Not every ride takes place on flat, predictable roads. Hills, rough trails, sudden starts, and changing terrain can all demand more from an electric bike’s motor. That is why the way a motor delivers its power matters just as much as the power rating itself.
Riding Times designs its electric dirt bikes around different types of riding, from the compact GT54 and GT54 PRO to the longer-range GT73 and GT73 PRO. Across these models, the motor system is designed to deliver power directly through the rear wheel, helping riders handle everything from everyday routes to off-road adventures.
One important part of this system is the Integrated Geared Hub. Built directly into the rear hub, the internal gearing changes the motor’s rotation before it reaches the wheel. This allows the motor and wheel to operate at different rotational speeds while providing mechanical torque multiplication at the geared output.
But what does the 5.2:1 internal reduction ratio actually mean?
And why use internal gearing instead of connecting the motor directly to the wheel?
This guide explains how the Integrated Geared Hub works, what the 5.2:1 reduction ratio means, and what riders should know when comparing geared and direct-drive hub motors.
What Is an Integrated Geared Hub?
An Integrated Geared Hub combines two components in one rear-wheel system: the electric motor and an internal gear reduction mechanism.
Instead of sending the motor's rotation directly to the wheel, the internal gears change the rotation before it reaches the wheel.
The 5.2:1 reduction ratio means the motor rotates 5.2 times for every one rotation of the geared output. The internal gearing reduces rotational speed while increasing the mechanical torque available at the output.
This allows the motor to operate at a different rotational speed from the wheel.
The gearing stays inside the hub, so you do not need an external gear system to perform this reduction.
How Does the 5.2:1 Reduction System Work?
The easiest way to understand the system is to look at the rotation ratio. Imagine the motor's internal input rotates 5.2 times. Through the reduction gears, the output rotates once. This is what the 5.2:1 internal reduction ratio describes.
The system therefore changes two important things:
- Motor rotation speed
- Mechanical torque at the output
The gears transfer the motor's rotation through a lower-speed output. Because mechanical gearing trades rotational speed for torque, the output can produce more torque than the motor shaft would provide at the same direct rotation ratio.
This is the basic principle behind the geared hub design.
What Does 338 N·m of Torque Mean at the Wheel?
The GT73 Pro has up to 338 N·m of torque. Based on its 70/100-19 rear tire, this equals a theoretical wheel force of around 1,086 N.
Why Does Internal Gearing Matter on an E-Bike?
An electric motor can rotate at a much higher speed than the wheel. The wheel, however, needs a suitable rotational speed for riding. The internal reduction gears create a connection between these two requirements.
Think of it as a mechanical conversion inside the motor hub. The motor can rotate at its operating speed while the gearing reduces that rotation before it reaches the wheel. This gives the motor system a defined mechanical reduction without requiring an external gearbox. The result is a compact motor and gear system integrated into the rear hub.
Riding Times Integrated Geared Hub Models
Riding Times offers electric bikes, electric motorbikes, and electric dirt bikes for riders with different power needs and riding goals. The GT54, GT54 Pro, GT73, and GT73 Pro use rear hub motor configurations, with motor output, battery configuration, torque, and performance designed around their individual product categories.
The following table gives a simple overview of how these Riding Times models fit into the range.
| Model | Best For | Power and Battery Positioning | Integrated Geared Hub Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT54 | Compact electric motorbike and recreational electric dirt bike riding | 2000W peak motor, 48V battery, 290 Nm torque | Rear hub motor system built for compact, high-torque performance |
| GT54 Pro | Riders seeking a higher-output mini electric motorbike | 3000W peak motor, 60V battery, 338 Nm torque | Higher-output rear hub motor configuration for more demanding riding |
| GT73 | Dual battery electric dirt bike with pedals | 2400W motor, 48V dual-battery electric bike configuration and 126 Nm torque | Rear geared hub motor with pedal-assist capability |
| GT73 Pro | High performance electric motorbike and off-road electric bike riding | 3000W brushless hub motor, 60V dual-battery configuration and 338 Nm torque | Rear geared hub motor system designed for higher-output performance |
Whether you are searching for an electric bike for daily travel, an electric dirt bike with pedals for longer adventures, or a high performance electric motorbike for more demanding terrain, Riding Times helps put powerful, direct-to-wheel assistance within reach. Explore the Riding Times electric bike collection to find the model built for your next ride.
Use the Riding Times model comparison tool to compare electric bikes, battery options, motor specifications, dimensions, and key features before selecting the right model for your next ride.
Integrated Geared Hub vs. Direct-Drive Hub
The main difference between a geared hub and a direct-drive hub is what happens between the motor and the wheel. A direct-drive hub motor connects the motor's rotation directly to the wheel. It does not use an internal reduction gear system. An integrated geared hub uses internal gears between the motor and the wheel output.
Here is the basic difference:
| Feature | Integrated Geared Hub | Direct-Drive Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Internal reduction gears | Yes | No |
| Motor and hub integrated | Yes | Yes |
| Motor rotation | Reduced through internal gearing before reaching the wheel | Transferred directly to the wheel |
| Motor size and weight | Generally more compact and lighter | Generally larger and heavier |
| Freewheeling / coasting | Can allow the wheel to freewheel when the motor is not providing power, depending on the hub design | Motor remains mechanically connected to the wheel |
| Regenerative braking | Often limited by the internal freewheel design; model-specific | More commonly supported because the motor remains mechanically connected to the wheel |
| Noise | Internal gears can produce some mechanical noise | Generally quieter mechanically because there are no reduction gears |
| Thermal performance | Compact construction and internal gearing can affect heat management under sustained loads | Larger motor mass can provide greater thermal capacity, depending on the design |
| Mechanical speed reduction | Yes | No |
| 5.2:1 reduction ratio | Used on selected Riding Times models | Not applicable |
The two designs use different approaches to transferring motor rotation. Neither motor type alone determines an e-bike's overall performance. Motor power, battery specifications, controller settings, wheel size, rider weight, terrain, and other components also affect how an e-bike behaves.
What Are the Limitations of a Geared Hub?
Internal gearing adds mechanical components inside the motor, which means the gears can experience wear over time. Gear durability can depend on factors such as torque loading, repeated use, and shock loads from off-road riding. These factors can place additional stress on the internal components, so inspection may be needed if wear or other issues develop.
A geared hub can also produce more mechanical noise than a direct-drive design because the internal gears are moving during operation. The actual sound level depends on the motor design and riding conditions.
How Does Rear Hub Weight Affect Off-Road Riding?
Because the motor is integrated into the rear wheel, the hub motor adds weight to the wheel assembly. This contributes to the bike's unsprung mass, which can affect how the suspension responds to rough or uneven terrain.
On off-road trails, additional wheel weight can influence suspension response, traction, handling, and stress on components. This is an important consideration when evaluating electric dirt bikes designed for rough terrain.
Why Put the Gears Inside the Hub?
The integrated design keeps the reduction mechanism inside the motor hub. That gives the motor system a compact layout. You do not need a separate external gearbox to create the reduction between the motor and wheel.
For the rider, the main point is simple: the gearing is part of the hub motor assembly. This also makes the term Integrated Geared Hub useful when you compare different motor designs. Instead of looking only at the motor's power rating, you can also look at how the motor transfers its rotation to the wheel.
What Should You Look at Besides the Hub?
The motor is only one part of an e-bike. When you compare Riding Times models, look at the complete specification of each bike. Consider the motor, battery, frame, suspension, brakes, wheels, dimensions, and other equipment.
Your riding needs also matter. For example, the right model can depend on where you ride, how far you normally travel, the terrain you use, and which specifications matter most to you. Riding Times provides a dedicated comparison page where you can review the available models side by side.
You can also explore the full Riding Times eBike Collection to see the current European range.
FAQ
Is an Integrated Geared Hub better for hills?
Internal reduction gearing can help convert the motor’s high-speed rotation into a lower-speed output with greater mechanical torque. This can be useful when climbing hills, but hill-climbing performance also depends on motor power, battery voltage, controller settings, rider weight, terrain, and other factors.
Does a 5.2:1 reduction ratio mean the bike has more power?
Not by itself. The 5.2:1 ratio describes the mechanical relationship between motor input rotation and geared output rotation. Overall performance also depends on the motor, battery, controller, wheel size, and other components.
Does a geared hub make the bike harder to pedal without power?
Not necessarily. A geared hub with a freewheel mechanism can allow the wheel to rotate without forcing the motor's internal gears to rotate. This can reduce mechanical drag when the motor is not providing assistance. The actual pedaling feel depends on the specific hub and bike design.
