Hub motor fitted to front wheel
The photograph on the left shows a hub motor fitted to the front wheel of a bicycle. You'll notice the shortened spokes to accommodate the motor. Typically the front wheel of the bike is replaced with a new front wheel which contains the hub motor as a built in component.
Retrofitting the bike is not a complicated process, requiring the replacement of the front wheel and torque arm, fitting the battery pack and the controller unit and neatly securing the electric wiring.
Undoing the installation and reverting back to your original bake is an even simpler process requiring no more than 15 or 20 minutes.
Pros
Cons
Retrofitting the bike is not a complicated process, requiring the replacement of the front wheel and torque arm, fitting the battery pack and the controller unit and neatly securing the electric wiring.
Undoing the installation and reverting back to your original bake is an even simpler process requiring no more than 15 or 20 minutes.
Pros
- Easiest e-conversion
- All wheel drive if you pedal - great in rain and mud and can't be beat
- Simpler to change front tyre
- Harder to strain motor as front wheel will slip during intense climbing
- Keeps the rear pedal gears clean as if there was no motor
- Excellent balance if battery is placed towards the rear of the bike
Cons
- Not as good as rear wheel drive off road
- Problem if motor seizes suddenly - almost never happens
- Cannot use ultra powerful motor
- Not great with aluminium forks - requires a torque arm
- Front suspension not recommended with high power motors
- Not as "stealthy" as a rear hub motor - it's easier to notice
