[fstephany]

I might be in the market for an e-bike.

The Cowboy looks a bit better to me with its central motor and removable battery but the Vanmoof looks more comfy. The review doesn't mention anything about that.

Is there any other significant difference between the two bikes? If you bought one of those, which criteria were decisive in your decision?

[fnord77]

I've ridden a lot of electric bikes. To me, the hub motor is superior because it provides snappier acceleration which (to me) makes the bike more fun. The extra "kick" helps overcome the extra mass of the ebike and makes it feel like a normal bike.

try both kinds. I found the central-motor style pretty dull and sluggish.

[basch]

I have the opposite experience as your other commenter. Hub mothers jerk forward, whereas mid drive are smooth. Mid-drive is one less lever to think about as well, the three ways to control speed are motor power level, gear, and pedal speed. I don't need a throttle on top of that. I have a pretty powerful brose motor, and I still have to get used to how little torque you need to apply at a stop light to activate the motor. Having an internally geared hub is nice too, because you can shift while stopped.

[tonyedgecombe]

I went from a front drive to mid-drive. The mid-drive is much nicer to ride although I should mention it was a much more expensive bike. Also it's easier to deal with punctures on a mid-drive, especially if you are out and about.