A hub motor is an electric motor built directly into the wheel of the scooter. It's quiet, low-maintenance, and reliable, with no chain or belt — and it's the standard motor type on virtually all electric scooters today.
A hub motor is an electric motor built directly into the wheel of the scooter. Instead of a chain or belt driving the wheel, the motor is the wheel's hub — which makes it quiet, low-maintenance, and reliable. It's the standard motor type on virtually all electric scooters today, including Evee.
How a hub motor works
The motor sits inside the wheel and spins it directly. There's no chain, no belt, and no gearbox to wear out or adjust — power goes straight from the battery, through the controller, to the wheel. Fewer moving parts means fewer things to maintain or break.
Why hub motors are used on scooters
- Quiet: no engine or chain noise — see are electric scooters noisy.
- Low-maintenance: no chain to oil or adjust, no oil changes.
- Reliable: a simple, sealed design with few wear parts.
- Instant torque: strong pull from a standstill, great in traffic.
Does motor size matter?
Yes — the hub motor's wattage sets the performance. Higher wattage means stronger acceleration, hill-climbing, and top speed — see can an electric scooter climb hills. Compare motor sizes across the range on our models page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a hub motor on an electric scooter?
It's an electric motor built into the wheel itself, driving it directly with no chain or belt.
Are hub motors reliable?
Yes — they're simple, sealed, and have few moving parts, so they're low-maintenance and dependable.
Do hub motors need maintenance?
Very little — there's no chain to oil or gearbox to service, unlike a petrol bike.
Does a bigger hub motor mean more speed?
Yes — higher wattage gives stronger acceleration, better hill-climbing, and a higher top speed.
Do all electric scooters use hub motors?
Almost all do, including Evee — it's the standard, proven motor type for scooters.