Cortina E-Octa vs QWIC Premium MN8 Belt
Comparison 2026 — Electric Bikes
VS
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the QWIC Premium MN8 Belt edges out the Cortina E-Octa with an overall score of 90/100 against 78/100. It scores particularly well on motor performance (88/100) and comfort (95/100), making it the better all-round pick in Electric Bikes.
The Cortina E-Octa remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €1999.00 versus €3299.00.
Motor performance winner
QWIC Premium MN8 Belt
16% higher than its rival
Value winner
Cortina E-Octa
12% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Cortina E-Octa | QWIC Premium MN8 Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €1999.00+65% | €3299.00 |
| Rating | ★4.3 (680) | ★4.6 (540) |
| Overall | 78/100 | 90/100+15% |
| Motor & Drivetrain | ||
| Motor | Bafang M200 middenmotor | Shimano STEPS E6100+2950% |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Support modes | Eco/Normal/Sport/Turbo | Eco/Normal/High |
| Gearing | Shimano Nexus 7-speed | Enviolo traploos / stepless |
| Drive | Ketting | Gates Carbon Drive riem |
| Battery & Range | ||
| Capacity | 450 Wh | 504 Wh+12% |
| Range | 50-90 km | 70-120 km+40% |
| Charge time | 5 uur / 5 hours+25% | 4 uur / 4 hours |
| Removable | Ja / Yes | Ja / Yes |
| Frame & Comfort | ||
| Frame material | Aluminium | Aluminium 6061 |
| Frame type | Lage instap / Step-through | Lage instap / Step-through |
| Wheel size | 28 inch | 28 inch |
| Suspension | Geen / None | Voorvork / Front fork |
| Seatpost | Standaard / Standard | Geveerd / Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Brakes | Mechanische schijfremmen / Mechanical disc brakes | Hydraulische schijfremmen Shimano / Hydraulic disc brakes Shimano |
| Lighting | AXA LED 25 lux | Busch & Müller IQ-XS 70 lux+180% |
| Lock | ART-2 ringslot / ART-2 ring lock | ART-2 ringslot / ART-2 ring lock |
| Top speed | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 24.5 kg+2% | 24.9 kg |
| Max load | 125 kg | 140 kg+12% |
Pros and cons
Cortina E-Octa
Pros
- Sharply priced under €2,000 with a mid-motor rather than a cheaper rear-hub motor
- Recognisable Cortina retro design available in several colours
- Sturdy rear rack suitable for heavy grocery bags
- Low step-through and city geometry ideal for short trips around town
Cons
- The Bafang motor lacks the refinement and silence of Bosch or Shimano units
- The 450 Wh battery is smaller than the 500 Wh average of competitors
QWIC Premium MN8 Belt
Pros
- Gates Carbon Drive belt lasts 2-3x longer than a chain and stays clean
- Enviolo stepless hub shifts under load with no audible clicks
- Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-motor with 60 Nm and very quiet operation
- Very bright Busch & Müller IQ-XS 70 lux headlight fitted as standard
Cons
- Price above €3,200 puts it firmly in the premium segment
- The Enviolo hub costs some efficiency versus a derailleur in Eco mode