From what I've read, a direct drive has some drag if you pedal without the motor on, think of low battery pack after riding too far. I have a hub gear drive, and they have more torque than than a direct drive, and free wheel easily. I also have a high end aluminum frame mid drive Haibike. It's much much lighter than my steel frame hub motor bike. I personally pedal all the time. I have a throttle on the hub motor bike, so use that when taking off from a light. The mid drive is pedal assist only, but has an 10 speed cassette. I much prefer the better computer on the mid drive. Choose your riding style because a lot of people use these bikes like a scooter. I put about 1500 miles on the hub motor bike this year, and was thrilled with it, but now am crazy in love with the Haibike. Spend as much as you can on batteries is the best advice I'd heard before, but since I've a convert on a high end bike, well, spend as much as you can anyway!