Best Belt-Drive eBikes of 2023
E-bike technology has greatly influenced the lives of many people, both cyclists, and non-cyclists, making day-to-day living easier, more convenient, and enjoyable.
One of the only downsides of regular bikes, however, is the need to perform regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly and get the longest lifespan possible. This type of maintenance involves cleaning and lubricating the chain, turning the gears and derailleur, and cleaning the rest of the drivetrain due to the heavy use and exposure to the elements of these components.
Thankfully, belt-drive e-bikes are a great solution to this issue. This system on an e-bike makes riding silent, clean, and maintenance-free. This is because there are fewer moving parts, no need for lubrication, and stronger materials that greatly reduce wear.
More and more long-distance bikepackers are turning to belt-drive bikes as they have an expected lifespan of up to 19,000 miles, roughly four times that of a standard chain drive.
Best Belt Drive Electric Bikes in 2023
- Ride1UP Roadster v2
- Priority Current
- Gazelle Ultimate C8 HMB
- Tern HSD S+
- Gazelle Ultimate C380
- VVolt Alpha
- Asomtom Electric Hybrid
- Stromer ST2 Sport
- Vvolt Sirius
- Urban Arrow Cargo
1. Ride1UP Roadster v2
MSRP: $945
Ride1UP
The Ride1UP Roadster v2 is the company’s most affordable bike. This bike provides an exceptionally fast ride with nimble handling and a stealthy finish.
This unique belt-drive electric bike takes the stress out of gearing with a single-speed hub and Gates Carbon CDX system. This hub is paired with a 350W geared hub motor with 40Nm torque.
Additionally, this bike has a 1-year warranty, powerful Tektro Aries Mechanical 160mm Disc, a 30-mile range, and rapid Kenda Kwest 700c x 28mm tires. Finally, the bike comes with fully integrated electronics.
- 350W/40Nm geared hub motor
- Range: Up to 30mi
- 24mph Class 3 eBike
- Battery: 36V 7Ah – 252Wh
- Kenda Kwest 700c x 28mm tires
- Tektro Aries Mechanical 160mm Disc
- Weight: 33lbs
- Fits riders 5’3″ – 6’3″
2. Priority Current
MSRP: $3,299
Priority Bicycles
The Priority Current eBike is a sleek and versatile e-bike that functions well in urban environments or on longer adventures on rural roads.
This Gates belt-drive eBike has a 500W torque-sensing mid-drive motor with 140Nm of torque that reaches speeds up to 28mph for ranges of 30 to 60 miles. This belt drive system is combined with Enviolo’s rear hub that delivers a super smooth and natural pedaling motion.
Using comfy 650B tires, a padded gel seat, and comfort geometry, the Current is very comfortable to ride over short to medium distances even on bumpy roads.
Finally, this Priority electric bike has five levels of pedal-assistance, dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, USB charging capability, and automatic lights on the front and back to round out an all-around excellent bike.
- 500W mid-drive motor – 140Nm max torque
- Max speed: 28mp/h
- Range: 30-60miles
- Class 1 – Class 3
- 650b wheels
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Size Recommendations (Inseam)
S – 26″ – 29″
M – 29″ – 32″
L – 32″-35″
3. Gazelle Ultimate C8 HMB
MSRP: $3,749
Mike’s Bikes
Gazelle’s Ultimate C8 HMB e-bike is a commuter’s dream. This bike masterfully balances practicality and innovation using new technology and time-tested components.
This bike features fully-integrated electronics, internal suspension with 40mm of travel, and luxurious touchpoints to deliver an exceptionally comfortable ride. The electronics used are top quality, most notably a Bosch Active Line Plus system which has a 50Nm motor that is whisper quiet while running. Additionally, the 500Wh battery can last up to 90 miles.
To make commuting comfortable and to ride, the Ultimate C8 has comfy upright geometry, a gel Selle Royal Loire saddle, and shock-absorbent Schwalbe Energizer Plus balloon tires. The bike also comes with fenders, a rack, and integrated LED lights.
Finally, the drivetrain combines an 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub and a Gates CDX carbon belt for a low-maintenance, smooth ride.
- 50Nm Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor
- 500Wh battery
- 8-speed Shimano Nexus internal gearing hub
- Hydraulic brakes 2-piston
4. Tern HSD S+
A folding cargo eBike
MSRP: $5,499
Jenson USA
The Tern HSD S+ belt drive e-bike is a comfortable workhorse that is built to haul heavy cargo long distances.
This bike has a useful 374-lb payload capacity with a 132-lb capacity rack and relies on a punchy Bosch Performance Line 65Nm motor to haul these kinds of loads over hills. This bike comes with 500Wh of juice with plenty of range (32-74 miles) for days spent zipping around the city.
The groupset combines a premium Enviolo AUTOMATiQ shifter and Sport 380% hub with a Gates CDX Belt Drive for a silent, smooth, and maintenance-free experience.
Other notable features of the HSD S+ are ABUS frame lock, Magura® MT4 hydraulic disc brakes, a Cane Creek Thudbuster ST suspension seatpost, bright LED lights, a custom Suntour suspension fork with 70mm of travel, and Schwalbe Big Ben 2.2″ tires.
- 250Wh/650Nm Bosch Performance Line Gen 3 motor
- Magura MT-4 hydraulic disc brakes
- 20″ x 2.2″
- 70mm fork suspension
- Weight limit: 374 lbs
- Weight: 58 lbs 11 oz
- Fits riders 4’11” to 6’5″
5. Gazelle Ultimate C380+
Low-step Dutch-style e-bike
MSRP: $4,999
Backcountry
Gazelle’s Ultimate C380+ belt eBike is a high-end step-through model that is designed for ultimate comfort and functionality for city rides or longer touring adventures.
The bike uses a lightweight Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor and a 500Wh battery for speeds of up to 28mph covering distances up to 55 miles on eco mode.
The bike comes with premium features such as 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe Energizer Plus puncture-resistant tires, a Selle Royal Essenza Plus saddle, and telescopic fork suspension. Additionally, you can rely on a beautiful Enviolo 380 trekking internal gear hub and Gates belt drive for an unbeatable ride feel at all times.
- Aluminum frame & fork
- Ryde Dutch 28″ rims
- 4th Generation Bosch Performance Line Mid-Drive
- Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Class 3 eBike
- 500Wh battery
6. VVolt Alpha
MSRP: $1,399
Vvolt
The Alpha is VVolt’s entry-level hub-motor belt-drive e-bike compared to their more advanced mid-drive (belt-driven) e-bike. If you managed to understand that, the good news is that the Alpha is super easy to go around and understand. As a matter of fact, the Alpha & Alpha S hold quite an astonishing value at their price range.
Besides the sleek look and matte finish, these bikes have quite a nice set of features that fit well for above-average commuters’ needs.
- 350W hub motor
Acer - 375Wh battery
Celxpert - Gates DDN belt-drive
- Hydraulic brakes
160mm rotors - Tires – 27.5″ x 2.0″
Clearance for 2.4″ - Class 1 eBike
7. Asomtom RV2
MSRP: Check Price on Amazon
The Asomtom RV2 belt drive electric bike is a sleek hybrid with a monotone black finish designed for fast and agile riding in urban environments.
This city bike uses a punchy 350W hub motor with 65Nm of torque combined with a seamlessly integrated 324Wh battery that provides up to 30 miles of range. The belt drive ensures a smooth, silent ride and pairs with a single-speed hub to boost longevity and reduce maintenance further.
Other notable components on the RV2 e-bike include mechanical disc brakes, 700x32c puncture-resistant tires, and fully integrated cables and electronics. Finally, this e-bike is equipped with a stylish stem-integrated display and has a twist throttle.
- 324Wh battery
- Range: 30mi.
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Tires: 32mm
- Torque – 65Nm
- Single-speed
- Weight: 46lbs
8. Stromer ST2 Sport
MSRP: $5,700
Mike’s bikes
Swiss e-bike manufacturer Stromer design some of the best, most reliable electric bikes on the market, and their ST2 Sport is a great example of keen attention to detail and the use of premium quality components.
This all-rounder bike has a 570W/40Nm rear hub motor that works with an integrated 618Wh battery to deliver ranges up to 75 miles. The drivetrain on this bike is super smooth and includes a 5-speed internal hub gearing and a carbon fiber belt drive.
The ST2 Sport also has large volume tires for better comfort and stability, fully customizable pre-order frame options, and full connectivity with GPS, Smartlock. Finally, the bike uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and comes fully equipped for all your city riding needs.
- 570W Rear hub motor – 40Nm
- Battery: 618Wh
- Range: 75mi. Can be extended to 110mi
- 5-speed internal gear hub by Sturmey Archer
- Stromer HD922 by Tektro
- Class 3 eBike
9. Vvolt Sirius
High performance belt-drive hardtail
MSRP: $2,799
Vvolt
Vvolt belt-drive bikes are some of the best models in their price range. With the Sirius backcountry e-bike, they have built an affordable trail bike without sacrificing performance, comfort, or durability.
The Sirius has a low-maintenance Gates Carbon CDX belt drive and an Enviolo TR 380% internal gear hub system which makes off-road riding a dream. Another huge benefit of this system is you can change gears when you stop at traffic lights, unlike a chain drive.
The 375Wh battery and 250W/80Nm motor on this bike means you can get up to 40 miles of range reaching assisted speeds up to 20mph. All of these electronics and cabling are neatly integrated into a super sleek frame design. Additionally, this bike is fully equipped with rechargeable lights, hydraulic disc brakes, and an air spring 100mm fork.
- Alloy Aluminum
- Enviolo TR Internal Gear Hub 380%
- 2.4″ tires
- Assists up to 20mph (Class 1 eBike)
- 250W motor – 80Nm torque
- Battery: 375Wh
- Hydraulic disc brakes
10. Urban Arrow Cargo
A premium front-loaded cargo e-bike
MSRP: $8,000
Mike’s Bikes
Urban Arrow’s Carg takes a minimalist e-bike to the next level with powerful electronics and a performance-optimized design.
The Luna fixed eBike weighs just 39 lbs yet incredibly has a 500W mid-drive motor. The bike has a 7Ah battery meaning you can get modest ranges of up to 20 miles.
The bike uses premium hydraulic disc brakes, a Gates carbon belt drive CDX and 3 speed internally geared hub combo, full integration, internal cabling, and grippy Kenda tires 35c tires meaning it is comfortable, smooth, and silent.
- 500Wh battery
- Motor 250W, 85Nm Bosch Cargo Line
- Max speed: 20mph
- Gates carbon belt drive CDX
- Enviolo Heavy Duty hub
- Magura CMe Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Schwalbe Super Moto-X 2.4″
- Weight: 112 bs
How to tighten a belt drivetrain?
E-Bike Chain vs. E-Bike Belt
The carbon belt vs chain discussion is quite clear cut, with clear benefits associated with either system.
Belt drive system pros are numerous. They require almost no maintenance, they run silently, degrade slowly meaning a long lifespan, don’t need grease, and riders can change gears while stopped. Internally geared hubs also greatly reduce the wear and tear of the gearing system. The cons of this system are that they are harder and more costly to repair, and they cost significantly more to buy.
Chain drives are cheap and easy to repair or find spare parts for; while being slightly more efficient while riding (as long as the condition is good). However, they require regular maintenance, regular repair, they’re dirty, they wear faster, and they can be noisy. Gates is the most common manufacturer of belt-drive systems, so if you’re sick and tired of dirty chains, consider giving it a try.
Conclusion
Belt-drive bicycles undoubtedly offer some great advantages over the traditional chain and derailleur drivetrains. Very limited maintenance, silent operation, long lifespan, no grease, and the ability to change gears while stopped are the most important benefits of this type of system.
Although they are more expensive, savings of time, money on repairs, and overall convenience mean that belt drives will continue to grow in popularity, especially on electric bicycles.
We hope that this review has given you a better understanding of this type of bicycle as well as enough information to help you find the perfect belt-drive eBike for your needs.
Riese@Muller Superdelite IS the BEST belt driven EBIKE -cant believe u missed that !!
Thanks for your comment, Dragos! The Superdelite is a good bike, but it’s quite pricey and not that readily available in the US. It’s also overkill for most average riders who are looking to do short commutes and keep expenses to a minimum.
Have you had a chance to review the Warthog MD1000 belt drive ? Thanks article & review .
Bob
Hey Bob, we still haven’t had a chance to review that Bikonit model, but the bike looks solid.
Any thoughts on the Cowboy ebikes? They use a belt-drive too.
Hi Tom!
We still haven’t had the chance to try one out, but we’re looking to change that.
They’re well-built smart e-bikes with lots of modern features that are great for urban commutes. They are certainly not affordable, but worth it if you like all the gizmos.
Remarkably interesting article, do you have any input about the Specialized “Step-Through” the Como 5.0 with enviolo AUTOMATiQ stepless shifting technology, with an Internal Gear Hub (IGH) and a Gates Belt Drive
Thanks
George
Thanks, George! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed reading the article!
The 2022 Turbo Como 5.0 is a phenomenal bicycle, especially for commuters who want a fuss-free experience and a bike that requires minimal maintenance.
We still haven’t gotten around to reviewing it, but we plan to change that soon.
Cheers!