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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AddMotoR MOTAN M-60 Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A retro styled compact fat bike, similar to the Super 73 designs, with large comfortable 4-inch tires and a 100 mm suspension fork, integrated headlight and stand-alone backlight. Long banana seat allows for different seating positions but doesn't adjust up and down the…...

Espin Flow Review

  • MSRP: $1,888
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017

A value priced speed pedelec with assistance up to 25 mph, eight-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, 160 mm mechanical disc brakes with motor inhibitors. Reflective tires and integrated headlight increase the visual footprint and are a big deal on…...

Faraday Porteur S Civic Edition Review

  • MSRP: $3,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A limited edition Faraday Porteur ebike with upgraded NITTO bullmoose handlebar, Paul Components CNC disc brakes, Compass gravel tires, Brooks saddle, and PDW bell. Lightweight, quiet, efficient, and responsive motor system, custom Bafang geared hub motor with two planetary…...

Gocycle GS Review

  • MSRP: $2,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2017, 2018

A futuristic, lightweight, folding electric bike with removable wheels, the magnesium body is lightweight and durable, the battery and motor are almost completely hidden. While much more affordable than the G3, the GS doesn't sacrifice quality for price and…...

AddMotoR MOTAN M150-P7 Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

Fat tire folding electric bike that comes in four different color schemes with steel fenders that are less likely to rattle when riding but could rust if scratched. Integrated headlight provides ample illumination, 750 watt fatbike specific hub motor offers good power and…...

2018 Surface 604 Colt Review

  • MSRP: $1,799
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A value-priced, hybrid electric bike with plastic fenders and a chain cover to keep you clean, integrated LED Lights to keep you seen, and an adjustable suspension fork and stem to improve comfort and fit. High-step diamond frame improves strength and stiffness but also slopes for easier mounting and comfortable…...

Blix Vika Travel Review

  • MSRP: $1,499
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

One of the most compact folding electric bikes around, only weighs ~40 lbs, uses smaller 16-inch tires and shorter 140 mm crank arms, long seat post and telescoping stem conform to a wide range of riders. Efficient 250 watt planetary geared hub motor gets a mechanical advantage from the smaller wheel…...

Hill Topper City Ultra Review

  • MSRP: $1,199
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A classically styled, city electric bike at an affordable price point that comes stock with fenders and a rear rack to carry that extra gear on longer rides. 350 watt geared hub motor in the front wheel supports a top speed of 20…...

Amego Elevate Review

  • MSRP: $1,949
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A cross country style e-mountain bike with 100 mm suspension fork, knobby trail tires, and sturdy alloy pedals, capable of higher 25 MPH top assisted speeds, includes a trigger throttle up to 20 MPH. Lots of adjustability with the display panel, including speed, the 12-magnet cadence sensor is very…...

Velec A2 Review

  • MSRP: $1,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

An approachable neighborhood electric bike with lots of utility extras, plastic fenders with rubber mud flaps, a long plastic chain cover, a rear carry rack, and LED lights. The step-thru frame is reinforced with a gusset at the front and shortened top tube…...