When investing in a new cargo bike, choosing the engine is one of the most important decisions. The engine's placement has a big impact on how the bike feels to ride.
Here we will review the two most popular types, which are rear hub motor or mid-drive motor. Cargo bikes are very rarely seen with front-wheel motors, as a front-wheel motor cannot deliver enough power transfer for the heavy cargo bikes.
Mid-drive motor: A mid-drive motor sits in the crank (by the pedals) and pulls directly on the chain. This gives the most natural cycling feel because the power transfer is more like a regular cargo bike.
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Advantages: Gives good balance to the bike because the motor is centrally located. Good for high performance and heavy loads. It is strong in headwinds and hills.
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Choose it if: You want the most natural cycling experience, ride long distances, or often cycle in hilly terrain.
Rear hub motor: A motor in the rear wheel pushes you forward. This gives a feeling of constant tailwind. Rear wheel motors are also very suitable for hilly terrain and longer distances.
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Advantages: Quiet and efficient driving. Good for injuries to joints and knees, where the engine has to do the work. Chain and sprockets are less stressed. Also very good for hills and undulating terrain.
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Choose it if: You want the feeling of a tailwind on the bike path. And you want powerful and strong pedal assistance.
Whether you choose a mid-drive motor or a rear hub motor, you will get a strong and reliable helper. Many people consider the center motor to be the only right choice, but our experience is that a rear wheel motor is at least as effective on hilly terrain. Your choice depends more on what pedal assistance you want - and how you want the cargo bike to feel when riding.
Whatever you choose, it's always wise to make sure the motor comes from a well-known manufacturer. This will ensure that you can buy spare parts and have your e-bike repaired if something goes wrong.
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