Originally Posted by
veganbikes
Mid-Drives are the way to go. They are more efficient and also keep the weight centered and low which is what you want with heavy weight. Hub drives are lower cost and an older school solution that yes people still use but more to save money or because they are entrenched into it. When you have a hub drive you are adding rotational weight which is the worst kind of weight. Plus with a proper mid-drive the bike is generally designed around that motor so it can handle the stresses of the motor.
Yes e-bikes will get lighter. Look at stuff with the Specialized SL motors or Fazua and you will find some decently light stuff. Everything is always getting better but the best time to buy is now so you can ride.
In terms of standards there will always be new standards. That is the nature of standards
Agree, and not entirely because that's what I have. :-)
Keeping much of the mass low and in the center I suspect helps handling and stability, aided further by a battery enclosed in the downtube.
I'll also speculate that flat-fixing is more complicated with a rear hub motor. I do not own one but that's my experience with a geared rear hub bike. Removing the wheel isn't too fussy but replacing it sure is.
I expect drive components and batteries will shrink with time as the technology advances, reducing the added mass and putting less stress on the bike and wheels. So they can be lighter, too. Mine is 30 pounds and I see plenty of e-bikes 2X that.