Wondering about the drive system? Here's why most electric scooters use a hub motor with no chain or belt, what that means for maintenance, and why it makes an electric scooter so much simpler than a petrol bike.
No — most electric scooters, including Evee models, use a hub motor built directly into the wheel, so there's no chain or belt drive. That means nothing to oil, tension, or replace, which is a big reason electric scooters need far less maintenance than chain-driven petrol motorcycles.
Do electric scooters use a chain or belt?
Generally no. An electric scooter's power goes straight from the motor to the wheel because the motor is inside the wheel itself. There's no chain running from an engine to the rear wheel, so the most common drive-maintenance job on a petrol bike simply doesn't exist here.
What is a hub motor?
A hub motor is an electric motor built into the centre of the wheel. It drives the wheel directly, with no chain, belt, or gearbox in between. It's compact, quiet, and reliable, and it's the standard drive system on electric scooters — including across the Evee range.
Why is having no chain an advantage?
Because a chain is a constant chore. On a petrol bike it needs regular cleaning, oiling, tensioning, and eventual replacement, and a dry or loose chain wears fast. With a hub motor there's none of that — no oiling, no adjusting, no chain to snap — which keeps both maintenance and running costs low.
Do any electric two-wheelers use a chain or belt?
Some larger, motorcycle-style electric bikes use a belt or chain to a separate motor, but scooters almost always use a hub motor. So if low maintenance and a clean drive matter to you, a hub-motor scooter is the simpler choice for city riding.
What maintenance does the drive system need?
Almost none. With no chain or belt, the drive itself is essentially maintenance-free — routine care is really just tyres, brakes, and the battery. That simplicity is one of the quiet reasons electric scooters are so cheap and easy to live with. Compare models on the models page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do electric scooters have a chain?
No — most use a hub motor built into the wheel, so there's no chain to oil, tension, or replace.
What drives an electric scooter if not a chain?
A hub motor inside the wheel drives it directly, with no chain, belt, or gearbox in between.
Is a hub motor better than a chain drive?
For scooters, yes — it's quieter, cleaner, and essentially maintenance-free, with none of the chain's oiling and tensioning.
Do electric scooters need chain lubrication?
No — there's no chain, so there's nothing to lubricate. Maintenance is limited to tyres, brakes, and the battery.
Do any electric two-wheelers use a belt or chain?
Some larger motorcycle-style models do, but electric scooters almost always use a direct hub motor.