Want to buy an electric motorcycle? If so, you must first know the difference between hub drive and mid drive on an electric motorbike. Both are types of electric motor drives. Yes, similar to conventional motorbikes, which are divided into automatic engines and manual clutches, electric motorbikes also have two types of drive.

Both types of drives are popular among electric motor manufacturers. Apart from being used in manufactured electric motors, hub drives and middrives are also two choices for electric motor drives for conversion methods from conventional motors to electric motors. Therefore, for those of you who want to buy or convert an electric motorbike from your favorite motorbike, you must know the difference between hub drive and mid drive. Come on, look at the information below!

Not only are they different in terms of shape, but both hub drives and middrives also have differences in terms of functionality. First of all, what we will discuss is the shape. Hub drive is a type of electric motor drive that is located on the rear wheel rim of the motorcycle. This type of drive is usually easily recognized by its shape, which resembles a motorcycle rim.

“It can be detected through the rear axle of the electric motorbike. "If the shaft looks thick and fat, it means you are using a Hub-drive drive," said Adyta, Owner of the Centrum EV Electric Motor Specialist Workshop, as quoted from Kompas.com. . .

Meanwhile, mid drive, as the name suggests, is an electric motor that is located in the middle of the motor. In contrast to the hub drive which is immediately visible to the naked eye, the mid drive is mostly invisible because it is located inside. This type of drive usually requires a chain/gear or belt to move the wheels.

Different types have different functions and ease of assembly. Adetya Lucky, the owner of Mandhasia Garage, explained that, when compared to mid-drive, a hub drive is a type of electric motor drive that is easy to install. This type of drive is very suitable for converting automatic scooters into motorbikes. Meanwhile, for stick motors, mid-drive is usually the main choice. 

"In terms of assembly, it is easier to convert an automatic scooter to use a hub. With just a custom swing arm, the hub is positioned on the rear wheel. "But if it's a mid-drive other than a custom arm, we also have to install another transfer gear," he said on the YouTube channel.

Even though it is more complicated to assemble, Adetya admits that the mid-drive type is more powerful than the hub drive if it uses the same wattage specifications. However, mid-drive requires additional accessories, such as a powerful controller. Apart from being powerful, mid-drives are also recognized as being more power-efficient. However, it comes back to what the needs are.

“If you want it to be simple, use a hub. For light applications, the work is also simple; using a hub drive is enough. "But if you intend to travel long distances, climbs, and all kinds of things, use mid-drive," he said.

Different Prices and Treatments

Both hub drives and middrives also have differences in terms of price and maintenance. Overall costs: converting an electric motor to a middrive is more expensive than a hub drive. This is because the middrive requires many components in the assembly process to become a complete electric motor.

In terms of durability, mid-drives are considered more durable than hub drives. This is because the drive hub position is very exposed at the rear. Some owners of hub-drive electric motorbikes have also found that the hub-drive has become loose due to hitting potholes on the road. However, in terms of maintenance, mid drives require extra attention, especially in terms of belt or chains. As the distance or use increases, the belt or chain on the mid-drive electric motorbike will wear out and need to be replaced