How to Choose a Hub Motor for E-bikes, Scooters and AGVs

Geared or direct-drive?

• Geared hubs: a small high-speed motor with planetary gears — light, strong hill-climbing torque, freewheel coasting; gears add noise and wear.
• Direct-drive hubs: a large outer-rotor motor turning the wheel directly — silent, durable, can regenerate; heavier and with magnetic drag when unpowered.

Market rules decide the power

• EU pedelecs (EN 15194): 250 W rated continuous power, assistance up to 25 km/h; more powerful e-bikes need type approval.
• USA: Class 1–3 e-bikes up to 750 W under federal rules; states add speed limits.
• Scooters and light vehicles commonly use 36–60 V and 250 W–2 kW hubs; check local rules for road use.

Specify the mechanics

• Wheel size (e.g. 10-inch scooter, 20–29-inch bicycle) and rim or tyre type.
• Dropout width (typically 100 mm front, 135–142 mm rear on bicycles) and axle type; disc-brake mount.
• Rated and peak torque at the wheel, top speed at your voltage, and IP rating (IPX5–IPX7 for outdoor use).

AGV and robot wheels

AGV and service-robot hub motors are low-speed servo motors built into the wheel, usually 24 V or 48 V, with an encoder for position, often a fail-safe brake, and a matched servo drive with CAN or RS485. Specify load per wheel, maximum slope, acceleration and positioning accuracy. Shenzhen is a strong base for these wheel servos.