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🆚 What's the difference between mid-drive and hub motors?

Mid-drives mount at the cranks and use your gears for far better hill climbing and balance; front hub motors drop into the wheel for the simplest install and flat-city commuting.

July 12, 20262 min read

🆚 What's the difference between mid-drive and hub motors?

Both are quiet, powerful brushless motors, both do throttle and pedal-assist, and both will push you past 20 mph depending on setup.

Mid-drive vs hub motor comparison

Quick comparison

  • Mounts at — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): Bottom bracket (replaces crankset & chainrings) · Front hub (FMG020): Built into the front wheel
  • Uses your gears — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): Yes · Front hub (FMG020): No
  • Hill climbing — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): Far better · Front hub (FMG020): Weaker on sustained steep climbs
  • Install — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): More involved · Front hub (FMG020): Simplest, quickest (drop-in wheel)
  • Handling — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): Weight low and centered
  • Best for — Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD): Hills, varied terrain, power · Front hub (FMG020): Flat urban commuting

Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD)

Mid-drive (BBS02 / BBSHD) mounts where your bottom bracket is, replacing your crankset and front chainrings. Because it drives the chain, it uses your bike's rear gears — so it climbs hills far better and keeps weight low and centered for balanced handling. This is the choice for hills, varied terrain, and power.

Front hub (FMG020)

Front hub (FMG020) is a motor built into the front wheel. It installs on almost any traditional bike with zero drivetrain changes — drop in the wheel and go. It's the simplest, quickest install and shines for flat urban commuting, but it can't leverage your gears, so it's weaker on sustained steep climbs. Mid-drive vs hub summary

For deeper comparisons see What's the difference between the BBS02/BBS02B and BBSHD/BBS03? and What range can I expect on a charge?

Next step: → Compare the kits · → Not sure? Take the Fitment Quiz · → Shop all kits & batteries Still deciding? Take the Fitment Quiz or shop all kits.
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