Intra Drive: Innovative e-bike mid-motor comes with a gearbox and can also be easily retrofitted

The Intra Drive is a new motor system for bicycles with electrical assistance. More specifically, the Intra Drive is not just a new electric motor, but also a gearbox. Such a solution could bring several advantages, as Pinion aims to offer with its Motor.Gearbox.Unit.

This means that an additional gearbox is not necessary, which in principle reduces the number of parts that need to be integrated. Compared to a classic derailleur system, the gearbox integrated into the motor is also much better protected against harmful environmental influences. It is also possible to use a maintenance-free timing belt, which is said to be less vulnerable in wet and cold conditions. This also prevents the chain from falling off when riding off-road. The gear shifting processes are also said to be electrically assisted and only take 100 milliseconds to execute.

According to the manufacturer, the integrated gearbox has eight gears. The gear ratio range is 470%, which should result in comfortable pedaling both on steep climbs and at higher speeds. The weight of the entire system is estimated at 4.5 kilograms.

The electric motor reportedly delivers up to 600 watts at its peak and provides up to 350 watts of support; the continuous output is stated as 250 watts. Compatibility is said to be possible with frames with a mount for Shimano EP8 motors. In principle, retrofitting is possible in this way, but manufacturers could also quite easily offer variants with the Intra Drive. Currently, no information is available on specific products and the manufacturer has not yet given any prices.