In order to participate in the ecological effort, more and more citizens are turning to electric bikes as a means of transportation. 2 types of electrical assistance systems compete in this sector.
Between the central motor present in the crankset and the more common one, the hub motor placed in the wheel, which type of motor should be preferred ? What are the differences and advantages of these electric motors? Let's find out together how to make your choice when purchasing an electric bike .
Two types of electric assistance
On an electric bike, the motor can be placed in 3 different places. It can either be placed on the front wheel, on the rear wheel or finally on the crankset (central motor). Depending on its positioning, the electric assistance of your bike acts differently.
In France, most electric bikes on the market are hub motorized. That is to say with the electric motor integrated into the wheel. In addition to lower manufacturing costs, the motor in the wheel is also simpler to install. Its operation is less complex and can adapt more easily to any classic bicycle frame.
These different types of installations are distinguished by their road behavior, their power, their specificity, as well as their use.
Should you buy a pedal motor electric bike?
If the central motor is generally reserved for models of high-end electric bikes, is this type of installation necessary at all costs on a two-wheeler?
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 making your choice.
The price of a central motor electric bike
A bike equipped with a central motor is, first of all, significantly more expensive to purchase. For someone on a limited budget, the motor placed in the rear wheel makes perfect sense. By ignoring the central motor, you can, for example, afford an electric bike with a better battery.
Effortless electric assistance with an in-wheel motor
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 driving mode and the rotation speed of the pedal. All this regardless of the force exerted on the pedal.
This type of assistance is therefore better suited for people wishing to make as little effort as possible on an electric bike. By requiring less effort, the hub motor is better suited to users with knee problems, for example. The disadvantage, however, is greater demand on the battery and therefore generally less autonomy.
An electric bike equipped with a motor in the wheel offers good acceleration and allows you to have a more responsive two-wheeler at a very attractive price. This system is also more compact by being integrated directly into the wheel. But in the event of a puncture on the drive wheel, the dismantling operation is then more complex.
How does a pedal motor work?
Placed in a central position on an electric bike, the pedal 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 take the strain off the transmission, the combined power of your thighs and the motor causes these components to wear out more quickly.
On paper, the crank motor has greater torque. This is why it is often preferred by the most advanced cyclists. The other components of the bicycle must therefore be sufficiently resistant and of good quality so as not to cause breakage to the sprockets, for example.
The central motor adapts to your rhythm
The advantage of this motor system is to offer more gradual assistance. Power better contained at low speed since this force provided is independent of the speed at which the wheel turns.
The electric motor placed in the central position better supports your pedaling rhythm. It is therefore better suited to athletes looking for a certain resistance in the legs.
With this type of assistance, the electric bike also has better autonomy because it is more economical in terms of the resources required. Furthermore, a pedal motor develops more torque. This is also why it is so popular with advanced electric bike users.
What are the best central movers?
There are 4 main brands supplying crank motors. These are Bosch, Bafang, Shimano and Yamaha. Although many users swear by Bosch's Active Line range, we should not underestimate the quality of Bafang electric motors.
The Bosch Active Line is suitable for all urban electric bikes that do not require long climbs or travel with heavy loads.
Unlike other brands, the BBS Bafang crank motor is particularly versatile. It can be perfectly installed on any mechanical city bike for use in compliance with European standards at 250w. Light and discreet with very good torque, it is suitable for both road use and off-road electric cycling.
The 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 O2Feel range of electric bikes , designed and manufactured in France.
Conclusion: crank motor or wheel motor?
The main thing when buying an electric bike is to choose the type of motorization best suited to your needs and your feelings. Don't hesitate to physically test different electric bikes to find the one that suits you best.
To make a comparison, there is no point breaking the bank on buying a Lamborghini just to go shopping. Unless you can afford it, but this is not necessarily the most effective solution.
Most electric bike brands are developing ever more advanced technologies to make assistance as discreet as possible. The goal is to most effectively extend the cyclist's movement with a minimum of vibration.
With silent assistance and sensations close to natural pedaling, don't wait any longer to make the electric bike your main means of transport.