Ebike Motors: Which is Best?

Choosing the right ebike motor isn’t just about speed—it’s about making your ride smoother and more suited to your needs. Whether you're commuting, hitting trails, or just cruising, the motor affects how much assistance you get, your range, and overall ride feel.

The main types are hub motors and mid-drive motors. Then there’s torque, voltage, sensors, and terrain suitability to consider. It can be overwhelming—but this guide breaks it down clearly.

If you’re after a low-maintenance city bike or a high-performance off-roader, understanding the motor types helps you choose smarter and get the best value for your ride style and budget.

Before diving into comparisons, let’s break down the motor types. The two primary kinds are:

• Hub motors, usually located in the front or rear wheel.

• Mid-drive motors, which sit between the pedals and crankshaft.

Each comes with its own design, feel, and efficiency. Hub motors are simpler, lighter, and often cheaper. Mid-drives are more powerful, efficient, and ideal for challenging terrain.

The type of motor directly impacts your ebike performance, including how it handles hills, your battery life, and how natural the pedalling feels. Knowing these basics helps you start narrowing down what you want in your next ride.

Hub motors are a popular choice in the ebike world, typically located in either the front or rear wheel hub to directly power the bike. Their biggest advantage is a simple, reliable design — just clean, direct assistance to the wheels.

Rear hub motors are especially common, offering better traction and a natural, intuitive push from behind. They’re not limited to entry-level or budget ebikes; in fact, they’re widely used on fat tyre ebikes , where a straightforward boost and strong rear-wheel drive are essential for handling sand, snow, or rough trails.

Hub motors are generally easier to install and maintain, making them a solid choice for city commuting, recreational riding, and off-road adventures on fat tyre bikes.

For high-performance needs, particularly in mountain biking, mid-drive motors are preferred. They integrate with the bike’s drivetrain, commonly utilise advanced torque sensors, and provide superior climbing power and efficiency across varied terrain.

Mid-drive motors live in the centre of the bike, integrated with the crankset. That placement lets them tap into the bike’s existing gears, just like a traditional pedal-powered setup. The result? More efficient climbing, smoother power delivery, and better handling.

These motors excel in hilly environments and long-distance rides. They’re often seen on premium ebikes because of their complex engineering and better performance.

One big advantage of mid-drives is torque efficiency—they make better use of the bike's gears, so the motor doesn’t work as hard. This can mean longer battery life and better responsiveness, especially if your route includes uneven terrain or gravel paths.

But mid-drives aren’t perfect. They’re more expensive, require more maintenance, and can wear out chains and gears faster since they rely on the drivetrain. Still, if you're after performance and range, mid-drive ebike motors are often worth every dollar.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Choosing between hub and mid-drive isn’t just about cost—it’s about how you ride.

Your motor’s responsiveness depends on the sensor system it uses. Two main types exist: torque sensors and cadence sensors. Understanding the difference can transform your ride experience.

Cadence sensors measure how fast you’re pedalling. Once you turn the cranks, the motor kicks in. This system offers consistent power, regardless of how hard you push. It’s simple and works well for casual riders who want a steady assist with minimal effort.

On the other hand, torque sensors measure how hard you’re pedalling. The harder you push, the more assist you get. It feels intuitive, like a boost to your natural strength. These systems deliver smoother acceleration, better battery efficiency, and more control.

Cadence systems are found on budget-friendly bikes. Torque sensors are usually in premium ebikes, especially those with mid-drive motors. They offer a more natural, bike-like feel—ideal for those who value the riding experience.

Want to feel like Superman climbing hills? Torque sensors are your go-to. Want a chill cruise around the city with consistent power? Go cadence.

Torque sensors offer:

• Smoother, more responsive assistance.

• Improved hill climbing.

• Better power efficiency.

• A natural ride feel.

Cadence sensors offer:

• Simpler, no-frills functionality.

• More power for less effort.

• Slightly jerky starts/stops.

• Less efficiency in varied terrain.

For commuters and beginners, cadence might be enough. But if you're serious about cycling or frequently ride mixed terrain, torque sensing motors are a game-changer.

Brand matters when it comes to reliability, service, and tech support. Some brands have earned a solid rep in the Australian ebike scene.

• Bosch: Known for top-tier mid-drive motors. German engineering, integrated sensors, whisper-quiet operation. Found in high-end city, cargo, and mountain bikes.

• Shimano STEPS: Built with precision and made for reliability. Seamless gear shifting integration. Great for commuters and casual riders wanting consistent quality.

• Bafang: Offers both hub and mid-drive systems. More budget-friendly but still very reliable. Widely used in DIY kits and value ebikes.

Each has its pros and quirks. Bosch motors are unmatched in smoothness and battery integration but can cost more. Shimano systems offer robust performance and are easy to service. Bafang is versatile and cost-effective, especially for DIYers or those buying direct from China.

Let’s break it down:

For most riders, sticking with a trusted brand ensures better warranty coverage, long-term support, and fewer headaches. If you want a luxury experience, go Bosch. For value and ease of repair, Bafang is hard to beat.

Commuting in Aussie cities like Melbourne or Sydney means dealing with traffic, stop-start patterns, and moderate hills. Your best bet? A geared hub motor or a lightweight mid-drive with a torque sensor.

You’ll want:

• Smooth acceleration at traffic lights.

• Lightweight build for easy manoeuvring.

• Minimal maintenance.

A 250W rear hub motor paired with a 36V 13Ah battery hits the sweet spot. It’s fast enough for commutes but still legal for cycle lanes and paths. Consider motors with regenerative braking for better energy use during descents.

In tight urban spaces, mid-drives might feel overpowered unless you ride long distances. But for daily 10–20km commutes, hub motors are ideal. Choose step-through frames for convenience and comfort.

Planning to tackle fire roads, trails, or backcountry climbs? Then mid-drive motors are the clear winner.

They provide:

• Superior climbing torque.

• Efficient use of bike gears.

• Better weight distribution and handling.

Pair a mid-drive motor with a high-capacity battery (48V, 14Ah+) and wide gear range. Look for brands like Bosch Performance Line CX or Bafang M620—both designed for harsh conditions.

Choose a mountain bike-style frame with suspension. Add fat tyres for grip, and hydraulic brakes for control. You’ll thank yourself on steep climbs and rocky descents.

Smoothness isn't just about sound—it's also about how the motor reacts to your pedalling. Mid-drives with torque sensors win here, offering instant response and fluid power delivery. The ride feels connected, almost like you’ve gained superhuman legs.

Cadence-based systems, while decent for leisurely rides, can lag slightly. The motor might kick in too late or too suddenly, especially at lower speeds. It can feel jerky, especially when starting from a full stop.

The smoother the motor, the more enjoyable your ride. Look for systems that offer progressive assistance and intelligent sensors. It’s the difference between a jarring boost and a gentle push.

Choosing the best ebike motor in Australia comes down to three core questions:

1. Where will you ride most?

2. What performance do you need?

3. What’s your maintenance tolerance?

If you want something for short, flat commutes, a geared hub motor will keep things simple and affordable. For power, hills, and performance? Mid-drive is your answer—especially when paired with a quality torque sensor.

Also, consider brand reputation. Bosch and Shimano offer unmatched smoothness and durability. Bafang provides versatility and affordability, especially for DIY conversions.

And don’t forget about battery compatibility, local laws, and long-term value. It’s easy to be dazzled by power stats, but real-world usability matters more.

In the end, the best motor is the one that fits your ride style and budget, while giving you confidence every time you hit the road or trail.