Evolution has brought change in different aspects of our lives, from eating habits to modes of transportation. Human beings are experiencing advancements in every aspect of their lives, and so in the shape and working mechanism of the electric bikes they are using to commute from point A to point B.
Now, the smart manufacturers are upgrading the wheel rotating mechanism as well to use the noiseless belt drive instead of the conventional chain drive that needs oiling to move smoothly and creates cranky noises without grease on its sprockets.
Understanding the difference between belt drive vs chain drive has become a need of an hour for everyone looking to buy a new electric cycle. Stay in the loop to comprehensively understand the working mechanism to know belt drive or chain drive which is better to use for riding.
Table of Contents
How Does the Belt Drive or Chain Drive Run E-Cycles?
Belt drive, as the name suggests, uses a toothed belt to rotate the rear wheel connected to the crankset. On the other hand, the chain moves the sprocket attached to the rear wheel of the bike from one point to another.
The working mechanism of belt drive and chain drive is almost the same, both rotate the rear wheel of the e-cycle to move it, but differ in the components used to conduct the whole process.
Difference Between Belt Drive & Chain Drive E-Bikes
There is a big difference between the belt drive or chain drive as both are made of different components and materials, resulting in a difference in performance as well. Belt drives are referred to as an innovation in commuting due to their noiseless and maintenance-free specifications.
On the other hand, chain drive e-bikes are referred to as old-school bikes that make you feel louder or ruggedly aggressive while climbing up the hills or passing through off-roading tracks that require boosted power for a smooth commute.
Let's take a clear look at the differences between chain drive and belt drive electric bikes through a table:
| Belt Drive E-bike | Chain Drive E-bike | |
| Feel | Smooth & Quiet | Old School Rugged |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap |
| Maintenance Requirements | Minimal | Needs Regular Maintenance |
| Durability | Long Lasting | Can Brake Off Easily |
| Noise | Soft | Heavy |
| Best For | Riding On Flat, Snowy & Sandier Tracks | Riding Everywhere |
Pros & Cons Of Riding Belt Drive Ebikes & Chain Drive Ebikes
After conducting surveys to know the opinion of riders who have used both kinds of electric cycles and reading the professional riders' experiences shared by them, we have listed down the most important pros and cons of chain driven vs belt driven e-bikes to understand the difference between belt drive versus chain drive for riding. Make sure to read each one carefully and compare it with your requirements to choose the right ride according to your requirements for commuting.
| Belt Drive Ebikes | Chain Drive Ebikes | |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
Best Belt & Chain Drive Electric Bikes To Buy For Riding
After reading about the differences between the working mechanism and use of the belt drive versus chain drive bikes, you may be looking for the best electric cycles with both kinds of wheel-rotating components to power up your commuting experience with the right ride. We have found Engwe's best 3 e-bikes for you to purchase with your favourite accessories.
1. Engwe P20 (Belt Drive E-bike)
Engwe P20 is the best budget-friendly e-bike that comes with a belt drive, at the price of €900.00. It comes with a 250 w silent electric motor producing a torque of up to 42 N.m.
The best thing about this e-cycle is that it comes with a torque sensor that automatically adjusts the electric motor output to keep the ride smooth for you. You can cover up to 100 Km distance on a single charge, and it takes only around 5 hours to charge back the battery cells.
Its carbon belt drive is maintenance-friendly, which can run up to 33000 Km without any maintenance. If you are fond of doing adventures, then make sure to buy this ride as it can be folded in just 10 seconds, and you can take it along in your SUV easily due to its small size for extreme riding experience.
2. Engwe M1 (Chain Drive E-bike)
Engwe M1 is the best moped-style electric bike that enables couples to explore breathtaking sights along with each other and share the best moments of their lives. It comes with dual seating capacity, dual battery support, and dual suspension to provide a comfortable riding experience to the passengers.
It comes with an EU standard output 250 w hub electric motor producing a torque of up to 65 N.m. and speed sensors to make the ride smooth on any kind of terrain. You can ride up to 170 Km on a single charge to explore the best spots around the city.
It is available for just €1,249.00 and is equipped with turn signals and noiseless fat tyres to provide safety while riding.
3. Engwe L20 (Chain Drive E-bike)
The Engwe L20 is one of our best-selling chain driven electric bikes. It not only has a step-through frame design that is easy to get on or off, but also comes with 20✖4.0-inch fat tires that can easily pass through a variety of terrains, allowing you to freely shuttle through the city or rugged trails.
This bike meets European standards, has a motor power of 250W and a maximum speed of 25Km/h, enabling you to ride on public roads with confidence. Its endurance is also excellent. Under ideal conditions, it can last up to 140km on a single charge, making it a long-distance beast.
Words in the End
Choosing the ride from the belt drive vs chain drive categories is now an easy process for riders. You just need to compare both kinds with your riding requirements and tastes. If you are an old-school guy who loves aggressive vehicles, then buy chain-driven e-bikes, and if you are a modern guy who needs a quiet and maintenance-free ride, then buy belt-driven e-bikes.
You can also click to know:
Discover the 4 Best Engwe Electric Bikes to Buy for Commuting