When choosing an E-bike, you have many different options available to suit a range of needs. One such option is where the motor is situated. It can be placed on the front, middle or back section of the E-bike.
Each motor placement serves a slightly different purpose which ultimately enhances your ride for a more enjoyable experience. In this article we go into detail about the benefits of choosing an E-bike with rear motor so you can decide if it’s right for you.
How Do E-Bike Motors Work?
E-bike motors function by transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy. Each bike has a controller that can adjust the amount of power being sent to the motor from the battery.
When activated, the motor generates torque which spins a shaft that turns the chainring.
When the power of the motor is delivered to the chainring, you can still pedal the bike but it will be easier, faster and better to ride. E-bike motors make hilly terrain a breeze and when you simply need a rest, the motor can take the brunt of the pedal power while you relax and enjoy the scenery.
What Are The Different Types Of E-Bike Motor?
There are two types of E-bike motors. The hub-drive motor and the mid-drive motor: Let’s discuss what that means.
The Mid-Drive Motor
The mid-drive motor is always situated in the centre of the E-bike between the two pedals. It utilises the bike’s drivetrain to transfer the power from the motor to the rear wheel and drive the bike forward.
Mid-drive motors tend to look bulky and somewhat unattractive. However, they are perfect for off road cycling and mountain biking. They are also the most common type of motor that you will see on an E-bike.
The Hub-Drive Motor
The hub-drive motor can be positioned on either the front or rear wheel of the bike. It is integrated into the wheel which makes for a more attractive appearance and connects the motor with the ground.
When the motor is positioned on the front wheel, you get an “all-wheel” drive. This makes it a perfect option for riding on soft terrain. The downside is that the heavy front weight increases the potential for the bike to spin on wet roads and steep inclines.
Placing the hub-drive motor on the rear wheel gives the bike a more balanced weight distribution and thus allowing a more natural feeling when riding with the motor on. The acceleration is smoother too which only adds to the enjoyment of this type of motor placement.
The Benefits Of An E-Bike With Rear Motor
Choosing a rear mounted hub-drive motor gives you many benefits over a mid-drive option. We all want an easy ride and this type of motor achieves that through its power and ease of use. Let’s look at the benefits a little more closely:
A Silent Ride
No one wants to hear a motor cranking along when you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful ride. Thankfully, with an E-bike with rear motor you can expect a quieter, more tranquil ride as the motor noise is near to non-existent.
Easy to maintain
This type of motor requires little maintenance. All the motor’s components are enclosed in a casing so you’d have to be really determined to break it. This advantage makes them a great option for folk who don’t know (or don’t want to know) much about fixing E-bike technology.
More Attractive
The smaller hub motors are nearly invisible so if you don’t want your E-bike to well, look like an E-bike, you’re in luck. Their streamlined appearance looks really good and makes you feel like you’re riding a standard bike.
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Smoother Riding
Unlike a mid-drive E-bike, the motor is separate from the pedals. Because of this you get smoother acceleration and a ride that feels like you’re gliding along the road.
What Are The Downsides Of An E-Bike With Rear Motor?
While the downsides of an E-Bike with rear motor are few, there are some things you need to take into consideration.
Firstly, While there are exceptions, most rear motors lack the power to handle off-road or super steep terrain. Therefore, if you’re looking for an off-road E-bike, the rear motor option might not be for you.
Secondly, Because of the placement of the motor, it can make the tyre tricky to change. You’re going to need to learn how to do it properly using specific tools, or, get your local E-bike repair shop to do it for you.
What Type Of Riding Can You Do With A Rear Motor
Riding an E-bike with rear motor feels very much like riding a normal bicycle except you can feel some extra oomph coming from behind. The motor feels like it’s pushing the bike along and feels quite sporty without the need to go off road. Remember when you were learning to ride a bike for the first time and your parents helped by pushing you along? It kinda feels like that!
While you won’t achieve super fast speeds with a rear motor, they do make excellent bikes for commuting and casual riding in towns and cities. This is largely thanks to their smooth operation and acceleration.
So, if you want an eco-friendly E-bike that gives you a pleasant yet sporty riding experience then this type of motor is perfect for your needs.
Our Favourite E-Bikes With Rear Motor For 2022
There is an astonishing array of E-bikes available now so it’s tough to choose the right one. To make it easy, we have hand-picked three of our favourite rear motor E-bikes for 2022.
Wayfarer E-Citybike E-Bike 360Wh – 28 inch
The eskute Wayfarer E-Citybike is a fantastic budget option that gives you the power of a rear motor at a great price. This is the ultimate bike for commuting and leisure riding and the E-biker that doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
With 65km range from its integrated battery and 25kmh max speed, this bike can go the distance and cover most daily journeys with ease.
Price: €1,049.00
Polluno City E-bike rear engine 522Wh – 28 inch
If you have a larger budget then you might want to consider the Polluno E-citybike instead of the Wayfarer. Featuring an aluminium frame, comfy saddle and extra shock absorption this bike lets you ride around your city in style and comfort.
Boasting an incredible 100km+ of range and 25km top speed, this bike is ideal if you have a longer commute or do a lot of travelling throughout the day.
Price: €1,049.00
Netuno e-mountain bike rear motor 522Wh – 27.5 inch
While most rear motor E-bikes were designed for city living there are some exciting exceptions to the rule. The Netuno E-mountain bike is one such exception and it’s a really good one.
The powerful 250 watt motor takes you off road and up steep inclines with ease and the 100km range means you don’t have to be picky about the length of the trail you want to ride.
The 27.5″ treaded tires and fork with 100mm worth of travel provides an ultra smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough terrain.
Price: €1,349.00
What Kind Of Battery Do I Need For A Rear Motor E-Bike?
If you want to experience the full range and speed capabilities of the bike, you need to choose a battery with the right amount of power. Some bikes like the Wayfarer have an integrated battery so you don’t need to worry about purchasing one.
For an E-mountain bike we recommend getting the lithium E-mountain bike battery The 36V is compatible with the Netuno rear motor mountain bike and will give you drive to combat challenging terrain.
For city E-bikes you need the city bike battery Compatible with the Polluno, these lithium-ion batteries are removable and locked with a key adding extra security when you’re out and about.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a reliable, steady bike for leisure riding or commuting then an e-bike with a rear motor would be a wise choice. We personally love how this type of bike feels on the road.
For more information on rear motors and other kinds of E-bike, give our team over at Eskute a shout. As Germany’s fast-growing online E-bike retailer, we have a wide selection of Ebikes and Accessories available for your E-biking needs. Get in touch and let’s torque!
