A mid motor e-bike is without a doubt the best choice for business use. This is because the motor sits right at the bottom bracket, keeping your bike perfectly balanced. This gives you a natural riding feeling and saves energy at the same time. Want to know why more and more companies are choosing a mid-motor e-bike? Then I will explain to you here what the advantages are, how the technology works and why this type of motor suits business cycling so well.
What is a center motor and how does this technology work?
A center motor is an electric motor that sits in the frame, right at the bottom bracket. This is, in fact, the point where your pedals meet. The motor works together with your own pedaling power and then sends the energy through the chain or belt to the rear wheel. This gives you support that feels very natural, as if you were pedaling stronger yourself.
The system works smartly and also economically. As soon as you start pedaling, sensors measure how much power you are delivering. The motor then immediately adjusts and adds just the right amount of support. Do you pedal harder? Then the motor helps more. Are you taking it slower? Then the support switches back automatically. As a result, you don't waste any energy and you get the most out of your battery.
Another big advantage is that the motor uses your bike's gears. For example, are you riding up a steep bridge? Then you shift to a lighter gear and this allows the motor to keep running in its optimal speed range. On flat terrain, on the other hand, you use a heavier gear for more speed. So this makes the mid-motor e-bike much more economical than bikes with a front or rear-wheel motor.
Want to learn more about how electric drive works? Then check out our electric bicycle collection To see the technology in practice.
Why does a center motor provide better balance?
This is because the placement of the motor determines how your bike feels while riding. With a center motor, the weight sits low and centrally in the frame. This ensures that the center of gravity is in the perfect place. As a result, your bike feels stable and maneuverable, even if you're carrying a heavy bag or documents.
The difference with front and rear wheel motors
With a front-wheel bike, the extra weight is at the front. This can make the handlebars feel heavy and also make the bike react differently than you are used to. In contrast, a rear-wheel motor gives a push from behind, which sometimes feels unnatural. So the center motor combines the best of both worlds: you get power where you need it, without changing the balance.
For business use, then, this makes a big difference. For example, imagine cycling through heavy city traffic with a laptop and documents in your bag. A well-balanced bike responds predictably and therefore gives you more control. You therefore need to spend less energy balancing your bike and can fully focus on the traffic around you.
Stability when stopping and starting
Even when you stand still at a traffic light, you immediately notice the difference. A bike with a mid-motor stays upright more easily because the weight is low and central. Do you need to stop to grab something from your bag? Then your bicycle will not tip over as quickly. This is especially nice with heavier e-bikes or when you have extra luggage with you.
Want to experience for yourself how stable a mid-motor e-bike rides? Schedule an test ride at one of our dealers.
How do you save energy with a mid-motor e-bike?
Energy saving is without doubt one of the biggest advantages of a mid-motor. This is because the engine works in conjunction with the gears, allowing it to always run in the most economical rpm range. This is similar to driving a car: after all, you use less fuel in the right gear.
Smart sensor technology
Modern center motors also have advanced torque sensors. These measure not only whether you are pedaling, but also how hard you are pedaling. As a result, the support adjusts directly to your effort. For example, are you relaxed riding to a meeting? Then the motor will provide just enough assistance to keep you going. Do you need to get somewhere fast? Then the motor will immediately shift up a gear as soon as you start pedaling harder.
This clever system therefore ensures that you don't waste energy. Whereas a hub motor runs continuously at the same level, a mid-motor adjusts constantly. The result is therefore a greater radius of action: you get further with the same battery charge.
Practical benefits for commuting
For business users, then, this means that you need to recharge less often. For example, do you have a busy work day with multiple appointments in the city? Then you don't have to worry about an empty battery. This is because most middle bikes with a 720Wh battery can easily reach 80 to 100 kilometers on a single charge. This allows you to plan your workday more flexibly and thus be less dependent on charging points.
View the STOER UrbanX as an example of an e-bike with an economical mid-motor and long range.
What advantages does a center motor offer for business use?
Business users usually have high demands for their means of transportation. After all, you want to get from A to B reliably, without hassle. A mid-motor e-bike meets all these requirements and also offers a number of specific advantages that make your workday easier.
Better performance on slopes
In many cities, you regularly encounter bridges, overpasses and ramps. With a mid-motor e-bike, you will ride over these with ease. This is because the motor delivers a lot of torque at low speed. In combination with the gears, you can even climb steep hills without arriving at your destination sweaty. This is especially nice when you are cycling to a business appointment and want to look presentable.
Suitable for heavy load
Do you regularly transport heavy items? Think tools, samples or presentation materials, for example. A middle motor can handle this very well. The power goes via the gears to the rear wheel, so the motor always performs optimally. Whether you ride empty or fully loaded, the support remains constant and reliable.
Need extra cargo capacity? Then check out the STOER CargoX cargo bike. Indeed, this cargo bike has a powerful 92Nm center motor designed specifically for heavy loads.
Lower long-term maintenance costs
A center motor also sits protected in the frame, away from rain, mud and dust. This allows the motor to last longer and therefore you are less likely to experience breakdowns. For companies that depend on their bikes, this therefore means lower maintenance costs and less downtime. Your bike is therefore in the workshop less often and you are back on the road faster.
Combine a mid-motor with a Gates CDX belt drive? Then you have virtually no maintenance on your drivetrain. This is because the belt does not need to be lubricated and also lasts much longer than a traditional chain.
Center motor versus hub motor: what are the differences?
If you are looking for an electric bike for business use, you will usually come across two main types of motors: the center motor and the hub motor. Both have their own characteristics. So below you can see the main differences listed.
| Feature | Center motor | Hub motor |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Central at bottom bracket | In front or rear wheel |
| Weight distribution | Optimally balanced | Unbalanced (front or back) |
| Energy consumption | Economical through gearing | Higher consumption |
| Torque at hills | High, can switch | Lower, fixed speed |
| Maintenance | Motor protected in frame | Engine exposed to elements |
| Driving sensation | Of course, as normal cycling | Push from the front or back |
As you can see, the mid-motor scores better for business use on almost all counts. Namely, you get a more fuel-efficient bike, a more natural riding feel and also lower maintenance costs. This therefore explains why more and more companies are opting for e-bikes with mid motors.
What should you look for when choosing a mid-motor e-bike?
Are you convinced of the advantages and want to purchase a mid-motor e-bike for business use? Then pay particular attention to the following points to make the right choice.
Torque and power
This is because torque determines how much pulling power the engine provides. For flat terrain, 50Nm is usually more than enough. On the other hand, do you drive a lot of hills or transport heavy loads? Then choose a motor with at least 75Nm or more. For example, the STOER bikes have a Bafang motor with 55Nm for daily use or 92Nm for the cargo bike.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity also determines how far you can ride. For commuting 20 to 30 kilometers, a 500Wh battery is usually fine. On the other hand, do you travel longer distances or use the bike intensively? Then choose a larger battery of 720Wh or more. That way you won't have to recharge in between trips and you can fully focus on your work.
Drive type
A center motor works in conjunction with your bike's drivetrain. Here you can choose between a traditional chain or a modern belt drive. This is because a belt like the Gates CDX is maintenance-free, quieter and also lasts much longer. So this is ideal for business use because you don't lose time on lubrication and maintenance.
Would you like personal advice on which mid-motor e-bike best suits your situation? Then contact contact with us or schedule a test drive.
STOER Bikes: designed for business users
At STOER Bikes, we understand what business users need. Our founders Thomas and Joeri have therefore developed bikes that perfectly match the requirements of professionals. All STOER models are therefore equipped with a reliable Bafang center motor and a low-maintenance Gates CDX belt drive.
"We wanted to build bikes that not only look good, but are also technically reliable," Thomas explains. "After all, a business user just wants to cycle, without fuss. That's why we deliberately choose a mid-motor in combination with a belt drive. This way you have virtually no maintenance and so your bike will always keep riding."
Security for businesses
Business e-bikes obviously deserve good protection. All STOER bikes therefore have a PIN code immobilizer and also the option of GPS tracking. This reduces the risk of theft and thus gives you peace of mind as an employer. You can therefore easily manage your fleet and always know where your bikes are.
Check out our complete collection on the bicycle page and find out which model best suits your business.
In summary, why choose a mid-motor e-bike for business use?
In short, a mid-motor e-bike offers everything you need for professional cycling. This is because the motor provides optimal balance, works economically together with the gears and also performs excellently on inclines. You therefore get a natural riding feeling, lower maintenance costs and a reliable bike that is ready to go every day.
So for companies investing in sustainable mobility, a mid-engine is the logical choice. Your employees will ride comfortably and safely, while operational costs remain low. Want to experience for yourself what a mid-motor e-bike can do for your business? Then schedule a test ride at one of our dealers.
Want to know more about business cycling? Then also read our blog about e-bike insurance for businesses.