500W, 750W motors are all really common on electric bicycles. A 750 watt motor is approximately one horsepower at full power.
My Ebike power needs. I just use my electric power to boost my pedaling. While one of my E-bikes has a 750W motor the other one has a 350W mid drive motor and it has plenty of boost.
If I was going to mainly use my E-bike power and not pedal much I would probably go with a 750W motor.
Electric Bicycle voltage
The two most common volt ratings on Ebikes is 36V and 48V. The higher voltage systems normally can put out more power however the system controller and motor capacity will make a big difference.
It is not advisable to put a larger or smaller voltage battery on your Electric Bike. The motors and controllers are designed to work at a specific voltage and it is likely that you will roast the motor or controller with the wrong voltage battery.