What Size E-Bike Motor Do I Need? [An In-Depth Guide]
An ebike is different from a regular bike for 2 things; motor and battery. And between them, the motor is the most important and expensive part as they determine how efficiently you will ride your e-bike and how long it will last.
If you end up buying a trashy motor with the wrong size for your type of riding, then you surely wasted your hard-earned money! But, hey, don’t worry! I am here to save your day. I will guide you to selecting the perfect size of the motor for your next buy.
What Size Motor Do I Need?
The size of the electric bike motor required typically depends on the preference of the rider and the terrain where they are going to ride the bike.
If you want to ride on flat roads or enjoy short journeys, then 250 to 350-watt bikes is enough for you. However, for uphill riding, long distance riding, motor power of 450 to 750W is recommended.
E-bike Motor Sizes List
Electric bikes are available in quite a few motor sizes. So, let us take a look at the available motor sizes for e-bikes along with the recommendations of the torque.
| Wattage | Recommended Minimum Torque (Newton Meter) |
| 250 watts | 40 Nm |
| 350 watts | 50 Nm |
| 450 watts | 60 Nm |
| 500 watts | 65 Nm |
| 750 watts | 90 Nm |
| 1000 watts | 120 Nm |
| 1250 watts | 140 Nm |
| 1500 watts | 150 Nm |
What Is An E-Bike Motor And How Does It Work?
Electric bikes are equipped with a motor that allows the riders to enjoy fast and efficient commuting. The purpose of the e-bike motor is to power the bike based on pedal assistance or the throttle, making the bike operate smoothly.
So, how does it work? When the rider pedals the bike, the sensor detects the power required to operate the e-bike. The sensor then sends a signal to the controller, which then causes the electrical energy from the battery to go to the motor. The electrical energy is then converted into mechanical energy by the motor which in turn powers the electric bike and takes you places.
E-Bike Motor Buying Checklist
There are quite a few factors that require proper attention when it comes to purchasing an electric bike motor. Here, we will take a look at the e-bike motor buying checklist.
Motor Type: Hub, Direct Drive or Mid-Drive.
The type of motor used in an electric bike is actually one of the most important factors when it comes to buying a new e-bike. A hub motor is a very common type of e-bike motor and is suitable for all types of electric bikes.
However, if you are looking to buy a mid-drive model, make sure that your chosen brand offers this type of drive system. Latter discuss in details about Motor Types.
Motor Size: Compact, Medium or Large
Choosing the right size e-bike motor depends on personal preference as well as the intended use of the bike being purchased. The larger motors are generally more powerful but also heavier than their smaller counterparts.
however, they also have greater torque output and will be able to provide more power with less effort from the rider’s part. They can also handle higher speeds without causing excessive wear on the drivetrain and components attached to it. On top of that, these bikes usually come with higher price tags than their smaller counterparts.
Motor Location:
When choosing the location of an electric bike motor, it is important to know how this will affect performance and overall power output. The most common locations for e-bike motors are:
In a rear hub (the drive wheel) In a mid-drive system (where the motor is located between the pedals) In a direct drive system (where the motor is directly attached to the spindle)
Torque Output: High or Low Torque?
The torque output of your new e-bike motor determines whether you will be able to ride over rough terrain with ease or if you will have to pedal very hard just to get up hills. A low torque setting can sometimes cause excessive wear on your bike components and cause damage as well, especially if you are riding on trails that other cyclists regularly use.
Also, high level riders may not enjoy using these types of motors because they require more effort from them in order for their bikes to move forward at higher speeds due to the low torque output.
Warranty: How Long Does It Last?
It’s always best if you purchase a new e-bike from authorized dealers as they are more likely to offer extended warranties on their products. The warranty will vary from one brand to another and it is worth double checking with the dealers before you purchase your bike so that you can be sure of getting an extended warranty for your new e-bike motor if needed.
Types Of E-Bike Motors: Geared, Hub, Mid-Drive
Electric bikes come with different types of motors and the performance depends on the type of motor you have in your bike. There are mainly three types of electric bike motors: geared, hub, and mid-drive. Let us know a bit about these three types of motors.
Geared Motor
The geared electric motor is a small and lightweight motor that weighs roughly around 7lbs. While the majority of motors use brushes or magnets inside, geared motors, as the name suggests, use gears inside the motor.
When the rider provides energy to the bike, the internal motor causes the gears to work at a faster rate, providing the required power supply. This allows the motor to provide a faster and more efficient performance compared to the other motor types.
Hub Motor
The hub motor is classified into two types: front hub and rear hub. The hub motor is either positioned in the hub of the front or rear wheel of the electric bike.
The front hub motor is placed in the hub of the front wheel. When the rider pedals the bike, the motor powers the bike, turning it into an all-wheel-driven e-bike. While the motor powers the front wheel of the bike and pulls the bike forward, the pedals power the rear wheel, allowing the bike to move smoothly.
On the other hand, the rear hub motor is positioned in the hub of the rear wheel. It is one of the most common e-bike motor styles and is suitable for all types of electric bikes. When the e-bike is pedaled, the motor in the rear wheel hub supplies the power required to push the bike forward.
Mid-Drive Motor
The mid-drive motor is relatively new to the electric bike field and has started to gain more popularity. This motor is installed between the pedals of the bike and is attached to the drivetrain of the electric bike. When the pedal is turned, the drivetrain of the bike transfers the power from the motor to the rear wheel of the electric bike. This power then pushes the real wheel; thus, causing the e-bike to move forward.
Direct Drive Vs Geared Motor
| Direct Drive | Geared Motor |
| Direct drive motors are the most common type of electric bike motor. They have a gear system that allows them to turn without any help from a gearbox, and they can generate more speed and power than geared motors. | Geared motors are a newer type of electric bike motor that use gearing to allow them to turn without assistance from gears. |
| Direct drive motors also have the disadvantage of less range than geared motors, because they require more power to maintain an effective speed. | Geared motors produce more torque and less power than direct drive motors, but they often have longer ranges and can be operated in lower gear ratios to conserve power. |
FAQ’s
Where Is The Motor On An E-bike?
The position of the motor on the electric bike varies depending on the type of motor you choose. The hub motor is placed in the hub of the front or rear wheels of the bike. The mid-drive motor is placed in the middle of the e-bike pedals.
Are E-bike Motors Interchangeable?
E-bike motors are not technically interchangeable. There are several components and factors attached to the e-bike motor which will have to be replaced or changed while changing the e-bike motor.
Conclusion
The size and type of the motor depends on the preference of the rider. If you ask for a personal opinion, then the geared e-bike motor is an amazing choice due to its performance. However, the hub and mid-drive motor also ensure a topnotch performance.
And if you’re planning to buy an ebike for daily commuting then 250-350 Watt would be sufficient. On the other hand, if you’re a trail riding enthusiast and love to ride on tough terrain then buy one with at least 450W to 750W motor.
