Belt-Drive Fat Tyre E-Bikes – changing the landscape of fat-tyre e-bikes in South Africa.

When it comes to fat tyre e-bikes, performance, reliability and durability are everything—especially if you're taking on beach sand, mud, hilly golf courses or rugged trails. Traditionally, e-bikes have relied on chain, cassette, and derailleur systems, but a growing number of riders are switching to belt-driven drivetrains—and for good reason. Southbound bikes is the pioneer of this technology in South Africa and best understands when riders will be best suited to a belt driven fat-tyre e-bike versus a chain driven fat-tyre e-bike.  

1. Belt drive fat tyre e-bikes: Low Maintenance, High Reliability

Unlike traditional chains that stretch, rust, and require frequent lubrication, belt drives are made from carbon-reinforced materials that don’t corrode or require oil. That means less time in doing maintenance and more time on the trail. With no derailleur to knock out of alignment or gears to skip, belt systems offer consistent performance ride after ride.

2. Belt drives: Silent and Smooth

Fat tyre e-bikes already deliver a smooth ride thanks to their extra grip and cushion. Add a belt drive into the mix, and it becomes whisper-quiet. There’s no clanking or grinding, just the sound of a clean, uninterrupted flow of power. 

3. Cleaner and Greener

Say goodbye to oily chains and stains. Belt drive systems don’t require messy lubrication. There are also fewer cables as there is no derailleur. Cleaner lines and a cleaner drive train is what belt drive system offer on fat tyre e-bikes in South Africa. 

4. Built for the Long Haul

Belt drives typically last 2–3 times longer than traditional chain systems. When paired with an internal gear hub, they offer exceptional durability and are ideal for e-bikes that take a beating from terrain and weather.

5.  Two speed internal gearing – goodbye single speed restrictions

A drawback of a belt drive system is that it essentially works as a single speed system – so you don’t have the range of gearing a traditional drive train offers. Not any more. All Southbound fat-tyre e-bikes using belt drive technology are fitted with the latest Bafang dual speed rear hub motor. These motors change gears between low and high range – ensuring you don’t have too little – or too much cadence. 

In short, Southbound belt-driven fat tyre e-bikes are cleaner, quieter and just as tough as their chain driven cousins. Plus they are practically maintenance-free. For those who ride hard and value simplicity, Southbound’s range of belt-driven fat-tyre e-bikes in South Africa will definitely suit your needs. 

Southbound stocks 2 models of belt-drive fat tyre e-bikes:

• Dik-dik. This 20” bike with a 750 watt dual speed Bafang motor is the go-to for cruising golf courses, pavements and the beach. Its an incredibly versatile and powerful e-bike designed to suit the harshest conditions in South Africa. 

• Kudu. This 26” bike with 500 watt dual speed Bafang motor is the go-to for beach riding all over South Africa. It’s a favourite with fishermen and surfers alike. This tough, reliable bike truly delivers on Southbound’s promise of “E-bike anywhere”.