If you've spent any time researching electric dirt bikes online, you've probably noticed that most brands focus on the same headline specifications: motor wattage, top speed, battery size, and range. These numbers are important, but they don't tell the whole story.

What many first-time buyers don't realize is that two bikes with the same power rating can deliver completely different riding experiences. The difference often comes down to one critical engineering decision: where the motor is mounted.

For years, most affordable electric dirt bikes have relied on hub motors because they are inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. While hub motors work well for city commuters and casual riding, they introduce compromises that become obvious once the trail gets rough.

The APEXWILL AM20 takes a different approach.

Instead of placing the motor inside the rear wheel, the AM20 uses a mid-drive motor mounted low in the center of the frame. This design is commonly found on premium off-road electric motorcycles because it improves handling, suspension performance, climbing ability, and long-term durability.

But why does motor placement matter so much?

Let's look at the engineering behind the AM20 and explore why a mid-drive system can completely transform the riding experience.

Reason 1: Better Suspension Starts with Lower Unsprung Weight

One of the least understood concepts in off-road engineering is unsprung weight.

When engineers design a suspension system, they divide the motorcycle into two groups of weight.

Sprung weight includes everything supported by the suspension:

• The frame
• The battery
• The handlebars
• The seat
• The rider

Unsprung weight includes the components that move directly with the wheels:

• Tires
• Wheels
• Brake rotors
• Axles
• Part of the swingarm

The lighter these moving parts are, the easier it is for the suspension to react to rocks, roots, and uneven terrain.

The Problem with Hub Motors

A hub motor places the entire electric motor inside the rear wheel. Although this simplifies manufacturing, it also adds a significant amount of weight exactly where suspension engineers don't want it.

Every time the rear wheel hits an obstacle, the suspension must lift not only the tire and wheel, but also the heavy motor. The extra mass slows the suspension's response, making the bike feel harsher over rough terrain and reducing tire contact with the ground.

Less contact means less traction.

Less traction means less control.

For beginner riders especially, this can make uneven trails feel more intimidating than they need to be.

How the AM20 Solves the Problem

The APEXWILL AM20 positions its mid-drive motor inside the chassis rather than inside the wheel.

This allows the rear wheel to remain lighter, enabling the suspension to respond faster to changing terrain.

The benefits include:

• Improved traction on loose surfaces
• Better shock absorption
• More predictable handling
• Increased rider comfort
• Greater confidence over bumps and rocks

Instead of fighting against heavy wheels, the suspension can do the job it was designed to do.

Reason 2: Centralized Weight Creates Better Balance

Off-road riding isn't simply about speed.

It's about balance.

Whether you're climbing a hill, carving through a corner, or standing on the foot pegs, the location of the bike's weight has a major influence on how it feels beneath you.

This concept is known as mass centralization.

Professional motocross and enduro motorcycles are designed to keep their heaviest components as close to the center of the bike as possible. A centralized center of gravity makes the motorcycle feel lighter, even if the total weight remains the same.

Why It Matters

Imagine carrying a heavy backpack.

If the weight sits close to your back, walking feels natural.

Now imagine holding that same weight with your arms fully extended behind you.

The weight hasn't changed—but controlling it suddenly becomes much harder.

The same principle applies to motorcycles.

A hub motor places several kilograms of weight at the far end of the swingarm, creating a rear-heavy feeling that affects stability during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The AM20 Advantage

By placing the motor low and near the center of the frame, the AM20 keeps its mass centralized.

This offers several advantages:

• Faster steering response
• More stable cornering
• Better front-to-rear balance
• Improved rider confidence
• Easier body positioning while standing

Instead of feeling like the rear wheel is pushing the bike through corners, riders experience a more natural and predictable chassis.

For newer riders, that extra confidence often translates into faster skill development and a more enjoyable riding experience.

Reason 3: Mid-Drive Motors Deliver More Usable Torque

Many riders assume that a bigger motor automatically means better performance.

In reality, off-road riding depends less on peak power and more on how efficiently that power reaches the ground.

This is where the AM20's mid-drive system truly shines.

Power vs. Torque

Motor wattage tells you how much power the motor can produce.

Torque tells you how effectively that power can move the bike over difficult terrain.

When riding steep hills, deep gravel, or muddy trails, torque matters far more than top speed.

Why Gear Reduction Matters

Unlike a hub motor, a mid-drive motor transfers power through the bike's drivetrain.

This allows the system to benefit from mechanical gear reduction before power reaches the rear wheel.

The result is stronger low-speed pulling power without forcing the motor to work inefficiently.

This creates several real-world advantages:

• Easier hill climbing
• Better acceleration out of corners
• Improved control at lower speeds
• Reduced motor stress
• More efficient energy use

Rather than relying on raw electrical output alone, the AM20 uses intelligent drivetrain design to maximize usable performance where riders need it most.

For trail riding, technical climbs, and uneven terrain, this translates into smoother throttle response and greater confidence when navigating obstacles.

Reason 4: Better Protection Means Better Reliability

Electric dirt bikes are built to tackle mud, gravel, water crossings, tree roots, and flying rocks. While these obstacles are part of the adventure, they can also be the biggest threat to an electric drivetrain.

This is another area where the AM20's mid-drive design offers a significant engineering advantage.

Hub Motors Are Constantly Exposed

On a hub-motor bike, the motor sits inside the rear wheel—the lowest and one of the most exposed parts of the motorcycle.

Every ride subjects the motor to:

• Flying rocks and gravel
• Mud and sand
• Water splashes
• Hard landings
• Trail debris

Over time, repeated impacts and harsh riding conditions can accelerate wear on seals, bearings, and electrical components. Because the motor is built into the wheel, even routine servicing can become more complicated.

For riders who frequently explore rugged trails, this location is far from ideal.

The Mid-Drive Advantage

The APEXWILL AM20 positions its motor safely inside the frame, where it's naturally protected by the bike's chassis.

This design offers several benefits:

• Less exposure to rocks and trail impacts
• Better protection from mud and water
• Improved airflow for cooling
• Lower risk of accidental damage
• Greater long-term reliability

By relocating the motor away from the rear wheel, the AM20 protects one of the bike's most valuable components where it belongs—inside the motorcycle, not beneath it.

For riders who enjoy weekend adventures or challenging off-road terrain, this extra protection provides valuable peace of mind.

Reason 5: A Mid-Drive System Creates a More Natural Riding Experience

Performance specifications only tell part of the story.

What truly separates a great dirt bike from an average one is how it feels beneath the rider.

This is something experienced off-road enthusiasts notice immediately.

Smooth, Predictable Power Delivery

Because the AM20's motor transfers power through a chain-driven drivetrain, acceleration feels progressive rather than abrupt.

Instead of delivering all available torque instantly to the rear wheel, power builds smoothly as the drivetrain loads.

That creates:

• Better throttle modulation
• More predictable traction
• Improved confidence on loose terrain
• Reduced wheel spin
• Easier control for newer riders

Whether you're climbing a rocky trail or navigating a tight corner, smooth power delivery allows the rider to focus on choosing the best line rather than fighting sudden bursts of acceleration.

Confidence Builds Better Riders

A bike that responds predictably helps riders improve faster.

Instead of correcting unexpected movements, riders can concentrate on body positioning, braking technique, cornering, and obstacle control.

This is especially important for teenagers and first-time off-road riders, who benefit far more from a balanced, confidence-inspiring chassis than from excessive horsepower.

The AM20 was designed to encourage skill development—not simply advertise the biggest motor specification.

Why the Mid-Drive System Makes the AM20 Stand Out

When viewed individually, each engineering advantage may seem incremental.

Combined, they fundamentally change how the motorcycle performs.

Compared with many budget electric dirt bikes using traditional hub motors, the APEXWILL AM20 offers:

These aren't just engineering improvements on paper—they directly influence how the bike behaves every time you ride.

Who Is the APEXWILL AM20 Built For?

The AM20 is designed for riders who want more than just impressive specifications.

It's ideal for:

• Teen riders developing off-road skills
• Beginners looking for a confidence-inspiring first electric dirt bike
• Families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to gas-powered bikes
• Trail riders who value balance and control over excessive top speed
• Weekend adventurers exploring mixed terrain

Rather than focusing solely on headline numbers, the AM20 prioritizes the qualities that matter most during real-world riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a mid-drive motor better than a hub motor for off-road riding?

For most off-road applications, yes. A mid-drive motor improves weight distribution, reduces unsprung weight, enhances suspension performance, and delivers power more efficiently on challenging terrain.

Does the AM20 require more maintenance because it uses a chain?

The chain should be cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted periodically, just as on a traditional dirt bike. In return, the mid-drive layout offers better performance and easier rear-wheel servicing than many hub-motor designs.

Is the APEXWILL AM20 suitable for beginners?

Yes. The AM20 combines smooth power delivery, predictable handling, hydraulic disc brakes, and a balanced chassis, making it an excellent choice for riders who are building confidence off-road.

Why don't all electric dirt bikes use mid-drive motors?

Mid-drive systems are generally more complex and cost more to manufacture than hub motors. Many entry-level bikes use hub motors to reduce production costs, while premium off-road models often adopt mid-drive layouts for superior performance and handling.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a budget electric dirt bike, it's easy to focus on eye-catching specifications like motor wattage or top speed. While these numbers matter, they don't tell the full story.

The real difference lies in the engineering behind the bike.

By positioning its motor at the center of the chassis, the APEXWILL AM20 delivers meaningful advantages in suspension performance, weight distribution, hill-climbing capability, durability, and overall ride quality. These are the characteristics that riders notice every time they leave the pavement and head onto the trail.

A great off-road motorcycle isn't defined by a single specification—it's defined by how every component works together. That's exactly what the AM20's mid-drive system achieves.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly electric dirt bike that offers engineering typically found on far more expensive machines, the APEXWILL AM20 proves that exceptional off-road performance doesn't have to come with a premium price tag.