Belt Drive Electric Bikes
Curious about belt drive electric bikes? This drive system is increasingly popular in North America and offers some great benefits including smooth shifting, low maintenance, and excellent durability. Discover the Gazelle electric bikes with belt drives and learn more about this system below!
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What Is a Belt Drive?
A belt drive is the modern upgrade to the traditional bike chain. Made from durable materials, the belt is a single piece with evenly spaced teeth that slot smoothly into the cogs of your bike. It transfers power just like a chain, but without the mess or noise.
Because it doesn’t need lubrication, there’s no greasy upkeep and no heavy chain guard required. The result: a lighter, cleaner, and quieter ride. Belt drive ebikes always come with an internal gear hub, offering up to eight protected gears. Perfect for daily commuting and weekend rides alike.
While a belt drive bike may cost more upfront, the low maintenance, durability, and smooth performance make it a smart investment for the long run.
Benefits of a Belt Drive
Whisper-quiet
No squeaks, no rattling, just smooth, silent pedaling so you can focus on the ride.
Low maintenance
No oil, no rust, no mess. A belt lasts up to 10x longer than a traditional chain.
Durable
Built from strong synthetic materials, the belt is designed to handle miles of daily riding in every season.
Weather-resistant
Rain, snow, or road salt—the belt keeps performing without skipping a beat.
Lightweight
Without a bulky chain guard, your e-bike stays lighter and easier to handle.
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Belt Drive vs. Chain Drive
Choosing between a belt drive and a traditional chain? Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide:
Belt Drive
- MaintenanceNo lubrication needed, easy to clean
- SmoothnessExtremely smooth and quiet ride
- DurabilityLong lifespan (can last up to 2–3 times longer than a chain)
- Weather resistancePerforms well in rain, mud, and snow; doesn’t rust
- ReplacementRequires professional replacement
- PriceHigher upfront cost
Chain Drive
- MaintenanceRequires regular lubrication and cleaning
- SmoothnessCan be noisier, especially when dirty
- DurabilityShorter lifespan; stretches and wears over time
- Weather resistanceProne to rust and dirt build-u
- ReplacementCan be replaced by the rider
- PriceGenerally more affordable
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Best in Class
Quality, heritage, and innovation are at the core of the Gazelle brand, so naturally, we chose the highest quality belt drive on the market from a 100+ year-old company to spec on our electric bikes, the Gates Carbon Drive. A weather-resistant polyurethane exterior protects a network of strong, stretch-free carbon fiber tensile cords, to create a durable and dependable drive to power every shift. Experience equals excellence!
Why Gazelle Bikes?
Hand-built in the Netherlands
Established in 1892
Bosch-powered performance
Comfort-driven, upright riding design
10-year frame warranty
Over 2 million happy riders worldwide
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Quality You Can Trust
At Royal Dutch Gazelle, quality isn’t just a promise, it’s a tradition over 130 years strong. Every Gazelle bicycle is crafted in our factory in Dieren, the Netherlands, where expert technicians build and inspect each bike with meticulous care.
Unparalleled craftsmanship: Every frame receives four individual coats of paint, checked for flawless coverage, while decals are applied by hand for that signature Gazelle finish.
Precision assembly: A team of 30 skilled technicians ensures that every 90 seconds, a perfectly assembled Gazelle bicycle rolls off our state-of-the-art line.
Rigorous testing: Each bike undergoes more than 20 separate tests—down to the tiniest screws—so you can ride with total confidence.
With over 250,000 bikes produced each year, and more than half a million wheels assembled in-house, Gazelle combines scale with precision. It’s why riders worldwide trust us for smooth, durable, and safe cycling.
Gazelle Arroyo C5
The Arroyo C5 HMB Elite features the Gates belt drive which offers smooth and quiet shifting. In addition, The Arroyo C5 HMB Elite features a powerful Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor. Neither headwinds nor hills are a problem with this bike. The battery is integrated into the frame, lowering the center of gravity to improve stability, while providing a sleek look.
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Gazelle Avignon C380
The Gazelle Avignon C380 is the electric bike for any errand or adventure. Specced with Enviolo's robust, stepless shifting gear hub, switching between gears is smooth and seamless — whether you are pedaling or stationary. The Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB gives you the ultimate level of comfort; it's Gazelle's most comfortable ebike.
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Gazelle Ultimate C380
The Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB is the electric bike for any errand or adventure. Sporty urban bike and comfortable touring bike, powered by Bosch’s formidable Performance Line Speed motor, and specced with the Enviolo 380 trekking internal gear hub, the C380+ creates an easy riding experience in any conditions.
About Gazelle
130 Years of Excellence
Since 1892, Gazelle has produced bikes of exceptional quality, comfort, and value, inspired by our love of cycling and belief that bicycles should be accessible to all for daily life, and the long haul. Our thoughtful approach to design and relentless commitment to innovation drive us to create bikes to meet the needs of all types of riders, now and in the years to come. Discover more about this rich history and the joy of riding a Gazelle.