What actually makes an electric bike feel strong when you pull away from a stop or start climbing a hill? Motor wattage matters, but it does not tell the whole story. How the motor delivers that power to the wheel can change how the bike responds when speed drops and more pulling force is needed.

That is where motor design and gearing come in. In this guide, we’ll look at how an integrated geared hub works, why its reduction ratio matters, and how the system is used across the GT54, GT54 Pro, GT73 and GT73 Pro. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what these specifications mean and what to compare when choosing between the four models.

How the integrated geared hub turns speed into torqueWhere an integrated geared hub helps on your ride

Think about restarting on an uphill section. At low speed, the wheel needs enough force to move the bike and rider against gravity, which is where an integrated geared hub and wheel torque become relevant.

The GT73 Pro provides a useful example. Its published specifications list 338 N·m of torque and a 70/100-19 tire. Using those figures, the theoretical force at the tire contact patch is about 1,086 N, or 244 lbf, if the 338 N·m figure represents torque at the wheel or hub output.

This helps show how an integrated geared hub can translate torque into pulling force during low-speed starts and climbs. Actual performance still depends on traction, rider load, battery and controller output, terrain and other riding conditions.

Integrated geared hub vs mid-drive: what changes?

Both designs can use gearing, but they put it in different places. That difference matters when choosing an electric bike for your terrain.

Motor design	Motor-power path	Main trade-off
Integrated geared hub	Fixed reduction inside the rear hub	Fixed internal reduction; motor gearing is not rider-selectable
Direct-drive hub	Motor turns the hub without reduction gears	Fewer internal transmission parts; no reduction stage
Mid-drive	Motor sends power through the electric bike drivetrain	Can use the selected external gears; drivetrain carries motor load

An integrated geared hub packages the reduction mechanism inside the rear hub. A typical mid-drive uses the electric bike’s external gears, allowing the motor to keep spinning faster while the bike moves more slowly on a climb. That flexibility can be useful on demanding terrain.

The 2018 study “E-bikes for steep roads: mid drive and hub drive motor efficiency comparison” helps illustrate why configuration matters. Its abstract reports higher mid-drive efficiency in the configurations studied, with hub-drive energy consumption 18% higher. It was not a test of the RidingTimes models in this article, so that percentage should not be used to establish their relative efficiency.

Internal gearing also adds moving parts compared with a direct-drive hub. Grin Technologies' hub-motor guide  notes that geared hubs can experience gear wear and produce some gear noise. As with other moving components, regular inspection and appropriate maintenance can help keep the drive system in good condition.

Choose the bike around the motor: GT54 or GT73?

The GT54, GT54 Pro, GT73 and GT73 Pro share the same 5.2:1 integrated geared hub architecture, but that does not make them the same electric bike. Motor output, battery configuration, speed, weight, load capacity and tire size all change what each model offers.

Here is a closer look at the specifications:

Model	Peak motor output	Max speed	Battery configuration	Nominal energy	Vehicle weight	Max load	Wheel / tire size
GT54	2,000W peak	40 mph / 65 km/h	48V 27Ah	1,296Wh	105 lb	220 lb	Front wheel: 60/100-14 Rear wheel: 60/100-12
GT54 Pro	3,000W peak	50 mph / 80 km/h	60V 25Ah	1,500Wh	102 lb	220 lb	Front wheel: 60/100-14 Rear wheel: 60/100-12
GT73	2,400W peak	37mph / 60km/h	Two 48V 18.2Ah batteries	1,747.2Wh total	116 lb	330 lb	25''*4 Off-road
GT73 Pro	3,000W peak	50 mph / 80 km/h	Two 60V 18Ah batteries	2,160Wh total	123 lb	330 lb	25''*3 Off-road

The four models differ in motor output and battery capacity. The GT54’s 48V 27Ah battery provides 1,296Wh of nominal energy, while the GT54 Pro’s 60V 25Ah battery provides 1,500Wh. With their dual-battery setups, the GT73 provides 1,747.2Wh and the GT73 Pro 2,160Wh of total nominal energy.

Size and motor output do not necessarily increase together. The GT73 uses a larger platform than the GT54 series, but the more compact GT54 Pro has a higher listed peak motor output than the standard GT73. That is why it is useful to compare the complete specifications rather than assuming the larger model is automatically the more powerful one.

If an electric mini bike is your priority, compare the GT54 and GT54 Pro. If you prefer the larger GT73 platform and dual removable batteries, compare the GT73 and GT73 Pro. The table above lets you compare motor output, speed, battery capacity, weight, load capacity and tire size side by side.

More nominal battery energy means more stored energy, but it does not guarantee a specific range. Speed, terrain, temperature, rider load and riding conditions all affect how far an electric bike can travel.

Before choosing an integrated geared hub model, consider your usual ride distance, load, terrain and storage space. Look at the complete setup rather than focusing on one headline number.

For riders in Canada, it is also important to check where and how a particular electric bike can be used. Ontario's e-bike guidance, for example, includes requirements related to power and assisted speed. Motor design alone does not determine whether a particular model can be used on a specific road or trail.

Explore our RidingTimes Canada electric bike collection for current models, availability and pricing.

The integrated geared hub is one part of the decision. The right electric bike also needs to match your battery needs, terrain, fit and intended use. 

Frequently asked questions

Is an integrated geared hub good for hills?

An integrated geared hub uses reduction gearing to increase torque at the geared output while reducing rotational speed. That can be useful during low-speed climbing, but actual hill performance still depends on the gradient, rider load, traction, battery and controller output, and riding conditions.

Does 5.2:1 mean five selectable gears?

No. The 5.2:1 figure describes a fixed internal reduction ratio, not five gears for the rider to select. The reduction happens inside the rear hub automatically as the motor delivers power.

Which RidingTimes models use the 5.2:1 integrated geared hub?

Our GT54, GT54 Pro, GT73 and GT73 Pro use the 5.2:1 integrated geared hub system. The models differ in motor output, battery configuration, weight and other specifications, so the comparison table above can help you see those differences side by side.

Does a larger battery mean a longer real-world range?

A larger nominal battery capacity gives the electric bike more stored energy, but it cannot predict an exact riding range on its own. Speed, terrain, temperature, rider load and riding conditions all affect how far the bike can travel on a charge.

What should I compare besides peak motor wattage?

Look at the complete setup. Battery configuration and nominal energy, torque, vehicle weight, load capacity, tire size and intended terrain all add context to the peak motor figure. Comparing these specifications together gives you a more useful picture than using wattage alone.