E-Bike Hub Motor Conversion Kits
Many E-bikes come with a hub motor integrated into the front or rear wheels. These motors are factory resticted to stay under the power limits, but this doesn’t stop a passionate group of ebikers from souping up their E-bikes.
These ebike hot rodders typically use Bafang products. Here’s a list of their models you can find on various E-bikes.
What is a Hub Motor?
A hub motor (also known as an in-wheel electric motor) is a small, compact electric motor directly integrated into the wheel hub of an ebike. It’s a popular option because of its efficiency, reliability, and simplicity.
Unlike other motor types, the hub motor does not add to the weight of your bike because it’s an integral component within the wheel. It also offers higher torque and regenerative braking capabilities. This feature allows the motor to generate electrical energy during deceleration, which can be used to recharge the battery and increase your range.
A hub-type motor is made up of an electromagnetic copper coils, like those found in 48v hub motor a drill’s motor, which produce magnetic force to spin another part of the motor — called a rotor. The rotor in the center of your ebike’s wheels converts this rotational motion into power to assist you during pedaling.
While far less common than mid-drive motors, hub motors are available in conversion kits for those looking to transform their existing bicycle into an electric bike. They’re an affordable option for those seeking an e-bike with minimal maintenance and redundancy. Choosing between a hub motor or a mid-drive largely depends on your riding style and preferences. If you’re an off-road enthusiast or regularly ride steep hills, a mid-drive is likely the better choice due to its greater power and adaptability.
Geared Hub Motors
Geared hub motors feature a permanent magnet synchronous motor that spins the wheel at high speed, but uses a series of planetary gear systems to lower the motor’s overall output. This allows the motor to generate more torque, making it an excellent choice for eBiking up hills and other challenging riding conditions.
The gears in these systems also make geared hub motors more efficient than direct-drive motors, which can result in significant energy savings and longer battery life. However, the gears can wear down over time and require more maintenance.
There are several major manufacturers of geared hub motors, including Suzhou Bafang and 8Fun. Both are based in China and offer a wide range of models with power outputs to suit different needs.
While they’re not as quiet as mid-drive motors, geared hub motors offer an efficient and reliable way to add power to your bike. They’re also less expensive than mid-drive motors and don’t require manufacturers to alter a bicycle frame for integration. In addition, a geared hub motor can be easily fitted to either the front or rear wheels of an electric bicycle. This makes them an ideal option for riders who want to upgrade their existing bikes with a more powerful motor. This is often accomplished with conversion kits, which are available from companies like Bafang.
Direct Drive Hub Motors
Geared hub motors, also called geared mid-drive motors, are the most common type of electric bike motor. They are smaller and lighter than direct drive hub motors, which makes them more compact and easy to integrate into the frame. However, the gear system can add mechanical complexity and increase maintenance needs. They also produce more noise and vibration than direct drive hub motors.
A geared hub motor generates torque by rotating its shaft, which creates an electromagnetic field that drives the wheel to move forward. They are often less expensive than other types of e-bike motors. However, they aren’t as efficient or as powerful. This can make them less effective on steep hills or on longer rides.
Direct drive hub motors use magnets and a copper-wound stator to spin the outer motor “casing.” As electricity flows through the stator, it creates an electromagnetic field that turns the rotor, which moves the wheel rim to propel the bicycle forward. Direct drive hub motors are more expensive than geared hub motors, but they are quieter and offer more power. They can also generate electrical energy during braking, which helps reduce maintenance costs. They are most often used on Class 3 10 inch wheel hub motor (speed pedelec) ebikes. However, their larger size can increase ebike weight and limit its range. This can be a problem for commuters and other riders who need a reliable, efficient, and affordable electric bike.
Hub Motor Conversion Kits
Hub motor conversion kits come in both geared and direct drive varieties and can be installed in the front or rear of the wheel. They are relatively easy to fit and can be upgraded with a range of electric bike accessories such as headlights and a controller. Some of the most important considerations in choosing a kit are your power needs, battery capacity and where you want the motor located on the bike.
Some hub motors are designed to be hidden within the wheels, offering a sleeker appearance and the possibility of dissuading burglars keen to steal an electric bike. Other systems, like crank driven motors that directly drive the rear wheel, are a little more involved in terms of compatibility but are still well within the remit of most home mechanics.
Crank-driven systems also offer the advantage of being able to cope with more torque than a hub motor can, so are better suited for off road terrain. They’re also generally easier to fit, with requirements usually limited to alloy frames with a bottom bracket width of between 68 and 73mm (which is standard on most bikes).
If you’re looking for a high-performance motor that can handle steep hills with ease then a crank drive system may be the right option for you. However, if you’re simply after a more relaxed ride then a front wheel hub motor could be a safer and more affordable choice.
