Pinion Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU)

[Stefan Mikes]

Now it is DJI Avinox

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Avinox Motor Gearbox! This straight after they release their racks and mudguards commuting/trekking bike. They seem determined to take over the entire EMTB industry

Eurobike most be coming up, it's that time again to see the latest concepts/bikes.

Virtual gears, no cogs! Dunno about getting caught with a ERROR warning miles from home!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Signs of the times. Apparently Avinox are positioned in what used to be Bosch's stand at Eurobike and right next to that other Chinese ebike motor giant Goboa, who also have some sort of a MGU concept on display, nothing on that yet. Bosch not exhibiting this year.

- trying to get my head around the digital gears concept as opposed to metal cogs. Need to see inside once they go properly public.
Automatic gears, low maintenance? Might as well buy a car!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

From E-Mountainbike magazine:

"...For now, it remains a concept. Even so, the MG Concept, which Avinox unveiled for the first time at EUROBIKE 2026, offers a clear indication of where things could be heading in the future. At the same time, it became apparent who is positioning themselves as a new challenger in the race for the next generation of e-bike drive systems. Chinese manufacturer Gobao also showcased an E-CVT gearbox motor at its enormous stand, located directly opposite Avinox on what was formerly Bosch’s exhibition space. The fact that Avinox are already presenting the MG despite the system still being in the concept and prototype stage highlights just how seriously they are taking this new competition. Particularly noteworthy is that Gobao are said to employ a number of former Avinox staff. By unveiling the MG early, Avinox are making it clear that they have no intention of handing over the spotlight surrounding the next generation of e-bike drive systems to the company from Dongguan without a fight. At the same time, many bike manufacturers are still waiting for deliveries of the current M2 and M2S models. The fact that Avinox are already teasing entirely new product lines in the meantime is far from ideal for dealers and sales teams. Here, Avinox need to ease off the pace, otherwise their own success could end up undermining itself..."

 

[Rás Cnoic]

From that same article, and here's the link:

New Avinox MG gearbox motor prototype: is this the end of the classic drivetrain?

With the new Avinox MG Concept, unveiled at EUROBIKE 2026, Avinox are showcasing a gearbox motor featuring a continuously variable transmission. Is this the future of the eMTB drivetrain?

ebike-mtb.com

"What is an E-CVT motor?
Before we get to the Avinox motor, here’s some essential background information: an E-CVT drive system (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) combines an e-bike motor with an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Unlike traditional derailleur or gearbox systems, there are no fixed gears. Instead, the system continuously adjusts the gear ratio according to speed, gradient and cadence.
The result is seamless transitions across the entire gear range, without any gear shifts or noticeable jumps between ratios. For the rider, it feels as though there are infinitely many gears available. Most systems also offer automatic shifting functions, taking care of gear changes for you entirely.
In systems such as the Owuru Gearbox, Avinox MG and Gobao X1P, a planetary gearbox with two electric motors operates inside the unit. One motor adjusts the gear ratio, determining how easy or hard it is to turn the cranks. The second controls the motor assistance. Working together, they ensure that both the gear ratio and drive power are continuously optimised for the riding situation
Criticism of E-CVT systems is usually aimed less at the mechanical components themselves and more at the electronic tuning, potential efficiency losses, and the responsiveness of the system both when engaging and under acceleration.

Natural ride feel thanks to a continuously variable transmission?
According to Avinox, the central goal of the concept is to deliver the most natural ride feel possible. The system maintains a consistent cadence across the entire gear range and continuously adjusts the transmission ratio to suit the riding conditions.
Whether you’re tackling a steep climb, cruising along a flowing trail or covering a fast transfer section, your preferred, pre-set cadence is intended to remain largely unchanged. According to Avinox, this creates an exceptionally smooth and natural riding experience, as both the level of assistance and the transmission ratio are constantly adapted to the situation."

 

[kevinmccune]

natural ride be danged! I want to feel that motor pulling when I want it too.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Working together, they ensure that both the gear ratio and drive power are continuously optimised for the riding situation

Gee, that appeals to me about as much as a stick in the eye — maybe less.

The constant-cadence part would suit my current pedaling style, as my arthritic knees demand 80-100 rpm to produce any significant pedal torque — and the closer to 92 rpm, the better.

Beyond that, no thanks. I want to be in control of gear and assist selection, just as I vastly prefer a manual car transmission over an automatic. For example, I often shift gears based on what I see coming, not just on current conditions. Is this system going to have computer vision?

I'm sure that some riders will be OK with ceding all ratio and assist control to the bike, but not sure a majority will. This system strikes me as classic Technological Imperative: If it can be done, it will be done, however ill-conceived.

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Gee, that appeals to me about as much as a stick in the eye — maybe less.

The constant-cadence part would suit my current pedaling style, as my arthritic knees demand 80-100 rpm to produce any significant pedal torque — and the closer to 92 rpm, the better.

Beyond that, no thanks. I want to be in control of gear and assist selection, just as I vastly prefer a manual car transmission over an automatic. For example, I often shift gears based on what I see coming, not just on current conditions. Is this system going to have computer vision?

I'm sure that some riders will be OK with ceding all ratio and assist control to the bike, but not sure a majority will. This system strikes me as classic Technological Imperative: If it can be done, it will be done, however ill-conceived.

It'll be interesting to see. Bike companies don't have to release sales figures (or warranty claims/ motor failures) so hard to tell generally what succeeds what doesn't. With the phenomenon of Avinox (for example) is clear to see that it's a massive seller, just seeing how many established brands have dumped Bosch or Shimano to feature avinox motors shows the public appeal they do not want to miss out on. But how are 'automatic' bikes like that new Rivian one doing for instance? I can see that being desired by people who haven't ridden since a kid and like the low maintanence, no manual, approach. Plus the 'apple watch' style factor.

 

[PedalUma]

Gee, that appeals to me about as much as a stick in the eye — maybe less.

The constant-cadence part would suit my current pedaling style, as my arthritic knees demand 80-100 rpm to produce any significant pedal torque — and the closer to 92 rpm, the better.

Beyond that, no thanks. I want to be in control of gear and assist selection, just as I vastly prefer a manual car transmission over an automatic. For example, I often shift gears based on what I see coming, not just on current conditions. Is this system going to have computer vision?

I'm sure that some riders will be OK with ceding all ratio and assist control to the bike, but not sure a majority will. This system strikes me as classic Technological Imperative: If it can be done, it will be done, however ill-conceived.

I have a friend with an ill-conceived heavy Pinion bike with 20" wheels and does not fit him. It has electronic shifting and a rear hub motor and a Gates belt. It has a two huge batteries. Each goes 20 miles. Now he wants to get another ill-conceived bike. He keeps doing it. And the companies keep going out of business. The new bike pairs with your phone and goes bing.

 

[scrambler]

CVT with automatic shifting is nothing new, the Enviolo with harmony has been doing it for years, and it is a great system. Its main drawbacks are the limited gear ratio range of 380% and the weight.

What is interesting and intriguing is the size of the Avinox integrated motor and “CVT” type of transmission they appear to have (they are not being precise about what the transmission is yet).
It looks very compact compared to a mechanical type of CVT like Enviolo, especially as they claim a range of 520% which is almost as much as the Pinion MGU.
Finally it will be interesting to find out how it behaves when changing the gear ratio under load…

For those worried about the automatic shifting and assist possibilities, all these systems (motors and gear boxes), they can and usually provide options from fully manual to fully automatic. On an Enviolo with harmony, you can let the system adjust the gear ratio automatically based a on a chosen comfort cadence, or you can use it in manual with a number of preset gear ratios.

On a system like avinox you would probably have the choice to choose your power assist and change gear ratios manually (and even decide how many gears you want to have available), or use various levels of automation for either, depending on your usage type, like aggressive off road or relaxed road riding.

And there are two of them

Revolutionary Gobao X1P Gearbox Motor Review: Is This the Future of eMTB Drive Systems?

At EUROBIKE 2026, Gobao unveiled the X1P E-CVT gearbox motor. Could this system trigger the next eBike revolution?

ebike-mtb.com

Exciting evolutions…

 

[Rás Cnoic]

CVT with automatic shifting is nothing new, the Enviolo with harmony has been doing it for years, and it is a great system. Its main drawbacks are the limited gear ratio range of 380% and the weight.

What is interesting and intriguing is the size of the Avinox integrated motor and “CVT” type of transmission they appear to have (they are not being precise about what the transmission is yet).
It looks very compact compared to a mechanical type of CVT like Enviolo, especially as they claim a range of 520% which is almost as much as the Pinion MGU.
Finally it will be interesting to find out how it behaves when changing the gear ratio under load…

For those worried about the automatic shifting and assist possibilities, all these systems (motors and gear boxes), they can and usually provide options from fully manual to fully automatic. On an Enviolo with harmony, you can let the system adjust the gear ratio automatically based a on a chosen comfort cadence, or you can use it in manual with a number of preset gear ratios.

On a system like avinox you would probably have the choice to choose your power assist and change gear ratios manually (and even decide how many gears you want to have available), or use various levels of automation for either, depending on your usage type, like aggressive off road or relaxed road riding.

And there are two of them

Revolutionary Gobao X1P Gearbox Motor Review: Is This the Future of eMTB Drive Systems?

At EUROBIKE 2026, Gobao unveiled the X1P E-CVT gearbox motor. Could this system trigger the next eBike revolution?

ebike-mtb.com

Exciting evolutions…

From what I can gather Avinox and Goboa are rivals, might be from different parts of China, so Avinox might have announced their MG at Eurobike to steal Goboa's thunder as it won't be for sale for a year or so.

 

[scrambler]

They both announced at Eurobike, and for now Gobao seems to be slightly in the lead,
But Avinox is the more established cie in the eBike market and Gobao the new comer

 

[Rás Cnoic]

They both announced at Eurobike, and for now Gobao seems to be slightly in the lead,
But Avinox is the more established cie in the eBike market and Gobao the new comer

Yes, though Goboa have been around a while, doing OEM. They power Aventon bikes for instance.

 

[scrambler]

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Sometimes I question exactly what problems people are trying to solve when they do stuff like this.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Sometimes I question exactly what problems people are trying to solve when they do stuff like this.

Amen to that. The marketing uses "naturally" a lot, but a bike that chooses gear ratio and assist level for me would feel far from natural to me. Besides, it's help I neither want or need.

That said, when new bike time comes, I'd definitely be interested in an MGU (like the current Pinion?) that leaves me in charge of gearing and assist.

Control freak? When it comes to actual riding, you bet! Besides, as I get older, and the years of marriage pass, I find myself in charge of less and less. Gotta draw the line somewhere.
;^}

 

[scrambler]

Once you have driven an electric car or a single gear high power eBike, you understand better that gears do not have any benefits for the riding experience.
They have been a technical necessity to solve the equation between pedaling cadence, effort and speed, because of what the technology has permitted until now.

The best biking experience is if you can manage any speed and effort while maintaining a practical pedaling speed.

Combining the motor and the gearing have obvious benefits like:

• Improving the center of mass (no unsprung weight at the rear axle)
• Removing complexity (no derailleur adjustment)
• Simpler Belt usage
• Solidity (much less fragile than a derailleur)
• Maintenance (practically none)

Electronic shifting brings:

• Faster easier gear shift
• The option to partially or fully automate the gear changes to improve the riding experience in some circumstances or preferences.

CVT will add

• Ajustable number of gears for manual gearing usage mode
• Even faster gear change
• Hopefully no issue with gear change under power
• Completely silent gear change
• Ultimate semi or fully automatic riding mode for various circumstances or preferences

If they deliver what we are seeing with the e-CVT integrated motor and gearing, I can't imagine any drawbacks.
That said I know some people will prefer what they are use to, and that is fine

Side notes:

• I am afraid it will be the nail in the coffin for pinion MGU and Valeo type of integrated solution....
• The engineer in me is craving to know the exact engineering of the integrated CVT in these units

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I've promised to myself not to provoke The Apostle anymore.
I'm just curious when and if he would ever buy any of the contraptions he advocates for
Goodnight.

 

[scrambler]

Integrating a Kindernay 7 gear Hub is the first thing I did when I got my Hi Power eBike.
I have been waiting for a step through with an integrated motor gear box for a couple of years, to get a couple of bikes to go ride on simple trails with my wife.
If such bikes with the Pinion MGU had become available here, I would have already bought them.
Now I may have to wait again, but I am a patient man

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Sometimes I question exactly what problems people are trying to solve when they do stuff like this.

Amen to that. The marketing uses "naturally" a lot, but a bike that chooses gear ratio and assist level for me would feel far from natural to me. Besides, it's help I neither want or need.

I've been a Forum member for 6.5 years. Everybody rides either derailleur/chain or Gates carbon belt/IGH e-bikes.
Cannot wait till someone buys one of the inventions the cycling Hell is paved with
Who can remember Reevo?
Who of you has ever bought a Pinion.MGU e-bike?