Gobao X1P motor with gear shifting: An e-bike revolution from China?

Opinion of the BIKE editorial team

On paper, the facts and figures regarding Gobao’s unit – comprising an electric motor and a manual gearbox – sound almost too good to be true. Alongside the availability of suitable bikes, the performance of the gearbox and the motor will be crucial to its success. After all, it is only with the right soft skills that such a system will truly add value for e-bike riders. We’re keen to see how the system performs in practical testing. It’s exciting to see this segment finally gaining momentum again.

“Ride. Don’t shift.” That’s the marketing slogan Chinese drive system specialist Gobao is using to promote its new X1 and X1P motors. The message is that e-bike riders should no longer have to concentrate on changing gears, but simply on riding.

Behind this lies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) housed directly within the motor. No gear changes, no loss of momentum – this is intended to take e-cycling to a whole new level. The system automatically and continuously adjusts the gear ratio so that the motor always operates within its ideal working range and the rider can maintain their desired cadence. However, manual gear changes will also be an option.

An integrated gearbox within the electric motor is regarded as the ultimate solution for e-bikes. Most recently, this technology received a boost with the introduction of Pinions MGU (reviewed here!) a lot of attention. However, the system failed to really catch on. So now the next manufacturer is aiming to achieve a breakthrough. The continuously variable transmission in the new Gobao motors of the X-Series offers a 500 per cent gear range, which should also be sufficient for e-mountain bikes.

Facts about the Gobao X system

• Unit comprising an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission
• 3.85 kilos
• X1: 1200 watts / 120 Newton-metres / 400% bandwidth
• ​X1P: 1500 watts / 150 newton-metres, 500% bandwidth
• Batteries with 500, 750 or 900 watt-hours
• 30 A fast charger
• System voltage: 48 V
• Touchscreen on the top tube
• wireless remote

Two engines with loads of power

The motor also has plenty of power in reserve for e-mountain bikes. To be more precise, there are two variants: the X1 and the X1P. The top-of-the-range X1P motor is said to deliver 1,500 watts and 150 Nm to the chain (or belt!). These are the impressive figures that currently only the new Avinox M2S can match.

The X1, which is likely to be slightly cheaper, is specified in the technical data sheet as having 1,200 watts and 120 Newton metres, as well as a slightly lower torque range of 400 per cent. Both units fit onto the same mounting points on the frame and are said to weigh 3.85 kilos. That would make them lighter than Pinion’s MGU, which weighs 4.1 kilos and is currently the only comparable system of commercial significance.

​Fast charging – but done properly

Gobao isn’t shy about using superlatives when it comes to its charging infrastructure either. The fast charger is said to deliver up to 30 amps, whilst weighing just 1.2 kilos. That’s significantly faster than the fast chargers from Bosch and Avinox, which deliver a maximum charging current of 12 A and aren’t significantly lighter. A 750 battery is said to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes using the Gobao system.

Speaking of the battery: Gobao has announced three variants – 500, 750 or 900 watt-hours. The weights – 2.6, 3.6 and 3.7 kilos respectively – are really good. The large battery in particular, at 3.7 kilos for 900 watt-hours, would be extremely light. A Bosch Powertube 800, for example, weighs over 3.9 kilos.

With its X-System, Gobao is targeting all categories of e-bikes, from urban and cargo bikes to e-mountain bikes. The Chinese company is relying on a flexible platform to enable bike manufacturers to develop bespoke designs. Series production of the drive units is set to begin in early 2027.