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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Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 Review

  • MSRP: $1,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

An affordable folding electric bike with powerful geared hub motor, high capacity 48 volt battery pack, integrated lights with bright braking activation, custom plastic fenders, and a sturdy rear rack all included! Optional front tray, baskets, panniers, suspension seat post, child seat, mobile delivery service, and more.. Sturdy reinforced step-thru frame is approachable, offers a highly adjustable handlebar, and is available in…...

Electra Townie Go! 7D Step-Thru Review

  • MSRP: $1,749
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

One of the most affordable name brand electric bikes on the market right now, priced to compete with online ebikes but offers dealer assembly, fitting, post-purchase support, and comes in two frame styles and seven color options! The step-thru is a small-medium with 26" tires and the high-step is a medium-large with 27.5" tires.. Two gender neutral color options for the step-thru presumably for guys who aren't as tall…...

Surface 604 Twist Review

  • MSRP: $2,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A folding fat tire electric bike with approachable step-thru frame. Low stand over height and low minimum saddle position. Two colors including satin black and satin grey. Large color LCD with USB port for charging electronics, powerful geared hub motor, clean wires and decals, quality 10-speed SRAM X5 drivetrain.. Good weight distribution with the battery pack low and center on the frame. The charging…...

Surface 604 Twist Review

  • MSRP: $2,399
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

A folding fat tire electric bike with very approachable step-thru frame. Adjustable seat and handlebar height improve fit though it only comes in one size. Three colors including black, grey, and pink! Color LCD, powerful motor, clean wires and decals, quality 9-speed SRAM X5 drivetrain.. Good weight distribution of motor and battery pack, low and even across the frame. Ideal…...

C3STROM Astro Pro Review

  • MSRP: $2,699
  • MODEL YEAR: 2022

A motorcycle inspired electric bike with premium integrated lights, turn signals, electronic horn, fenders, and adjustable high speed performance. Custom designed aluminum alloy frame, triple crown suspension fork, swept-back handlebar, gel saddle, and rear rack set the Astro apart from similar products.. Powerful 750 watt Bafang hub motor responds quickly to a 24 magnet cadence sensor in…...

Pedego Element Review

  • MSRP: $1,495
  • MODEL YEAR: 2020, 2021

A compact fat tire electric bike designed around a sturdy but approachable mid-step frame. With its low stand-over height and potential for low minimum saddle height, this is one of the few ebikes that works well for petite riders and even kids! The highly adjustable top-speed settings for pedal assist and throttle add safety or extend range by reducing power consumption. Optional aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, headlight, and bags add utility.. Six beautiful colors allow for personalization if friends, partners, or family members each buy an…...

Qualisports Dolphin Plus Review

  • MSRP: $1,899
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A folding electric bike with two hidden batteries, offering extended range! The main battery pack is built into the custom seat post, and the other is mounted inside the downtube. Total combined capacity of 840 watt hours, both packs are lockable and removable, includes a 3 amp quick charger.. Available in three colors, but only one frame size. Adjustable handlebar and seat height provide…...

Gocycle G4i Review

  • MSRP: $4,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021

The 4th generation Gocycle, one of the fanciest and lightest folding electric bikes available today! Improved half-folding design is much faster and cleaner than removing the wheels on prior model years. Updated motor offers more power with less noise. Available in three professional colors, premium optional accessories for improved utility.. Internally geared electronically actuated Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub provides predictive or manual shifting options with…...

Blix Dubbel Review

  • MSRP: $1,999
  • MODEL YEAR: 2023

A feature-complete utility electric bike with extra large off-road tires! It comes with a sturdy rear rack that can be used for a passenger if you get the pad and pegs, two integrated lights, and steel fenders. Excellent bags, baskets, and child seat options too.. Deep step-thru frame is easy to mount and stand over. Adjustable handlebar and seat post…...

Surface 604 Quad Review

  • MSRP: $2,599
  • MODEL YEAR: 2021

A hardtail urban cross country electric that's straight out of the 1980's with quadangle frame design! Available in two sizes for improved fit, with two battery options for extended range. Impressive 9-speed drivetrain with upgraded shifter and derailleur. Powerful 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with large dual piston calipers and electronic motor inhibitor switches on both levers.. The criss-cross top tube design looks cool and improves frame stiffness for off-road use, even…...