FBL2360 with sensorless outrunner using encoder?

Hi, I'm designing a light vehicle prototype that will use a typical brushless hub motor for motive power and some kind of high power servo for steering by wire. Right now I think that a dual shaft outrunner with an encoder, such as the D6374 150kV motor sold my O-drive Robotics is a good candidate. Their controller is able to use this motor for closed loop position control using the encoder, but I'd really rather use a Roboteq controller for the sake of system integration.

Reading the FBL2360 manual it seems that the hall effect sensors are mandatory- is that still true if an encoder is used?

Thanks!