We are seeing more examples of motors being installed on bicycles due to the growing number of electric bikes on the market. This article will discuss the two main motor positions on an electric bicycle. This article is not about traditional bicycles that have been converted to electric bikes. Although they may have different criteria, the result can be described as one. There is no “absolute perfect” place for a motor. This article also contains no new technical information. Anyone who is considering purchasing an electric bicycle should consider the following factors: battery placement, size, type of gears and frame type. Some people are particular about the location of the hub motor. Others are more particular about the brake mechanism of their electric bicycle.
While others may be positioning the motors on electric bikes, this article will focus on the front and rear wheels.
The difference between a front and rear hub electric bicycle motors is very small. Both are similar in design and function, with comparable limitations. They also move the bicycle efficiently without the use of a drive chain (directly to the spokes). The main difference between rear and front hub motors is how they are mounted on an electric bicycle. These motors are where the power, energy, safety and other factors are affected.
These other changes will also be discussed and their impact on the ebike.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
You want your electric bike to have a balanced weight from the front to the rear. It is not a good idea to place all your weight in one spot. The majority of battery packs are located in the back or center of an electric bicycle. This means that the front hub motor assists in weight distribution forward and can increase the electric bike’s weight distribution. The weight distribution of front-wheel drives is more even. A rear-mounted battery, or a seat tube-mounted battery, makes the bike appear more stable. You can use the bike for both riding and walking. Rear wheel and spokes are subject to a lot of stress – your weight and pedaling force, motor power, motor size, and even motor weight make it more difficult for them to make than traditional bicycle hubs. Rear hub motor electric bicycles are known for breaking spokes frequently. The front-wheel-drive is lighter than the rear-wheel-drive.
MAINTENANCE
Because the motor power of the front-wheel drive is shared by the rear wheel (motor power), and the weight of the bike (human power, rider weight) requires very little maintenance. This physically isolates the motor from all other components of the bicycle, making maintenance much easier and spare parts more compatible with standard bike parts. It can accommodate any type of rear-wheel gearing, including internal hub gears. You will have a bike that is balanced and stable regardless of where your battery goes.
DESIGN
Riders want their electric bike to look just like a regular bicycle. The commuter bike’s front hub motor is prominent. However, the rear motor could be mistaken for a regular bicycle. As the brake disc plate can cover it, the rear motor isn’t as obvious. This could also discourage burglars from stealing electric bikes. This is an advantage of a rear motor to a front motor.
STABILITY
Even small bursts from the throttle can have a significant stabilizing effect on very soft ground.
This stability is due to the fact that a motor driven front wheel always “pulls” in the direction it’s pointed. However, “steering” it to maintain balance (as with a conventional bike or rear wheel drive electric) can cause it “plow” sideways rather than rolling in the same direction.
SAFETY
Because of the weight distribution issue, front hub motors can be marginally more safe than rear hub motors. This is why? You could inadvertently damage your bike if your entire weight is on the back of your bike frame. This could lead to a serious accident. Some riders might like the ease of rear hub motors entering a wheelie. This is especially true if they are looking to perform tricks or stunts.
TRACTION
Traction is another important factor. The front-wheel drive fixes the weight distribution problem while moving. It also introduces a new feature: traction control. The front wheel of an electric bike is already very light so the hub motor’s traction is lower than the rear wheel.
The more voltage applied to smaller wheels and the higher the potential for front hub motor “peeling” under acceleration, the greater the likelihood that the motor will fail. 36V inwheel motors with 26-inch inwheel motors usually maintain sufficient traction. However, 20-inch front-in-wheel motors and 48V motors on any size wheel will most likely experience front-tire spin. Rear hub motors are more traction-friendly than front hub motors because the bulk of your bicycle’s weight is carried by its rear wheels. Motors almost all run on 48V or more voltage.
Rear-wheel-drive bikes have better traction than front-wheel-drive ones. This is especially important for electric mountain bikes, as they are more likely than others to go off-road on less-firm ground. Therefore, they require a greater grip.
USAGE
For ‘Everyday Riders’ who only want an e-bike that is reliable, comfortable, and safe to ride around the city, a 26 inch front wheel ebike kit is the best choice. These riders benefit from an easy-to-maintain, low-maintenance e-bike that has good balance and internal gears. These cyclists are able to ride on paved roads so they don’t have to suffer as many of the disadvantages. These cyclists have some positives. For example, the absence of a front wheel that is quick-release reduces theft. A bike with an upright seating position means that a heavy front wheel doesn’t pose a problem and can be used to enhance stability. These e-bikes are also well-suited for fleet and commercial use, which means that they have predictable maintenance costs and prices. It’s also a popular choice for delivery bikes (such as the ones used by Dominos Pizza in New Zealand or Australia) and post-ebikes (such like those used NZ Post and Australia Post).
Rear-wheel-drives are suitable for riders who regularly travel off-road in steep/slippery terrain. City riders also prefer the feeling of the ride and will pay more for rear-wheel maintenance. This works best with high-end ebikes that have rear wheels made from high-quality components. A front hub motor is an option if you have a limited budget.
In summary:
Because more weight is concentrated at the rear wheel, front hub motors can help balance the weight better.
Because they pick up road debris and prepare it to be transferred to the rear wheels, front wheels get less flats than rear ones. A front hub motor does not affect the back wheel, which allows for easier tube and tire changing.
The front wheel of a bicycle is lighter so it has less traction. Hub motors with higher power can also produce burnouts when the throttle is pressed.
Front forks aren’t as strong and durable as rear dropouts. A powerful front hub motor could cause damage to the fork. However, you can reduce this by using a torque arms. Hub motors that produce 750W or more power are best placed in the rear of a bike.
Rear hub motors offer two benefits: better traction and easier frame installation
They don’t cause unexpected gyroscopic effects when driving at higher speeds.
Rear hub motors provide a more motorcycle-like pulling sensation than front motors.
After setting a steady pace and driving straight, the differences between front and rear hub motors are almost indistinguishable.