What Type of E-trike Motor is Best for You?

Since you are reading this page, most likely you have been interested in e-trikes for at least several weeks. Probably you already know a few things about e-trikes, and you’re beginning to have a good idea about why they are so popular. If you’re like me, part of your interest comes from thinking that you’re getting in on something relatively new. Not so!

Trikes assisted by electric power have been around for quite a long time. The e-trike pictured above was available in the late 1800’s. It used a simple lever to control power to the electric motor, allowing trike riding without pedal power. This invention was very exciting and soon other inventors were imagining the possibilities. The early e-trikes did not have a lot to offer compared to today’s models, but wow…they were e-trikes!

From those humble beginnings, the e-trike industry now offers a wide variety of modern high-powered and economical electrically powered tricycles. The motors that propel today’s e-trikes are truly a marvel of engineering ingenuity. E-trikes are definitely a serious financial investment worthy of careful budgeting. Nevertheless, it is rather amazing that an electric trike can be purchased at prices under $2000 complete with all the modern technology.

With all this carefully engineered power available, it is helpful to have a good idea of the differences in e-trike motor types. As you consider purchasing an e-trike, arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible is a very good idea. In general, the common names of e-trike motors are descriptive, and based on their mounting location. Here’s what you need to know about e-trike motors.

Mid-Drive Motor

As you would guess, these motors are located near the middle of the frame. In fact, a mid-drive motor is located at the crank, between the pedals. This type of motor supplies power directly to the chain. Naturally, this means that a broken chain eliminates the transfer of power to the rear wheel. If you break a chain while riding a trike powered by a mid-drive motor, you cannot get back home using the throttle.

Mid-drive motors are more expensive than hub motors, and the drive train is also more expensive. Because power is supplied directly to the chain, a stronger chain is required to avoid the aggravation of breaking the chain. These motors also require a dedicated frame designed with the needed support. Unlike hub motors, the mid-drive motors cannot be used to “convert” a conventional trike to an e-trike. Mid-drive motors are also more complex to install or replace, which adds to the expense.

The mid-drive motors generate more torque than any other type of e-bike motor, and because they are integral to the drive train, they are sometimes described as feeling “natural.” However, heir location in the drive train also requires far more shifting than other types of motors. Thus, learning to ride can be a bit more difficult.

Even if you are new to e-triking, with a hub motor you can be very quickly riding with confidence. For example, shifting is often unnecessary if your trike is powered by a hub motor, and you can even shift when the trike is stopped. But if you select a mid-drive motor, the trike must be moving before the rider can shift, and while riding it must be shifted frequently.

By contrast, you can choose to ride a trike designed to never shift gears, such as the Mooncool Folding TK1.

Geared Hub Motor

The geared hub motor (again, as you would guess) is located at the hub of the wheel. It can be at the front wheel, rear wheel, or both. The most common location on trikes is at the front wheel, but rear wheel drive is rapidly gaining popularity.

This type of motor is the most economical option, resulting in an e-trike that is affordable for many riders. In spite of the lower price point, the geared hub motor generates an exceptional amount of power and low-end torque.

Torque is important because of its relationship to power. You can think of torque as the power available for turning the wheel on your e-trike. The torque can be provided by a motor or by the pedaling of a rider. The harder the rider pedals, the more torque is applied for turning the rear wheel. In the same manner, a well-designed hub motor makes more torque available for turning the wheels and propelling the e-trike forward.

To summarize, the greater low-end torque of a hub motor provides quicker takeoff, easier starts on an uphill incline, and exceptional ease of climbing hills.

Key points to remember…

• Mid-drive motors are more complex and more expensive.
• More maintenance is required for mid-drive motors.
• Proper shifting is vital on a mid-drive ebike.
• Hub motors have a simple, very reliable design.
• Hub motors are less expensive.
• Shifting is easy and even not required for hub drive e-trikes.

Direct-drive Motor

Another type of motor is the direct-drive version, usually located at the hub of a rear wheel. The direct-drive design transfers power directly to the wheel, unlike the geared hub motor. The geared hub motor, as the name implies, uses a series of gears to deliver the power.

The direct-drive motor has the fewest moving parts, and thus is normally a very long-lasting and reliable motor. It is also a very quiet motor. Unfortunately, it is not capable of offering the high torque rating that comes with the geared hub motor. This type of motor is best suited for long commutes over fairly flat terrain, mostly uninterrupted by hills.

A unique aspect of the direct-drive motor is the ability to add a regenerative charging feature. When coasting, this allows the motor to send power to the battery. However, most riders report that the degree of charging is not significant. 

The Mooncool Geared Hub Motor

The combination of great power delivery and high torque, plus economical pricing, has made the geared hub motor the preferred choice for Mooncool e-trikes. As is the case with all components on every Mooncool, this brand insists on providing a high-quality, reliable motor.

This means riders can look forward to faster starts in heavy traffic, improved hill-climbing capability, and a range of up to 60 miles. Of course, range varies with rider weight, terrain, wind speed, payload and the rider’s pedaling.

No other e-trike brand offers equivalent features, quality, power and torque at this price point. It’s another reason to put Mooncool at the top of your shopping list! CLICK HERE to see the variety of styles and colors. Mooncool e-trikes are on sale this week, and use the coupon code CRAIG100 to save an additional $100.

Mooncool TK1 Fat Tire E-trike