Eurobike 2026 will be remembered above all for its significantly reduced exhibition space. Compared with previous years, the trade fair seemed downright empty, and the future of what was once the leading international trade fair is more uncertain than ever. It is all the more remarkable, however, that two Chinese manufacturers provided what were arguably the most exciting technical innovations in years. At their impressive exhibition stands, Gobao and Avinox presented new drive units that have the potential to fundamentally change the design of modern e-bikes!
The motor and gearbox merge into a single unit
Both Avinox and Gobao are already among the most innovative drive manufacturers in the industry – which is all the more remarkable given that they are also among the newest companies in the e-bike drive systems market. Whilst Avinox has attracted a great deal of attention in a short space of time with its high-performance motors, Gobao has also increasingly established itself as a serious system provider.
Now both manufacturers are taking the next step: with Avinox’s MG Concept (we had already suspected as much) and the new Gobao X1 and X1P drives, the traditional rear derailleur has been completely eliminated. Instead, the entire gearbox is housed directly within the motor casing. The motor and gearbox form a compact unit, rendering the cassette, rear derailleur and many other components redundant.
Continuously variable transmission instead of permanent gears
Admittedly, this approach is not entirely new. Pinion’s ‘Motor Gearbox Unit’ MGU has been around for several years now as a comparable concept, albeit with fixed gears. By contrast, the Owuru drive from Decathlon subsidiary E2 Drives takes a different approach, relying on a continuously variable transmission. Avinox and Gobao are now adopting precisely this principle.
Instead of distinct gear ratios, the gear ratio changes continuously and adapts perfectly to speed and cadence at all times. However, those who prefer the familiar shifting feel of traditional bicycles need not do without it. Both systems allow fixed gear changes to be simulated via software. This makes shifting feel very similar to that of a conventional derailleur system – although, technically, the transmission continues to operate continuously.
Why a major breakthrough now seems possible
Motor-gearbox units do, therefore, already exist, but so far they have played only a minor role in the market, mainly due to their limited availability and accessibility. Pinion is positioned in the premium price segment, which in itself rules it out for a very select group of potential customers. The Owuru drive, on the other hand, has so far been reserved exclusively for a few Decathlon models, which limits the range to just a handful of models.
This is precisely where Gobao and Avinox could make all the difference. Both manufacturers see themselves as open suppliers and are, in principle, available to almost all bicycle brands. At the same time, there are strong indications that the new systems are not expected to cost more than a conventional combination of motor and derailleur. And given that the current drive systems from both manufacturers are already comparatively affordable, this goal seems entirely realistic.
There are also other features that point to a broad market launch. The drives are exceptionally compact in size; initial test rides confirm that the systems operate at a pleasantly low noise level, and at around 3.8 kilograms, both are surprisingly lightweight. The gear ratio range is up to 520 per cent for Avinox and up to 500 per cent for Gobao, matching that of modern derailleurs.
The performance figures, however, are even more impressive. Avinox suggests that the MG Concept is expected to deliver figures on a par with the current top-of-the-range M2S motor. This delivers up to 1,500 watts of peak power and 130 Newton metres of torque. Gobao quotes identical key figures for its top-of-the-range X1P model, whilst the X1 is only slightly below this. This would mean the systems significantly outperform all motor-gearbox units available to date.
It is also interesting to note that these innovations are not limited to motor-gearbox units alone. Both Avinox and Gobao now offer complete e-bike platforms featuring cutting-edge battery technology, short charging times and extensive connectivity features. Navigation, anti-theft protection, app integration and regular software updates are just as much a part of the overall package as modern and intuitive controls. This provides bicycle manufacturers with a comprehensive, one-stop system that, in this combination, only a few competitors are currently able to offer.
A comparison of motor-gearbox units
| Avinox MG Concept | Gobao X1P | Gobao X1 | Pinion MGU 1.9 | Owuru | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak performance | 1.500 W* | 1.500 W | 1.200 W | 600 W | 600 W |
| Torque | 130 Nm* | 130 Nm | 120 Nm | 85 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Gearbox | continuously variable (CVT) | continuously variable (CVT) | continuously variable (CVT) | 9 permanent gears | continuously variable (CVT) |
| Gear ratio | 520 % | 500 % | 400 % | 568 % | 310 % |
| Weight | — | 3,85 kg | 3,85 kg | ca. 4,1 kg | ca. 4,5 kg |
Estimated figures based on the manufacturer’s claims; final figures may vary.
The benefits are not limited to the performance specs
Should the new drivetrains actually be launched at an attractive price, there are many reasons to believe they will be a success. This is because the concept of an integrated motor-gearbox unit offers numerous inherent advantages. As the gearbox and motor are housed entirely within a sealed casing, they are protected from dirt and the elements. At the same time, there is no longer the high level of wear and tear on the cassette and chain, which can often become a costly issue, particularly with high-performance e-bikes. Incorrect operation due to wrong gear changes is also a thing of the past – instead, new possibilities for convenient automatic functions are opening up.
Furthermore, the entire drivetrain is concentrated low down and centrally within the frame. This improves weight distribution and enhances handling. At the same time, the rear wheel is significantly lighter, as there is no derailleur or cassette. The reduced unsprung and rotating masses can further improve handling.
Big opportunities for urban e-bikes
Such systems can also demonstrate their strengths in urban use. Zero maintenance, automatic gear selection and ease of use are ideally suited to the needs of many everyday cyclists and commuters who want to use their bikes as hassle-free as possible. At the same time, the sealed design promises high reliability over many years. In line with this, Gobao’s drive systems are already featured in numerous urban e-bikes. And the trend is upwards – we reported on this here just recently. Avinox, for its part, made it clear at Eurobike that the new MG Concept Motor is not designed solely for e-mountain bikes. Rather, city, trekking and cargo bikes are also set to benefit from the new motor-gear unit in future. This would significantly expand the brand’s range of applications.
When will the first production bikes be available?
The drive systems on display at Eurobike were still prototypes – though the stage of development already appeared to be remarkably advanced. Avinox also showcased numerous bicycle manufacturers who are already working on frames compatible with the new drive system. Gobao, too, demonstrated its technology in a ride-ready state, including in Hepha’s Urban X concept study.
There are therefore strong indications that the first production models featuring the new motor-gearbox units will be unveiled as early as next year. The key factors will then be whether the riding performance lives up to the high expectations and whether the announced prices are actually within an affordable range. If both of these prove successful, Gobao and Avinox could bring about lasting change to the e-bike market.
