A smaller rear sprocket is a larger gear
while a smaller front sprocket is a smaller gear
a larger gear means a faster speed but less accelleration getting there
while a smaller gear bogs down less on hills
So there's no set answers- it's all dependent on the total weight it's pulling, the motor's (or riders) power, and the conditions of hilly or flat, smooth or rough
I have a 36 which works pretty well with smooth narrow tires, but I usually give it a little pedal assist when taking off, and it will bog down slightly on a steep very long hill-
I have no problems on the flat- I just got a kit that packed a 41, so I think the trend is going generally a bit smaller than 44.
Big wheels keep on turning!