Should E-Bikes Be Banned From Multi-Use Trails? + Mid-Drive Vs Hub-Drive Hill Test Winner TWR Ep 73
In this episode of The Weekly Recharge, we tackle one of the most heated debates in the cycling world: should e-bikes be banned from multi-use trails? Some riders believe electric bikes don’t belong on shared paths, while others argue they expand access and make cycling more inclusive.
We break down both sides of the argument and explain how responsible riding, speed limits, and proper regulation could shape the future of e-bike access on multi-use trails.
We also take a deep dive into one of the most common questions riders ask:
Which climbs hills better — a mid-drive motor or a rear hub motor?
Using real-world riding experience and testing, we compare how each motor type handles hill climbs, torque delivery, gearing advantages, and rider effort to determine which system truly performs best on steep terrain.
👕 Merch + Rider of the Week
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Topics Covered In This Episode
⚡ Should e-bikes be banned from multi-use trails?
⚡ Mid-drive vs hub-drive motors for climbing hills
⚡ Helmet recall affecting more than 40,000 riders
⚡ Tenways preparing for a possible public stock listing
⚡ China introducing new traceable certification rules for e-bikes
⚡ New lockable bike trunk designed to prevent theft
Mid-Drive vs Hub-Drive Hill Climbing
Mid-drive motors can take advantage of the bike’s drivetrain to multiply torque, which is why they’re commonly used on electric mountain bikes designed for steep terrain.
Hub-drive motors, on the other hand, deliver power directly to the wheel and often rely on higher wattage to brute-force hills.
In this episode we compare:
– Torque multiplication through gearing
– Real-world climbing performance
– Power delivery differences
– Which riders benefit most from each system
Gear of the Week: https://www.pecron.com/products/pecron-e1000lfp-portable-power-station-2000w-1024wh
Pecron E1000LFP Portable Power Station
Deals of the week:
Velotric’s Sale: https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricPromos
Breeze 1 – lightweight cruiser/commuter – $150 off, down to $1,649
Includes fenders and a cargo rack
Summit 1 – rear-hub trail bike/eMTB-style commuter – $200 off, down to $1,799
Also includes fenders and rack
Mokwheel’s Spring Sale: https://ebrdeals.com/MokwheelPromos
Obsidian HS – $1,999
Full-suspension fat tire all-terrain e-bike
Asphalt ST – $1,199
Peppy, responsive, and comfortable city cruiser
What Went Live:
AIMA Big Sur 2.0: https://electricbikereport.com/aima-big-sur-2-review/
Velotric Summit 2: https://electricbikereport.com/velotric-summit-2-review/
Heybike Venus: https://electricbikereport.com/heybike-venus-review/
GoTrax Ranger: https://electricbikereport.com/gotrax-ranger-review/
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#ebike #electricbike #ebikenews #emtb #middrive #hubmotor
00:00 – Intro
00:38 – News Of The Week
00:47 – Tenways files for Hong Kong IPO.
03:21 – Todson Helmet Recall.
04:48 – China Updates CCC framework.
07:45 – New Stowe Lockable Bike Trunk.
08:41 – Other Things Electric
12:15 – Currently Testing & Recent Reviews
15:01 – E-Bike Trail Systems
19:24 – Questions & Comments
19:40 – Do bikes need to be licensed?
23:02 – What is normal Belt-Drive Maintenance?
25:47 – Rattle Sounds on the Mokwheel Flint Pro?
30:54 – Mid Drive vs Hub Drive for hill climbing.
36:00 – Fit on Moto-Style E-Bikes.
41:03 – Deals Of The Week
42:38 – Rider Highlight
43:59 – Wrap Up
