Hub Motor Electric Bike Reviews

This type of electric bike utilizes a hub motor (or two) that is built into the wheel. It’s the most affordable type of drive system and often works well with throttle operation. There are two types of hub motors: geared and gearless. Gearless tends to weigh more, provides less torque (especially at low speeds), produce some magnetic drag when not engaged, but may offer regenerative braking, and tend to be very durable and quiet. Geared hub motors tend to be compact, lightweight, and affordable, but they produce a bit of whirring noise during operation and may not be as durable over long periods of use. They freewheel efficiently without producing drag, but cannot provide regen braking. Since motor weight is positioned inside the bicycle wheel itself, it increases unsprung weight if the bike has suspension. It also requires custom spokes, wheels, and axles that bite into the frame to provide forward movement. For this reason, they may also require a torque arm to secure the axle against the frame.
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2019 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

An approachable, folding, fat tire electric bike that's stable and off-road capable, complete with integrated lights, custom reflective tires, an adjustable suspension fork with lockout, and comfortable Velo saddle. Only available in one frame size and one color, but the handlebar and seat height…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadMini Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

The high-step version of a folding fat tire electric bike from Rad Power Bikes, reinforced frame with sturdy gussets, secure locking latches for both folding points, adjustable suspension fork with lockout. Powerful 750 watt Bafang rear hub motor with strong 48 volt battery allows for climbing…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

An approachable, comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one frame size, two colors, has an adjustable stem, swept-back handlebar, and suspension fork with lockout adjust. Ready for all sorts of ride conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, integrated LED…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadCity Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

A sturdy, fairly comfortable, and relatively affordable, city style electric bicycle that comes in one color and two frame sizes, riser handlebars and adjustable stem improve fit range. Ready for all sorts of conditions and applications with full-coverage plastic fenders, LED lights, custom…...

2019 Rad Power Bikes RadWagon Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

An affordable, feature-rich, electric cargo bike with cadence sensing pedal assist and throttle on demand operation, available in one frame size with adjustable bars and two color options. Gearless direct-drive hub motor is heavier but super quiet, durable, and capable of regenerative braking…...

IZIP E3 TRLZ Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2019

A value-priced hardtail electric mountain bike with basic 100mm SR Suntour spring suspension fork and knobby Vee Rubber tires, no lockout or preload adjust, no puncture protection or tubeless setup. Available in three frame sizes and two frame styles, I like the mid-step frame because…...

Desiknio Pinion Classic Review

  • MSRP: $6,135
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

Lightweight electric bike with downtube-integrated battery pack, efficient 250 watt geared hub motor, six-speed Pinion gearbox, clean and quiet Gates Carbon belt drive. Available in three frame sizes for optimal fit, carbon fiber fork and high-volume tires improve…...

EUNORAU E-TORQUE Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018, 2019

An affordable, electric commuter feature packed with metal fenders, rear rack, integrated LED Lights, plastic chain guard and and an adjustable suspension fork and comfort styling. The ergonomic grips, adjustable stem, tilted seat-post tube and suspension seat-post and fatter road tires…...

E-Lux Tahoe Sport Review

  • MSRP: $2,995
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A fat tire city cruiser with adjustable suspension fork and premium seat post suspension, E-Lux opted for nicer locking grips and comfortable Rx saddle. Paint-matched steel fenders are sturdy and functional, they don't rattle as much as aluminum or…...

E-Lux Monaco Review

  • MSRP: $1,995
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A classy city electric bike available in two frame styles, dark and light color schemes with elegant pinstripes and understated branding, paint-matched alloy fenders and a sturdy rear rack. Integrated lights run off of the main rechargeable battery pack and help keep you safe,…...