Purpose - Aims to study a new outer-rotor permanent-magnet brushless DC motor by means of the finite element method. Design/methodology/approach - Two practical motor versions are considered for use in light traction at low speed. Special attention is devoted to cogging torque level, magnetic field and performance characteristics. Findings - The various versions of the studied motor are dependent on the pole-slot ratio. Originality/value - The paper studies a new outer-rotor permanent magnet brushless DC motor.