Avinox and Gobao show gearbox e-bike motors due in 2027
The new motor gearbox units combine electric assist and shifting, aiming to remove derailleurs and cassettes from some e-bikes.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
2 min read
Avinox and Gobao introduced new e-bike motor gearbox units at the Eurobike trade show in Frankfurt, with systems expected in 2027, The Verge reported. The designs matter because they put electric assist and gear changing into one package, a shift that could let some bike makers build e-bikes without derailleurs or multi-speed cassettes.
The Avinox product is called the MG Concept, according to The Verge. Avinox describes it as an MGU, short for Motor Gearbox Unit, and the system combines a mid-drive electric motor with an automatic gearing setup inside a compact housing.
The Verge reported that the setup can let a rider choose a preferred pedaling cadence, then change gearing automatically to keep the rider’s legs turning at that pace as terrain changes. The system is also described as supporting manual control, with customizable gear counts and ratios for riders who want to choose shifts themselves.
Avinox is a spinoff from DJI, The Verge reported. The company entered the e-bike market two years ago with its M1 drive system, which The Verge described as packing unusually high power into a mid-drive motor that was smaller, lighter and cheaper than rival systems from companies including Bosch and Specialized.
The MG Concept follows Avinox’s newer M2-series drive system, which The Verge said launched two months ago. The company’s first products have been tied to electric mountain bikes, a category where high-end models can cost $10,000 or more, according to The Verge.
Gobao also announced similar technology at Eurobike, The Verge reported. The company showed X-series MGUs with eCVTs, placing it alongside Avinox in a small group of companies trying to merge the motor and transmission in e-bikes.
The approach could change how e-bikes are assembled if it moves beyond premium electric mountain bikes, according to The Verge. Removing exposed shifting hardware would reduce reliance on parts that can be damaged or require adjustment, while automatic shifting could make e-bikes easier to ride for people who do not want to manage gears manually.
The products remain forward-looking. The Verge reported the new generation of motor gearbox systems is expected in 2027, and the early focus is on advanced electric mountain bikes rather than low-cost commuter models.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.