Dual Motor Ebike VS Single Motor EBike: Which is Best for You?

New energy vehicles are becoming more and more popular as the energy crisis worsens and environmental protection regulations improve. One of the most crucial parts of a new energy vehicle's drive system is its motor. There are currently two primary drive systems for new energy vehicles available on the market: single motor drive and dual motor drive. Which is the more suitable for your ebike?

What is ebike motor

The electric bike motor, which gives you an additional power boost, is the brains behind an e-bike. Together with the rider's pedaling, these motors—which are usually powered by a rechargeable battery—offer varying degrees of help.
The way the motor works is very simple: it transforms electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, which in turn makes the wheels turn and moves the bike forward. An e-bike's performance is greatly impacted by the kind and location of its motor, which affects things like power output, handling qualities, and overall efficiency.

Ebike motor types

Ebike motor can be installed in the front, middle, or rear of an e-bike, and each approach has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Middle-mounted motors are known as mid-drive motors because they are positioned in the center of the bike, where your pedals connect, and they are connected to the cranks, or pedals, and they provide power directly to the drivetrain, or chain. Front and rear-mounted motors are known as hub motors because they are installed in the hub of the wheel, which is the area that encircles the shaft, which is the component that fastens the wheel to the frame, and is where one end of your spokes connects to, with the other ends connecting to the wheel rim.

Front hub motors

Front hub motors are mounted in the hub of the front wheel. Because the motor drives the front tire and you use pedals to drive the back tire, these motors pull you along and efficiently provide a strong all-wheel drive system for your e-bike.

Pros of Front Hub Motors

Front hub motors are wonderful in snow and on sand because of the increased traction offered by the all-wheel drive like system established by being able to power both wheels separately.

Because the motor is separate from the transmission and rear wheel, it can be used with a standard rear wheel gear system.

Because there is no gear system sharing the space, it is easy to change a flat or add or remove the bike's ebike component.

Rear hub motors

Rear hub motors are the most prevalent type of motor found in ebikes. These motors are located in the hub of the back wheel of your ebike. They provide the typical push feeling, and unlike their front hub counterparts, they are available in a variety of power settings.

Pros of Rear Hub Motors

Practically all bikes are powered by running power -be that from an electronic or combustion engine or from a human- to the rear wheels. As a result, they are quite similar to riding a standard bike and require little training.

With the power traveling via the already-weighted backend, there is little to no danger of wheel spin.

The sensors used to control pedal assist are more intuitive, and thus more responsive, than their front hub counterparts.

There is a wide range of power options since the support built into bike frames is capable of handling them.

Excellent with the usage of a throttle feature to help you get off the line faster.

Mid-drive motors

Mid-drive motors are directly mounted to the crankshaft (pedals) and drivetrain (chain). These are currently the least popular ways to power electric bicycles, but they are gaining traction. However, due of their limited availability, they are more expensive than other sorts.

Pros of Mid-Drive Motors

Excellent and lower center of gravity since all increased weight is contained in the bike's low-middle section. This makes them easy to ride and carry.

You may easily remove both wheels because they are not connected to the ebike's electrical system.

The gear ratio is linked to the power supply, allowing the motor to better propel you up a slope or speed you along flat land.

Because the motor and pedals are directly coupled, how hard you push the pedals determines how hard the motor works.

They create a very natural sense of support because the power is derived from where you apply it.

They are ideal for full suspension ebikes due to the increased weight concentrated in the middle.

Choose the right electric bike motor size

Electric bike motors are available in a variety of sizes, with the appropriate size determined by terrain, rider weight, desired speed, and budget.
250W motors work best on flat ground and light hills, and are appropriate for riders weighing less than 250 pounds. They can achieve top speeds of 18 to 20 mph.
500W motors are more adaptable, handling slopes and riders weighing up to 300 pounds. They can go 20 mph on the throttle and 25-28 mph with pedal assist.
750W motors have the maximum power and speed, reaching up to 28 mph with pedal help, but they are too powerful for many riders and can be more expensive.
Tire type (fat vs. thin) and riding environment (off-road vs. paved) all have an impact on the best motor size.

Difference between single motor ebike and dual motor ebike

A single motor drive system means that the vehicle is equipped with only one motor, which outputs power through the transmission system to drive the wheels. A dual motor drive system, on the other hand, means that the vehicle is equipped with two motors, one motor outputs energy to the front wheels and the other motor outputs energy to the rear wheels. The front and rear wheels are independent of each other, so the dual-motor system has stronger driving ability and power output. At the same time, the load distribution of the two motors is more balanced, which can effectively extend the life of the motors.

Durability comparison

Although the single-motor drive system is relatively simple, the problems or failures it causes are also relatively simple, so it is easy to repair and maintain. However, in terms of performance and control system, the single motor is obviously not as adaptable as the dual-motor system, and under long-term high-speed driving conditions, the motor temperature and pressure of the single-motor drive system are relatively high, which has a certain impact on the motor life.

Why choose a dual motor ebike

The dual motors function in perfect harmony as part of the e-bike's customizable AWD (All-Wheel Drive) technology. Depending on your riding needs, you can engage either the rear motor, the front motor, or both motors at the same time. This flexibility enables you to optimise performance.

Better traction and stability: Dual motors power both wheels, resulting in dramatically improved traction and stability.
Higher torque: The dual motor provides more torque, resulting in superior climbing abilities and faster acceleration.
All terrain capability: Suitable for a wide range of terrains, including steep slopes, sand, snow, and mud.
Backup power: If one motor fails, the other can still supply sufficient power.
Balanced weight distribution: The weight of the motors on both wheels aids in balance and control, particularly while making tight turns or navigating obstacles.
Adjustable charge modes: Dual motor e-bikes enable riders to convert between single and dual motor modes, offering flexibility based on riding conditions and conserving battery charge when full power is not required. 

Dual motor work in tandem to increase power and performance. The dual motor configuration enhances acceleration, torque, and hill-climbing capabilities. Dual motor electric bike can better distribute power, resulting in a smoother and more controllable ride.