What Are the Advantages of a Mid-Drive E-Bike?
The name says it all: on an electric bike with a mid-drive, the motor is located in the bottom bracket area, i.e. in the middle of the frame. This has several advantages: The weight of the motor (and that's a few kilos after all) is well placed, and the e-bike 's center of gravity is low and central. This means that an electric bike with a mid-drive can be ridden in the same way as a conventional bike. It "sits" firmly and securely and can be steered with confidence in bends.
Another advantage of the mid-drive: it is positioned exactly where you apply the power when pedaling. It therefore supports you just as strongly as you set the frequency and power. On the one hand, this protects the rechargable battery and ensures that an electric bike with a mid-drive rides very "naturally"; the motor's support is unobtrusive but precise.
In addition, developers have more options when it comes to the shape and size of the motor block with a mid-drive. The mid-drive concept also has advantages for the rechargeable battery in the electric bike. Because the motor is positioned so centrally on the bottom bracket, the rechargeable battery can be accommodated on or in the down tube without the need for lengthy cables, which further benefits the central, low center of gravity of the entire electric bike. In addition, larger rechargeable batteries can be used if necessary, giving the electric bike a very long range.
Which Electric Bikes Are Available With a Mid-Drive?
So it's no wonder that the mid-drive has established itself in virtually every electric bike category. It always plays to its strengths: a good riding experience, powerful assistance and a long range. Which also clarifies for whom electric bikes with a mid-drive are the first choice: If you often ride long distances or ride in hilly terrain, if you need strong support from the motor in your electric bike, you should look for an electric bike with a mid-drive. The mid-drive really comes into its own on the following bike types:
- E-mountain bike: Ideal drive due to low center of gravity, strong support, long range.
- Electric road bike: The best drive for anyone who wants to ride long distances.
- Trekking electric bike: Mandatory for all those who go on long tours and prefer strong support.
- Electric city bike: Perfect for anyone who needs strong support, e.g. for heavy loads and in mountainous terrain.
- Electric hybrid bike: Ideal for anyone who wants strong support and long ranges.
- Electric cargo bike: The no-alternative drive due to the high battery performance and power.
- S-pedelec: Ideal for high speeds thanks to the low center of gravity and high rechargable battery power.
Mid-Drive Electric Bike - What Should I Look Out for When Buying?
Regardless of whether Bosch mid-drive or the drive comes from a widely used brand such as Shimano or another manufacturer, the following generally applies: The mid-drive in an electric bike delivers a lot of power and a long range. However, there are differences between the motors that affect the size and weight of the motor. Suppliers now have special models for e-mountain bikes, electric cargo bikes and electric city bikes, for example, which are optimally adapted to their preferred terrain in terms of handling.
Another important factor is the battery life. If you plan to ride the electric bike frequently or cover long distances, you should opt for a model with a longer battery life. You can recognize this by the number of watt hours, or Wh for short. Rechargeable batteries with at least 500 Wh are common for electric bikes with a mid-drive motor, with up to 1,250 Wh possible depending on the brand and model of drive.
Buy Electric Bikes With Mid-Drive at BIKE24
Now you know everything there is to know about mid-drive electric bikes. Finally, we have summarized the most important points for you:
- The mid-drive is the most widely used drive in electric bikes.
- There are many mid-drive models in every electric bike category.
- The mid-drive generally offers high performance and long ranges.
- In terms of design, the mid-drive's good positioning near the bottom bracket, the electric bike's low center of gravity and the unobtrusive, effective support are all advantages.
- What is important with the mid-drive is the battery power, specified in Wh. More power means more range, but higher weight and a higher purchase price.