This paper aims to clarify the behaviour and mechanism of electromagnetic vibration in long sheet secondary tubular linear induction motors (LSS‐TLIMs). Firstly, the spatial and temporal characteristics of electromagnetic force acting in the stator are analysed. Secondly, based on the wave propagation method, an analytical model is established to calculate the vibration response of the stator, which is simplified as a finite cylindrical shell. The accuracy of the proposed model, as well as the rationality of the simplification, are verified by 3D FEM simulation. It is indicated that the electromagnetic vibration response of LSS‐TLIMs mainly depends on the "axial breathing mode" (ABM) and corresponding "modal participation factor". Moreover, the influences of the spatial distribution of electromagnetic force and the structural dimensions on the vibration are investigated. Finally, the "static vibration test" is performed to validate the above analysis. It is concluded that, compared with a rotary motor, the low‐frequency vibration of LSS‐TLIMs can be easily controlled since the natural frequency of ABMs tends to be much higher than that of the circumferential mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]