Electric bikes have become an innovation with innumerable benefits for humankind and the planet. There are different variations of e-bikes that an interested rider can find. Dual-motor e-bikes are being hailed as game-changers. Other names include twin-motor e-bikes or AWD (all-wheel drive) electric bikes.
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This guide will take a closer look at this new tech add-on to the niche.
What is a dual-motor e-bike?
We have all heard of rear-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive cars. In both these cases, the power comes from two wheels instead of four.
Then, there are the all-wheel-drive cars that are also termed 4×4. In this case, all four wheels have power. The concept of AWD e-bikes or all-wheel-drive e-bikes comes from here.
In electric bikes, double motors or all-wheel-drive means the engines are located at the two wheels – one at the front wheel hub and the second at the rear wheel hub. Clearly, the purpose is to double the power and make the e-bike more stable with even weight distribution.
A dual-motor e-bike has the advantage of having power on both wheels. The e-bike is way more robust than other e-bike models when pressing the throttle or pedaling. It is advantageous while covering rough and undulated terrains and even steep landscapes.
Read also: Front, mid-drive, or rear e-bike motor. Which one to choose? And, What are the differences between rotation and torque sensors?
Additionally, the two motors help in weight distribution. Rather than the entire weight being borne by the rear wheel. Therefore, you can expect better stability on all kinds of terrains with dual motors.
The dual advantages of additional power and enhanced stability directly affect the efficiency of the e-bike. And if you have doubts about the range, you can be stress-free.
Most dual-motor electric bikes run on a dual-battery set. This s a boon for long-distance travel. Thus, the range is not an issue with double batteries to aid the motor.
How do dual-motor (AWD) e-bikes work?
Such e-bikes usually do not have mid-drive motors. Their motors are located on the front and rear wheels. In many cases, the batteries are often also double. There’s a throttle (or pedal assist) that, when engaged, empowers the motors from the stored energy of the batteries.
The rear part is optimized to handle a large amount of torque. This helps the rider get going. The power is then transferred to the front hub that takes care of speed.
There are pedals, too, just like other e-bikes though a pedal-assist system may be missing in some double-motor e-bikes. The two motors make both wheels spin, helping the e-bike move faster.
Advantages of dual-motor (AWD) e-bikes
- Double motors translate into twice the power generated by a one-hub motor system.
- If one power source fails, the other acts as a backup.
- The speed generated by a dual-motor e-bike is at least 16% more than the speed generated by a single-hub motor e-bike. The usual speed by the former is about 28 mph vis-a-vis 24 mph of the latter.
- The distance covered with the same battery and wattage is much more with the dual-motor e-bike vis-a-vis the single-hub motor.
- The motor system is more durable and at least 50% cooler than a single motor.
- Dual-motor system gives the rider enhanced confidence with safer handling. Driving through corners is way easier and smoother.
- These e-bikes are designed for year-round driving. Snow, hail, rain, or sun – even the harshest weather conditions are no challenge with dual-motor e-bikes.
Current dual-motor e-bike models (sorted A-Z)
| e-Bike Brand Name | e-Bike Model with Dual Motors | Regions Sold To |
| 562ebikes | Electro Rover AWD | USA |
| Ampd bros | ACE-X Demon² | UK, USA, Europe, Australia |
| Ampd bros | ACE-X Pro | UK, USA, Europe, Australia |
| Ariel Rider | Grizzly | USA |
| Berkshire e-cycles | Super Monarch Crown AWD 700W Off-Road E-Bike | USA |
| Bluerev | MOTO81 M-750 Turbo | Canada |
| CMACEwheel | AWD III | USA |
| CMACEwheel | RX20 MAX | Europe, USA |
| Easy Motion | Evo Snow 29” | Europe |
| Easy Motion | Evo Big Bud Pro | Europe |
| Eazy bikes | Beach | Australia |
| Ebike boys | FT-08 Twin Motors “Wrangler” | Australia |
| Ecells | Super Monarch AWD 1500 Watt Dual Crown | USA |
| Ecells | Super Monarch AWD 1000 Watts | USA |
| Ecells | Super ST AWD 1000-Watt Step Through | USA |
| Ecells | Super Monarch Crown AWD 1500 Off-Road E-Bike | USA |
| Ecells | 600-Watt Hardtail E-Bike | USA |
| Electric Bike Company | D2 | USA, Canada |
| Emmo | Monta X2 | Canada |
| Eunorau | FAT-AWD | USA, Australia, Europe |
| Eunorau | Defender S | USA, Australia, Europe |
| Excursione bikes | Defender | USA, Canada |
| Ezriderz | Sledz | Australia |
| Fabulouse bikes | RW X2 60 Volt | USA, Canada |
| Gogobest | GF700 | UK, Europe, USA |
| Hotebike | 60V750W | USA, Canada, Europe |
| Mootoro ebike | D1 PRO Dirt | USA, Asia |
| Motorino | MTgX2 | Canada, UK |
| Pedalelectric | AWD III | USA |
| Pwrbike | Dually | USA |
| Rambo bikes | The Megatron | USA, Canada |
| Rambo bikes | The Krusader | USA, Canada |
| Recon Power bikes | Stryker | USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, India, Asia, UK |
| Timbertrail bikes | Beast ST | USA |
| Timbertrail bikes | Beast | USA |
| UltraTRX | E2 Grizzly Bafang | USA |
| Vallkree | The Mechanism 24″ | UK, Europe, Australia |
| Vallkree | The Mechanism 26″ | UK, Europe, Australia |
| Vallkree | Dope Lemon | UK, Europe, Australia |
| Vamoose cycle | Super Mammoth X 750 | USA, Canada |
| Vanmoof | VanMoof V | USA, UK, Europe, Asia |
| Veloyal | K1 FATV | USA, Canada |
Difference between single-motor and dual-motor e-bike
Upfront, the difference between single and dual-motor e-bikes is the location of the motor system. In the former case, the motor is either at the front or the rear wheel. In the latter’s case, the motor is present on both wheels.
Front or rear hub single motor e-bike vs. dual motor e-bike
| Features | Front-hub single-motor e-bike | Rear-hub single-motor e-bike | Dual-motor e-bike |
| Motor location | In the front wheel hub | In the rear wheel hub | In the hubs of the front and rear wheels |
| Torque | Least | More than front-hub single-motor e-bikes but less than dual-motor e-bikes | Highest |
| Speed | Least | More than front-hub single-motor e-bikes but less than dual-motor e-bikes | Highest |
| Mechanism | The front is handled by the motor; the rear – by a human. | Motor-human combo in the rear gives more power. | Motor power in the front and rear. High power mechanics |
| Throttle | Throttle, not best-suited | Ideal to use with a throttle | Ideal to use with a throttle |
| Price | Most Affordable | Medium range price | Expensive |
| Where to use? | Within city driving. Urban commuting. Pavement rides. | Mostly meant for city ridesAs hunting and mountain e-bikes. |
Mid-drive motor e-bike vs. dual-motor e-bike
| Features | Mid-drive motor e-bike | Dual-motor e-bike |
| Location | The motor is at the central region of the e-bike. | The motors are located at the hubs of the front and rear wheels. |
| Built | These are usually integrated within the bike’s frame. | Usually are separate units. |
| Mechanism | The motor generates power and transfers it to cranks and chainring. The rear wheel is powered through the chain. | The wheels are powered directly by the motors. |
| Pedal Assist | Yes. The central motor facilitates pedaling as the cranks are powered first. | Hardly present. |
| Throttle | In most e-bikes, it is not present. | It is a crucial part of the e-bike. |
| Gear System usage | In these e-bikes, the gears play a significant role. The gears are an integral part of the drivetrain. The gears can be used to increase the motor power. | These e-bikes are usually not affected by changes in gear. |
| Sensors | A torque sensor is present in most e-bikes that checks the force with which the rider pedals. | A cadence sensor is present that senses if the rider is pedaling or not and the speed. |
| Frames | Special frames that have the bottom bracket region with the motor integrated. | Standard frames. |
| Wheels | Standard wheels | Special wheels with a motor built into them. |
| Price | Costliest amongst all types of e-bikes | Costlier than front and real-hub-motor e-bikes but cheaper than mid-drive motor e-bikes |
Dual motor e-bikes: FAQs
Are dual-motor e-bikes good for city rides?
Yes, the dual-motor e-bikes with the double motor system, one in the front and the other in the rear, are suitable for city rides. They are made for faster drives and can easily take you through paved roads and rough patches.
Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?
Are dual-motor e-bikes good for off-road experiences?
Yes, dual-motor e-bikes are an excellent option for off-road rides. You can comfortably drive them through sandy beaches and steep slopes. These also support easy driving through trees and forest terrains. Speed or power is never a problem with the double-motor rig.
Are dual-motor e-bikes good for daily commuting?
Yes, it is a good option for sustainable rides every day. The rides are smoother, speedier, and more efficient than single-motor e-bikes. However, if you need to drive through bike lanes, the single-hub option is better than the dual-motor e-bike.
Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?
What rides are dual-motor e-bikes good for?
Dual-motor e-bikes are highly recommended for driving on terrains of all types. These e-bikes are best known as hunting e-bikes, with versatile performance. Trekking, fishing, rides on beaches, muddy roads, snow-covered roads, hilly terrains, steep slopes, etc., are no challenges with the double-hub-motor e-bikes.
Read also: How to select the best gravel e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a gravel e-bike cost?
Are dual-motor and AWD e-bikes the same?
All dual-motors are AWD or All-Wheel-Drive e-bikes because the two motors are fitted into the bike’s two wheels. However, not all AWD e-bikes are dual-motors. Some models come with one motor system.
Do dual-motor e-bikes require special insurance?
The standard insurance policies cover dual motor e-bikes for technical damages like all other e-bikes. They do not require any particular insurance coverage.
Read also: Buy the right e-bike insurance (with analysis and examples). And, Does it make sense to buy specialized e-bike insurance?
Do dual-motor e-bikes require a license?
Similar to other e-bikes, dual-motor e-bikes are considered low-speed bikes. Therefore, riders are not required to have a license to ride these e-bikes. You can drive the bikes on paved roads and bike paths but not on sidewalks. Riders are recommended to check the local regulations for applicable restrictions and requirements.
Read also: What age to I need to be to ride an electric bike? And, Do I need a license to ride an electric bike?
Do dual-motor e-bikes require special maintenance?
E-bikes, in general, require minimal maintenance, making them user-friendly. There is no tension about oil changes, air filter replacement, syncing throttle bodies, etc. Dual-motors e-bikes do not require any special maintenance. They must be cleaned regularly using a low-pressure water stream or a wet cloth.
Ensure that the moving parts are lubricated well. Keep a watch on the tire pressure and check the e-bike in between for loose bolts, screws, or nuts. Replace the brake pads when they need a revamp, and keep your batteries charged as per the manufacturer’s manual.
Are fat tires a good choice for AWD e-bikes?
For All-Wheel-Drive e-bikes, fat tires are advised for off-road drives. The fat tires are meant to absorb shock making the ride a comfortable experience.
Rough terrains require tires for a better grip, and AWD e-bikes are best used for such landscapes. Therefore, it is best to use fat tires that help cushion during the ride.
Additionally, fat tires offer better control on the surface, offering more balanced rides. There are lesser chances of repairing tires when riding off-road.
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
What brakes are better for dual-motor electric bikes?
Hydraulic e-brakes are the best types of brakes for dual-motor e-bikes. This system helps stop the e-bike quickly in all kinds of road and weather conditions.
Is it a good decision to use the throttle on a dual-motor e-bike?
It is an excellent decision to use the throttle on a dual-motor e-bike. The throttle as a thumb button helps turn the dual motors on so that the rider can take advantage of the power boost as they ride.
Can I switch on only one motor on a dual-motor electric bike?
There are usually two throttles for each motor system. Each of your thumbs is for the two throttles. This means you can use one or the other motor per the situation and your driving needs.
Are there disadvantages of dual-motor e-bikes?
Dual-motor e-bikes are a great companion but have certain disadvantages too. In most cases, the motors on both wheels are of the same capacity. Occasionally, the front hub motor could have a smaller power than the rear. In such a case, it is not recommended for the rider to overpower the e-bike as it can result in the burnout of the front wheels in no time.
Another point to remember is that now you will have two batteries to charge. That could be challenging as you must remember to do so.
Read also: What is the difference between e-bike batteries? And, How to solve most common e-bike battery problems?
Using dual-motor with their respective throttles can involve training, especially for beginners. This applies to other vehicles at turns, starting from zero at traffic lights and intersections.
A few words in conclusion
Dual motor/AWD e-bikes are one of the latest innovations in the electric biking industry. This e-bike helps move faster, the exertion required is less intense, and one can climb steep slopes with the help of the power generated by both motors.
Overall, the dual motor/AWD e-bikes are suitable for off-road driving. They can also be used for city rides if you are well-trained to handle the power of the two motors with the throttles.
