Types And Working Principles Of Electric Bicycle Motors

Types of Electric Bike Motors

In general, all e-bike motors work roughly the same way, using similar components to achieve similar results. However, they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. While there are many e-bike motors, the most common styles are hub motors and mid-drive motors. No matter what type of motor your e-bike uses, if you hear its motor clicking, it's important to know what to do to reduce the risk of it becoming a serious problem. Also, you might be curious about how fast an e-bike can go and which motor is the fastest. However, maximum speed isn't really a factor for e-bike components like electric motors, it's regulations. Electric bike lines can be affected by motor usage.

In-wheel motor

One of these e-bike motors is called a hub motor. A hub motor is considered a more "classic" e-bike motor that can be organized into a front or rear hub, as well as direct drive or gearing.

what are they

The hub motor is mounted directly on one of the wheels of the e-bike. The axle of the wheel itself acts as the axle of the motor. In front-mounted hubs, this arrangement provides the added convenience of the independent drivetrain and electric motor systems for easier maintenance. These motors are suitable for many different types of bikes with different drivetrains. On the other hand, for those who are used to riding traditional bikes, the rear hub motor may feel more natural, as the weight distribution will prevent the front wheel from slipping or slipping, which is sometimes common in front hub configurations.

The working principle of electric bicycle hub motor

Directly inside the hub motor, you will find the stator in the form of several copper windings wrapped around a series of spokes. Current is drawn into the wires from the battery through the motor controller, turning the stator into an electromagnet. The rotor consists of a ring of permanent magnets, which generate torque when the stator's electromagnets spin the rotor. When mounted on a fixed shaft, this rotation provides the required propulsion. Especially the rear hub motor, which delivers over 750 watts.

Tip: When mounted on a fixed shaft, this rotation provides the required propulsion

Direct Drive Hub Motors vs Geared Hub Motors

Breaking down the categories further, there are two subtypes of in-wheel motors: direct drive and geared. The difference between direct drive and geared hub motors in e-bikes comes down to their internal makeup. As mentioned above, most modern e-bikes are direct-drive, utilizing batteries to power a series of magnets. Only limited by the speed at which the rider pedals, direct-drive motors have high-speed potential. Direct-drive motors are durable because there is only one moving moving part instead of a set of gears. However, since direct drives tend to be larger, this can lead to a heavier overall structure, which can be detrimental to those looking for a lighter ride, especially when it comes to easy pedaling.

Internally geared hubs feature a complex arrangement of interconnected gears that turn using a smaller battery-powered mechanism. It's a complicated arrangement, but the compact size still provides plenty of power and acceleration, especially on slopes and uneven terrain. An internal flywheel prevents the complete loss of gear control, keeping RPMs at manageable levels. Over time, the gear system threatens to wear out, which will require additional maintenance. Because they place more emphasis on torque, geared motors cannot reach the same speed as direct drives.