If you’re shopping for an all-terrain electric skateboard, you’ll quickly run into one big question: planetary gear or belt drive?
These two systems dominate the market, and each comes with trade-offs. One offers power with protection. The other is lighter and easier to swap. But which works better for where, and how, you actually ride?
This guide breaks it all down. You’ll find technical differences, real user experiences, and answers to questions people actually ask before buying.
What’s the Real Difference Between Planetary and Belt Drives?
| Aspect | Planetary Gear Drive | Belt Drive |
| Location | Inside the wheel hub | Outside, behind the wheel |
| Structure | Enclosed, metal planetary gearset | Open, rubber belt and pulleys |
| Durability | Very high (metal-on-metal) | Moderate (belts wear faster) |
| Maintenance | Low – clean and grease occasionally | High – belts stretch, snap, or get clogged |
| Protection | Shielded from debris and water | Exposed to rocks, dirt, and sticks |
| Noise | Slight whirring under load | Often louder at high RPMs |
| Torque Delivery | Smooth and consistent | Responsive, but belt slip can occur |
| DIY Repair | Harder to access, needs some care | Easier to swap belts or pulleys |
| Best For | Off-road, trail, rugged use | Street, smooth pavement, light trails |
How Each System Works (Without Getting Too Technical)
Belt Drive
- This setup uses an external motor mounted near the rear wheels. A rubber belt connects the motor pulley to a wheel pulley. As the motor spins, it pulls the belt and drives the wheel forward.Easy to understand.
- Great for tinkerers and those who want to swap ratios.
But it’s also more exposed. Belts stretch over time and can snap if something (even a twig) gets stuck.
Planetary Gear Drive
- This system hides the motor inside the wheel hub and uses a compact gearset with sun and planet gears to transmit torque. It’s a sealed system—nothing flaps or dangles.Less chance of parts getting damaged or clogged.
- Great for rough terrain and muddy trails.
It does need occasional greasing, but you won’t be replacing parts often.
What Do Riders Say? Real-World Experiences
Dan Myers, an M24 Pro owner, summed it up well:
“I’ve had to change both rear belts on my Propel X4S—one of them twice in 150 miles. My M24? Same mileage, no issues. I regreased it once, just being cautious. Took it into places I wouldn’t dare ride the X4S.”
Maarten de Smet, an experienced gear drive user, compared the system to industrial-grade gearsets:
“This is a Dana Spicer planetary hub used in agricultural machines. It doesn’t get better than this. Gear drives, when maintained, are rock solid.”
These aren’t one-off opinions. Across Reddit, YouTube, and Facebook groups like Ecomobl Eboard Owners, riders consistently report that gear drives handle harsh trails and deep dust better, while belt systems need more attention and parts on hand.
Maintenance: What Are You Signing Up For?
For an electric skateboard, if you’re okay with checking tension, replacing belts, or cleaning pulleys every few weeks, belt drives won’t bother you. Many city riders don’t mind—they value quick part swaps and lighter setups.
Planetary gear drives are a different story. You won’t touch them often, but when you do, it’s about opening the hub and applying grease. Not hard, but not something to ignore forever either.
FAQ: Common Questions Before You Buy
Q1: Which system is better for beginners?
If you plan to ride mostly on roads and want something easier to maintain, belt drive is beginner-friendly. But for all-terrain riders who want fewer issues on the trail, planetary gear is more forgiving.
Q2: Can I ride gear drive boards in wet conditions?
They’re sealed and hold up better against water splash and mud. That said, no system is fully waterproof—ride smart in wet weather.
Q3: Are planetary drives heavier?
Yes, they add a bit of weight. But the extra durability and protection usually outweigh the grams—especially if you’re not carrying it often.
Q4: What about noise?
Belt drives can be whiny, especially at high speeds. Planetary gear drives create a hum or soft grind under torque but are usually quieter once moving.
Q5: Can I upgrade or swap parts later?
Belt systems are more modular. Gear drives are more integrated—great for reliability, less ideal for constant tweaks.
So, Which One Fits Your Style?
| You Prefer… | Go With… |
| Dusty trails, dirt, mud, or heavy off-road use | Planetary Gear Drive |
| Fewer breakdowns and enclosed parts | Planetary Gear Drive |
| All-weather toughness | Planetary Gear Drive |
| Light city rides and easy part swaps | Belt Drive |
| Low cost and simpler mechanics | Belt Drive |
| Customizing gear ratios or wheel sizes | Belt Drive |
Final Thought: Don’t Choose Based on Specs Alone
Motor power means nothing if your drivetrain breaks in the woods. Speed won’t matter if your belt skips during a climb. And tech specs won’t fix a loose pulley five miles from home.
If you want simplicity, a belt setup works just fine.
But if you value protection, torque stability, and long trail rides, gear drives are worth the investment.
Beyond these drive types, the choice of motor configuration also significantly impacts performance. For instance, evaluating the merits of different motor designs, like integrated hub motors versus those utilizing planetary gear systems, is key to optimizing your off-road experience.
