Front vs. Rear Wheel Drive kits
When choosing an electric bike kit, the question of installing a front or rear wheel drive set-up is often asked. We do not have a personal preference in regards to the kits but would like to point out the advantages of each option. These points reflect the complete electric bike as well, which have been designed to streamline the components of an electric system into an electric hybridized bicycle.
Front Wheel Conversion
The front wheel conversion has been by far the most popular of the kits that we sell. This can be attributed mainly to the ease of installation and the capability of running a disc brake on the motor for cool, efficient stopping. The install requires taking off the front wheel of your bike and mounting the new motor wheel. Easy peasy! You will have to mount the throttle, the battery/controller, adjust the brake, and attach the wires. That’s about it. The front drive makes you feel like you are being pulled, and in combination with your bikes drivetrain and gears, you now have both wheels working for you. This proves to be advantageous in icy or snowy weather for all the reasons that all-wheel drive cars are better on slick roads.
The battery at the back, the rider in the middle and the motor at the front makes the weight distribution equally displaced.
The other nice thing about the front wheel drive kit is the ability to run an internal hub gear in the rear wheel. Many bikes come with 3, 7, 8, and now 9 internal rear gears which you can change at a stop. This makes city commuting that much easier. If you come to a stop and you are in the wrong gear for take off, the internal gear enables you to gear down at the stop and not worry about your chain falling off or getting caught between gears.
Disadvantages include the inability to have a large (750W + ) motor at the front because of the drop outs. Torque arms are available which are great for most motors, but the bigger you get the more torque the motor has.
Rear Wheel Conversion
The rear wheel conversion gives your bike the same sort of push effect that you would get on a motorcycle. On the rear you are able to run a stronger motor as you can beef up suspension and brakes quite easily. The motor at the rear adds lots of weight to the back of the bike ensuring that traction wont be lost in dry weather. Another advantage is you are able to use a quick disconnect front wheel which is great for transport and some folding bikes like the Montague.
There are a few disadvantages. The installation and removal of the kit takes more time. There is added stress on the rear axle but if the frame is of decent material, this should not pose to be a major issue. Torque arms are available for the rear as well. The major disadvantage is if the battery is also mounted on the rear, then little weight will be present on the front wheel. This causes steering to become a little erratic. If you throttle too much and are spinning out, the best thing to do is use your front brake and try to straighten out your steering.