BOOK A TEST RIDE
  • shop
  • Our Story
  • E-Bikes
    • All Electric Bikes
    • Electric Mountain Bikes
    • Electric trail bikes
    • Electric Town Bikes
  • Accessories
  • Clothing
  • info Centre
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Warranty
    • Become an Agent
    • Info Centre
    • Which EBike Is Right For You? Free Booklet
  • Agents
    • Locations
    • Whangarei
    • Warkworth
    • Franklin
    • Northshore
    • Auckland
    • Coromandel
    • Papamoa
    • Hamilton
    • Waipa
    • Taupo
    • Taranaki
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Wairarapa
    • Hutt Valley
    • Nelson
    • Marlborough
    • Christchurch South
    • Christchurch North
    • Timaru
    • Tauranga
    • Rangiora
    • Central Otago
    • Dunedin
    • Invercargill
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Cart
  • Test Ride
1 October
Mid Drive Vs Rear Hub Motor

MID DRIVE VS REAR HUB MOTORS: WHICH ELECTRIC BIKE MOTOR IS BEST?

Table of Contents

  • Why are Hub Drive Motors Less Expensive than Mid Drive Motors?
  • Mid Drive Motors Are More Efficient Than Hub Drive Motors in Certain Situations
  • The Gear Ratio on a Mid-drive Motor is Superior to Hub Drive Motors
  • A Quick Comparison
  • Are Some Electric Bike Motor Brands More Reputable Than Others?
  • What Does Torque Mean, and Why Does It Matter?
  • A Final Note about Hub Drive Motors
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs
  • Which motor is best for steep hills?
  • Are hub-drive motors good for seniors?
  • What’s the best motor for city riding?
  • Can a hub-drive motor handle off-road trails?
  • Is a mid-drive worth the extra cost?

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about mid drive vs rear hub drive motors. So, let’s tackle this issue.

The primary customers for MeloYelo ebikes are seniors – older people who intend to use their electric bike for riding urban cycleways, rail trails, and wine trails, for example. For these intended uses, electric bikes with a rear hub motor are completely adequate, are less expensive than a mid-drive ebike, and come fitted with a thumb throttle that can deliver motor power to the wheels from a standstill, which some riders find a very helpful aid.

If you intend to use your electric bikes for trail rides that include steeper hills and the requirement on some off-road trail sections to cover 60 or 70 kilometres in a day, then a mid-drive motor will be a better choice.

Why are Hub Drive Motors Less Expensive than Mid Drive Motors?

Hub drive motors have been around longer and have been produced in larger volumes than mid drives, so the manufacturing cost per unit is less. Another reason is that producing a frame to incorporate a mid-drive motor is more expensive than producing a frame suitable for a rear hub motor.

Mid Drive Motors Are More Efficient Than Hub Drive Motors in Certain Situations

Mid drive motors can use the energy in your battery more efficiently in certain situations, particularly hill climbing on backcountry trails. So, on a demanding trail ride, a 500 watt-hour battery on a mid-drive might deliver the same range as a 550 or 600 watt-hour battery on a hub drive.

The Gear Ratio on a Mid-drive Motor is Superior to Hub Drive Motors

The single largest advantage that mid-motors have over hub motors is their gear ratio. They allow the rider to power the rear wheel via the same chain and gear set as the pedals, which means that a low gear can be selected for powering up steep hills or accelerating from a stop with massive torque. A mid-drive motor in low gear can climb steeper hills than a hub motor of similar power and can climb hills for longer than a hub motor. A mid-drive motor is also usually smaller and lighter than a hub motor of similar power.

A Quick Comparison

Mid-Drive Hub-Drive
Cost More expensive Less expensive
Torque (turning force) More torque Less torque
Throttle assist from 0km/hr In some cases Yes
Efficiency in flat to moderately hilly conditions Equal Equal
Efficiency in steeper off-road conditions More efficient Less efficient

Are Some Electric Bike Motor Brands More Reputable Than Others?

Yes. The most reputable brands of motors in ebikes in NZ are Bosch, Brose, Shimano, Yamaha, and Bafang. These are the brands that were reviewed by Consumer Reports NZ. You can read their review here.

What Does Torque Mean, and Why Does It Matter?

Torque is a measure of the motor’s turning force. The more torque, the more turning force the motor has. Some ebikes have as little as 40 newton-metres of torque, while others have 80 newton-metres or even more. The primary situation where more torque will make a big difference is when you’re riding steep, windy off-road trails.

A Final Note about Hub Drive Motors

Most bike shops do not carry ebikes fitted with hub drive motors. There are a couple of key reasons for this:

  • Historically, their customers have been younger cyclists who are more apt to want to tackle steeper, off-road cycling adventures;
  • There’s not as much profit to be made with a hub drive bike, because they are less expensive.

However, don’t let this discourage you from considering an e-bike with a hub drive motor. MeloYelo’s Town’nTrail has a hub drive motor with a thumb throttle (some call it the turbo button) which delivers motor power to your wheels without you having to pedal. This can be extremely beneficial for riders who want to get moving again from a standstill, or for those who want an extra burst of motor assistance while climbing a steep hill. And, at under $3500, the Town’nTrail is one of the most affordable trail bikes on the market.

Conclusion

There are some performance and efficiency differences in certain situations, and if you expect to find yourself in off-road situations that involve long, steep hill climbs, then a mid drive may be the answer for you. For the city rider or the recreational trail rider (urban cycleways, rail trails, etc.), a hub motor will do just fine.

FAQs

Which motor is best for steep hills?

A mid-drive motor is better for steep hills because it delivers more torque (turning force).

Are hub-drive motors good for seniors?

Yes, hub-drive motors can be a great choice for seniors, depending on the kind of riding they will be doing. For those whose riding is mostly either around town or on light to moderate off-road trails, a bike with a hub-drive motor is a great choice and will be less expensive than a bike with a mid-drive motor.

What’s the best motor for city riding?

For riding around town, a hub-drive motor is all you need.

Can a hub-drive motor handle off-road trails?

Yes. Thousands of MeloYelo customers use their hub-drive Town’nTrail model ebikes for riding off-road trails and are very satisfied with their bikes. You can read their reviews here. Note, however, that for steeper off-road trails, a mid-drive motor will give you more climbing assistance and more efficient use of the battery.

Is a mid-drive worth the extra cost?

If you think you’re going to be tackling a lot of longer, grade 3 trails, then yes. If you’re mostly going to be riding around town, or on rail trails, wine trails, etc., then perhaps not.

  • Blog

SUGGESTED ACTIONS

Learn About The MeloYelo Difference Find Your Nearest Agent book a free test ride Which MeloYelo is right for you?
About Author
About Author
Rob McEwen February 4, 2016
Rob McEwen is founder and CEO of MeloYelo ebikes, a NZ company with sales & service agents throughout the country. He Is also founder and a director of EVolocity, a charity which runs a programme in NZ high schools in which teams of students design, build and compete in electric vehicles. McEwen was formerly founder of the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (now Drive Electric) and a founder of the NZ Clean Energy Centre in Taupo.
author posts
Melo Yelo bikes range
Denise

Categories

  • Questions. Answered.

  • Why MeloYelo?

  • Customer stories

  • Tips for ebike shoppers

  • Video testimonials from our customers

  • Blog

Recent Blog Post

  • Top safety tips for riding your ebike this summer

  • How much more expensive is an electric bike compared to a regular bike?

  • The future of electric bikes: What to expect in the next few years

  • Electric Bike vs. Traditional Bike: Which is Right for You?

  • Best Electric Bikes for Short People in NZ (2025): Lightweight & Compact Options

  • How Long Does an Electric Bike Motor Last?

  • Are MeloYelo the Best Value Electric Bikes in New Zealand? A Complete Comparison (2025)

  • Step-Over vs Step-Through: Which ebike frame should I choose?

  • How long do electric bike batteries last?

  • A PERFECT DAY TRIP: E-BIKING FROM TEKAPO TO THE MT COOK SALMON SHOP

  • How to maintain your electric bike for peak performance in New Zealand’s climate.

  • A guide to choosing your first electric bike in New Zealand.

  • MELOYELO RIDER TAKES ON EUROPE ON AN E-BIKE!

  • Best Electric Bikes for Almost Every Kind of Ride

  • How do E-Bikes Work? Everything You Need to Know

  • A 1300 kilometre journey on our MeloYelo ebikes: Charlie and Ruth’s inspiring story.

  • From reluctant biker to conquering the Dunstan Trail – Gill’s inspiring story.

  • Electric bike range: Answers to the 5 most common questions

  • How much does it cost to service an electric bike?

  • What is the best electric bike for women?

  • How Fast Can an E-Bike Really Go in NZ? (Top Speeds + Legal Limits)

  • The life-changing impact of ebikes: Seniors share stories

  • Family-Friendly Cycling Adventures for the Easter Weekend with MeloYelo

  • Before going for a ride, do your ABCs

  • Christchurch Redzone Ride

  • Where are MeloYelo eBikes made?

  • Bafang vs Bosch E-Bike Motors: A Comparison Conducted in 2025

  • What Can You Expect From MeloYelo That You Won’t Find Elsewhere?

  • What our customers love about their MeloYelo eBikes

  • Do I Have To Pedal An E-Bike?

  • Will I be able to ride an electric bike? Even if I haven’t been on a bike in years?

  • NZ Electric Bike Reviews: MeloYelo ebikes

  • Enjoy the Great Outdoors with an Ebike.

  • Best electric bikes for older riders & seniors in New Zealand: Buying Guide, 2025

  • Are Electric Bikes Safe For Older Riders?

  • How to use gears on an electric bike.

  • Mountain eBikes for Outdoor Adventures | Ebike NZ

  • The Top E-Bike Trails in NZ for Seniors

  • How to Find the Best Electric Bikes in NZ

  • We asked an artificial intelligence BOT to scan and summarise our Google Reviews. Here’s what it found.

  • The Rhythm Belles recount their epic journey from North Cape to Bluff on MeloYelo ebikes

  • Lightweight electric bikes for seniors: What are the best options?

  • Beverley and Daisy discuss the MeloYelo Tranzit electric bike

  • We asked our customers what they love most about their MeloYelo ebike. And, how the MeloYelo shopping experience compared. Here’s what they said.

  • Three women. 30 days. 3000 kilometres. On MeloYelo ebikes.

  • Bafang vs Dapu E-Bike Motors: Which is Best?

  • What to expect when you test-ride a MeloYelo.

  • A unique e-bike shopping experience especially for boomers like us

  • Doug Pouwhare has lost 17kgs after 6 weeks of riding his MeloYelo Town’nTrail. Here’s his story.

  • Can electric bikes get wet?

  • Ebike Weight | Why are e-bikes so heavy?

  • MeloYelo’s mid-drive bikes come standard with a gear shift sensor for a buttery-smooth ride.

  • Which MeloYelo ebike is right for you?

  • Dave Waugh is a DOC volunteer on the West Coast. He needed an ebike: A solid workhorse, not a showpony. Here’s his story.

  • Why you won’t find MeloYelo ebikes in most bike shops

  • 8 great tips for taking care of your ebike

  • Taking care of your electric bike

  • Why do Some Electric Bikes Perform Better than Others?

  • What’s the difference between watts and torque in an electric bike?

  • How does MeloYelo meet the needs of kiwi e-bike riders better than the competition?

  • How do I know which ebike motor is best for me?

  • A great value ebike? Or not?

  • How to Extend the Life of Your Lithium-Ion Battery – Maintenance Tips for E-Bike Owners

  • How To Choose An Electric Bike For Town And Trails?

  • What kiwis want in an ebike. (1100 kiwis have told us).

  • How Far Can You Ride on an E-Bike Charge in NZ? (2025 Guide)

  • Christchurch Electric Bike Customer Review

  • EBike batteries: How can you be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for?

  • What is the most comfortable electric bike for seniors?

  • MID DRIVE VS REAR HUB MOTORS: WHICH ELECTRIC BIKE MOTOR IS BEST?

  • How to Ride an Electric Bike

  • “It was our lucky day finding MeloYelo e Bikes”

  • 365 kms on South Island Trails: Our Experience with MeloYelo EBikes.

  • Which eBike is Best?

  • The health benefits of ebikes for seniors: Staying active and mobile

  • EBikes are booming among boomers

  • NZ Electric Bike Survey Results

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

  • Low Prices, Everyday
  • Best Nationwide service
  • 3-year warranty
Melo-logo

Founded in 2016, Kiwi-owned MeloYelo offers everyday low pricing on high-spec electric bikes, valuable extras at no extra cost, nationwide sales & service, and an industry-leading 3-year NZ ebike warranty.

Page

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Our Products
  • Blog

Info

  • Info Centre
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Our Stockists
  • Click and Collect
  • Consumer Guarantees Act

Payment Methods

Visa
logo
Internet Banking

Call Now

call now0800 MELOYELO

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.