eCVT is the term for ebike drive systems that combine a constantly variable transmission (CVT) and a motor in the centre of the bike.
Gobao and Avinox both released new ebike drive systems for the 2026 Eurobike show, and they were much more than simply extra powerful motors – both systems integrate motors and CVT gearboxes.
The manufacturers boast that the motors inside offer class-leading power and torque figures. However, these aren’t the first eCVTs, with Owuru having offered an eCVT system from E2 Drives (owned by Decathlon) since 2023.
Avinox is one of the biggest names in ebike technology at the moment, with its extremely powerful M2S motor, sophisticated software and a great track record with reliability. Such a prominent motor manufacturer combining its sought-after motor with an eCVT system (dubbed the MG Concept) is huge news for the bike industry and should be given a great deal of credence.
What is a CVT?
CVTs are used on most snowmobiles, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), scooters and some cars.
The big advantage of a CVT is they offer infinite ratios between the lowest and highest gears because there are no ‘steps’ between the gears. This also means gear ratios do not have to be shifted manually – changes are automatic. Acceleration of the vehicle can therefore be smooth and seamless from standstill all the way up to its maximum speed.
Heavy-duty automotive CVTs use a belt between a pair of cones, which opposingly move in and out, effectively making the two ‘cogs’ in the gearbox change size to switch the gear ratios. However, examining the Owuru drive unit shows eCVT transmissions on ebikes could work quite differently.
Owuru’s eCVT uses a planetary gear system to vary the ratios on offer. Intriguingly, it has a pair of electric motors (rather than only one).
There are a pair of drive belts – it looks as though one sends power to the input shaft (which the bike’s cranks are connected to) and one sends power to the output shaft (which the chainring is connected to). These two systems look to be connected together via a planetary gear system. It appears the variable gear ratios on offer are a result of how the planetary gear system delivers drive between the two shafts, a bit like a car’s differential.
Although we don’t know exact details of how the Gobao X Series and Avinox MG Concept eCVT systems work at this stage, Gobao states its eCVT system offers “seamless transmission adjustment, and no gear steps (unless you want them)”.
Will Avinox and Gobao’s eCVT motor gearboxes kill off derailleurs on ebikes?
Bicycle gearboxes have not been tackled by the biggest drivetrain or motor manufacturers yet. Even huge companies with vast research and development experience, such as SRAM and Shimano, have not made their own bicycle gearbox, even though they have produced their own ebike drive systems (SRAM’s Eagle and Shimano’s EP series).
Gearbox specialists Pinion and Effigear have their own (non-CVT) gearboxes, along with smaller manufacturers. Pinion also offers two (non-CVT) motor gearbox unit (MGU) models of its own.
Such a significant motor manufacturer as Avinox creating an integrated gearbox and motor, and therefore negating the need for a rear derailleur (as used on most ebikes), is a big deal. Gearbox bikes also don’t need chains and can use a maintenance-free belt drive like those from Gates instead.
Manufacturers of bikes with eCVT gearboxes will not have to buy derailleurs (and potentially chains) from big OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), potentially saving them money on each bike.
Creating an eCVT for an ebike isn’t new though. Owuru’s motor (by E2 Drives) appeared as early as 2023, offering an eCVT ebike drive unit with a stepless 265% gear range and 65Nm torque. It's specced on some Decathlon hybrid ebikes. Instead of selecting which gear you want, you choose your preferred cadence from the onboard computer.
Specifications
Owuru showcased an updated version of its eCVT system in 2025, boasting 150Nm torque, 1,000W peak power and a 500% gear range. However, this latest system isn’t expected until 2028 at the earliest.
The Gobao X1P eCVT system is claimed to offer 150Nm torque, 1,500W of power, and a 500% gear range.
Avinox has not commented on power and torque figures for its new MG Concept system, but said they will be similar to its latest (non-gearbox equipped) drive units, suggesting the figures could be similar to its M2 motor, which has 1,500W power and 150Nm torque. What it has declared, though, is that its CVT will offer a gear range of 520%.
Avinox states the MG Concept system offers a manual shifting mode as well as regenerative braking capabilities. Its bold claims about performance are the system is three times more durable and 10% more efficient than traditional drivetrains.
In terms of gear range, the spread of ratios claimed by these manufacturers is comparable to traditional drivetrains with rear derailleurs, such as Shimano’s 1x12-speed system, which offers a 510% gear range and SRAM's Eagle Transmission, which offers 520%.
What will they be like to ride?
Avinox’s eCVT system is still in the prototype phase, but Gobao already has rideable examples and we can’t wait to get our hands on them.
A CVT transmission is stepless, so you will not need to manually select each gear ratio and wait for the bike to switch gears. It’s likely you will just have to select your desired cadence and pedal at that rate as the bike accelerates.
Automotive CVTs can suffer from high levels of drag, so it will be interesting to see how eCVT manufacturers combat this. Of course, having a powerful motor will mean you don’t feel the drag until you reach the bike's restricted speed limit and assistance is cut off, but a draggy gearbox will sap range from the ebike’s battery.
The future of ebikes
This new surge of eCVT products promises to offer an alternative to derailleurs and chains on ebikes.
We can’t wait to test an eCVT, MGU and traditional drivetrain back to back. If eCVTs are as good as their manufacturers promise, derailleur manufacturers could have a real fight on their hands.
However, the Gobao and Avinox eCVT products aren’t anticipated until 2027, and you’ll have to wait until 2028 for the updated Owuru system. So if you want a bike with an eCVT system, your only option is to buy an ebike – the original Owuru by E2 Drives’ eCVT system, owned by, and available from Decathlon.
