Elliptical machines that are designed with a rear-drive don’t need as much maintenance as their competitive counterparts, but there are still plenty of center drive elliptical machines and front-drive elliptical machines that are very durable and effective. Also, if you need something that’s small and you can fold up to save space, you’re probably going to need to purchase a front-drive elliptical, which also costs less than an elliptical with a rear-drive or center drive.