By eliminating the main powerplant, hub motors negate the need for a heavy transmission, driveline, differential, and axles. This cuts mechanical losses, inherent in every component standing between the engine and wheel, and makes the car or truck run quieter. It also cuts weight, which makes for more-efficient travel.
Electric motorcycles use two types of motors: brushed and brushless. Brushed motors are simpler and cheaper, but have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance, while brushless motors are more efficient and reliable, but also more expensive.
A hub motor ebike with a torque sensor can have a similar range to a mid-drive ebike. The motor type is important as well. A geared hub motor offers better range than a gearless hub motor. The internal gears provide some mechanical advantage.
A brushless hub motor's magnets do have orientation. A north pole and a south pole are the two sides of a magnet. In contrast to magnets with the same polarity, a magnet's north and south poles are drawn to the opposing polarities of other magnets.
