The world of electric bicycles is a fast-moving one. The technology is constantly being tweaked and upgraded, and it doesn’t take long for new gear to be introduced that fast revolutionises the industry.
A hub motor powers most early electric bike models. Positioned in the centre of the rear or front wheel, they are entirely independent of the workings of the pedals.
Recently, electric bikes powered by a mid-drive electric motors have become increasingly popular. These are positioned more centrally and the power is transported to the rear wheel through the chain.
In this article, we’ll review the best mid-drive ebikes and conversion kits.
Best Mid-Drive Electric Bike Comparison
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Why Choose a Mid-Drive eBike?
Hub and Mid-Drive e-bike motors have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Hub motors are cheaper, and their independent, fully enclosed system doesn’t put extra strain on the chain or gear shifters. As a result, they are likely to last longer and require less maintenance too.
It also means if your pedals or motor fail, you can still rely on the other one to get you back. A bonus if you are a long trail lover or do a regular lengthy commute.
They tend to be heavier, though, and this can impact on the suspension and stability of the bike. Their position can also be more limiting in terms of the tires and other wheel parts that you can fit. Tire changes are even more of a challenge given the attachment of the motor to the wheel.
Benefits of a Mid-Drive e-bike
A mid-drive motor invariably offers a more natural, smooth and powerful cycling experience. Yes, they do tend to be more expensive, but for a serious rider, they are often the top choice.
Because the motor is connected to the pedal and gears, the bike will power up the hill in a low gear setting much more effectively than a traditional front or rear hub motor. It can go further and longer without having the risk of overheating.
They often use torque sensors for the pedal-assist mode. So the motor power is adjusted depending on the pedal power you are using, rather than just by the speed as it does with hub motors. You get a much less jerky motor action this way.
The central positioning on the mid-drive motor also means the bike tends to be that bit more balanced and stable.
For riders that enjoy long-distance, high speed and top performance, splashing out on a mid-drive motor could be a great investment. Do be prepared to have to do a bit more maintenance on the drivetrain though, especially the chain.
Be Aware of the Electric Bike Classes
As always, we like to remind newbie e-bikers that there are three different classes of e-bike. The laws surrounding these vary depending on the country, and sometimes even the region or State you are in. It can get a bit bamboozling.
We recommend checking out the People For Bikes website, which is a handy resource for gaining a better understanding of these sometimes nuanced regulations.
In general, though, they are broken down as follows:
Class 1 e-bikes
These bikes only have pedal assist power rather than also having a throttle function. They don’t go above 20mph for assisted cycling, and their motor is never bigger than 250w.
There are not generally any restrictions on where these can be used.
Class 2 e-bikes
These bikes also have a throttle function alongside the pedal-assist mode. They still don’t go above 20mph on the motor assist mode and, in the United States, there are not generally restrictions on where they can be used.
Class 3 e-bikes
These bikes have a maximum motor assist level of 28mph and a motor up to 750w in power. There tend to be restrictions on where these bikes can be used. Always check your local laws to ensure that it can take you where you want to go.
Reviews of the Best Mid-Drive Electric Bikes
We have selected five different mid-drive motor electric bikes to review. Each has their own specific advantages in terms of features, usability and performance. Some of the key criteria we looked at when we were reviewing include:
- Value for money – Electric Bikes can vary significantly in their pricing. Mid-Drive motors are usually more expensive than hub motor options. We look at a range of budgets and want to make sure that they are offering the best value for their price bracket
- Motor efficiency – We compare the power, efficiency and level of smoothness of the motors.
- Battery efficiency – We compare the batteries in terms of their efficiency, power and charging speeds
- Overall performance – How do the bikes cope on the ascents and descents? How do they handle, what is their suspension like? What is their weight capacity?
- Reputation – How does the brand stack up against its competitors. Are they known for producing robust, high performing e-bikes?
Mid-drive bikes always tend to be a little more expensive than hub motor versions. The Fifield Rogue Wave offers decent value for money when you break down its specifications. With its fat tires, it’s a versatile option suitable for hobby riding, commuting and off-roading.
It doesn’t have a hugely generous distance capacity, though, so for long-distance riding, it’s probably not the best choice.
Although it’s designed for off-roading, it doesn’t have the suspension that true electric mountain bikes will. The four-inch-wide fat tires really do absorb a lot of the bumps on the trail surface, though, meaning you’ll get a comfier ride when going over any lumps and bumps, especially at speed. It’ll also mean they’ll be less hard on your bike, helping to minimize any potential frame maintenance.
The Shimano 9-Speed Alivio External Gears and the powerful 750w motor are also a bonus when it comes to hills on the trails too. It has plenty of power and accelerates away well. Perfect for newbie electric mountain bikers.
It’s great that this bike has hydraulic disc brakes too. They’ll give you additional confidence on the steep descents and when the weather is poor.
| Motor | 750W Bafang MAX Drive Mid-motor |
| Battery | 48V/14.5Ah Lithium Ion |
| Max Speed | 20 mph |
| Max Distance | 40 miles |
| Brakes | Dual Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Charging Time | 4-6 hours |
| Drive Train | Shimano 9-Speed Alivio External Gears |
| Bike Weight | 55 lbs |
| Price | $2,299 |
What We Loved
For riders new to trail riding, this model from Fifield offers a lot for the price.
Shock-absorbing, fat tires which offer plenty of traction and stability, responsive hydraulic brakes, and plenty of power.
Why it Might Not Work For You
There’s no front or rear suspension on this bike. Despite the fat tires, you won’t get the most comfort on the roughest of trails.
Plus there isn’t any throttle assistance on this bike, and it doesn’t have the highest speed capacities. For speed demons or lazy riders, it won’t necessarily appeal.
Verdict
The Rogue Wave is a reliable bike that offers plenty of versatility for riders that plan to do some gentle off-roading. For serious and experienced trail riders, the lack of suspension and range could prove limiting, but it still tops our list as the #1 mid-drive electric bike.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on eBikeGeneration.com <<
Selecting a bike with a mid-drive motor if you plan to use it for hunting trips is a sensible option. These motors tend to be a lot quieter than hub varieties so you’ll be less likely to disturb the wildlife.
The Storm from Bakcou is specifically marketed to appeal to hunters. It’s quiet, powerful, durable and comfortable, plus it has a generous weight capacity (up to 300lbs). Perfect if you’re carrying or pulling extra hunting or fishing gear or your catch.
With a 750w motor, this offers plenty of punch for negotiating steep slopes and tough terrain, and the bike has a throttle option if you don’t want to work too hard.
The bike frame is really robust and will handle the rough terrain you may need to negotiate to access quiet hides or fishing spots.
It also has front and rear suspension and wide, knobbly tires that help ensure you get a smooth ride and plenty of traction in wet conditions.
Plus, the responsive hydraulic brakes give you confidence in challenging conditions too.
SPECS
| Type of Bike | Class 3 |
| Motor | Bafang Ultra M620 750w mid-drive Motor |
| Battery | 48v 17.4ah lithium-ion |
| Max Speed | 28 mph |
| Max Distance | 40+ miles |
| Brakes | Powerful Tektro HD E750 Quad Piston Hydraulic, 203mm front & rear |
| Drive Train | Shimano Alivio Hill-Climbing 9 speed gearing system |
| Bike Weight | 72 lbs |
| Price | $5,398 |
What We Loved
This bike can cover a lot of ground quickly, smoothly and quietly, even if you’re carrying extra heavy loads. It’s rock solid and has excellent suspension and great tires for a comfortable riding experience.
If you want a mid-drive bike that can take whatever you throw at it, including serious off-roading and even hunting, it’s hard to beat the Bakcou.
Why it Might Not Work For You
This bike isn’t really designed with anything other than hunting and back road riding in mind. It’s the heaviest of all those we have reviewed, and it isn’t easy to ride without pedal assist on hills. Plus, it can be tricky if you have to lift it over fences, fallen trees or other obstacles.
It’s also by far the most expensive of those on this list too. If you don’t plan to get a lot of use out of it, it’ll be hard to justify the price.
Verdict
Perfect for tough off-roading with heavy loads, the Bakcou Storm has great suspension, tires and power. It’s heavy and not particularly adaptable, though, and comes with a hefty price tag too!
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on eBikeGeneration.com <<
Schwinn have been in the bike industry for many years. They’ve recently dipped their toe into the world of electric bikes, and the Voyageur is their versatile and comfortable cruiser-type option.
The upright, step-thru frame is great for people with limited mobility, and it offers a comfortable riding position and great visibility when cycling in traffic.
Despite only having a 250w motor, it’s quiet and efficient and will still tackle hills better than the equivalent wattage on a hub motor.
The bike features front suspension that helps ensure a more comfortable riding experience on less smooth roads and the range is more generous than most of the other bikes reviewed here.
SPECS
| Type of Bike | Class 1 |
| Motor | 250w Bafang MaxDrive mid-motor drive unit |
| Battery | 400 Watt-Hour, Lithium Ion |
| Max Speed | 20 mph |
| Max Distance | 40-65 miles |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-M280, mechanical disc |
| Charging Time | 5 hours |
| Drive Train | 8 speed Shimano drivetrain |
| Bike Weight | 67 lbs |
| Price | $2,199 |
What We Loved
For riders just looking for a comfortable and easy cruiser, the Schwinn Voyageur has a lot going for it. Front suspension, a quiet and surprisingly powerful motor that you can’t get carried away with, and responsive brakes.
Why it Might Not Work For You
For riders looking for speed, sophistication and lots of technical specifications – you aren’t going to get that with the Voyageur. It’s suited to gentle riding styles and isn’t designed for fast, challenging conditions. Plus, this bike is pretty heavy and riding without pedal-assist, especially on hills, will be more of an effort.
Verdict
A practical and reliable bike for gentle cruising, however, this bike will prove limiting for those that want to take it off-road or push it up to high speeds.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
If you are an enthusiastic off-roader or long-distance trail or road rider, you likely won’t go wrong with the BESV TRB1 AM.
The bike has a unique design, and it will stand out in the crowd, but what sets it apart most is its battery and suspension.
The 750w battery is one of the most powerful around, and this means that you can travel up to 115 miles on just one charge.
The rest of the bike is just as high spec. It has super responsive hydraulic brakes, perfect for those hairy downhill descents.
It also has full suspension, which is rare on high-speed e-mtbs. You know you’re going to get a more comfortable and supported ride even on the roughest trails.
Of course, all of these top-end features mean it does come with a high price point too, but it still offers value for money if you are going to be putting the bike through its paces.
Remember that with this being a Class 3 high-speed pedelec there could be restrictions on where you can ride it, and you should check the local regulations in advance.
Specs
| Type of Bike | Class 3 (speed pedelec) |
| Motor | Brose Mid Motor 250w |
| Battery | Lithium-ion 36V, 21Ah; 756Wh |
| Max Speed | 28 mph |
| Max Distance | 115 miles |
| Brakes | Magura MT4 203mm Hydraulic Disc |
| Charging Time | 6 hours |
| Drive Train | Shimano Deore XT Derailleur, 11 speed |
| Bike Weight | 58.5 lbs |
| Price | $4,999 |
What We Loved
Fast, powerful, comfortable and, with its impressive battery it will carry you for longer, even at high speeds.
Why it Might Not Work For You
If you’re on a limited budget, this may be a stretch. Plus, you probably don’t need all the high-end specification if you are just a road rider or a beginner. With its Class 3 status, it won’t be suitable for use everywhere.
Verdict
Slick and powerful with excellent full suspension and reactive hydraulic brakes this is a perfect choice for serious trail riders that want speed and distance capabilities.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on BikeBerry.com <<
iZip have a great reputation when it comes to offering fairly priced, reliable and practical electric bikes. The Zuma 2.0 is no exception.
Like the Schwinn Voyageur, this is another mid-drive motor cruiser perfect for leisure riding or comfortable commuting.
It’s considerably lighter than the Voyageur though, making it a good choice if you have to lift it on and off public transport, or if you want to ride without electric assistance some of the time.
The mid-drive motor and down tube battery position mean it provides a very stable, low center of gravity ride and it’s easy to handle – perfect for novice or nervous e-bike riders.
| Type of Bike | Class 1 |
| Motor | Bosch Active Line 250W |
| Battery | 400Wh |
| Max Speed | 20 mph |
| Max Distance | 42 miles |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Drive Train | Shimano Tourney, 7 Speed |
| Bike Weight | 50 lbs |
| Price | $2,199 |
What We Loved
The step-thru frame is ideal for people with mobility issues, the frame is very stable, and the upright position riders sit in is comfortable for cruising.
It’s an affordable option with decent specifications for riders that don’t plan to off-road or ride at high speeds.
Why it Might Not Work For You
The 250w motor and rather limited 7-speed drivetrain mean this bike can sometimes struggle on steeper hills.
Plus, it doesn’t have any suspension or fat tires, and it isn’t the comfiest of rides on bumpy road surfaces.
Verdict
Affordable, quiet, reliable and comfortable to mount, the iZip Zuma 2.0 will suit leisure riders or easy commuters perfectly. The lack of suspension and 250w motor means it won’t be suited to off-roading or regions with too many hills.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on iZipElectric.com <<
Reviews of the Best Mid-Drive Motor Conversion Kits
If you already have a fantastic regular bike and you are very mechanically minded, you could save a bit of cash by using a conversion kit to turn it into an e-bike.
Of course, this will take time, patience and a lot of effort but, if you have a restricted budget, it may be the way to go.
Types of E-Bike Conversion Kits
There are a wide variety of conversion kits out there. The front and rear wheel kits are generally less expensive and easier to install. Serious long-distance or off-road cyclists might want to opt for a mid-drive kit.
Pros and Cons of a Mid-Drive Conversion Kit
Mid-drive systems are generally more expensive than front or rear kits and they don’t fit as many bike models as the others do.
Their most significant disadvantage is that they are much more challenging to install. You will likely have to invest in a few tools to help you with installation and maintenance too.
You could, of course, pay for an expert to install the kit for you if it seems daunting, and it will likely still work out cheaper than buying a new bike.
We already know that mid-drive motors cause more general wear and tear to the chain and gears. Also, the fit-out generally doesn’t look as polished as those on a factory bought model.
For intermediate and experienced riders they can be more popular as they offer better power efficiency, stability, handling and traction.
Bafang and Tongsheng are two of the most widely available brands of mid-drive conversion kits out there. So, if you are up for the challenge, below is a comparison between popular models from each brand.
Available for much less than a new mid-drive bike, this is why it could make sense to convert an existing bike over buying an entirely separate e-bike.
Like most kits, there are a lot of wires. Unless you sort out some cable management tools, it can look a little less tidy than on a factory fit model.
Both the motor and the battery are powerful, but you shouldn’t forget that a motor of this power is not road legal in most of Europe. You would need to opt for one of Bafangs lower power options in that instance.
The Bafang kits all use an internal cadence sensor which provides motor assistance based on the pedaling RPM.
Although it comes with a thumb throttle, you should be mindful that these can burn out if used too much, especially on the inclines. For fewer problems with longevity, it is best used on pedal assist mode.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
This is another readily available mid-drive conversion kit. It is slightly less expensive than the BAFANG 750w option, but it still has a powerful 500w motor. Again, with this being over 250w, it is not suitable for use in Europe. TongSheng, do also produce 250w motors which would comply with European regulations.
This kit comes with a spanner for installation, unlike the Bafang one.
The Tongsheng motors work using an internal torque sensor, so instead of being powered by the pedaling rpm, it relates to the amount of pedal force that is applied by the rider.
So, it is better suited to those that like to work that little bit harder. Go for the Bafang model if you want to put in less effort!
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
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