Abstract: A wheel motor comprises a stator portion comprising a core secured to an axle and defining air-circulation openings extending through the core, a stator ring mounted about a periphery of the core. The stator ring has teeth separated by slots and windings on the teeth, the windings are connected to a wheel motor controller. A rotor portion comprises an annular case, and structural members rotatably connecting the annular case to the axle, the annular case enclosing permanent magnets opposite the teeth of the stator portion. The structural members define an air-circulation openings extending through the rotor portion. A shielding configuration is between the annular case and an annular surface of the stator portion radially spaced from the axle to define a shielded chamber enclosing the stator ring. The sealed chamber is radially outward of air channels concurrently defined by the air-circulation openings in the stator portion and the rotor portion.