The mid drive electric bikes (with the motor between the pedals) are superior. This gives better weight distribution, tidier cabling and avoids the need to shoehorn a motor somewhere. The wheel hub drive systems are generally to convert non-electric bikes to electric. Mid drive bikes are dedicated e-bikes and generally cost more.
The chain load isn’t a big deal either. Chains are expendable — they are cheap and easy to replace and should be considered part of the running cost. If the chain is breaking often it’s more likely some combination of not up to the job or needs maintenance. There are plenty of mid drive bikes out there so there certainly are chains that are up to the task.