The best e-bikes with mid-engine

In recent years, sales of e-bikes have increased significantly. What initially began as a trend has now developed into a true mobility revolution.

E-bikes offer the same mobility as a normal bike, but make things a lot easier. If you are travelling on hilly routes or frequently cover longer distances, then an electric bike is definitely an advantage - you save a lot of time and energy.

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The selection of e-bikes on the market is now huge and offers something to suit every need. There are sometimes big differences, for example in the way the built-in electric motor is mounted.

In models with a mid-engine, the drive is located directly on the bottom bracket, above the pedals. This has a positive effect on the weight distribution, especially because the riding style is particularly close to natural cycling. Furthermore, e-bikes with mid-engines are not particularly susceptible to malfunctions, which is mainly due to the short cables.

In addition, e-bikes with mid-engines often have a coaster brake installed, which offers a high level of comfort when braking, especially for older people, and is easy to operate.

Nevertheless, an e-bike mid-engine places a strain on the bicycle chain that should not be underestimated, and the construction of the frame is also relatively complex. Repairs cannot be carried out as easily without specialist knowledge as is the case with a front engine or rear hub motor, for example.

An e-bike mid-engine is also more expensive to purchase than a model with a front motor or rear hub motor.

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What distinguishes the mid-engine on an e-bike

Bottom bracket motors, also known as mid-engines, are the most commonly installed drives in electric bikes. They are installed at the height of the bottom bracket and integrated directly into the bike frame. This position achieves a low center of gravity, which offers the rider particular comfort.

The electric motor also has a positive effect on ease of use. The first manufacturers to bring mid-engines onto the market were Panasonic and Yamaha. Since then, numerous companies have followed their example and brought advanced models onto the market. In addition, there are companies such as Bosch and AEG, which are the current market leaders.

An e-bike mid-engine can be combined with either a derailleur or hub gear. Up to now, single-speed gears have been the most common, but some electric mountain bikes also have two-speed gears. They work like two chainrings and provide lighter gear ratios for mountainous terrain and higher gear numbers.

Furthermore, belt drives, which are considered to be particularly low-maintenance, can be combined very well with a mid-engine in an S-Pedelec.

Despite all the advantages, there are two aspects that buyers should consider when buying an e-bike mid-engine: On the one hand, the very special design results in higher production costs and therefore a more expensive purchase price. On the other hand, the combination of chain, cassette and chainring "eats up" part of the drive power, which can be clearly noticeable under certain circumstances.

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The advantages of an e-bike with a mid-engine

• The center of gravity is at a low point in the middle of the edge.
• A natural riding experience on the e-bike is retained.
• Many models have a coaster brake or can be equipped with one.
• Repairs are not complicated.
• The riding characteristics of the electric bike are well balanced.

No matter whether it's a city bike, trekking bike or mountain bike - in recent years more and more e-bikes have been equipped with a mid-engine. Basically, every type of e-bike can benefit from the excellent weight distribution achieved by installing a mid-engine.

The riding characteristics are extremely balanced and biking feels as natural as a conventional bike without a motor. E-bikers who do not want to ride without a coaster brake should also opt for a model with a mid-engine, because no other type of drive allows the combination with such a braking system.

And if you ever get a flat tire on your e-bike, you can repair it just like a normal bike - there is no need to remove the wiring.

What is an electric city bike?

On e-city bikes, the top tube of the bike frame is either in a lower position. Sometimes it isn't there at all. City bikes are usually equipped with high handlebars, which always ensure a comfortable sitting position. Getting on and off is also easy. Perfect for being able to ride your bike flexibly in the city.

Furthermore, the mid-engine ensures that the center of gravity is central, which makes it easier for the rider to control the bike. Because the city bike usually only has a luggage rack, it is less suitable for longer tours and more suitable for short trips into the city.

What is an electric mountain bike?

If you like to ride over hill and dale, you should choose an e-mountain bike. Its simple but efficient design allows you to ride comfortably uphill with the support of the mid-engine. When riding downhill, however, the design ensures a high level of safety.

The tires of an e-mountain bike usually have a relatively coarse profile, which in turn offers good grip. A distinction is also made between e-fullys and e-hardtails. The latter are only suitable for flat terrain, while fullys can also be ridden on hilly terrain without any problems.

What is an electric trekking bike?

The e-trekking bike is a good mix between a bike for everyday use and a sporty companion for longer tours. With such a bike, on which you sit in a stretched-out position like on a mountain bike, you can easily cover longer distances.

However, trekking bikes are also well suited for use in the city thanks to a luggage rack and lighting. The mid-engine also ensures optimal control here, and the higher torque on the rear wheel - like the rear hub motor - ensures easier uphill riding.

A Pedelec or S-Pedelec with a mid-engine or rear hub motor is available for both men and women. There are also unisex bikes that can be used equally by both sexes.

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Information on gearing for e-bikes with mid-engines or rear hub motors

Can you choose between different gears on an electric bike with a mid-engine?

For example, the classic derailleur system, which uses pinions, derailleurs and gears, is still widely used on Pedelecs or S-Pedelecs with rear hub motors or mid-engines.

Due to its high precision, the gearshift allows a relatively high number of gears, which is particularly advantageous in conjunction with a mid-engine. This allows the full power of the engine to be fully utilized.

The combination of derailleur gears and a mid-engine is particularly suitable for demanding bikers who mainly ride in the mountains. One disadvantage, however, is that derailleur gears require more maintenance than other types of gears.

In contrast, there is the hub gear, which has a planetary gear - this ensures a high level of user comfort. It can be changed even if you are not even using the pedals. However, this type of design quickly reaches its limits in combination with a mid-engine or can even destroy it completely.

This is why e-bikes with mid-engines combined with a hub gear are usually not as powerful as other models. They are ideal for use on flat terrain and in the city, but less so in the mountains.

Natural cycling - with the Pedelec with mid-engine

If the electric motor of an e-bike is a mid-engine, the drive acts directly on the bike's chain. The electric motor itself passes the support on to the Pedelec in a particularly natural way and thus gives a feeling that is very similar to riding a normal bike without an electric motor.

This is just one of the many reasons why more and more bikers are opting for a Pedelec or S-Pedelec with a mid-engine. Nevertheless, it is worth comparing different models at a good specialist e-bike dealer before buying.