Belt Drive vs Gear Drive Electric Skateboards – What Actually Matters in 2025

Most comparisons online are recycled nonsense written by people who don’t even ride.
This one isn’t. This is from real testing with the new ONSRA VELAR 2.0, upgraded idler system, and our latest gear drive.

Let’s break down what actually matters — sound, performance, weight, maintenance, wheel options, and who should ride what.

Sound: They’re the Same. Period.

Forget the myth that gear drives howl and belt drives scream.
We tested both systems back-to-back for this video, and the result is simple:

Gear drive and belt drive are equally quiet.

Any difference you hear online usually comes from bad tuning, worn belts, or old gearboxes — not the drive system itself.

Idler Upgrade: Belt Slip is Basically Gone

The new VELAR 2.0 idler system changed the game for belt drive:

• Less belt slip

• More stable tension

• More consistent power

It solves the old belt-drive complaint people love to scream about.

Weight: Belt Drive Wins

If you want a lighter electric skateboard, this is where belt drive has an advantage.

Belt drive = about 1 kg lighter.
For riders who want the lightest possible setup, belt drive still makes sense.

Wheel Compatibility: Gear Drive Has Limits

This is where most riders misunderstand gear drive completely.

Gear Drive:

• Works perfectly with larger wheels (AT, rubber, off-road).

• Cannot run small street wheels — the gearbox is simply too big.

Could we make a smaller gearbox?
Sure… but it would overheat instantly with big wheels, and we don’t build trash.

Belt Drive:

• Easily swaps between street wheels, rubber wheels, and AT wheels.

• Perfect if you ride mostly street and want that classic longboard feeling.

Acceleration & Braking: Gear Drive Hits Harder

This is where gear drive pulls away.

• Stronger initial push

• More instant braking power

• More direct response

It feels locked-in and safe, especially at high speeds or off-road.

Range & Top Speed: Identical

People assume gear drive magically increases range.
Wrong.

Range depends on:

• Battery

• ESC

• Riding style

• Terrain

Gear drive and belt drive have the same range and top speed when the electronics are identical.

Maintenance: Depends What You Like

Gear Drive:

• Basically zero maintenance

• Check grease every 2000 km

• Nothing to adjust

Belt Drive:

• Cheaper upfront

• Belts are cheap and easy to replace

• Occasional tension check needed

If you want “set it and forget it,” gear drive is your friend.

Heavier Riders: Gear Drive Only

If you’re a heavy rider (90 kg+), gear drive is the safer and stronger option.

Why?

• More torque at low speeds

• Less chance of belt slip

• Stronger braking

• More stable under load

Simple as that.

So Which System Should You Choose?

Choose Gear Drive if you want:

• Zero maintenance

• Maximum safety

• Stronger acceleration & braking

• Better off-road performance

• You’re a heavier rider

• You want the most durable system we offer

Choose Belt Drive if you want:

• A lighter board

• Street wheels

• Quick belt swaps

• Lower upfront cost

• The most flexible wheel choice

Both systems are extremely refined on our newest models — you can’t go wrong.
But the right choice depends on how and where you ride.

Want to See the Real Test?

Here’s the full comparison video we just released:

https://youtu.be/3d3ZzvT6rxg