10 years is a long time. Volition was born in Sydney by two engineering graduates from UTS.
The original name was “Volt,” but the copyright belonged to General Motors.
We later changed the name to Volition — meaning willpower — to illustrate our determination to change the landscape of transportation in Australia and the future of the mid drive ebike market.
We were one of the first 20-inch fat tyre ebike companies in Australia (since 2017). Today, there are thousands of “companies” selling similar bikes from the same factory. The competition in the hub motor ebike Australia market is tough.
It does not bother us.
Like our bikes, we prefer to stay compact and truthful to our goal: making better ebikes.
We focus on proper engineering — whether it is a high-torque mid drive ebike, a carefully built conversion kit, or understanding the real mechanical difference between a mid drive system and a typical hub motor ebike in Australia.
We are not here to be the biggest.
We are here to build better.
Mid Drive Ebike vs Hub Motor Ebike Australia
Is a mid drive always better?
Is a hub motor inferior?
We beg to differ.
For eMTB, a mid drive ebike is hands down the way to go. No serious rider wants wheels weighing 5kg+. Handling is everything in eMTB. Keeping the weight centered and low makes the bike more responsive, more balanced, and far more capable on technical terrain. This is where a mid drive system clearly outperforms a traditional hub motor.
But context matters.
For commuter ebikes — especially 20-inch fat tyre ebikes — the priorities are different. Riders are not looking for airtime. They want reliability, stability, and everyday usability.
Yes, heavy wheels are never ideal. But a hub motor ebike in Australia remains simple, durable, and often more cost-effective. Probably less “sexy” from a pure performance standpoint — but the bike is fat after all. It is built for comfort, stability, and daily commuting.
Different tools for different jobs.
The real question isn’t mid drive vs hub motor.
It’s: what are you riding for?
What About a Mid Drive Conversion Kit on a 20-Inch Fat Tyre Bike?
Here is the big question:
What happens if you install a mid drive conversion kit onto a 20-inch fat tyre ebike?
Now we have something interesting.
An everyday commuter that is still practical — but far more engaging.
Lighter rotating mass compared to a heavy rear hub.
Stronger hill climbing through the gears.
More control.
More rider involvement.
A properly engineered mid drive ebike conversion kit transforms the ride feel completely. It becomes a real charmer — comfortable and stable, yet responsive and alive.
Of course, there is a downside.
A mid drive demands more from the rider. You must understand how to use the gear system properly. Shifting under heavy load, riding in the wrong gear, or treating it like a hub motor will shorten drivetrain life.
More performance.
More responsibility.
And that is the real difference between a basic hub motor ebike and a properly set up mid drive ebike in Australia.
