TENWAYS CGO009 review: urban belt-driven e-bike with Smart Connect
The Tenways CGO009 is the kind of urban electric bike that is too quickly labeled "simple," often for the wrong reasons. Yes: single speed, belt drive, hub motor, minimalist display. But simple choices always have consequences and raise very practical questions: how does it perform at traffic lights? Does it remain stable on wet cobblestones? And at what point do you start to regret the one thing it really lacks: gears.
In this test, we analyze how this urban electric bike performs in everyday situations: commuting, shopping, bridges, wind, parking, and theft concerns.
Written by: Jos Mans | February 5, 2026 | Reading time: 6minutes
About the author: Jos Mans
Jos is a writer and cyclist, most often both at the same time. With thousands of miles under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the move and telling stories.
Key findings
- The CGO009 is at its best as a city bike for commuters, requiring little maintenance: Gates belt + single speed + hydraulic disc brakes = few constraints.
- Its main advantage is also its limitation: single speed. Perfect for city riding and slightly hilly routes, but you have to accept less leeway when facing headwinds, viaducts, and heavy loads.
- The software (Smart Connect) is useful (tracking, notifications), but you have to accept the app and the electronics as an extra layer on the bike.
What CGO009 is... and isn't
The CGO009 is an electric-assist city bike built around three clear choices: rear hub motor, Gates CDN belt drive , and single-speed transmission. TENWAYS equips it with a Mivice C9 motor (250 W, 45 Nm) with torque sensor: the assist responds to the force you apply to the pedals, not just to the fact that you are pedaling. The result is more natural assistance than with a simple cadence sensor, especially in dense urban traffic where you are constantly accelerating and braking.
The battery is removable (TENWAYS claims 374 Wh with LG cells) and the maximum range is 85 km, which obviously depends on the assistance mode, wind, tires, weight, and stop-and-go traffic.
Most importantly for an urban e-bike: the whole thing remains easy to handle. TENWAYS announces a net weight of around 21 kg and around 23 kg in full configuration, with a total permitted weight of 145 kg (bike + rider + luggage).
What this bike is not: a universal model for all situations. Single speed means a single gear ratio at all times. This can be very relaxing in the city, but becomes a real limitation if you often face headwinds, carry heavy loads, or ride on steeper sections.
Where we often go wrong
The most common misconception about this type of bike is that a belt drive and single speed automatically mean absolute ease, everywhere and all the time. The difference is especially noticeable after a week of rain, two weeks of wind, and trips filled with stops and starts.
1. Single speed is great... until you need some leeway.
In the city, it's often perfectly balanced: fewer gears, less noise, smooth pedaling. But if you regularly ride into the wind or with heavy panniers on bridges or viaducts, you'll either have to push harder or use a higher level of assistance more often—which reduces the range. TENWAYS itself states that the CGO009 is designed for "slightly hilly" terrain. This is an honest description, more realistic than presenting it as a mountain bike.
2. Comfort comes mainly from tires the position.
TENWAYS fits 55 mm tires . An excellent choice for an urban e-bike: more air volume = more stability on cobblestones, tram tracks, and manhole covers. But there is no suspension. Comfort depends mainly on tires pressure tires cockpit adjustment.
3. Connected features are not a free bonus
Smart Connect can reduce stress (tracking, alerts), but it also involves managing electronics: apps, settings, updates, and sometimes additional energy consumption. If, as a matter of principle, you don't want any of that, it's better to look at another type of electric bike.
What you don't see at first glance
When it comes to urban e-bikes, there are two opposing trends: on the one hand, making the bike as low-maintenance as possible (belt drive, fewer moving parts, reliable brakes); on the other, making it "smart" (apps, tracking, notifications). The CGO009 sits right at this intersection.
Good news: the basics make sense. Gates CDN belts are common on commuter bikes: quiet, clean, low maintenance.Hydraulic disc brakes are no longer a luxury in the city, but a safety feature: predictable braking in the rain, less dependent on perfect adjustment.
The critical point: "smart" is only truly smart if it remains easily repairable. TENWAYS presents Smart Connect as an anti-theft, location, and alert system via the app. This is commendable, but it raises an essential question: if a problem arises in two years' time, is it something that a traditional bike shop can handle, or is it an ecosystem issue? The answer determines the level of future constraints.
Practical guide: choosing and checking refurbished products
If you are considering the CGO009, don't judge it by its design, but by its ease of use.
Choose the CGO009 especially if:
- you drive a lot in the city, with traffic lights and short trips;
- you want to avoid chain maintenance;
- you want to avoid maintenance of a chain (stairs, narrow passageways).
Hesitate (or look for an alternative) if:
- Every day you travel longer distances with wind and bridges, often thinking, "If only I had a lighter gear ratio."
- you frequently drive with a heavy load;
- you don't want "connected" features.
refurbished checkpoints refurbished Upway vision), specific to this type of bike:
- Belt: correct alignment, no fraying, no strange pulsations when pedaling.
- Brakes: immediate pressure, check the wear on the discs and pads (urban use puts a lot of strain on them).
- tires tires are a plus, but check for curb impacts and wheel warping.
- Electronics: display, assistance levels, lighting, and Smart Connect functions must operate stably.
My recommendation
I would recommend the TENWAYS CGO009 to e-bikers who are looking for one thing above all else: an urban electric bike that doesn't require constant attention. The combination of a belt drive and single speed is a real pleasure in the city, as it reduces maintenance. The tires also contribute to this, making urban surfaces a little less unpleasant without the need for heavy suspension.
However, I wouldn't sell it as a "universal" bike. Single speed is a conscious choice, and you feel it as soon as you need some leeway: wind, load, longer trips outside the city center. This simplicity can then become a constraint. If you're looking for an urban e-bike that remains comfortable on the outskirts of town with luggage, it makes more sense to opt for a model with gears—or for a clearly different use—rather than convincing yourself that "it'll be fine."
FAQ
Is single speed suitable for the Netherlands?
For many urban journeys: yes. Fewer constraints, smooth riding. But if you face wind, bridges, and heavy loads on a daily basis, the lack of a lighter gear ratio will be noticeable. You will either have to push harder or use maximum assistance more often.
What is the battery life with 374 Wh?
TENWAYS claims up to 85 km. In practice, the assistance mode, frequent stops, wind, and weight are all determining factors. 374 Wh is sufficient for urban use, but in winter and when facing headwinds, the range will be shorter than stated on paper.
What is the advantage of a Gates belt?
Clean, quiet, and low maintenance. No chains to lubricate, less wear and tear. The CDN version is designed for everyday use: simple and consistent.
How connected is Smart Connect really?
TENWAYS positions it as a set of app-based features (tracking, alerts). It's useful in urban areas for parking, but it's also an additional layer of technology that you have to accept.
Is this a good choice if you often drive with a heavy load?
No. Only if the load remains light and the route is mostly flat. The maximum total weight is 145 kg (bike + rider + luggage), and single speed bikes offer little margin for error when weight, wind, or inclines increase. For regular use with a load, it is better to choose an e-bike with gears.