Choosing a Motor for your Electric Bike

One of the most important features to consider while choosing a new electric bike is the motor. It becomes crucial to choose a motor that compliments your riding style along with the environment. This post deals with some aspects of a motor that should be known to all buyers.

Geared Hub Motor

One of the common types of e-bikes motors are geared hub motors. They are named so because of the internal gears inside the case which are not designed to change speeds or shift. A standard bafang 750-watt motor has a 5 to 1 reduction rate, meaning that the motor spins five times in every on rotation of the wheel. It also indicates that the motor has a higher RPM and as a result, gives you better torque. They also have a one-way bearing inside, which enables the driver to eliminate the resistance from the motor when not in use.

Direct Drive Hub Motor

Direct drive hub motors are similar in appearance with to a geared hub motor, only with a larger outer diameter. Being one of three major types of motors that a rider should be aware of while buying electric bicycles men, it provides a direct drive to the rear when, where one revolution of the motor equals one revolution if the rear wheel. This makes it ideal for higher top speeds, but does not provide the same levels of torques as compared to the geared hub motor. Thus you do not have a free-wheeling bearing inside. Thus such motors are ideal for flatter areas for sustaining higher cruising speeds.

Mid-Drive Motor

Mid drive motors are generally found in the cranks of the bike, turning the sprocket by the front and turn the chain. Eventhough this type of motors experience more wear and tear on the drive train, it still provides a higher degree of performance, allowing riders to shift into a low gear while climbing a hill. It can also shift into a higher gear automatically on a flat area or when heading downhill. The BBSHD 1000 Watt mid-drive motor is a good example of a mid-drive motor.

How e-bike wattage affects rides?

Power is the most crucial point of comparison while choosing different electric bikes, with 250-watt, 350-watt, 500 watt and 700-watt options to choose from.

250 Watts: 250 – 300 watts is the range of power sustained by a professional cyclist and a 250-watt motor provides the rider with the same power.

500 Watts: 500-watt motors are also quite common, able to sustain a speed of 20 mph on flat grounds. It is great for hilly, uphill tracks. Bikes which possess a throttle only option can traverse hilly roads without pedaling.

750 Watts: 750 watts is considered as the legal maximum In the United States, with riders being able to achieve top speeds even on hilly tracts by using the throttle.

Not all wattage is the same as claimed, some bike brands claim that they provide 750 watts but use a smaller motor instead.