Most eBike veterans will tell you: go for a mid-drive electric trike or eBike when you can. They are much better. However, despite their many supposed benefits, regular people still prefer riding an electric trike with hub motors or rear-mounted configurations. What’s the reason for that? Do people not want to invest in superior performance and efficiency?
In 2024, you can come across various mid-drive electric trikes that make big promises. They guarantee you’ll never want to return to hub motors again. Some even boast that mid-drive motors provide the most natural riding experience.
So is it all true? Are mid-drive motors the superior option? If so, why aren’t everybody using it? In this article, we’ll talk about just that.
We’ll explore what makes a mid-drive electric trike special and if it’s worth it for the everyday rider. We’ll evaluate their specs and see how they measure up against their hub-motor counterparts.
Also, we’ll consider what Addmotor recommends as the best mid-drive electric trike for the beginner. So keep reading to learn more.
What’s So Special About Mid-Drive Electric Trikes?
Mid-drive electric trikes have been the go-to choice for many professionals and athletes because of their superior performance. Mid-drive electric trikes (and two-wheeled eBikes for that matter) have significantly higher specs in terms of performance.
Professional riders swear by mid-drives. They can ride at faster speeds and push out more torque. Other than that, they’re also said to be the most efficient compared to other configurations. So let’s dive into the unique features of mid-drive electric trikes and learn about what sets them apart from the competition.
Increased Power Efficiency
One of the standout features of mid-drive electric trikes is power efficiency, specifically with power delivery and minimizing wastage. A mid-drive motor powers (or drives) the gear system directly. Unlike hub motors, the mid-drive motor is directly hooked up to the chain or drivetrain of the electric trike.
Thanks to this, a mid-drive electric tricycle doesn’t waste power on things like heat, friction, and noise. A mid-drive motor doesn’t have to rotate a large wheel or differential mechanism. It simply rotates the chain, mimicking the rider’s pedaling efforts.
Also, the power output from the mid-drive isn’t affected by the terrain or condition of the wheels. As a result, the mid-drive motor can provide consistent power regardless of the weather or road conditions.
Providing a Natural Riding Experience
As the name suggests, mid-drive motors are located centrally in the bottom bracket of the electric trike. Because of this placement, mid-drive motors provide more balanced and stable handling; it doesn’t shift the weight to the front or back.
This factor alone makes mid-drive electric trikes feel more natural and intuitive. You don’t have that constant fear of losing control due to unbalanced weight distribution. This is a common concern with front or rear-mounted motors.
Besides that, mid-drive motors power the drivetrain directly. Mid-drive electric tricycles don’t give out that “push” or “pull” sensation you feel when riding a hub-mounted electric bike or trike. It provides a more intuitive riding experience, where you feel like the motor is an extension of your pedaling efforts.
On top of that, the torque sensors add to this experience. They provide more responsive and nuanced power. Unlike cadence sensors, torque sensors can sense exactly how hard you’re pedaling. Thanks to this, it can signal the motor to provide a proportional amount of power.
How Mid-Drive Electric Trikes Compare to Regular Electric Trikes and eBikes
Two of the best things that mid-drive motors have going for them are the increased power efficiency and riding experience. These two aspects are good to have. That said, power efficiency and ride feel doesn’t really make much of a difference for the everyday rider, especially if they don’t have anything to compare it with.
So if we have to introduce the benefits of mid-drive electric tricycles to beginner riders, here are some things to help them compare:
Balanced Weight Distribution
Mid-drive motors provide a more even weight distribution. Thanks to the central placement, they don’t stress out the front or rear of the electric trike. Also, mid-drive motors sit low to the ground. This means that mid-drive electric trikes have an even lower center of gravity, minimizing any chance of the electric trike flipping over.
Easier to Handle and Make Turns
Electric trikes are already difficult enough to turn and corner with. However, with a mid-drive e-tricycle, you don’t have to worry about balancing your own weight. This is an important safety factor as well, since mid-drive electric trikes are easier to maneuver at high speeds or emergencies.
Better Performance On Hills and Off Road Terrain
Mid-drives are more efficient with their power output. They can pump out more power and torque into the drivetrain without any worries about overheating or mechanical failure.
As a result, mid-drive electric trikes can climb steep hills and roll through stubborn terrain more confidently. They don’t get stuck like rear-mounted motors and they can definitely handle towing an extra hundred pounds of cargo.
Efficient Use of the Gear System
One of the more underrated features of mid-drives is their ability to cooperate with the gear system of an electric trike. Since the mid-drive powers the drivetrain directly, it can take advantage of the trike’s gear ratio. Thanks to this, you can get the maximum speed or torque from a mid-drive motor without stressing it out.
Also, professional riders will appreciate this more since they can switch gears faster and without having to restrain their pedaling efforts.
Better Torque and Acceleration
This is good news for speed enthusiasts and riders in a rush. Mid-drive electric tricycles have better acceleration capabilities than regular electric tricycles. So whether that’s gaining momentum from a red light or pushing yourself out of a sandy beach, a mid-drive motor can help you overtake slow traffic and reach your destination faster.
The Best Mid-Drive Electric Trike of 2024
The benefits of mid-drive electric trikes are many. That said, finding the right mid-drive electric trike is not so easy.
They are even rarer than mid-drive eBikes and most options out there are cheaply made. They don’t even come with mid-drive motors from recognized brands like Bosch, Bafang, Yamaha, etc. So if you might be interested in a mid-drive electric but don’t know where to look. In that case, don’t worry because Addmotor has you covered with their Addmotor GRANDTAN TURBO.
The GRANDTAN TURBO is Addmotor’s first-ever electric trike that comes with a mid-drive motor. It builds on the base of the flagship GRANDTAN and improves upon its stellar features by adding a BAFANG mid-drive motor.
So let’s talk more about the GRANDTAN TURBO and see how it can be a game-changer for you.
Motor Performance of the GRANDTAN TURBO
The GRANDTAN TURBO has a Bafang-branded 1000W mid-drive motor. This high-power motor can put out 160 Nm of torque and a peak power draw of 1500W in short bursts.
For context, the regular 750W rear-mounted motor on the GRANDTAN II can only do 90 Nm of maximum torque.
The extra torque gives it an edge of over 50% when riding hills or trudging through off-road terrain. It’s also powerful enough to tow cargo faster than the regular GRANDTAN.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that because the mid-drive motor is BAFANG, you also get the BAFANG LCD Display.
Battery Performance
The 1000W motor doesn’t dampen the battery efficiency of the GRANDTAN TURBO either. With the GRANDTAN TURBO, you can squeeze out more than 85+ miles of range on a single charge. So in a nutshell, the GRANDTAN TURBO provides just as much battery range as the regular GRANDTANS. It sometimes provides even more range, depending on how well the rider maintains it.
Also, the GRANDTAN TURBO utilizes the same 48V 20Ah battery pack you can find in the regular GRANDTAN. This is a direct testament to the battery efficiency of the BAFANG mid-drive motor.
Cargo Carrying Capabilities
With a higher torque mid-drive motor comes a bigger responsibility for carrying more cargo. Fortunately, the GRANDTAN TURBO trike comes prepared. This electric trike has an effective payload capacity of 450 lbs. Yes, that’s right. The GRANDTAN Turbo E-Trike can carry a passenger as heavy as 350 lbs and also support an extra 100 lbs of cargo in the back.
What’s more, the GRANDTAN TURBO includes both the rear and cargo racks. You also get a complementary waterproof bag that fits the rear cargo rack.
Other Noteworthy Features
Here are some of the other impressive features of the Addmotor GRANDTAN Turbo:
- Designed for taller riders: The GRANDTAN TURBO eTrike supports a height range of 5’2-6’4”, making it one of the best eTrikes for sharing.
- Wide Saddle with Backrest: Providing utmost comfort, the GRANDTAN TURBO has a thick wide saddle with an adjustable backrest. Ride in an upright posture without suffering from any RSIs (Repetitive Strain Injuries).
- 4-Inch Fat Tires: You can easily take the GRANDTAN TURBO off the beaten path thanks to its 4” fat tires. These are designed for all-terrain riding so you can safely tackle sandy beaches, muddy trails and snow paths with ease.
- Step-Through Frame: With a focus on accessibility, the GRANDTAN TURBO also features a swan-inspired step-through frame. Now seniors and anybody with limited mobility can easily mount and dismount the GRANDTAN TURBO.
Wrapping Up
Mid-drive motors are better in many ways. Two of the most important features are power efficiency and riding experience. Since mid-drives connect to the drivetrain, they can make more efficient use of an eTrikes gear system. This results in increased power and acceleration, not to mention higher torque when carrying heavy cargo.
Other than that, the mid-drive motor provides a more natural riding experience. Its central position along with torque sensors provide a more responsive and internal boost. Addmotor recommends the GRANDTAN TURBO as the best option for a mid-drive electric trike. It’s accessibility-first and designed to accommodate a wider height range.
So if you’re looking for a high-end mid-drive electric trike that you and your loved ones can ride, the Addmotor GRANDTAN TURBO electric trike is an amazing investment.
