At the forefront of the electric bike revolution are belt drive ebikes, a genre that seamlessly marries innovation and tradition. These masterpieces of urban mobility boast low maintenance, smooth rides, and an eco-conscious approach, making them the darlings of commuters and avid cyclists alike. 2023 is the best year yet to shop for belt drive ebikes, with the technology evolving to invite more riders and build momentum for sustainable transportation.
Following exhaustive research and hands-on assessments, wehave our top picks for the best belt drive ebikes of 2023:
- Ride1Up Roadster V2 – Jump to review
- Vvolt Alpha – Jump to review
- Tenways CGO600 – Jump to review
- Priority e-Coast – Jump to review
- Vvolt Sirius – Jump to review
- Priority Current – Jump to review
- Urtopia Carbon 1 – Jump to review
- Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-Through – Jump to review
Quick Specs:
- Price: $1095
- Motor: 350W, 40Nm
- Drive-train: Geared hub
- Gates belt drive: Yes
- Brakes: Tektro R315 Dual Pivot Brakes
- Battery: 36V 7.0ah Samsung 35e Cells
- Bike Weight: 33lbs
The Ride1UP Roadster V2 is a swift and sleek electric bike with an affordable $1,095 price. It offers an agile ride experience thanks to its single-speed hub and a Gates Carbon CDX belt drive system. Its 350W geared hub motor generates 40 Nm of torque powered by a 250 Wh battery hidden within the downtube. While its range of 30 miles per charge is limited, users can extend battery life by reducing throttle usage and increasing pedaling on this lightweight ebike.
The Roadster V2 comes with rim caliper brakes, although the Roadster V2 Gravel Edition presents an alternative with disc brakes. The bike rides on Kenda Kwest 700c x 28 mm tires, helping it excel on flat terrains, but you might struggle on steep ascents due to its single-speed design. The Roadster V2 has two sizes and fits riders up to 6’3”.
The Ride1UP Roadster V2 boasts several notable features, making it an enticing option for urban riders seeking a belt-driven ebike. First, it’s an affordable way to break into belt drive systems. The bike’s lightweight design is a boon, weighing only 33 pounds, especially for commuters who often navigate stairs. The classic messenger bike style frame adds a touch of urban flair and doesn’t give away its electric nature.
Check out our original Roadster V2 review for further analysis of one of our favorite belt-driven ebikes of 2022.
Quick Specs:
- Price: $999 (Original price $1599)
- Motor: 350W, 45Nm
- Drive-train: Rear hub
- Gates belt drive: Yes
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah LG cells Integrated Battery
- Brakes: CStar Radius Hydraulic, 160mm rotors
- Bike Weight: 43lbs
The Vvolt Alpha, the second single-speed belt drive bike on our list, offers simplicity and affordability. Highlighted by its single-speed Gates Carbon CDN belt drive, the Vvolt Alpha presents a low-cost option in the belt-drive ebike category. As of this writing, the Alpha costs only $999. With its 350W rear hub motor delivering 45Mn of torque and a 375Wh battery, the Alpha reaches a maximum speed of 20 mph and provides a range between 20 and 40 miles. Hydraulic disc brakes, five levels of pedal assist, and rechargeable lights enhance its value further. The Alpha’s step-over and step-through models come in two frame sizes, accommodating riders from 5’2” to 6’4″. An impressive 3-year warranty without mileage limits gives you peace of mind to break in your ebike.
The Vvolt Alpha features a single-speed belt-operated drivetrain and 27.5″ x 1.95″ multi-surface tires. Accessories are sparse with this belt drive ebike, as Vvolt opted for simplicity and affordability compared to other bikes on our list. Fortunately, Vvolt had the good taste to include lights and a kickstand.
With a compelling price tag of $999, the Vvolt Alpha provides an affordable entry into the world of belt-drive ebikes and delivers a hassle-free and efficient urban commuting experience.
Quick Specs:
- Price: $1725
- Motor: 250W, 40Nm
- Gates belt drive: yes
- Drive-train: Rear hub motor
- Brakes: TEKTRO Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Battery: 36V, 7AH Lithium-ion battery with Samsung/LG/Panasonic cells
- Bike Weight: 35.2lbs
The Tenways CGO600 is a sharp belt drive ebike that offers an effortless and enjoyable riding experience. Its slim and agile frame makes it a commuter’s dream, weighing just 35.2 pounds.
The CGO600 is available in Midnight Black, Sky Blue, Light Grey, and Lime Green. The frame blends in with non-electric bikes for those who don’t like a bulky battery or a flashy space-age appearance.
Despite its unassuming appearance, it packs features like a magnetic torque sensor and a Gates carbon belt drive, offering a smooth, efficient ride experience. The hydraulic brakes ensure reliable stopping power in case you get carried away flying down the streets.
Under the hood, the CGO600 features a 36V, 7AH Lithium-ion battery with Samsung/LG/Panasonic cells, paired with a Mivice M070 250W motor in the rear hub. That’s just enough to make getting around town faster and more enjoyable.
Tenways is a new player in the ebike market with something to prove to its belt drive target audience. They offer the CGO600, or the CGO600pro with an upgraded battery pack.
With Medium to Extra Large frame sizes catering to riders from 5’5″ to 6’4″, the CGO600 is available in the US, EU, and UK markets. Its attractive starting price of $1725 is appealing, considering its high-quality build.
Quick Specs:
- Price: $1999
- Motor: 500W
- Drive-train: Rear hub
- Gates belt drive: Yes
- Brakes: 174HUDSON Full Hydraulic Disc with Brake Sensing Motor Cutoff, 180mm Rotors
- Battery: 576 watt-hour battery
- Bike Weight: 56lbs
The next single speed belt drive ebike on our list, the Priority E-Coast, is the only cruiser ebike with a belt drive available on the market. This cruiser will make you feel like dressing up and pedaling to a classic bike show.
Powered by a punchy 500W motor, the E-Coast effortlessly tackles steep hills, while its integrated rack houses a 576Wh battery delivering as much as 60 miles of range. It ships as a Class 2 ebike with a 20 mph top speed, but you can adjust it to reach 28 mph through throttle and pedal assist modes. The single-speed gearing is complemented by the Gates CNX Belt Drive, providing a noiseless and smooth riding experience that will never leave grease on your pant leg.
Noteworthy components of the E-Coast include the 174HUDSON hydraulic disc brakes, a generously cushioned saddle with shock absorbers, bright LED lights that also function as brake lights, and wide 3-inch CST Big Boat tires.
Priced at $1999, the Priority E-Coast is a work of art you’ll want to show off, but also provides dependability and convenience on urban rides. Its beach cruiser aesthetics and belt drive technology make it visually appealing and low-maintenance.
Quick Specs:
- Price: $2999
- Motor: 350W, 80Nm
- Gates belt drive: Yes
- Drive-train: Mid-drive
- Brakes: Hydraulic, 160mm rotors
- Battery: 36V 10.4Ah LG Cells Integrated Battery
- Bike Weight: 55lbs
Our second Vvolt on the list, the Sirius, is the Alpha’s cousin who runs away to the mountains every Friday night.
Equipped with a low-maintenance Gates Carbon CDX belt drive and an Enviolo TK continuously variable transmission hub with a 380% range, the Sirius ensures seamless gear changes, even at a standstill. This is a huge help on the trails or if your commute features hills with stoplights.
Powered by a 375 Wh battery and a 350W/80Nm motor, the Sirius boasts a range of up to 40 miles and speeds reaching 26 mph. This places it as a Class 3 ebike, but it can be muzzled to a Class 1 configuration for compliance at 20 mph.
The Sirius showcases off-road prowess through 27.5″ wheels, all-terrain Kenda tires, and fork suspension with 100mm of travel. Hydraulic disc brakes ensure the stopping performance you’ll need off-road or in traffic despite the relatively compact 160mm rotors.
While the Vvolt Sirius demonstrates solid components and versatile capabilities, its elevated price of $2,999 may be a consideration for potential buyers. Nonetheless, its go-anywhere ability and power make it an enticing choice in the world of belt drive ebikes
Quick Specs:
- Price: $3299
- Motor: 500W, 140Nm
- Drive-train: Mid-drive
- Brakes: Dual piston hydraulic disc brakes, 180mm rotors
- Battery: 500wh 48v battery
- Bike Weight: 53lbs
The Priority Current ebike is here to revolutionize your urban commuting and riding experience, and it’s making quite a statement along the way. This Class 1 ebike can be configured into a Class 3 with a top speed of 28mph, getting you where you have to go fast.
The 500W torque-sensing mid-drive motor delivers substantial power, emphasized by its impressive 140 Nm torque, a stat unmatched by its competitors. The 500 Wh battery, inside the massive downtube, provides a range of 20-50 miles.
Additionally, the bike features five levels of pedal assistance, dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, USB charging capability, and automatic front and rear lights. The bike is available in three sizes, catering to riders ranging from approximately 5’0″ to 6’3″.
A notable decision is between a Shimano Inter-5 internal hub and Enviolo’s Heavy Duty system for an additional $200. The Enviolo hub gives you a smoother shifting experience and flexibility in gear ratios. With 47 mm wide 650B tires, a padded gel seat, and comfort-oriented geometry, the Current feels excellent on short to medium rides, even on rough terrain.
The Priority Current ebike stands out for its robust power, impressive torque, and versatile configuration options. Its comfort-oriented design, smooth shifting, and comprehensive accessory offerings make it a high-performance belt driven ebike with a $3,299 price tag
Quick Specs:
- Price: $3560
- Motor: 250W, 35Nm
- Drive-train: Rear hub motor
- Brakes: Front & rear dual-piston hydraulic disc
- Battery: 360 Wh Samsung Li-ion battery
- Bike Weight: 33lbs
The Urtopia Carbon One, priced at $3,560, delivers an elegant and futuristic design. Beyond its avant-garde appearance, this smart bike integrates advanced features that enhance its functionality and usability.
The carbon fiber construction gives it a lightweight nature, making it a breeze to carry up stairs or onto a train at just 33 lbs. Its 250W brushless hub motor supports up to 16 mph with five levels of pedal assist, and an impressive range of up to 100 km (62 miles). The bike utilizes a belt-drive system, minimizing the need for maintenance and ensuring a smooth and quiet ride.
The Urtopia Carbon One aims to be the future of personal travel; it’s a smart bike connected to the internet and all your gadgets. It features built-in navigation, AI voice controls, 4G esim, OTA updates, fingerprint unlock, and anti-theft GPS. One standout feature is the built-in turn signals, which project onto the road below you for increased visibility.
The Urtopia Carbon One is a forward-thinking ebike option. With its smart features, lightweight carbon frame, and a soul born from design, it’s an attractive choice for urban, tech-savvy commuters seeking a blend of aesthetics and innovation. Check out our full review of the Carbon One from 2022.
Quick Specs:
- Price: $5500
- Motor: 250W, 90Nm
- Gates belt drive: Yes
- Drive-train: Mid-drive
- Brakes: SRAM G2 RS, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm
- Battery: 710Wh
- Bike Weight: 57.5lbs
The Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-Through is the pinnacle of our list of belt drive ebikes, also claiming the title of the most expensive in this lineup, priced at $5,500. Its pioneering pedal-sensing technology sets it a wheel ahead of the competition.
This fine machine’s core lies in the Como 5.0 internal geared rear hub motor and an innovative gear system, the enviolo AUTOMATiQ. It monitors your pedal and wheel speed to predict terrain changes and shift gears at precisely the right moment. In other words, it works a lot like a car’s automatic transmission.
Additionally, the ebike uses a powerful 250W hub motor, hydraulic brakes for reliable stopping power, a suspension seat post for heightened comfort, DRYTECH Fenders for protection against splashes, a rear rack with pannier mounts for convenient storage, the Turbo System Lock for enhanced security, and the integration of a Garmin Radar in the built-in display.
In essence, the Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-Through electric bicycle has the best chance to replace car trips, getting you from point A to point B quickly and comfortably. If you want a top-of-the-line ebike with ground-breaking riding technology, this could be the one for you.
2023 Belt Drive Ebike Wrap Up
2023 is an exciting year to buy a belt drive ebike, whether it’s your first or you’re making an upgrade. From the budget-friendly Ride1UP Roadster V2 or Vvolt Alpha, the traditional-looking Tenways CGO600, the only belt drive ebike cruiser Priority E-Coast, the adventurous Vvolt Sirius, the speedy Priority Current, the futuristic Urtopia Carbon One, or the innovative gear-changing Turbo Vado 5.0 IGH Step-Through, this year offers an ebike you’ll love and will take you where you need to go!
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