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.
Read More
Show Less

Pure Cycles Volta Single Speed Review

  • MSRP: $1,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A super lightweight, compact, quiet, and clean, urban electric bike that's simple to use for zipping through the city, running errands, or cruising around in neighborhoods. Proprietary front rack and handlebar are unique but offer limited adjustability, internally routed cables and…...

Trivel E-Fat Azteca Review

  • MSRP: $3,895
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A highly adjustable, comfort-oriented, electric trike with recumbent body position and 4-inch wide knobby fat tires, only one size and color but the seat boom extends back and the stem telescopes up. Smaller 20-inch diameter wheels bring the frame closer to the ground for stability and easier…...

AddMotoR MOTAN M-350 Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

An approachable, stable, go-anywhere electric fat trike with a low stand over height and rear cargo bin for hauling supplies, maximum carrying capacity of 350 pounds including rider. 500 watt hub motor in front wheel can take the bike up to 20 mph…...

2018 Surface 604 Shred Review

  • MSRP: $1,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A value-priced hardtail electric mountain bike with 9-speed Acera drivetrain, plus sized tires, higher top speed of 28 mph, trigger throttle, and a super-responsive torque + cadence sensing bottom bracket. Available in two frame sizes for improved fit and comfort, optional 14 amp hour battery…...

DJ Bikes DJ City Bike Review

  • MSRP: $1,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

Approachable, affordable, step-thru electric bike that comes stock with a rear cargo rack, flexible plastic fenders, an integrated headlight and basic taillight. Proven Bafang 500-watt planetary geared hub motor helps get the bike reach 20 mph with…...

Electric Bike Company Model S Review

  • MSRP: $1,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

One of the most powerful cruiser style electric bikes on the market today, available in three classy colors, two frame styles (high-step and step-thru), but only one frame size with an adjustable stem. Single-speed drivetrain is simple, quiet, and durable, but makes starting from standstill difficult without using…...

EcoMotion Tour e-Road Review

  • MSRP: $1,299
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A lightweight road or city style electric bike with basic 7-speed drivetrain, sporty deep-dish rims, and hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors on both levers. Great display panel with lots of extra diagnostic readouts, the twist-throttle can be disabled at…...

DJ Bikes DJ Mountain Bike Review

  • MSRP: $1,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

Affordable electric bike that performs adequately through the city or on light off-road trails with an integrated front headlight that allow for riding in low light and front suspension to help absorb some of the bumps. 500 watt hub motor allows for a top factory speed of 20 mph, which can…...

Stromer ST5 Review

  • MSRP: $9,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

One of the fastest accelerating, yet quietest, most technologically advanced electric bikes on the market today, seamless battery integration, hidden wires, pressure-sensitive touch screen with anti-theft and GPS tracking. Custom motor tuning via iOS and Android app, peak motor torque output of 48 Nm…...

2018 Blix Aveny Review

  • MSRP: $1,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2018

A classically styled city bike available in smaller step-thru with 26" wheels and larger high-step with 28" wheels, both include beautiful paint-matched plastic fenders and alloy racks. The faux leather saddle and grips match custom Kenda tires and fit seamlessly with four…...