Yep. You need to use good engineering practices and check the references, plus apply a bit of common sense. Look at the chain/sprocket sizes used on go-peds, mini-bikes and the like and the forces involved.
If you get out on the hairy edge, then you have to really engineer it. Take a look at this if you're into the dynamics of chain:
http://www.ustsubaki.com/section2.html Neat stuff!