The arms race is in full swing! More power, bigger batteries, better motors - the headlines are full of superlatives. So it's no wonder that various innovations and highlights relating to the heart of e-bikes were on show at the major Eurobike trade fair in Frankfurt. In addition to old favourites, there were also newcomers. Our overview!
Intradrive GD8
The Scots from Intradrive have been working on their motor with integrated manual gearbox for several years. Even before the Pinion MGU saw the light of day, the geared motor was exhibited at Eurobike, back then still in Friedrichshafen. In 2027, the first bikes with the compact combination of motor and gearbox will finally be launched on the market. The gearbox delivers eight gears and 480% range. The motor is designed to push with up to 700 W and weighs 4.5 kilos. From the side, the GD8 (for gearbox drive unit) is surprisingly slim, but it is slightly wider. We are curious to see whether the system will become serious competition for Pinions MGU developed.
TQ HPR 40
With the HPR 40, the Bavarian motor specialist TQ is launching a mini motor for road and gravel bikes. Complete bikes weighing well under 10 kilos were on display at the trade fair! This should eliminate the disadvantages of current e-road bikes. The motor itself weighs less than 1.2 kilos and should be even quieter and have less resistance than the round HPR 50 and the brand new HPR 60. Will there also be super-light e-MTBs with the new motor? We are curious! Click here for a detailed article about the TQ HPR 40.
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Maxon Bikedrive Air S
With the new Bikedrive Air S, Maxon is not aiming for maximum power or minimum weight, but rather the ideal mediocrity. At just 2 kilos, the motor should deliver 90 Newton metres and up to 620 watts. This would make the Swiss company the lightest power motor ever. At the trade fair, bikes from Thömus, Transalpes and Instinctiv, among others, were equipped with the little powerhouse. We are curious to see how the drive will develop and whether larger brands will soon also be using the Swiss unit.
Mahle M40
If it weren't for the DJI Avinox, this motor would pulverise the entire electric motor market. At least if you believe the manufacturer's claims. 850 watts peak power at 2.5 kilos: With these values, the new Mahle M40 e-bike motor is giving the established competition a headache. Until now, Mahle was only with hub motors on road and gravel bikes represented. Exception: The Specialised SL motor, which was also produced at the Mahle plant in Spain.
Visually, the M40 looks very compact. And at 2.5 kilos, it is said to be significantly lighter than the classic competition from Bosch and Shimano. Mahle claims a peak power of 850 watts - significantly more than the two popular classics. However, there are currently no exciting bikes from major brands with the newcomer from Spain. But, as we remember, that didn't stop the DJI Avinox from making a breakthrough a year ago. We remain curious! In advance More information about the Mahle M40.
ZF Centrix
There's an update for the circular Centrix! In future, bikers will be able to choose from three presets, including the powerful race setting. The small motor should now deliver 105 Newton metres and up to 750 W. Previously, the maximum was 90 Newton metres and 600 watts. The riding profiles 'Wet' for wet conditions, 'Ride' for everyday riding and 'Race' for maximum thrust not only influence the performance, but also the riding behaviour, coasting and switch-off characteristics of the thrust. The hardware remains identical, so the new features can also be applied to existing motors. Click here to test the compact power pack!
Yamaha PW-Link
Yamaha is presenting its new PW-Link e-bike system at Eurobike 2025. The modular platform comprises several new motors, integrated batteries and networked displays. With up to 100 Nm of torque in the top model and a light motor weighing around two kilos, Yamaha is targeting various e-bike segments. The market launch is planned for spring/summer 2026.
The PW-X4 is designed as a powerful top model for e-mountainbikes. With a maximum torque of 100 Nm, it is designed to master even the most demanding trails. Despite its high performance, the motor weighs just 2.6 kilograms thanks to its magnesium housing. Yamaha has developed the PW-L1 for lightweight e-bikes and gravel bikes. With a weight of around 2 kilograms and 60 Nm of torque, it should enable a low bike weight with a decent thrust.
The drives are based on a 48V architecture and all components should be compatible with each other and can be freely combined. In addition, an open interface enables the integration of third-party products.
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Bosch Performance Line SX
As with the CX, Bosch has now given the lightweight Performance Line SX more power via a firmware update. Up to 60 NM (instead of 55) and 400 per cent (instead of 340) support are now possible. The new software with many other new functions will be conveniently available from autumn via the app for all existing SX motors.
Boch Performance Line PX
Also new from Bosch: the new Performance Line PX trekking motor. With 90 Nm and 700 watts, it delivers plenty of power on tours. Slightly weaker, slightly more powerful and presumably a little cheaper as a result - this sets it apart from the Performance CX e-MTB model. The PX is also compatible with coaster brakes. Cargo, Performance Line and Performance Line Speed have also been reorganised by the Swabians. You can find all the information here in the detailed article.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
