Hub driven

Hub Driven Electric Bikes

There are two options for a hub driven motor. It is either fitted to the front or the rear of the bike.

As most batteries on electric bikes are rear rack or middle mounted a front hub motor has the advantage of improving the weight distribution. The disadvantage of a front hub motor is that it has less traction compared to a rear mounted hub motor.

Hub motors are usually 250watt and on an ebike, with 20” wheel diameter with a high torque motor, it can cause wheel spin on acceleration although there is better traction with a 26” wheel. A front hub motor has the advantage for cycling in snow or sand; is easier to take on or off as there is no gear system. EBC Ltd supply range of front hub motors such as the Pulse ZL5 and UCL30 range.

Rear hub motors are harder to install or remove because of the derailleur gears and chain. As the battery and rider weight is over the rear wheel these ebikes have less tendency to get rear wheel spin. A good example of this type of ebike is the RooDog Striker.