In short: in the hub motor vs mid motor debate, neither is simply “better”. A hub motor sits in the wheel hub, drives the wheel directly, costs less, wears the chain less and works with a throttle. A mid motor sits at the pedals, drives the chain through the gears and feels very natural on steep, technical climbs. For power, simplicity and all-wheel drive, two hub motors are hard to beat.
Motor position is one of the first questions people ask before they buy an e-bike. Shops often present the hub motor vs mid motor question as a clear choice between “cheap” and “premium”. In reality, each design solves different problems. So here is how they work and who each one suits.
How a hub motor works
First of all, a hub motor sits in the centre of the wheel. It turns the wheel directly, without using the chain or the gears. When you pedal or press the throttle, the motor pushes the wheel forward on its own.
Moreover, you can put a hub motor in the rear wheel, the front wheel, or both. With a motor in each wheel, you get two-wheel drive, which is a big advantage on loose or slippery ground.
How a mid motor works
A mid motor, by contrast, sits between the pedals, at the bottom bracket. It drives the cranks, so its power goes through the chain and the gears to the rear wheel. As a result, the motor can use the bike’s gears, just like your legs do.
Hub motor vs mid motor: side by side
| Hub motor | Mid motor | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | In the wheel hub | At the pedals |
| Uses the gears | No | Yes |
| Wear on chain and cassette | Low | Higher |
| Throttle | Works very well | Often not available |
| Two-wheel drive | Possible (front + rear) | No |
| Feel | Pushes you along | Feels like stronger legs |
| Steep, technical climbs | Good, excellent with two motors | Excellent |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Repairs | Simple, swap the wheel | More specialised |
Hub motor vs mid motor: what the hub motor does better
Less wear on the drivetrain
Because a hub motor does not pull on the chain, the chain, chainring and cassette last much longer. In addition, you can still ride home on the motor if the chain breaks.
A throttle that really works
Hub motors also work perfectly with a throttle. You can ride without pedalling, which helps when you start on a hill, carry a heavy load or simply want a break.
Two-wheel drive
Here, the hub motor has a unique advantage. Put one in each wheel and both wheels pull. On mud, wet grass, gravel or snow, that grip makes a real difference. Read why a dual motor e-bike makes the difference for the full story.
Lower cost and simple repairs
Finally, a hub motor is a sealed, simple unit. Consequently, bikes with hub motors cost less, and a repair usually means replacing a wheel rather than opening the frame.
Hub motor vs mid motor: what the mid motor does better
Efficient on long, steep climbs
Because a mid motor uses the gears, it can spin at its best speed on a steep climb. That makes it very efficient on long mountain passes.
Natural feel
In addition, most mid motors use a torque sensor that measures how hard you pedal. The motor adds power in proportion, so the bike feels like a normal bicycle with stronger legs.
Balanced weight
Furthermore, the motor sits low and in the middle of the bike. As a result, the handling feels neutral on technical trails.
Disadvantages to consider
On the other hand, each design has its weak points. Hub motors add weight to the wheel, and a single rear hub motor can spin on slippery ground. Mid motors, meanwhile, wear the chain faster, cost more and rarely offer a useful throttle.
Hub motor vs mid motor: which should you choose?
A hub motor suits you if you:
- want a throttle and the option to ride without pedalling;
- ride on farm tracks, grass, gravel or snow;
- carry heavy loads;
- want low maintenance and a lower price.
A mid motor suits you if you:
- ride long, steep mountain trails;
- want the most natural, bicycle-like feel;
- do not need a throttle.
Why Shengmilo uses two hub motors
The S600 PRO and the S700 PRO both use two 1000 W hub motors with 2 × 80 Nm of torque. Thanks to this setup, they get two-wheel drive, a strong throttle and low drivetrain wear. In other words, the bike works like a 4×4 on two wheels. For the roughest terrain, the S900 PRO uses one very strong rear hub motor instead.
Keep in mind that these bikes are more powerful than a standard EU pedelec, which is limited to 250 W and 25 km/h. Under EU Regulation 168/2013, they belong on private land rather than public roads.
Hub motor vs mid motor: the verdict
To sum up, the hub motor vs mid motor choice depends on how you ride. On the one hand, mid motors shine on long mountain climbs. Hub motors, however, win on simplicity, price, throttle use and grip – especially when you have two of them. If you ride on your own land in all weather, a dual hub motor bike is the practical choice. Want to know more about wattage and torque? Read e-bike specs explained.
