To contribute to the ecological effort, more and more citizens are turning to the electric bike as a means of transportation. Two types of electric assistance systems compete in this sector.
Between the central motor located in the crankset, which is more common, and the hub motor placed in the wheel, which type of motor should you favor? What are the differences and advantages of these electric motors? Let’s discover together how to make your choice when purchasing an electric bike.
Two types of electric assistance
On an electric bike, the motor can be located in 3 different places. It can be either on the front wheel, the rear wheel, or finally on the crankset (central motor). Depending on its position, the electric assistance of your bike works differently.
In France, most electric bikes on the market have a hub motor. That is to say, with the electric motor integrated into the wheel. Besides a lower manufacturing cost, the motor in the wheel is also simpler to install. Its operation is less complex and can more easily adapt to any classic bike frame.
These different types of installations differ in their road behavior, power, specificity, as well as their use.
Should you buy an electric bike with a crankset motor?
While the central motor is generally reserved for high-end electric bike models, is it necessary to have this type of installation on a two-wheeler at all costs?
Not necessarily. It mainly depends on your use of an electric bike. Several criteria come into play, and we will give you the keys to make your choice.
The price of an electric bike with a central motor
A bike equipped with a central motor is first of all significantly more expensive to buy. For someone with a limited budget, the motor placed in the rear wheel is quite sensible. By skipping the central motor, you can, for example, afford an electric bike with a better battery.
Effortless electric assistance with a motor in the wheel
On a bike equipped with a motor placed in the rear wheel, it takes a quarter turn of the pedal to trigger the electric assistance. The speed depends on the selected riding mode and the pedal rotation speed. All this is independent of the force applied to the pedal.
This type of assistance is therefore better suited for people who want to make as little effort as possible on an electric bike. By requiring less effort, the hub motor is better suited for users with knee problems, for example. The downside, however, is a higher demand on the battery and therefore generally less autonomy.
An electric bike equipped with a motor in the wheel offers good acceleration and allows for a more responsive two-wheeler at a very attractive price. This system is also more compact as it is integrated directly into the wheel. But in case of a flat tire on the motor wheel, the disassembly operation is more complex.
How does a crankset motor work?
Placed centrally on an electric bike, the crankset motor offers a level of assistance depending on the pressure exerted by your legs. This type of electric bike is closer to the sensations offered by a classic bike.
Technologically more advanced and therefore more expensive, the central motor drives the chain and the gearbox. Unlike electric motors in the wheel that relieve the transmission, the combined power of your thighs and the motor causes faster wear of these components.
On paper, the crankset motor has a higher torque. That is why it is often preferred by the most demanding cyclists. The other bike components must therefore be strong enough and of good quality to avoid breakage at the sprockets, for example.
The central motor adapts to your pace
The advantage of this motor system is to offer a more gradual assistance. Power is better controlled at low speed since this force provided is independent of the speed at which the wheel turns.
The electric motor placed centrally better accompanies your pedaling rhythm. It is therefore better suited for athletes looking for some resistance in their legs.
With this type of assistance, the electric bike also has better autonomy because it is more economical in terms of required resources. Moreover, a crankset motor develops more torque. This is also why it is so popular among advanced electric bike users.
What are the best central motors?
There are 4 main brands supplying crankset motors. These are Bosch, Bafang, Shimano, and Yamaha. While many users swear by Bosch’s Active Line range, the quality of Bafang electric motors should not be underestimated.
The Bosch Active Line is suitable for all urban electric bikes that do not require climbing long hills or carrying heavy loads.
Unlike other brands, the Bafang BBS crankset motor is particularly versatile. It can be perfectly installed on any mechanical city bike for use compliant with European standards at 250w. Lightweight and discreet with very good torque, it is suitable for both road use and electric mountain biking.
Bafang is also the motor chosen by Weebot in our kit to convert a classic bike into a mechanical bike.
Shimano motors are found on the range of O2Feel electric bikes, designed and manufactured in France.
Conclusion: crankset motor or wheel motor?
The essential thing when buying an electric bike is to choose the type of motorization best suited to your needs and sensations. Don’t hesitate to physically test different electric bikes to find the one that suits you best.
To make a comparison, there is no need to spend a fortune buying a Lamborghini just to go grocery shopping. Unless you can afford it, but it is not necessarily the most efficient solution.
Most electric bike brands develop increasingly advanced technologies to make the assistance as discreet as possible. The goal is to most efficiently extend the cyclist’s movement with minimal vibrations.
With silent assistance and sensations close to natural pedaling, don’t wait any longer to make the electric bike your main mode of transportation.