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What is a Mid-Drive Motor/Mid Motor? How It Works?

  28 2 月, 2025

Definition of Mid-Drive Motor/Mid Motor

A Mid-Drive Motor(Mid Motor) is a type of drive motor installed at the central position of vehicles (such as e-bikes or electric cars) or mechanical equipment. In the context of e-bikes, it is typically located at the bottom bracket of the frame, directly driving the pedal crankset. For electric vehicles, it refers to a motor installed in the central area of the chassis.

Mid Motor

Structural Features of Mid-Drive Motors/Mid Motor

Unlike traditional hub motors, mid-drive motors transmit power to the wheels through a drivetrain (such as chains, belts, or gears). Their core components include a high-torque motor, reduction gear sets, and sensor systems that monitor the rider’s pedaling force and speed in real time, enabling intelligent power output.


1.Optimized Weight Distribution
The central placement significantly improves front-rear weight balance, avoiding the "front-heavy" issue caused by hub motors and enhancing handling stability. This balance is particularly critical for e-bikes during turns or off-road riding.

2.Enhanced Power Efficiency
By leveraging the bicycle’s existing gear system, mid-drive motors adapt to different gear ratios. They deliver higher torque (up to 90Nm or more) for climbing steep slopes while maintaining high-speed efficiency on flat roads, reducing energy consumption by approximately 15-20% compared to hub motors.

3.Improved Terrain Adaptability

Widely adopted in professional e-MTBs, mid-drive motors excel on steep inclines (over 30°) and complex terrain due to their low center of gravity and torque advantages. Paired with torque sensors, they provide precise 1:3 pedal-assist amplification.

4.Extended Range

Improved efficiency and intelligent power management allow mid-drive motor systems to achieve 20-30 km more range than hub motor systems under the same battery capacity, making them ideal for long-distance rides.

Case Study: PREETO’s Micro-Drive Solutions

In niche markets, PREETO, a specialized mid-drive motor manufacturer, focuses on micro-drive solutions for multi-scenario electric vehicles. Its core technology primarily serves the Ebike series (including E-GRAVEL electric gravel bikes, E-CITY urban commuters, E-MTB electric mountain bikes, and E-CARGO electric cargo bikes), addressing needs from daily commuting to professional off-road adventures.
PREETO’s mid-drive motors emphasize lightweight design (some models weigh only 1.95kg), high energy efficiency (over 85% conversion rate), and robust waterproofing (IP67 rating). For instance, its E-MTB-specific motor delivers continuous 110Nm torque output through enhanced heat dissipation and peak torque optimization, achieving a range of over 120 km when paired with an 720Wh high-capacity battery.

Technological Trends

The latest generation of mid-drive motors has achieved an ultra-lightweight design of 1.95kg and integrated intelligent algorithms capable of automatically detecting terrain gradients (with ±1% accuracy for 0-30% slopes). In the electrification sector, mid-drive layouts are becoming the preferred solution for high-performance assisted vehicles, while advancements in micro-drive technologies—such as PREETO’s modular designs—are driving deeper integration of motors and vehicle structures. These innovations deliver more compact and adaptable power solutions for the EBike series and similar electric platforms.


Mid-drive motors/ Mid Motor redefine the efficiency boundaries of electric propulsion through structural innovation. As demonstrated by PREETO, a professional mid-drive motor manufacturer, and its versatile solutions for diverse scenarios, this technology is driving electric transportation toward smarter and more efficient evolution. Whether it’s the rugged E-MTB conquering mountain trails, the heavy-lifting E-CARGO, or the agile E-GRAVEL navigating urban streets, mid-drive motors serve as the key engine for enhanced performance. Looking ahead, breakthroughs in materials science and intelligent control technologies will further expand the application horizons of mid-drive motors, unlocking even broader possibilities for the future of electric mobility.

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