Rear hubs vs front hubs: what is the difference?

The hub motor is the most common type of motor before the mid-drive motor. In a hub motor, the motor is placed in the center of the bicycle wheel to achieve even load distribution. E-bikes with front hub motors have the motor built into the front wheel. An e-bike with a rear hub motor has the wheel built into the rear wheel. The front and rear hub motors work in the same way. They use the same technology. In some cases, they are interchangeable, as long as they are compatible with your bike frame.

Typically, front hub motors may be smaller in size than rear hub motors. Because front hubs have a narrower dropout pitch, front hub motors tend to be relatively smaller in size, which results in them also tending to be less powerful. Rear hub motors tend to be larger and more powerful. The biggest difference between front and rear hub motors is that rear hub motors are designed to mount a flywheel. They have threads for attaching the flywheel or flywheel body. Most rear hub motors are designed to fit a standard threaded flywheel. This front hub motor balances the weight of the e-bike perfectly, as more weight is usually concentrated on the rear wheel. In addition, the front wheel usually gets less horizontal ground than the rear wheel. Usually, the front hub motor keeps the rear wheel intact, which makes it easier to change tires and tubes.

The lighter the front wheel of an e-bike, the lower the traction. As a result, the more powerful front hub motor will usually burn out from constant pedaling. Front forks are not as strong as rear forks. This means that powerful front hub motors will eventually damage the forks over time. In addition, powerful hub motors of 750W and above are usually best mounted on the rear wheel of an e-bike.

Advantages and disadvantages of front wheel hub motors

1. Flat tires are easier to repair
2. And front hub motors are less likely to have problems.
3. Front hub motors are lighter
4. The front hub motor weighs 2-5 pounds less than the rear hub motor.
5. For more transmission system options
6. You can use internally geared hubs, 1X gears, or belt drives
7. No compatibility issues
8. If you're modifying your bike, you don't have to worry about transmission system compatibility.
9. Easy to install
10. If you're modifying your bike, installing a front hub motor will be easier.

1. Poor traction
2. The front wheel may lose grip and slip easily during acceleration.
3. Poor handling
4. The weight of the motor makes it more difficult to turn the handlebars quickly and accurately.
5. Less durable
6. The motor puts extra stress on the fork arms. Over time, they can fatigue and fail.

Advantages and disadvantages of rear wheel hub motors

1. More traction
2. The extra weight of the motor increase friction between the tires and the ground.
3. Smoother ride
4. Many rear hub drive e-bikes have front fork suspension or full suspension for a smooth ride.
5. Better handling
6. Rear hub drive e-bikes are easier to steer at low speeds.
7. Rear hub motors are more stealthy
8. They can be hidden by the flywheel and disc brake rotor.

1. Poor weight distribution
2. All the weight is at the rear of the bike.
3. Increased weight
4. Heavier rear hub motors typically weigh more than 7-10 lbs.
5. Prone to compatibility issues
6. If you are going to install a hub motor, you need to make sure it is compatible with your transmission system.

   Conclusion

   Both front hub motors and rear hub motors have their advantages and disadvantages. However, based on what is available on the market, most off-the-shelf e-bikes are equipped with rear hub motors. When buying an e-bike, you will have more choices if you choose a rear hub motor model. Front hub motor e-bikes are less common, and most front hub e-bikes are retrofitted.