# Brushless vs brushed walking pad motors

Source: https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/brushless-vs-brushed-walking-pad-motor
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Deck and Stride

**In short:** A brushed motor uses carbon brushes that rub on a spinning commutator to switch the current; the brushes wear and make some noise. A brushless motor switches the current electronically, so it has no brushes to wear and is usually quieter in operation. Brushless is a useful feature for flats and desks, but footfall and the belt still make noise.

Brushless motor appears on more and more walking pad listings, often next to a decibel figure. It is a real difference in how the motor is built, but it helps to know what it does and does not change. This article explains brushed and brushless DC motors in plain terms, how they differ in noise and wear parts, how to tell which one a pad has from its listing, and where the rest of the noise comes from. If you want a quiet pad for a flat or office, this is the first thing to understand before you compare models.

## How a brushed motor works

In a brushed DC motor, the spinning part carries the coils. Two carbon brushes press against a segmented ring called a commutator, and as it turns, the brushes switch which coils get current. That switching keeps the motor turning.

The brushes rub constantly, so they slowly wear down and produce a little carbon dust and some electrical noise. On treadmills, brushes are a known wear part. Many brushed motors run for years, but it is one more item that may need replacing over the machine's life. See [how long does a home treadmill last](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/how-long-does-a-treadmill-last) for other wear parts.

## How a brushless motor works

A brushless DC motor turns the design round. The magnets spin and the coils stay still, and a controller board switches the current electronically, timed by sensors or by reading the motor. There are no brushes rubbing, so there is nothing to wear in that part of the motor.

In use, this usually means less mechanical noise from the motor itself and smoother control at low speeds, which suits walking at 1 to 3 km/h under a desk. The trade-off is a more complex controller. If something fails, it is more likely to be the electronics than the motor.

## Brushed vs brushless at a glance

| Point | Brushed | Brushless |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Current switching | Carbon brushes on a commutator | Electronic controller |
| Wear parts in the motor | Brushes wear over time | No brushes |
| Motor noise | Some brush and fan noise | Usually quieter |
| Low-speed control | Good | Often smoother |
| Electronics | Simpler | More complex controller |
| How listings show it | Often not stated | Usually stated clearly |

Brushed and brushless DC motors in walking pads

## Brushless walking pads from our guides

These listings state a brushless motor. Noise figures are the maker's own and are not measured in a standard way across brands, so treat them as a rough guide.

| Model | Motor (as listed) | Noise (as listed) | Speed | Incline | Max user |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GEOTECH K3000 | 4.0 HP brushless | 45 dB | Up to 10 km/h | 20% auto | 180 kg |
| LONTEK 40% incline pad | 3.0 HP brushless | Below 45 dB | Up to 10 km/h | 40% manual | 159 kg |
| UREVO CyberPad | Brushless, 2.5 HP | Not stated | 0.5 to 6 km/h | 14% auto | 300 lb (about 136 kg) |

Walking pads listed with brushless motors

[See quiet walking pads](https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-quiet-walking-pads)

## How to tell from a listing

- Look for the word brushless in the title, bullets or specs. Makers who use one almost always say so.
- If the listing only says DC motor and does not mention brushless, assume it is brushed.
- Check whether the horsepower is peak or continuous; this is separate from brushless.
- Treat decibel claims as the maker's figure, measured in an unknown way.
- Read the warranty terms for the motor and the controller board.

## Where the rest of the noise comes from

Even with a quiet motor, a walking pad makes noise. Footfall thud travels through the floor, a dry belt can squeak or hiss on the deck, and loose screws or a worn roller can click. On upstairs floors, footfall is usually what neighbours hear, not the motor. A dense mat, a lubricated belt and a slow walking speed matter as much as the motor type.

Our guides to [reducing treadmill noise](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/how-to-reduce-treadmill-noise-in-a-flat), [lubricating a walking pad](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/how-to-lubricate-a-walking-pad) and [a walking pad making noise](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/walking-pad-making-noise) cover each of these. For pads that suit desks, see [the best under-desk treadmills](https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-under-desk-treadmills).

Note: Do not open the motor cover while the pad is plugged in. Motor and controller repairs should be done by the maker or a qualified repairer.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is a brushless walking pad quieter?** The motor itself is usually quieter, but footfall and the belt still make noise. Use a mat and keep the belt lubricated.

**Do brushless motors last longer?** They have no brushes to wear, which removes one wear part. Overall life also depends on the controller, belt, deck and use.

**Can I replace treadmill motor brushes myself?** Some makers sell them as parts. Check the manual and warranty first, and unplug the machine; if unsure, use the maker's service.

**How do I know if my walking pad is brushless?** Check the listing or manual. If brushless is not mentioned, it is probably brushed.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-quiet-walking-pads
- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-under-desk-treadmills
- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-walking-pads-with-incline