Differences Between Direct Drive & Geared E-Bike Hub Motors

February 8, 2023

The use of e-bikes is becoming more and more common. You have a wide range of possibilities when looking for an electric bicycle.
According to studies, those who opt for a pedal-assist e-bike over a standard bicycle actually end up exercising more frequently. You might decide on an e-bike with a mid-drive motor or a hub motor, for instance. A hub motor is what, though?

What Is the Electric Bike Gear Hub Motor and How Does It Operate?

Every time the device's case is twisted, the internal gear rotates many times at a noticeably accelerated rate. This enables the ebike motor to run at a speed that is both speedier and more economical while also enabling the wheels to rotate at a relatively slow speed.

The geared hub motor and the stator can be connected to one another by means of a gear reduction mechanism. An electric bicycle's front or rear wheel will either have a hub motor positioned in the centre of it.

The gearless engine is directly coupled to the wheel. Epicyclic gears are used by geared hub-drive motors to gradually reduce the motor's rotational speed. You don't have to worry about slowing down to reach where you're going because of the gearless hub motor.

What Are the Main Differences Between Gear Hubs and Direct Drive Motor?

Electric bikes that are "geared" and "gearless" describe how the bike's engine transfers speed and power mechanism to the wheels and makes them work. This difference is most relevant to hub motors, which are located in the hubs, as opposed to mid-drives, which are situated around the pedal cranks. Geared motors predominate as mid-drives.

We'll go through the benefits and drawbacks of each, including how much they weigh, how fast they go, how far they can travel, etc.

Weight & Size

The geared hub motor's reduced weight, on the other hand, will make your bike more convenient to transport and your ride more pleasurable. The gearless hub motor's higher weight and bigger volume are unavoidable consequences of the stator's increased complexity, making the whole electric bicycle experience better.

Speed

The geared hub motor's rotor spins at a high rate of speed, necessitating a gear reduction mechanism to lower the RPMs at which the wheels may be rotated-making a gearless hub motor reach a higher top speed compared to a geared hub motor.

You may check out electric bikes with a Shimano 7-speed transmission system that provides riders with a wide range of gear options to suit their needs. Riding an e-bike powered with a gearless hub motor will make it more efficient while starting the bike and traveling uphill or on rough roads since the gear hub motor can create greater torque at a decreased speed.

Range

Geared hub motors extend battery life because they maximize efficiency while minimizing power needs. Because of this, both the battery life and the possible distance traveled have increased.

There are e-bikes of this example that, after a full charge, the maximum range of a single ride may exceed 60 miles when utilizing pedal-assisted riding mode, making it suitable for most commutes or short trips across the country. You may take it out on the road for a leisure trip or social outing outside.

Noise

The noise produced by the gearless hub is minor. Geared hub produced noise. The reason is that it is powered by a gear reduction system to make the wheels spin and work as intended.

Durability

Geared hub motors are more susceptible to damage from dirt and debris, whereas gearless hub motors are more durable over time. A number of tiny gears propel motors in geared hubs. However, you should not worry about a failed motor if the hub motor's pedal driving mechanism is fully separate. You shouldn't get discouraged if any of them is out of order.

If the hub motor fails, you may switch to pedal power; if the chain breaks, you can switch to electric mode. Most companies include a 1-2-year guarantee of warranty.

How Should I Choose: Gear Hub vs. Direct Drive Motor

If you value a lightweight frame more than extreme durability and if stealth, freewheeling, and extended range are more essential to you than extreme durability, a geared engine is your best option.

If you wish to rely heavily on the motor, require a higher top speed that can reach 20+ mph, want a solid, long-lasting value, and value a quiet motor, a durable e-bike might be your best option.

Geared hub motors are quickly gaining appeal in the modern market among employees and students all over the world. It has emerged as the preferred choice for daily use as a result of its small size, light weight, and greater efficiency.

But keep in mind that these two motors share a lot of characteristics. Depending on how they are configured, either one can use frequency detection or pressure detection and accelerator control. The bottom line is that if you purchase an e-bike with high-quality hub motor.

Conclusion

There are two main types of electric bike motors on the market: direct drive and gear hub motors. Every one of them has some positive qualities that stick out to various users. The amount of power you require and the maximum weight your bike can support are frequently the deciding factors.

If you're looking for a reliable and tough electric bicycle, especially one with more than a thousand watts of power, the direct drive hub motor is your best option. Plan to purchase the greatest e-bike that will suit you the best since a geared hub motor is your only choice if you want to keep the overall weight of your electric bicycle as low as possible.

Back to blog