E-bike drive systems

The XS system has been designed to simplify the e-bike integration process. Photo – Mahle SmartBike Systems

Mahle launches XS e-bike integration system

PALENCIA, Spain - Mahle SmartBike Systems has unveiled XS, its latest e-bike integration system aimed at delivering 'unprecedented freedom' in bicycle design. The XS system was created to simplify the integration process for bike manufacturers and features downsized components that reduce its environmental impact.

Shimano’s AI-equipped Q’Auto system uses a sensor in a wheel hub, the shifting mechanism, and an 11-speed gear ratio. – Photo Bike Europe

Shimano AI-integrated drive train Q'Auto on bikes next year

OSAKA, Japan - To hit back on e-bike drive system suppliers who overshadow Shimano's leading market position, the component manufacturer will start mass production of its AI-integrated drive train system Q'Auto. Launched as a concept at Eurobike 2023, the first bikes featuring this system will be on the market soon. CEO Yozo Shimano explains the business decision to take this step forward.

On display at Eurobike, Vinka's new Z60 motor. - Photo Bike Europe

Vinka unveils Z60 mid-motor with Bosch compatibility

SUZHOU, China - The Z series launched by Vinka at this year's Eurobike is a new generation mid-motor system. The newest model in the series, the Z60, unlike previous products in the S, C, V and E lines, is compatible to fix to a Bosch bottom bracket. Besides the latest innovations, the motor manufacturer is also eyeing a move to close-to-market production.

“We wanted to make a soft start to get a good understanding of the market,” told Gobao chairman Qingfu Chen to Bike Europe. – Photo Bike Europe

Gobao aims to set itself apart with customer-facing open drive system

DONGGUAN, China - Drive train manufacturer Gobao is expanding its business on the European e-bike market from its base in Germany. Gobao Electronic Technology GmbH was founded already in 2019 and is now hiring local representatives in various other countries. "We wanted to make a soft start to get a good understanding of the market," Gobao chairman Qingfu Chen told Bike Europe.

“It has been very difficult to design and manufacture the magnetic gear motor. The precision requirement is extremely high,” explains Zhi Pan, Director of Star Union

Star Union's magnetic gear motor aiming for mass production in 2025

FRANKFURT, Germany - A sign of more advanced technology entering the e-bike market was Star Union's magnetic gear motor at this year's Eurobike. The motor uses magnetic force instead of mechanical force to offer maximum efficiency of 90%. The prototype displayed is being targeted for mass production in Q2 2025.

UT founder and CEO Kalle Nicolai celebrated the premiere of his new LEV drivetrain brand Helius-Drive Systems at this year’s Eurobike booth. – Photo Universal Transmissions

Universal Transmissions presents its own LEV drivetrain system brand

MÜHLHAUSEN, Germany - At this year's Eurobike, Karlheinz 'Kalle' Nicolai celebrated a premiere with his first own e-drivetrain brand. With the Helius-Drive Systems brand under the umbrella of his company Universal Transmissions GmbH (UT), the two-wheeler visionary is once again thinking outside the box.

TRP & Bosch: automatic transmission system for e-bikes unveiled

TRP & Bosch: automatic transmission system for e-bikes unveiled

Many bicycle experts believe that automatic shifting will be the next major technological revolution in cycling. Taiwanese component specialist TRP and German e-bike expert Bosch eBike Systems are making it happen. At Eurobike, they will present the TRP x Bosch eShift system to the world for the first time.

With its high-torque 90 Nm, the new e-bike drive from ZF has been developed for the powerful drive of mountain bikes, trekking bikes or urban bikes. – Photo ZF

ZF debuts ultra-compact 90 Nm e-bike drive at Eurobike

FRANKFURT, Germany - ZF Group will present its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes for the first time at Eurobike. Including all components of the 'ZF Bike Eco System', the core component is the ZF 'Centrix' drive unit with an ultra-compact, 90 Newton meter mid-motor. Raymon Bicycles is a launch partner with an e-MTB specified with the drive system expected in spring 2025.

PICO: The compact and powerful drive unit from OLI eBike Systems

PICO: The compact and powerful drive unit from OLI eBike Systems

OLI eBike Systems is responding to the rapid evolution in electric mobility. Under the new leadership of CEO Giorgio Gavioli, the company is strategically focused on innovation and market needs analysis to create products that meet users' demands. This includes their latest development: the PICO drive unit.

Timyo: taking the next step

Timyo: taking the next step

Over the last few years, the international Timyo Group and its brands, Van Dijck, Keola and Muon, have gained a notable presence in the market. One reason for this impressive development is their innovative Kreutzer HyperShift drive unit, which will become even better in the future, as Timyo-CEO Steve Zhu said in an interview during the recent Velofollies show in Belgium. He also revealed that the company has big plans for its business structure.