| Central motor |
Hub motor |
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Central motor has better torque and better climbing performance. |
Relatively more expensive |
Hub motors are cheaper than central motors. |
Excessive unsprung weight, uneven weight distribution (especially the front wheel hub). |
| Central motor has better overall performance. |
The drivetrain is more prone to wear. |
There are more options for gear in wheel motors, suitable for customization. |
The front drive requires a larger torque arm and a more powerful in wheel motor. |
| Central motor has low center of gravity distribution. |
Lack of a complete transformation plan, currently central motor is mainly applied to a complete set of electric bicycles. |
The wheel hub motor can be driven forward and backward, using AWD (all wheel driver) system. |
The climbing ability of the hub motor is relatively weak. |
| Central motor provides higher top speed through gears. |
Central motor uses more electricity. |
The strain on the wheel hub motor drive system is small. |
Hub motors consume more power at higher speeds. |