As we leave this year’s Eurobike behind us, many are quietly forming the opinion that the show is in terminal decline. Bigger exhibitors have pulled out, crowd numbers were down. Nevertheless, despite what may become of the event in the near term, the main technical trends in the industry were clear.
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Lighter and More Powerful Motors
In an increasingly competitive market, Eurobike highlighted how e-bike motor brands are getting an edge: making motors lighter; or making them more powerful.
We’ve frequently commented on the movement towards lighter e-bikes in contrast to the early years of the mass adoption phase that seems to be maturing now—weight has and probably always will be a key consideration despite the addition of a power source (which neutralizes the weight factor), the independent variable which changes everything. With e-bike systems, quite apart from motors, getting down to the 2.5 kg mark, it is questionable whether aiming for lighter motors in itself is a worthwhile pursuit.
The market for light motors was initially spearheaded by Fazua, TQ Group, Maxon, Mahle and Bafang (M800). Bosch was late to the party, introducing their Performance Line SX system in 2024. Being big compensated for a tardy start, of course, as we observe their dominant position. Still, there’s plenty of competition.
TQ Systems entered the space in 2022 with their TQ-HPR50 mid-drive. The second generation of this system, TQ-HPR60, was launched at Eurobike. It has 20% more torque—60 Nm—than the previous iteration and 17% higher power—peak power in 350W. TQ touts the weight at 3.525 kg, which is true when using the smallest of the three battery choices.
Maxon’s Bike Drive Air S generates 88 Nm of torque and 620W of power whilst weighing a mere 1.98 kg. Like the TQ models, the unit is compact making for easy integration into a variety of frames. The 400Wh battery weighs 1.8kg, the 600Wh model 2.8 kg. Putting the batteries together with the motor gives a combined weight under 4kg with the 400Wh battery and under 5kg for the 600Wh model.
Mahle have focused on lightweight hub motors but now enter the mid-drive space with the M40, weighing 2.5 kg, generating 105Nm of torque and a peak power of 850W. The control unit and high-resolution speed/torque sensors ensure instant power delivery at the first pedal stroke and, the company claims, responds smoothly even during sudden cadence changes. The speed sensor detects speed variations within less than 3 cm and works with the cadence and torque sensors to ensure near-instantaneous response at every pedal stroke. Dynamic control logic fine-tunes output on the fly, so the M40 anticipates and executes the rider’s intentions without delay…allegedly.
Chain maker KMC’s brand, Kynamic, has been prominent in developing an in-tube motor with hydrodynamic gears for smooth gear changes. Their E-Pure system resembles Mahle’s XS system. Weighing under 3kg this thru-axle hub-motor sports 250W of power and 30 Nm of torque. The 180Wh external battery fits into a bottle cage; the controller and HMI are built in.
Hyena is one of Taiwan’s outstanding e-drive innovators. They began by offering HMI and producing software for others. During the pandemic they transitioned to designing complete e-drive systems. The extremely compact 2kg MRC-F250 thru-axle hub motor with 250W of power and 35 Nm of torque, weighs in at 2kg; it also works with 12-speed cassettes.
Decathlon’s 2025 e2Drive system is not merely smart technology; it’s smart business. The compact “Owuru Ride” motor and automatic, continuously variable transmission system was jointly developed with Belgian startup E2Drives. A CVT effectively allows a rider to traverse any terrain in exactly the right gear; this one has a 500% gear ratio. Motor/gearbox integration means reduced maintenance. It ticks all the boxes yet is offered at an attractive price point.
The unit will appear on various Decathlon mountain and cargo bike models. Where the older model offered 600W and 120Nm of torque, the Owuru offers 1000W and 150Nm of torque as well as weighing in at 3.9kg, around 1kg lighter than the previous model. Decathlon are not keeping to themselves, though. The updated Owuru is also slated to be adopted by other brands in 2027. “We are in the process of selecting the brands we want to work with. It’s an ambitious project that needs to be supported,” said Aubain Verlé, E2 Drives’ innovation manager. “We don’t just want to supply a motor, but to offer a coherent and intelligent, ready-to-use solution for those who want it.”
Owuru is built from patented proprietary technology, without robotic gearboxes or complex components. “We remain true to a Decathlon philosophy: making technology accessible. We believe that mechanical complexity should not be a hindrance. Our strength lies in intelligent design, finely calibrated software, and controlled production in Europe,” said Verlé.
While it’s not expected to be in the market until late 2026, the mere fact of its appearance heralds a new wave of mass adoption of sophisticated technology where users simply get on and ride. Nothing to think about. Nobody but a few geeky tech lovers buy “bikes” per se. Everyone else wants to get from A to B and then onto C and even D and E quickly, reliably, safely. This type of product allows them to do exactly that which rapidly converts more of that mass of potential cyclists that will determine the future growth trajectory of the bike industry.
Micromobility is the keyword
If Eurobike continues to struggle for relevancy it will because they missed the transition from “bikes” to the idea of “micromobility”, that is covering short distances within largely urban environments cheaply and comfortably. It remains to be seen whether the addition in 2026 of the new Mobifuture “sub” show catchup is just too late.
Dahon
Dahon’s complete micromobility solution describes the key Eurobike moment for this year. It draws from the same wellspring that Eurobike organizer, Fairnamic, used to come up their Micromobility show that will be included alongside the main event in 2026. Dahon has identified that the future of urban mobility is in compact, electric, two- and three-wheeled vehicles. Folding bikes are still important; but they are just one part in a more complex whole.
A revamped line of non-electrical models covering all dimensions of urban transportation, namely five new electric vehicle series, encompassing a range of options from Class 1, 2, and 3 electric vehicles to throttle-controlled mopeds.
The K-Feather is, as the name suggests a lightweight e-bike weighing a mere 12 kg, with a hidden battery and torque-sensing motor, providing some 40 km of pedal-assist range in a minimalist design that, in keeping with the zeitgeist, doesn’t look like an e-bike: a noticeable trend is the increasing invisibility of the telltale signs of an e-bike—more compact, lighter motors is central to that.
Acer Smart Mobility
The Acer Nitro Series 4 eScooter is engineered for urban transit. It is equipped with a 400W rear hub motor, which provides smooth operation and climbing capability. The e-scooter has a top speed of 30 km/h and offers a maximum range of 50 km. Safety features include a front disc brake and a rear eABS system. Additionally, regenerative braking technology is integrated to transfer energy back to the battery during deceleration, contributing to efficiency.
The Predator ES Thunder and ES Storm eScooters deliver high-performance power and versatility for rugged off-road adventures, with Acer eMobility app integration for real-time ride monitoring.
The Predator ES Thunder eScooter is designed for off-road use. It is equipped with a 500W rear motor and provides 30Nm of torque, allowing it to ascend slopes with an incline of up to 23%. Front and rear single-arm suspension combined with off-road tires contribute to stability and enable adaptation to challenging terrain.
The Predator ES Storm features the same power configuration as the ES Thunder. This model has a top speed of 35 km/h and a range of up to 60 km, making it suitable for longer distances and varied riding conditions.
The Predator eRanger and eNomad-R fat-tire models embody what Acer term the “Fun Bike” lifestyle, combining “bold” designs, powerful motors, and customizable accessories for personalized riding experiences.
The Predator eRanger is inspired by vintage motorcycles. It includes three-level pedal assist, Shimano 7-speed gears, and a large-format LED display. The Predator eNomad-R is equipped with a 750W motor that delivers 80Nm of torque. This model supports various customizable accessories, allowing for a personalized ride.
Longtail Utility Cargo Bikes
Another growth category which fits neatly into the micromobility theme has been cargo bikes. Improved city biking infrastructure, electrification, and the production of more easily maneuvered, parked, and stored models has seen an explosion of the range.
The classic cargo bike has been characterized by a unique design: a bin in the center directly in front of the rider or further to the front. These are big vehicles; and the bin makes moving down narrow roads or paths fairly tricky (unless you’ve got a collapsable bin, eg. Pacific Cycles).
Tern’s GSD is seen as the design innovation that started the compact cargo bike trend; the 3rd generation was the focus at this year’s show. The requirement for a far more robust frame has meant a departure from the aesthetic—frames resemble bridge latticework rather than the minimalist tubing of standard folding bikes.
Apart from incorporating Bosch’s fifth generation mid-drive system, the frame has been strengthened to support up to 210kg, along with increased stiffness for easier handling when carrying heavy loads; the rear carrier can now take up to 100kg. The GSD’s base model is equipped with a 10-speed, derailleur-based drivetrain. In contrast, the top model utilizes Rohloff’s e14 internal gear hub and a belt drive.
You could be forgiven for mistaking Moustache’s Lundi 20 for the GSD—or viceversa. This second generation model also has a redesigned frame: the front “triangle” is now a single reinforced tube making step-through easier. The new extra wide double kickstand increases stability during loading/unloading. It also incorporates Bosch’s fifth generation system.
The rear rack is modular and can support up to 200kg, double the GSD.
Vello, who up until now only produced premium folding bikes has introduced their first long tail compact cargo bike, the Smart Utility Bike (SUB). Also sporting Bosche’s fifth generation motor, and although weighing 26.5kg (optional titanium frame), the SUB can carry up to 210 kg. Enviolo’s stepless internal shifting hub and Magura 4-piston brakes complete the package.
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