Skip to main content

Gates launches new belt drive system that could lead to advances in electric motorcycles, scooters

Gates Carbon Drive, makers of belt drive systems found in the best-selling electric motorcycles on the market, has just launched a new version of its popular belt drive system.

Gates Carbon Drive Moto X9 launched

Gates’ newest belt drive system is known as the Carbon Drive Moto X9.

The new belt and sprocket design uses a novel setup that combines the Gates ultra-high tensile carbon fiber cord construction with a new tooth profile and pitch.

The updated 11 mm tooth profile now allows for a 9% narrower belt as well as a 10% smaller sprocket diameter. Those numbers sound small but actually have a large effect on the final design of vehicles.

While both the narrower belt and smaller sprockets will likely impact electric motorcycles by allowing for smaller final drive setups, that smaller sprocket diameter could be a game-changer in compact drive design.

In addition to the smaller size and lower weight, the new belt system also allows for up to an 84% longer service life versus its predecessor.

Site default logo image

Gates shared a case study that shows how an 80 kW electric motorcycle manufacturer was able to switch from the former 14 mm tooth profile to the new Carbon Drive Moto X9 and gain a resulting 77% increase in available ratio.

That ultimately eliminated the need for any additional gear reduction, resulting in a direct drive setup straight from the high RPM electric motor to the rear wheel.

Another example shared by Gates showed how multiple electric scooter manufacturers using 3-10 kW motors were able to produce narrower drive systems using the updated Carbon Drive Moto X9 belt system.

The new design reduced bulk at the rear wheel, freeing up designers to become more creative with the e-scooter format.

Site default logo image

As Gates General Manager of Mobility Joe Menzel explained in a statement provided to Electrek:

“For more than 40 years, Gates products have demonstrated the benefits of a durable, quiet, low-maintenance belt-drive over traditional chain-drive for all kinds of two-wheel applications, and we never stop innovating.

Moto X9 is our latest evolution designed specifically for personal and micro-mobility. Leveraging our materials science expertise and engineering advances, Moto X9 is stronger, allowing it to handle high torque with a narrower belt. With Moto X9, OEM engineers and product managers can specify more compact drivetrains on new or existing designs, optimizing packaging, saving production cost and enhancing their products’ performance and value for end users.”

Most electric motorcycles and scooters that use centrally mounted motors instead of hub motors rely on belts for final drives.

Belt drives last longer than chains, require less maintenance and critically are much quieter than chains.

Most gas-powered motorcycles produce enough engine and exhaust noise that the chain noise is lost in the mix. But with much quieter electric motorcycles, chain noise can be aggravating and detract from the experience.

For this reason, as well as the longer useful life of belts and lower maintenance, manufacturers of electric motorcycles such as Zero Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson employ belt drives on their bikes.

Many scooter manufacturers are also switching to belts. Gogoro, a leading Taiwanese electric scooter manufacturer, recently unveiled a new belt-drive setup after long using chains on its electric scooters.

Site default logo image

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Micah Toll Micah Toll

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries, DIY Solar Power, The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide and The Electric Bike Manifesto.

The e-bikes that make up Micah’s current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0, the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2, the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission, and the $3,299 Priority Current. But it’s a pretty evolving list these days.

You can send Micah tips at Micah@electrek.co, or find him on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications