Lately the news has been filled with reports about green energy sources and renewable energy. The United States, among other countries, has begun focusing its attention on these sources. Hub motors, or direct drive motors, are being investigated to see how they may be applied to various vehicles. The ebike or electric bicycle is one of the biggest users of hybrid motor.
China is the biggest manufacturer of hub motors. Electric bikes and scooters are very common there since they conserve on fuel and are helping to lower the pollution levels. With all of the crowding in China, the hub motor used on bikes and scooters helps move traffic along faster, too.
Other countries have been slower to use these propulsion devices. In the United States, the regulations governing hub motor and electric bike usage are stringent, with most bikes not allowed on city and town streets. Even more confusing is the fact that each state has its own laws concerning bikes.
Hub motors use electromagnetic fields to propel the vehicle forward. There are two types of hub motors:
• Brush motors
• Brushless motors
Each have pros and cons:
• Brush motor pros: less expensive.
• Brush motor cons: less efficient.
• Brushless motor pros: more efficient, saving money and energy in the long run.
• Brushless motor cons: more expensive to manufacture and buy.
Hub motors help scooters and other lighter vehicles be quieter, reducing noise pollution and making for quieter streets. Vehicles using hub motors are lighter because they do not require the use of a transmission, gas tank, motor, or drive chain. Hub motors are versatile, cost effective and best of all, fuel efficient.
Consider buying a vehicle that uses this propulsion technology and help conserve fuel and help the environment.
Tags: bicycle, green energy, hub motor, renewable energy
