The Next Big Upgrade for E-Bikes Might Be Hiding Inside the Motor

In the last Decade, the design of bicycle transmissions has not changed much, and it has remained more or less constant consisting of a chain, a cassette, and a derailleur to shift through gears. Despite being efficient, the design needs constant maintenance and is susceptible to damage from environmental conditions.

That could soon change

Eurobike 2026 saw the unveiling of an innovation in E-bikes from two manufacturers whereby the gear system and electric motor have been integrated into one smaller component called the Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU). Rather than using the traditional derailleur and cassette to change gears, the complete gearing system is now included in the motor. This means a neater design and reduced maintenance.

Smarter Gear Shifting

Automatic shifting is one of the major benefits of the newly designed MGU. Instead of having to shift gears manually during cycling, one only has to select the desired pedalling rate, that is, how fast one wants to pedal. This will automatically change the gear ratio to match the desired pedalling rate regardless of whether you're cycling up a slope or riding on a plain road.

Two Companies, heading into same direction

The concept was showcased by two manufacturers at Eurobike.

Avinox, is the fasteest growing e-bike motor company known for its compact and high-performance drive systems, revealed its MG concept. Meanwhile, the newcomer Gobao introduced its own X-Series MGU, signalling that integrated gearboxes are quickly becoming a competitive focus across the industry.

Although these systems are expected to debut first on premium electric mountain bikes, the technology could eventually expand to more affordable consumer models.

Why It Matters

An integrated motor and gearbox could offer several advantages:

• Reduced maintenance by eliminating the derailleur and cassette.
• Better protection for drivetrain components.
• Automatic gear changes for a smoother riding experience.
• More flexibility for bike manufacturers when designing future e-bikes.

If the technology performs as promised in real-world use, it could become one of the biggest drivetrain changes the cycling industry has seen in years.

When Can Riders Expect It?

The first production bikes featuring these integrated Motor Gearbox Units are expected to begin arriving in 2027. Early adoption will likely focus on high-end electric mountain bikes before gradually expanding into mainstream e-bike categories.

As manufacturers continue to simplify e-bike design while improving reliability and performance, the traditional derailleur may eventually become optional rather than essential.