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Innovation in e-bike drives: focus on adaptability and flexibility

Innovation in e-bike drives: focus on adaptability and flexibility

The e-bike sector is navigating a challenging yet transformative moment. With growing price pressure, overstock, and evolving consumer expectations, manufacturers need more than just performance—they need adaptability.

Ananda is an e-drive system supplier that helps OEMs and bike brands to meet these demands. The company offers open, customisable e-drive platforms that empower product differentiation and long-term value.

Rethinking the future of electric mobility 

While the e-bike market continues to grow, it is also facing significant turbulence. Overstock, discount fatigue, and the dominance of a few major players have created a landscape where flexibility and brand identity are under threat. “This is where adaptable e-drive system design becomes critical,” says Thomas Le Coq, marketing director at Ananda.

Instead of offering rigid, predefined systems, Ananda is taking a different path. The company is building modular, open systems that can be tailored to the specific needs of bicycle brands. This approach allows manufacturers to maintain control over product design, integration, and rider experience.

Open system architecture provides manufacturers with the tools to create distinctive products”

A new approach to system integration

In many cases, brands working with large system providers find themselves limited in how much they can innovate. “Firmware is closed, component compatibility is fixed, and integration options are minimal,” explains Le Coq. “This can dilute brand identity and restrict performance gains.”

Le Coq continues: “By contrast, open system architecture—combined with customizable firmware and IoT connectivity—provides manufacturers with the tools to create distinctive products. Whether it’s a lightweight city bike, a gravel hybrid, or a robust eCargo model, flexibility in system design directly translates into market differentiation.”

Customisation and support

Le Coq explains that the brand’s growth is powered by five key pillars:

The R900 electronic gear hub motor system.
The R900 electronic gear hub motor system.

1.In-house R&D and platform innovation. With over 100 engineers and a strong patent portfolio, the engineering teams drive innovation such as the R900. The R900 is an integrated electronic 3-speed gear hub motor system, delivering exceptional performance, intuitive electronic shifting, and smart gearing optimization.

2. Scalable production with global reach. Four production sites across Asia, combined with European warehousing and service centres, provide the agility needed to support both small batch projects and large-scale OEM rollouts.

3. Local service and partner support. A dedicated European team supports brands with sales, after-sales, and technical service. There is also a multi-language call centre and a diagnostic tool to streamline troubleshooting for bike shops.

4. Versatile product portfolio. From urban and trekking to MTB, gravel, fat bike and cargo, the product line covers a wide range of use cases. Examples include the 45Nm R400 rear hub motor, ideal for commuter bikes, and the M100 mid-motor with 110Nm of torque, specifically developed for eCargo platforms.

5. Sustainability and product longevity. The company emphasises efficient, repairable components and energy-conscious design. Long-term durability reduces environmental impact and supports circular use.

Ananda wants to make sustainable, smart mobility more widely accessible.
Ananda wants to make sustainable, smart mobility more widely accessible.

A partner for long-term success

“In this shifting environment, the right supplier can become more than just a vendor—it can be a strategic partner,” emphasises Le Coq. “One that supports flexible MOQs, enables product customisation, and helps emerging brands compete with global giants.”

He concludes: “By putting innovation, adaptability, and service at the centre of our offering, we are actively contributing to the evolution of the e-bike industry. We are making sustainable, smart mobility more widely accessible.”

This article is sponsored by Ananda.