Bias Alert: The author of this article owns 2 Mid Drive E bikes and does believe that Mid Drive motors offer a better overall ride/ownership experience.
There are two main types of E bike motor, both generally referred to by respective mounting locations. Mid Drive motors mount to the middle of the bike around where the pedals attach. All of our Gazelle and Cube bikes are Mid Drive bikes with Bosch motors. Hub Drive E bikes have the motor in one of the wheels, typically the rear wheel although front wheel drive exist as well. All of our Envo bikes are Hub Drive.
Mid Drive motors are usually only found on higher end bikes as the motors are more complex to produce and the bike frame needs to be designed around the motor. Mid Drive motors have a greater number of sensors than Hub Drive motors do, causing the Mid Drive motor systems to have a better idea of what is going on, so they can meter the motor power more accurately, leading to a more natural ride feel and better efficiency. Bikes that have Mid Drive motors are also easier to change flat tires on due to them using more conventional wheel attachment systems.
Hub Drive E Bikes are usually less expensive than their Mid Drive counterparts due to easier manufacturing methods and fewer components. The ride feel of the motors is not as smooth as a Mid Drive motor, but the Hub Drives do put out plenty of power and they get a throttle which is absent from most Mid Drive motors. Hub Drive systems are easier to understand how they work and are generally quite simple and robust systems that are inexpensive to repair.
Both types of E bike motors are very effective at helping to power your ride but they do feel different to ride so one type may suit your needs better than the other. Mid Drive motors deliver a more natural ride feel, with assist levels the more closely mirror your effort, leading to the bike making you feel very strong with the motor almost fading into the background leaving you to enjoy the ride. Hub drive motors feel distinctly separate from you as the power won't match your effort as closely. One major advantage of this is that your can pedal extremely lightly and still get a ton of power out of the bike. Ideal if you have limited energy or difficulty putting power into the pedals. This also works great if your main concern is getting where you are going without much interest in the cycling aspect of the ride.
If you have an interest in experiencing the differences for yourself, please come by the store and we can get you out on a test ride on a few different bikes! Please note that by regulation, all bikes we sell are limited to 500w max power and 32km/h max assisted speed.