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.