The present invention relates to a brushless DC motor apparatus including a housing and a stator assembly coupled to the inner surface of the housing. The apparatus further includes a magnetic rotor assembly arranged in the housing. The magnetic rotor assembly is configured to rotate within the housing in response to electric currents through windings of the stator assembly. The apparatus further includes position sensors which are configured to provide position signals identifying angular position of the magnetic rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. Each position sensor includes (i) a Hall-effect sensor arranged on the outside of the housing and disposed distally from the windings, and (ii) magnetic circuit members penetrating the housing. Use of such magnetic circuit members enables the Hall-effect sensors to reside a greater distance from the windings vis-a-vis conventional brushless DC motors which position sensors adjacent to stator coils within motor casings.