Originally Posted by
2old
If you're using the bike for commuting and don't have steep hills on the route, a hub system that is much more cost-efficient is an excellent alternative. There are many individuals here who have experience with them as well as linberl who has experience with friction drives.
I'm also looking at an Aventon Pacer 500, which has a rear drum motor. I know it won't handle like these mid-drives, but I don't think I'm looking at this for fun or pleasure. It would mostly be for saving money, and hopefully preserving a parking space for my car. I don't think this is a very good reason to get back into bicycling, but it is what it is. You just can't store a motorcycle in an apartment.