Do you have an MTB sitting in the garage, or do you want to boost your forest rides without spending €4,000 on a brand-new bike? Retrofit is the solution. But one question always comes up: should you install the motor on the rear wheel or on the crankset?
For MTB use, the rear hub motor is often the underrated hero: simpler, cheaper, and brutally effective. Here’s our selection of the 3 best Amazon kits to transform your machine.
Why choose a hub motor for your MTB?
Unlike urban riding, MTB imposes very specific constraints. Here’s why the rear wheel scores points:
- Maximum traction: on steep climbs, weight shifts to the rear, delivering perfect grip where a front motor would slip.
- Frame protection: front forks aren’t designed for traction; a rear motor uses the strongest part of the frame.
- Less drivetrain wear: unlike a mid-drive, a hub motor doesn’t “pull” on your chain. You’ll wear your cassette and derailleur less.
🏆 The “Royal Trio”: Our 2026 picks
| Profile | Recommended model | Key strengths |
| Beginner | Yose Power 350W | Complete kit with battery, ready to install. |
| Power seeker | Viribus 1000W | Aggressive price and pure speed (private land). |
| MTB expert | Bafang G020 | High torque, lightweight, premium finish. |
1) The Simple Choice: Yose Power 350W kit (Complete pack)
It’s the ideal kit if you don’t want the hassle of hunting for a compatible battery.
- Bonus: compatible with 8/9/10-speed cassettes so you can keep your original gearing.
- Budget: around €400–€450 for the full motor + wheel + battery setup (depending on deals/variants).
2) The Power Beast: Viribus 1000W kit
Want to turn your MTB into a mini motorbike for private land? This is the kit you want.
- Bonus: “Direct Drive” motor, virtually unbreakable because it has no internal gears.
- Warning: requires a powerful 48V battery (often not included depending on the bundle/variant).
3) Premium Performance: Bafang G020
For riders who want excellent torque (50–55 Nm) in a compact and lightweight format (≈ 3.5 kg).
- Bonus: better sealing and a stealthy look on the bike.
- Quality: high-end Plug & Play connectors.
🛠️ Technical checklist before you order
Before you click “Buy”, check these 3 points on your MTB:
- Rear dropout spacing: your frame should measure 135 mm between the two wheel mounts.
- Brakes: make sure you have disc brakes. All selected kits use standard 6-bolt rotor mounts.
- Cassette or freewheel: for modern MTBs, always choose the “Cassette” option for clean, reliable shifting.