I have seen a geared rear hub motor with helical gears on the motor. The three planet gears (plastic) consists of two gears. One that fits the helical gear on the motor spindle, and a regular spur gear that fits the internal sprocket ring gear. This construction is very silent. It is not possible to hear noise from the gears while riding the bike. I do not know who makes the motor but it is larger and probably heavier than the GM minimotor.