Eurobike 2023: New technology for e-bikes

Motor-gearbox unit from Pinion

A team from gear manufacturer Pinion spent eight years developing a drive unit that combines motor and gearbox. The result is the "Motor Gear Unit"which is celebrating its premiere at Eurobike this year. This is a nine- or twelve-speed gearbox that is housed in a casing together with an electric motor. The motor-gearbox unit is only slightly larger than conventional electric motors, but the weight saving is said to be considerable. The system is also extremely low-maintenance, as there are no exposed shifting elements or cables and can also be easily combined with a belt drive. This enables new developments, particularly in the trekking and mountain bike segment. In addition, the gears are controlled electronically, which should improve the shiftability of the gearbox. The other components such as the battery and display come from Biketec GmbH, which offers a customised e-bike system with digital interfaces in the form of the "Fit" system. The system is built into the e-expedition bike "Pamir One" (€7,999), the e-trekking bike "Appia Select 4.1" (€6,999) - both from Tout Terrain - and the e-crossover "Goroc TR:X" from Flyer (price still unknown).

The e-bike with real expedition character. Made for adventurers who want to explore the world on two wheels. The only e-bike in its category with the world's first drive unit from Pinion, which combines a powerful motor with a precise gearbox. The Pamir is hand-built in our factory in Freiburg from a frame manufactured in Europe and carefully selected components. Equipped with the Tout Terrain Adventure Fork II carbon fork, the modular E-Expedition rack and a battery capacity of up to 1,250 Wh, it reliably takes the rider to the most remote regions - and back again safely. Founding of the Eurobike jury

Electronic gearsticks for more driving comfort

Other manufacturers also rely on harmonious electronic circuitsto increase riding comfort. Gear manufacturers such as Enviolo, Rohloff and 3X3 improve the interaction with the motors, e.g. with the Bosch system. By briefly throttling the motor during the shifting process, the system enables smooth, synchronised gear changes. Automatic downshifting for better acceleration is now standard with electronic gearsticks for e-bikes. One example is the "Electric 9-speed" from 3X3. The hub gear works completely wirelessly and ensures a tidy, clean bike. The gearstick can be installed in e-bikes, but also in Light Electric Vehicles, or LEVs for short.

Trend towards small, lightweight mid and rear wheel motors

One trend in the e-bike sector is the light e-bike. This combines a small, powerful motor with a small battery. This results in lightweight e-bikes that promise the riding experience of a conventional bike with electric assistance. This is particularly popular with e-gravel and e-mountain bikes. But e-urban bikes are also benefiting from this development. This is because lightweight e-bikes are also a solution in the city. They can be carried over stairs, into basements, hallways or other obstacles. Market leader Bosch offers the "Performance Line SX" a new drive for this area of use that enables e-bike weights of less than 20 kilograms. One example is the "Upstreet SL" from Flyer (price not yet known). Brose is relying on a 48-volt system for its new "Drive 3 Peak" drive (available from 2024). The advantage: on-board electrical systems with higher operating voltages can transport more current with the same cable cross-section. Power loss, installation space requirements for cables and therefore weight can be reduced. The result is higher performance with more compact dimensions.

With the trend towards lightweight e-bikes, another motor type is experiencing a renaissance: the Rear hub motor. These drives are considered to be low-maintenance and powerful. In combination with small batteries, they form a lightweight drive system that is well suited to urban traffic. For the coming season, the manufacturer Mivice is launching its own batteries and thus a complete system onto the market for the first time. In addition, the "M100" and the "M200" are two new rear wheel hub motors, which are designed for use in lightweight e-urban bikes are designed.

With a system weight of 1.75 kilograms in the M100 version and a maximum torque of 40 Newton metres, the new drive generation is particularly suitable for the gravel segment and for urban light e-bikes, whose riders are likely to enjoy the direct power delivery of the rear motor. According to the manufacturer, the M200 delivers 45 Newton metres at a weight of 2.25 kilograms and is said to be suitable for lightweight touring and trekking e-bikes thanks to its axle width of 148 millimetres. Mivice particularly emphasises the good ratio of low weight and high performance. The M100 and M200 differ in terms of installation dimensions, axle standard and weight and are compatible with the widely used six-hole brake discs and twelve-speed cassettes. Both motors are mounted wirelessly via a plug-in contact in the dropout, which should make wheel changes considerably easier.