FWD or RWD?

[arielrossolato]

I have read of someone talking about that, but in others threads and going OT.

Which one is better? And why?

 

[arkmundi]

There are advantages & disadvantages for either, and much opinion here at ES. Rear wheels on bikes are designed to provide propulsion. given the dropouts and framing. Also a greater axle width. But also where the gears are located, so a bit more involved for mounting a hub motor. The front wheel is a bit easier to fully mount. But not designed as well for providing the motive force. More taking hits on the front wheel - look at the dropouts. You'll find kits for either, however, so take your pick.

 

[torqueboards]

Try both it's not too hard to try both. I also think it depends what type of rider you are goofy/regular.

 

[psychotiller]

Try both it's not too hard to try both. I also think it depends what type of rider you are goofy/regular.

Why would goofy or regular make a difference Torque?

I've got boards set up both ways...Think I'm leaning towards FWD as a favorite though.

 

[torqueboards]

Not sure.. I would think it would depend on where you put your weight on first if it would be better or not. Maybe doesn't. I only ride goofy with right foot forward. FWD also works better for me.

 

[Farfle]

Edit: Didnt see this was in E mountain boards

FWD is great for a quick and clean install without inturrupting the pedal drivetrain.

FWD is not ideal for high power (>1500W) , perky geared motors, slippery surfaces, sloppy torque arms and regen. Cause if the front wheel comes out, you go down hard.

RWD is great for higher power and maintaining traction, but installing rear motors sucks (lots going on between the derailleur, centering the disc brake, and spreading the dropouts and spacers) and there is sometimes extra cost involved with adapting freewheels and derailleurs and shifters.

General rule of thumb is performance high power stuff is RWD , commuters are RWD.

Not saying that there arent high powered commuters. A 4kw 66v 9c commuter bike is the greatest ebike IMHO.

 

[onloop]

FWD. Is better if you drag race your eboard. Hard acceleration. Zero to top speed quickly is better with FWD because weight Is (has to be to stay on board) forward above front wheels. Better traction as weight is directly above source of propulsion. No wheelies.

FWD is not as good for braking. During hard braking Most of your body Weight is (should be) distributed to the back section of the board to counter the forces of inertia. The board wants to stop but your body mass wants to continue at the same speed.. The only way to stop the mass moving forward is to brace against it with the front leg... this brace is most effective when the body weight is lowered & the front knee is locked. This stance by default takes weight off the front wheels meaning increased chance that traction is lost - reducing the effectiveness of the brake.

I prefer rear dual.... also I'm determined to perfect a power-assisted-rear-wheel-manual. Aka. Pop a mono.