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Gear motor

Ein Getriebemotor nutzt ein internes Planetengetriebe, um die hohe Drehzahl des Elektromotors in nutzbares Drehmoment für das Hinterrad umzuwandeln. Er ist leichter als ein Direktläufer, klingt beim Fahren charakteristisch und kann im Leerlauf frei rollen. Dieser Artikel erklärt den Aufbau, die Unterschiede zu anderen Motorkonzepten und zeigt, für welche E-Bike-Typen ein Getriebemotor sinnvoll ist.

A gear motor is a specific type of electric motor that is often used in e-bikes. In the context of e-bikes, the gear motor is used as a drive system to move the bike.

Unlike mid-drive motors, which are located in the bottom bracket area, or hub motors, which are mounted in the wheel hub, the geared motor is usually located in the crankcase or bottom bracket area of ​​the bike. It works in combination with the bike's drive system to amplify pedal power and assist riding.

The geared motor uses a series of gear mechanisms to generate the rotating power, which is then transmitted to the bike's crankshaft. These motors are usually compact and lightweight, providing efficient power transmission that makes riding easier and increases comfort.

Some advantages of geared motors on e-bikes are:

  • Low weight: They are often lighter compared to some hub motors, which can improve the handling and ride of the bike.
  • Efficiency: Geared motors can provide efficient power transmission and enable better pedaling assistance.
  • Integration: Due to their position in the bottom bracket area, they can offer better weight distribution and more natural driving dynamics.
  • Ease of maintenance: Some gear motors are easier to maintain or repair because they are often more accessible.

The choice of motor, be it a geared motor, a mid-motor or a hub motor, depends on various factors such as design preferences, riding style, terrain and personal preference.
Avinox drive

Published: December 1, 2023  |  Updated: May 22, 2026

Sources & References

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    Around 5 million people in Germany suffer from osteoarthritis – and many of them believe that this means they can't do any sport. Running hurts, climbing stairs is agony, and intensive sports are completely out of the question. But most people overlook a form of exercise that orthopedists have been recommending for years: cycling. And with e-bikes, it's even more accessible.

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  • Fahrradinfrastruktur weltweit

    Cycling infrastructure worldwide: rules, rights and cycle paths in international comparison

    Do you dream of cycling through the flat polders of the Netherlands, crossing Copenhagen's bicycle bridges, or exploring the Australian coast on your e-bike? Then you should know beforehand: cycling isn't the same everywhere. Every country has its own infrastructure, its own laws – and sometimes even its own unique cycling culture. In this article, we'll take you on a tour around the globe and show you what to expect – including the most important rules for e-bikes and pedelecs.

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Häufige Fragen about Gear motor

Die häufigsten Fragen und Antworten

A geared motor uses an internal planetary gearbox that translates the high motor speed into a lower wheel speed with higher torque. It has a freewheel, allowing it to coast with minimal resistance, but it cannot recuperate energy. A direct-drive motor has no gearbox—the motor and wheel rotate at the same rate. It is heavier, has no moving parts with wear in the gearbox, and enables recuperation, but it generates noticeable resistance when coasting.

No. The freewheel in the geared motor decouples the motor and wheel as soon as no motor assistance is active—therefore, no energy recuperation is possible. Recuperation is only possible with direct-drive motors. Anyone who specifically values recuperation must choose a direct-drive motor or a specially designed mid-drive motor.

Geared motors produce a characteristic whirring or short clicking sound when starting up, which comes from the freewheel mechanism—similar to a bicycle ratchet hub. During operation, modern systems are significantly quieter than older generations, but never completely silent. Direct-drive and mid-drive motors from higher-end product lines are quieter in operation.

Typical geared motors in the city bike segment deliver 35–55 Nm, while high-performance systems for cargo bikes and mountain bikes deliver up to 80 Nm. For comparison, mid-drive motors from Bosch or Shimano Steps deliver 50–85 Nm—with the difference that the mid-drive motor transmits the torque to the rear wheel via the bicycle chain, thus allowing it to influence gear shifting.

Geared motors are ideal for city e-bikes, folding e-bikes, and lightweight touring bikes where low weight, low-maintenance technology, and natural riding characteristics are paramount. For challenging terrain, heavy loads, or very steep climbs, mid-drive motors are superior because they can utilize the shifting characteristics of the drivetrain.

A geared motor is located as a hub motor in the front or rear wheel and transmits power directly to the wheel. A mid-drive motor is located at the bottom bracket and transmits power to the rear wheel via chain or belt—thus benefiting from the gear system and generating optimized drive torque in each gear. Mid-drive motors are heavier but more efficient off-road and on varying inclines.