E-bike with hub gear: these are the advantages and disadvantages
When choosing the right e-bike, you should also pay attention to the type of gearshift. We have summarized for you the advantages and disadvantages of a hub gear compared to a conventional derailleur.
Advantages of the hub gear on the e-bike
The hub gear is particularly popular with city bikes and offers the rider some advantages.
- Shifting comfort: With derailleur gears you usually have to use different levers on the handlebars to shift gears. It is different with the hub gear: You can change gears conveniently using a rotary handle in the handlebar. You can also switch at a standstill.
- Maintenance: The hub gear is low-maintenance. Since it is located on the hub of the rear wheel and is switched internally, it is not exposed to the weather.
- Belt drive possible: Since a hub gear works with only one chainring, there is also the possibility of a belt drive, which has several advantages.
Hub gears also have disadvantages
Like any technology, the hub gear has not only advantages. The disadvantages are just as important and must be taken into account.
- Weight: E-bikes with hub gears put a little more weight on the scales.
- Power conversion: With a hub gear you have to apply more power, especially when starting off. The pedaling power is implemented less well with the hub gear than with the derailleur.
- Throttling: The hub gear cannot cope with strong motors. E-bikes with hub gears are therefore often throttled to 50 Nm. This applies especially to bicycles with a mid-engine.
Switching type not possible with every bike
It depends on the position of the motor whether a hub gear can be installed on an e-bike at all.
- Rear-wheel motor: With e-bikes with a rear-wheel motor, hub gears are only possible if the motor itself has a 3-speed hub.
- Mid-engine: With this design, the pedaling force of the driver and engine power are concentrated on the hub gear - and that would overwhelm and break it. That is why the engine has to be throttled, causing you to lose power.
- Front wheel motor: A front wheel motor allows the use of all gearshift systems, including hub gear.
In our next post we will also deal with the topic of e-mobility. We explain the difference between e-bikes and pedelecs.