Giant Explore E+ 2 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 Giant Explore E+ 2 with an overall score of 90/100 against 87/100. It scores particularly well on motor performance (88/100) and comfort (95/100), making it the better all-round pick in Electric Bikes.
The Giant Explore E+ 2 remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €2799.00 versus €3299.00.
Motor performance winner
QWIC Premium MN8 Belt
3% higher than its rival
Value winner
Giant Explore E+ 2
4% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Giant Explore E+ 2 | QWIC Premium MN8 Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €2799.00+18% | €3299.00 |
| Rating | ★4.5 (760) | ★4.6 (540) |
| Overall | 87/100 | 90/100+3% |
| Motor & Drivetrain | ||
| Motor | Giant SyncDrive Sport (Yamaha) | Shimano STEPS E6100 |
| Torque | 80 Nm+33% | 60 Nm |
| Support modes | Eco/Basic/Active/Sport/Power | Eco/Normal/High |
| Gearing | Shimano Deore 10-speed | Enviolo traploos / stepless |
| Drive | Ketting | Gates Carbon Drive riem |
| Battery & Range | ||
| Capacity | 500 Wh EnergyPak | 504 Wh+1% |
| Range | 60-110 km | 70-120 km+17% |
| Charge time | 4.5 uur / 4.5 hours+13% | 4 uur / 4 hours |
| Removable | Ja / Yes | Ja / Yes |
| Frame & Comfort | ||
| Frame material | ALUXX aluminium | Aluminium 6061 |
| Frame type | Trekking diamant / Trekking diamond | Lage instap / Step-through |
| Wheel size | 28 inch | 28 inch |
| Suspension | SR Suntour NEX 63 mm | Voorvork / Front fork |
| Seatpost | Standaard / Standard | Geveerd / Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Brakes | Hydraulische schijfremmen Tektro / Hydraulic disc brakes Tektro | Hydraulische schijfremmen Shimano / Hydraulic disc brakes Shimano |
| Lighting | Supernova E3 60 lux | Busch & Müller IQ-XS 70 lux+2233% |
| Lock | Optioneel / Optional | ART-2 ringslot / ART-2 ring lock |
| Top speed | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) | 25 km/h (wettelijk / legal limit) |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 23.9 kg+4% | 24.9 kg |
| Max load | 136 kg | 140 kg+3% |
Pros and cons
Giant Explore E+ 2
Pros
- SyncDrive Sport motor delivers strong 80 Nm torque for hills and headwinds
- Sporty trekking geometry combines speed with comfort
- SR Suntour front fork with 63 mm travel for unpaved paths
- Shimano Deore 10-speed with wide range for both city and dunes
Cons
- No integrated rear rack or mudguards as standard
- Yamaha motor has a smaller service network than Bosch in the Netherlands
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