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Why intelligent shifting is the future of e-bike

Why intelligent shifting is the future of e-bike

The demand for e-bikes continues to grow across Europe. While e-bikes have embraced innovations like adaptive lighting and touchscreen dashboards, core systems such as gear shifting still rely heavily on human input. To this day, manual shifting remains the industry standard.

But the future of e-bikes lies in full intelligence: a centralized autonomous control system that seamlessly integrates all functions. This ‘brain’ will self-optimize in real time, adapting intuitively to terrain, rider behavior, and changing conditions. True intelligence means complete automation—smart, smooth, and effortless.

Breaking the high-cost barrier

The e-bike industry is undergoing a transformation in drivetrain technology. “Premium brands like Germany’s Pinion and the Netherlands’ Enviolo have pioneered automatic shifting, but their high prices have kept them in niche markets,” explains Ryan, CFO of Elevandi. “Decathlon’s 2025 e2Drive system—with its more affordable price and integrated motor-CVT design—has shown that democratizing smart drivetrain is possible. However, the market still seeks a solution that offers millisecond-level responsiveness, all-terrain adaptability, and modular compatibility across diverse bike designs. That’s exactly the challenge we aim to solve with our iGearbox series.”

Recent market feedback shows growing demand for intelligent shifting. “Many clients have expressed interest in achieving the same functionality as Pinion or e2Drive systems, but are held back by cost and technology constraints,” continues Ryan. “Our ER-S05 5-speed Hub iGearbox offers an ideal solution, featuring intelligent automatic shifting algorithms and broad compatibility with motors, batteries, and electronic control systems.”

Technical specifications

The iGearbox series, powered by DynaSync algorithm, delivers 0.2-second electronic gear shifts and a torque capacity of 200Nm. “These performance metrics rival the top-tier systems at around half the cost,” explains Ryan.

Its modular design supports integration with both mid-drive and hub motors, helping OEMs reduce R&D efforts. Elevandi is already working with over 15 brands across Europe and Asia to bring the iGearbox to commuter and cargo e-bikes.

By combining high performance with affordability, the brand is turning automatic shifting from a luxury into a standard feature—helping the industry transition from mechanical systems to intelligent control.

iGearbox: turning market demand into innovation

Powered by DynaSync intelligent auto shift technology, the iGearbox transforms e-bikes into intelligent companions that adapt seamlessly to the riding conditions. DynaSync operates through a three-tier system of sensing, decision-making, and execution for responsive, adaptive shifting.

Ryan emphasizes the main benefits:

1. Multi-sensor fusion for intelligent shifting​​
Using AI-driven algorithms, DynaSync collects real-time data from cadence, torque, speed, and gradient sensors. This data forms a closed-loop control system that harmonizes motor and drivetrain performance, allowing for personalized riding modes and terrain-specific responsiveness.
2. Millisecond respond, smooth transition​​
With advanced electronic controls, the iGearbox enables intuitive, seamless gear changes. Its 0.2-second shift time ensures uninterrupted power delivery during climbs or acceleration—no lag, no missed gears.
3. Maintenance-free durability​​
The iGearbox uses UHT (Ultra-High Torque) technology and a roller clutch mechanism to distribute stress evenly during shifts, achieving up to 200Nm of torque. Its fully sealed design is dustproof and waterproof, minimizing maintenance needs.
4. Hyper-integrated design​​
Combining the transmission unit, motor, and control system into one module, the iGearbox creates a next-generation 3-in-1 drivetrain. The optimized layout gives OEMs greater design flexibility.
5. Always up to date​
With OTA updates, the iGearbox allows for remote software upgrades to the shifting algorithm, keeping products current and reducing service costs.

Elevandi: the hidden force behind tech​​

Though a young company, Elevandi brings strong capital backing and a team of 100+ senior engineers from the aerospace, automotive, and AI industries. This cross-disciplinary expertise is crucial, as intelligent shifting demands deep integration of drivetrain and motor systems—requiring real-time coordination and precision.

To support seamless adoption, Elevandi provides 24/7 technical support to its OEM partners.

“In a post-turbulence e-bike market where many brands offer nearly identical specs, differentiation depends on the core drivetrain,” says Ryan. “Our iGearbox delivers exactly that.”

Smart inside, freedom outside

With intelligent auto-shifting and flexible design capabilities, Elevandi helps manufacturers stand out and achieve greater success.

Elevandi will unveil the iGearbox series at Eurobike 2025, hall 12.0 booth C32. “Visit us to explore the future of e-bike drivetrain technology,” concludes Ryan.

This article is sponsored by Elevandi.