ebike chain = waste of money?

[Timpo]

This video tests a cheap KMC bicycle chain and more expensive Shimano "ebike rated" chain.

In summary, cheaper KMC bicycle chain lasted longer than Shimano ebike rated chain.
The testing was done by connecting both chains, 50% / 50%, so that both chains will be exposed in the same condition.

I guess ebike rating for chain is basically a marketing gimmick?

 

[steve marino]

If it's a bike powered by a hub motor........

 

[Nova Haibike]

I guess ebike rating for chain is basically a marketing gimmick?

It is implied in the marketing of e-bike chains that they are stronger, but this does not mean they are necessarily longer lasting. Also, e-bike chains tend to be 20 or so links longer than a standard chain, so the price is not quite fair in this comparison. Depending on the bike, it is possible you would have to buy two of the cheaper chains and splice them together to have enough links to work. Not only would you lose the price advantage, the spliced chain would either have two connecting links or a potentially weaker link where a pin was reused.