There are two main types of motor to suit different riding styles. The durable, "heavy duty" Direct-Drive motor, and the lightweight, efficient and fast "performance" geared motor.
Electric Bike Motors, hub motors in particular, and electric bike batteries are what make electric bicycles go.
Using a hand throttle you control the flow of electric current from the battery to the brushless motor. With an intelligent 20 Amp controller regulating the current between the electric bike battery pack and the ebike geared motor or direct-drive motor you are in complete control of how much or how little propulsion power to use at any time.
Choose the motor that fits your riding style.
The two types of electric bike hub motors offered by E-BikeKit are "geared"(using internal nylon gears) and "direct-drive"(using two sets of rare-earth magnets) motors. Each motor has unique properties that may be more suitable for you. Choosing the best option for you will depend on your riding style.
Hub Motor Specifications:
Motor Type: Internally Geared or Direct Drive Hub Motor (ISO disc brake compatible).
Power: Geared = 500-1000w peaks / Direct Drive = 500-1000w peaks.
Top Speed: Geared 18-28MPH / Direct Drive. *Contingent on battery and motor combination.
Weight: Geared 7 Pounds / Direct-Drive 14 pounds.
Warranty: Geared - 1 year (up to 48v and 300lbs) / 500w Direct-Drive Hub Motors - 2 Years (up to 48 volts and 450lbs).
The two types of hub motors offered by E-BikeKit are "geared"(using internal nylon gears) and "direct-drive"(using two sets of rare-earth magnets) motors.
Each motor has unique properties that may be more suitable for you. Choosing the best option for you will depend on your riding style.
Geared Vs. Direct Drive Motors
Each motor has unique properties that may be more suitable for you. Choosing the best option for you will depend on your riding style.
500w Internally Geared Motor
Advantages vs. Direct-Drive:
Lighter Weight (7 pounds vs. 14 pounds)
Smaller (134mm diameter vs. 244mm diameter)
Zero Resistance (complete freewheel when not using battery)
Excellent Efficiency (15-25% more range)
higher top speed (up to 28mph at 48v)
Disadvantages vs. Direct-Drive:
300lb. load limit. Not warranted for use with loads greater than 300lbs.
noisier operation.
Internal gears mean less durability
500w Direct-Drive Motor
Advantages vs. Geared:
High Top Speed 36v (20 MPH) / 48v (28 MPH)
More Power (500w vs. 350w = 65% hill-climbing power)
36v or 48v compatible. Warranted 2 years for 36v or 48v use.
500lb. load limit. Not warranted for use with loads greater than 500lbs.
Disadvantages vs. Geared:
Heavier Weight (14 pounds vs. 7 pounds)
Larger (244mm diameter vs. 134mm diameter)
Slight Magnetic Drag (slight resistance when not using battery)
Moderate Efficiency (15-25% less range)
Practical Summary:
If you're under 200lbs (total load with rider and gear) and plan on pedaling more than using the battery, and you want your bike to remain more of a conventional bicycle, then the 350w geared motor is likely your best choice of hub motor.
If you're total load is over 200lbs and you plan on using the battery more, or you desire a higher top speed and more power, then the 500w direct-drive motor is likely your best choice of hub motor.
Both motors are the exact same price and both are EASY to install.
TOP SPEEDS
