Hub motors are simple, popular, and most are cheaper. Whats Stokemonkey got on those?
Torque, for climbing steep hills with passengers or heavy cargo! Used with common MTB gearing, Stokemonkey can put out more torque than any bike hub motor we know, about four times that of common ones. That’s the main functional difference. Quiet, high efficiency at all speeds, lack of drag when pedaling normally, and unlimited choice of wheels are other upsides. If most of your riding is cruising along on fairly level terrain, without big loads or lots of starts and stops, a hub motor may well be your most cost-effective choice.