Those interested in an electric bike (eBike) or Pedelec will not be able to avoid the subject of motors when choosing the right model. There are currently two different motors to choose from: the bottom bracket motor and the hub motor.
Bottom bracket engine or mid-engine
The so-called central drive or central motor of an e-bike is located in the middle of the wheel. eBikes with a bottom bracket motor can be recognized primarily by their larger frame and wider wheelbase. Using the chain from the rear wheel, the motor drives the entire bike and couples its speed with the cadence of the rider.
Hub motor: in the front or rear wheel
As the name suggests, the hub motor is located either in the hub of the front or rear wheel. For example, on newer bikes, it can be observed that the hub motor is often located in the same place where a hub dynamo was installed. In the small version, which is possible for road traffic without an insurance license plate, a hub motor can generate an output of up to 250 watts.
With a front or rear wheel motor, you can regain energy by braking. The Nua Electrica 10 offers energy recovery with this motor.
It is operated with an average of 36 or 48 volts and is controlled in a classic way using the control unit on the handlebars. So that the motor does not develop its braking force while driving when its power does not have to be used, a planetary gear is often found in the hub motor itself. As soon as there is no more power transmission, the transmission switches off completely so that there is no braking effect.
1. The front hub motor: Located in the front wheel of the e-Bike, this hub motor can be installed both as a hub and derailleur gears. When buying a suitable front wheel hub motor, however, due to the different variants, attention should be paid to noise development, service life, and torque. A front wheel hub motor is also less suitable for unstable surfaces, such as sand or gravel. The front-wheel can slip sideways or lock up even during a slight acceleration.
2. The rear hub motor: This hub motor is built into the rear wheel and is considered to be particularly quiet. In contrast to the front-wheel hub motor, the speed of the motor does not change when the gear is selected but adapts to the current driving speed.
Advantages of the hub motor
● Due to the lack of brushes on the motor, it does not have to be serviced.
● With a front or rear wheel motor, you can regain energy by braking.
● The construction is very simple, so that hobbyists can now easily convert their bike into a pedelec.
● Pedelec conversion kit is equipped with instructions and can be adapted to almost any modern bicycle.
Disadvantages of the hub motor
● The disadvantages of the hub motor are often reflected in the weight of the motor.
● The additional weight shift in curves or on uneven terrain is particularly unfavorable.
● Also, removing the wheel in the event of a flat tire is a bit more complex.
