An electric bicycle (e-bike) opens up a world of possibilities and has revolutionized the way we get around. An essential part of any e-bike is the motor, which gives the bike extra power and makes riding easier. Among the different types of motors, the rear motor is an extremely popular choice. In this blog article, we take a close look at the key features of the rear motor, differentiate it from other types of motors, and discover what advantages it offers to e-bike riders.

The most important features of a rear engine

Positioning on the rear wheel: The rear motor is, as the name suggests, placed at the rear of the bike. It is integrated into the rear hub and drives the rear wheel directly. This makes the front wheel independent of the drive and enables a natural riding feel.

Powerful and efficient: Rear motors are usually more powerful than other types of motors such as mid-engines or front engines. Their placement on the rear wheel allows them to transfer torque directly to the road, enabling powerful acceleration and effortless uphill riding.

Easy maintenance: Since the rear motor is integrated into the rear hub, maintenance is relatively straightforward. If necessary, the motor can be easily removed and serviced without affecting other components of the bike.

Differentiation from other engine types

• Mid-engine: In contrast to the rear engine, the mid-engine is positioned directly in the bottom bracket area of ​​the bike. It transfers the drive power to the bike chain, which enables a harmonious driving experience and better weight distribution. Mid-engines are well suited for off-road driving and touring, while rear engines are particularly suitable for urban environments and everyday trips.
• Front motor: Front motors are located in the front wheel and drive it. They offer an easy and inexpensive way to convert a regular bike into an e-bike. However, the handling with a front motor can be different compared to a regular bike because the front wheel carries an additional load.

Advantages of a rear engine

• Natural riding experience: Thanks to the positioning on the rear wheel, riding with a rear motor feels more like riding a conventional bicycle. The drive power is transferred directly to the rear wheel, ensuring a harmonious and natural riding experience.
• Despite often being lighter than mid-engines, the rear engine still offers powerful and sporty acceleration and uphill driving: Rear engines generally offer high power and torque with low weight, which is particularly advantageous when starting at traffic lights or when tackling steep climbs, and thus enables sporty driving behavior. Drivers can use this additional power to reach their destination effortlessly.
• Ease of maintenance: The position of the rear motor allows for easy maintenance as it is integrated into the rear hub. The rest of the bike's components remain untouched, making repairs and inspections easier.
• Less stress on the chain: Unlike mid-engines, the rear engine puts less pressure on the bicycle chain, which leads to a longer lifespan of the chain and minimizes wear.

MYVELO e-bikes with rear motor

In the MYVELO online shop you will find a range of e-bikes with a powerful rear motor , most of which are folding bikes. Our folding bike inventory consists of city bikes and fat bikes, MYVELO has folding bikes as low-step-through and "normal" folding bikes:

• Zurich: The Zurich folding bike is the entry-level model from MYVELO, it is equipped with a powerful 250 watt rear motor from Bafang. The Zurich has a 504 Wh battery, which also serves as a seat post. The battery, combined with a light weight of just 20 kg, is sufficient for a range of 80 km. The Zurich has hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, which brake the folding bike in the shortest possible distance. The Zurich has equipment that complies with the German Road Traffic Act.
• Berlin: The Berlin is a low-step folding bike , it also offers a powerful 250 watt rear motor from Bafang and a 504 Wh battery that is installed in the frame. The battery in combination with the weight is enough for a good range of 70 km. The Berlin also has hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, which brake the folding bike in the shortest possible distance. The Berlin has equipment that complies with the German Road Traffic Act.
• Rio: The Rio is a low-step-through fat bike folding bike with a powerful 250 watt 65 Nm rear motor. The battery is very large with 950 Wh and has a range of 70 km despite weighing 25.5 kg. The Rio also comes with road traffic regulations-compliant equipment such as reflectors, lights and brake lights.
• Palma: The Palma folding bike from MYVELO is a fat bike with a powerful rear wheel motor with 250 watts and 65 Nm and, in combination with the large 950 Wh battery, offers a range of up to 70 km. The Palma also offers road traffic regulations-compliant equipment with lights, a bell, reflectors, and there is also a brake light.
• Ipanema: The Ipanema is also like the Rio, a low-step fat bike but for the price it offers hydraulic brakes and extra comfortable saddle suspension. The battery shrinks a little to 672 Wh, but the battery is elegantly housed in the frame and can also be removed. The Ipanema has road traffic regulations-compliant equipment with lights, brake light, bell and reflectors.
• Molinar: The Molinar is also like the Palma, a folding fat bike but offers better features and design. The Molinar has hydraulic brakes and an extra comfortable saddle suspension. The motor is a powerful 250 watt motor with 65 Nm. The battery is 672 Wh and is embedded in the frame and can be removed. The Molinar is equipped with lights, brake lights, reflectors and a bell and is therefore equipped in accordance with the German Road Traffic Act.

Conclusion on e-bikes with rear motors

The rear motor is an excellent choice for e-bike riders who are looking for a powerful yet natural riding experience. With its positioning on the rear wheel and powerful drive force, it enables effortless rides and comfortable commuting in urban areas. Ease of maintenance and gentle treatment of the bicycle chain are further convincing arguments for the rear motor as a reliable drive for e-bikes. If you are looking for an e-bike that offers you powerful support while still maintaining an authentic riding feel, an e-bike with a rear motor could be the perfect choice.