Understanding Split-Hub Motors

1. What is a Split-Hub Motor?

A “split-hub motor” refers to a wheel-hub electric motor whose wheel hub or rim assembly is designed in a split or detachable structure, facilitating maintenance, tire or tube replacement, or modular upgrades.

In a standard hub motor, the stator, rotor (magnets), bearings, axle and wheel hub (rim) are integrated into a single sealed module.

A split-hub version divides parts of the wheel/hub assembly into two (or more) pieces: for example, the rim or tire-mounting ring may bolt onto the motor half, allowing the tire or tube to be replaced without fully dismantling the motor.

The main benefit is improved serviceability and modularity, changing tires or upgrading wheel modules becomes easier.

2. Why Motor and Wheel Design Matter in Electric Scooters

In the high-performance electric scooter world, hub motor and wheel/hub design are critical because they affect power delivery, reliability, maintenance, and rider experience.

When a scooter uses wide tires, tubeless setups, or high-wattage motors, tire or tube changes become more frequent or complex, making a service-friendly hub structure a strong advantage.

For dual-motor or high-voltage scooters, the hub design must handle large torque, heat dissipation and structural loads. A hub design that’s easier to service (such as a split rim/hub) adds significant value.

3. Application of Split-Hub Motors in Electric Scooters

• Ease of Maintenance / Tire Change: In high-power scooters with wide tires, replacing a tire or tube can be time-consuming if the whole motor/hub assembly must be removed. A split rim/hub structure allows quicker servicing. 
• Modularity / Upgrading: Riders or manufacturers may wish to upgrade hub motors to higher wattage, different voltage or different wheel sizes. A modular hub design supports that path. 
• Performance & Cooling: In high-wattage hub motors the design freedom in the hub/ rim can allow better heat dissipation, different materials or cooling paths. Although “split-hub” isn’t the only way to achieve this, it opens up design options. 
• Weight & Handling Trade-Offs: Additional interfaces (bolt rings, split seams) may increase mass or reduce sealing compared to monolithic hubs. In scooters, unsprung mass and wheel inertia affect ride quality. g Split-Hub Motors

When selecting or designing a scooter (or upgrading) with split-hub motor technology, consider:

• Interface strength & sealing: Ensure the split seam or interface is strong, flush, well-sealed (to resist dust, water, corrosion).
• Bearing & axle load: Hub motors already deal with high loads; a split structure should not compromise bearing positioning or axle alignment.
• Unsprung mass / wheel weight: The hub-wheel assembly weight should be checked. Heavier wheels hurt ride dynamics more than expected in scooters.
• Compatibility / upgrade path: If you plan to upgrade to higher motor wattage, different wheel diameter or wider tires, confirm the hub motor module is compatible with your scooter’s fork/axle and frame.
• After-sales / parts availability: Modular designs require readily available spare parts (rim halves, motor modules, bolts) from reliable suppliers.
• Heat dissipation & durability: For motors >1000-2000 W, hub must manage heat. Interfaces should not impair thermal conduction or create hotspots.

5. Split-Hub Motor Design & Hiley Mobility

Hiley Mobility is a brand focused on performance electric scooters. For such a brand, hub motor and wheel/hub design are key differentiators in build quality, maintenance convenience and reliability.

By adopting hub motor designs that support service-friendly features (such as modular rim/hub structures), a scooter can offer both high performance and easier maintenance, aligning with Hiley Mobility’s commitment to premium user experience.

6. Summary

In short:

• A split-hub motor is essentially a hub motor where the wheel hub or rim part is modular/detachable, making tire changes and servicing easier.
• In electric scooter applications, especially high-power, wide-tire, dual-motor or long range models, this design offers clear advantages.
• When choosing or designing scooters with split-hub motors, key trade-offs include structural strength, wheel mass, compatibility, serviceability and thermals.
• Understanding these design choices helps you judge whether a scooter is built to deliver performance *and* maintainability.