Know Your Motor: Geared Hub vs. Direct Drive

If you’ve spent any time browsing our lineup, you’ve probably noticed that our high-performance electric bikes are built to match any lifestyle.

Our engineering team takes countless steps to make sure each model caters to the needs of a specific set of riders. Sometimes that means zeroing in on the right tire size, figuring out how wide the handlebar should be, or even designing a more accessible frame from scratch.

But one of their biggest decisions is making sure that each type of bike is equipped with the motor that complements it best.

As a result, some of our ebikes have geared hub motors and others have direct drive hub motors.

If you’ve ever wondered why your ride has one and not the other, let us break it down for you:

Geared Hub 

 For the adventurous soul chasing sunsets and adventure, Rolling Stone called the RadRover 6 Plus  the "next generation of personal transportation."

A geared hub motor provides a good deal of low-end power. When you're in dirt, sand, or climbing up a fire road, having that extra oomph is helpful for pushing through trickier starts.

The power, combined with the motor's general durability, makes it an ideal option for bikes designed for both off-road and concrete jungles. 

That's why it's matched with the RadRover 6 Plus, a great option for riders who can't get enough of the great outdoors. 

It also explains why it's equipped to the RadExpand, RadMission, RadRunner, and RadRunner Plus. 

 And new for 2021, we've added a geared hub motor to the RadCity 5 Plus for enhanced hill-climbing capabilities.

Each of these bikes is built with both utility and a broad range of uses in mind, meaning they're go-to's for those who may rely on both running errands and taking fun weekend spins. 

Direct Drive

Electrek described the RadCity as "the ultimate commuter e-bike from Rad Power Bikes."

Daily commuters who need to navigate a bustling urban environment sometimes opt for a RadCity or a RadCity Step-Thru. 

These models rely on direct drive motors, which are more efficient over longer distances and at higher speeds. 

Located in the rear hub of the wheel, the motor utilizes a system of magnets to propel the bike. One of the biggest benefits of the magnetic system is that it can offer a regenerative braking feature.

That means when you brake, it will convert some of the momentum of the bike into electricity to charge the battery. Using the direct drive motor as a generator returns some of the energy (that would otherwise be lost) into the battery, which extends your riding range -- especially when you're carrying heavy cargo.

Quick Guide 

Want to know the difference between different ebike classes? Check out our full guide. Looking for the best ebike for you? Take our online quiz.