Choosing an electric bike involves more than looking at battery range, frame style and price. The position of the motor can also change how the bike feels, handles and performs on everyday journeys. Two of the most common options are front-hub and rear-hub motors. Both place the motor inside one of the wheel hubs, but one pulls the bike forward while the other pushes it from behind. Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on where you ride, the terrain you face and the type of riding experience you prefer. Best Front-Hub Electric Bike Picks EZEGO Step NX 700C Electric Bike The EZEGO Step NX is a practical option for commuting and casual rides. Its low-step frame makes mounting easier, while the 250W front-hub motor delivers assistance from the front wheel. The removable 418Wh battery offers a claimed range of up to 40 miles under average conditions, making the bike suitable for everyday journeys and longer leisure rides. Best for: Urban commuters and leisure riders looking for an accessible, practical e-bike. Ecosmo 20″ Alloy Folding Electric Bike The Ecosmo 20″ Folding Electric Bike uses a 250W Bafang front-wheel motor and a compact folding frame. It is especially useful for riders with limited storage space or those combining cycling with car, caravan or public-transport journeys. Best for: Compact storage, holidays and shorter everyday journeys. Best Rear-Hub Electric Bike Picks Dawes Scenic Low-Step Electric Hybrid Bike The Dawes Scenic is designed for town and city riding while remaining capable of taking the scenic route home. Its Bafang rear-hub motor produces 32Nm of torque, while the low-step frame, puncture-protected tyres, mudguards and pannier rack make it a practical everyday package. Best for: Comfortable commuting, shopping trips and relaxed countryside rides. Ampere Deluxe 700C Step-Through Electric Bike The Ampere Deluxe 700C Step-Through Electric Bike combines an accessible frame with a powerful 250W rear-hub motor producing up to 65Nm of torque. Its hydraulic disc brakes, removable battery and comfortable step-through design create a practical package for commuting and leisure riding. The strong rear-wheel assistance also makes it a useful option for routes with moderate hills. Best for: Comfortable everyday riding, longer journeys and moderately hilly routes. Falcon Horizon Cross Bar Electric Hybrid Bike The Falcon Horizon Cross Bar Electric Hybrid Bike features a 250W Bafang rear-hub motor, providing smooth assistance for commuting and everyday leisure rides. Its 700C wheels, suspension fork and integrated removable battery create a comfortable and practical setup. It also includes puncture-protected tyres, mudguards and a pannier rack, making it well equipped for daily travel. Best for: Commuters and leisure riders wanting a practical hybrid e-bike for roads, cycle paths and gentle countryside routes. Dallingridge Oxford Folding Electric Bike The Dallingridge Oxford Folding Electric Bike combines a convenient low-step folding frame with a 250W rear-hub motor. It is available with different battery options offering a claimed range of up to 30 or 50 miles, depending on the chosen version and riding conditions. Its 20-inch wheels, front suspension, mechanical disc brakes, mudguards and pannier rack make it a practical choice for commuting, holidays and everyday errands. Best for: Commuters and travellers looking for a compact folding e-bike with practical accessories and rear-wheel assistance. What Is a Hub Motor? A hub motor is an electric motor built into the centre of an e-bike’s front or rear wheel. When the pedal-assist system activates, the motor turns that wheel and helps move the bike forwards. Unlike a mid-drive motor, a hub motor works independently of the bike’s chain and gears. This generally makes the system simple, quiet and relatively easy to use. Hub motors are particularly common on commuter, folding, step-through and affordable electric bikes. The two main types are: Front-hub motors, which power the front wheel Rear-hub motors, which power the rear wheel Although they perform the same basic job, the riding experience can feel noticeably different. What Is a Front-Hub Motor? A front-hub motor sits in the centre of the front wheel. When assistance begins, it feels as though the bike is gently pulling you forwards. Because the motor is separate from the gears and drivetrain at the rear, front-hub systems are usually straightforward in design. They can work especially well when the battery is fitted towards the back of the bike, as the weight is spread between the two wheels. Front-hub motors are often found on practical city, step-through and folding electric bikes intended for relatively gentle everyday riding. Advantages of a Front-Hub Motor Simple design A front-hub motor does not interfere with the chain, derailleur or rear gears. This keeps the electric assistance separate from most of the bike’s mechanical drivetrain. Balanced weight distribution Many front-hub e-bikes have their battery positioned on the frame or rear rack. With the motor at the front and the battery towards the middle or rear, the overall weight can be distributed more evenly. Easier rear-wheel maintenance Puncture repairs and gear maintenance on the rear wheel may be simpler because the motor is located at the opposite end of the bike. Good for steady urban riding Front-hub motors can be well suited to cycle paths, paved roads and fairly flat commutes. The gentle pulling sensation can make everyday journeys feel smooth and effortless. Often affordable Their relatively simple construction means front-hub electric bikes can offer excellent value for new or occasional riders. What Is a Rear-Hub Motor? A rear-hub motor is built into the centre of the rear wheel. Instead of pulling the bike from the front, it pushes it forwards from behind. This tends to feel more natural because the power is delivered from the same area as the rider’s pedalling effort. It is one reason rear-hub motors have become a popular choice across commuter, hybrid, folding and leisure electric bikes. Advantages of a Rear-Hub Motor Natural riding feel The pushing sensation from a rear motor often feels similar to ordinary cycling, only with stronger legs. For many riders, the assistance feels intuitive and predictable. Better traction More of the rider’s weight sits over the rear wheel. This can give a rear-hub motor better grip when accelerating, climbing or riding over loose surfaces. Stable handling Keeping the front wheel free of the motor allows it to steer more like the front wheel of a traditional bicycle. Greater versatility Rear-hub motors can work well for commuting, countryside rides, towpaths and gentle trails. They are a good all-round option for riders whose routes include varied surfaces. Good climbing performance The additional traction can be helpful on hills, particularly when starting on an incline. However, climbing ability also depends on motor torque, battery output, gearing, total weight and the steepness of the hill—not simply where the motor is fitted. Front-Hub vs Rear-Hub Motors at a Glance Feature Front-hub motor Rear-hub motor Power sensation Pulls from the front Pushes from behind Ride feel Smooth but slightly different Natural and familiar Traction Good on paved, level routes Better on hills and loose surfaces Steering Can feel slightly heavier Feels closer to a standard bike Weight distribution Often balanced with a rear battery Can feel rear-heavy Wheel maintenance Rear wheel remains simpler Rear-wheel work can be more involved Best terrain Roads, cycle paths and flatter routes Roads, hills, towpaths and mixed surfaces Best suited to Urban and leisure riders Commuters and all-round riders Which Motor Is Best for Your Riding? Best for flat urban journeys A front-hub motor can be an excellent choice if most of your riding takes place on roads, paved cycle paths and relatively level routes. It provides straightforward assistance without complicating the gears at the rear of the bike. Best for hills A rear-hub motor will often offer better traction when climbing because more rider weight is positioned over the powered wheel. Motor torque and gearing remain extremely important, so always check the complete specification if steep hills form part of your regular route. Best for wet or loose surfaces Rear-hub motors generally have the advantage on wet roads, gravel and loose surfaces. The extra weight over the driven wheel helps it maintain grip. Whatever motor you choose, use a lower assistance level and avoid sudden acceleration when conditions are slippery. Best for a natural cycling experience Most riders find that a rear-hub motor feels more familiar because the assistance pushes from behind. The front wheel remains dedicated to steering, much like it does on a traditional bicycle. Best for simplicity and value Front-hub motors are simple, practical and often competitively priced. They can be a sensible choice for commuting, shopping trips and relaxed leisure rides. Best for mixed everyday riding A rear-hub motor is usually the more versatile option if your journeys include hills, country lanes, towpaths and changing surfaces. What About Mid-Drive Motors? A mid-drive motor is positioned around the bike’s crank and sends power through the gears. This allows the motor to benefit from the bike’s gearing, which can make it particularly effective on steep hills and challenging terrain. However, mid-drive electric bikes are often more expensive and can place additional wear on the chain, cassette and other drivetrain components. A hub motor may be the better choice if you want: Straightforward electric assistance A quiet and simple system Lower drivetrain wear Good value for money An e-bike for commuting or leisure riding A mid-drive motor may be worth considering if you regularly tackle very steep hills, carry heavy loads or ride more demanding off-road routes. Final Thoughts Front-hub and rear-hub motors can both provide smooth, reliable assistance. The real question is not which motor is universally best, but which one best suits your journeys. Choose a front-hub motor if you mainly ride on flatter, well-surfaced routes and value simplicity. Choose a rear-hub motor if you want a more natural riding sensation, better traction and greater versatility across different routes. Still deciding? Explore the Pedal & Chain electric-bike collection or contact our Rider Support team for friendly help choosing the right motor, frame and battery for your needs. Thinking About Your Next Electric Bike?Get personalised advice from the Pedal & Chain team. 📧 Email: info@pedalandchain.co.uk 📞 Call: 0333 050 1008 💬 Start a conversation: https://pedalandchain.co.uk/pages/contact-us
