With its directly integrated 8-speed transmission, the Intra Drive motor is aimed at electric bikes as well as e-MTBs, as well as cargo ships with a transaxial version.
A trend seems to be confirmed in motors for electric bicycles. Until recently, a motor was associated with an offset transmission on the rear hub, whether Nexus or derailleur type. However, Valeo Cyclee, Decathlon Owuru or Pinion MGU wanted to bring a new family of engine-boxes. Good news: a new, lesser-known member Intra Drive joins this group.
A powerful bicycle engine with manual gearbox
This Scottish firm based in Edinburgh has developed its motor for electric bikes in a Shimano EP8 format (no need to change the frame for brands that already have a model with this unit). Incorporating an 8-speed transmission, this motor only requires a belt or chain connected to the rear wheel to deliver the 600 W peak it generates. The passages of the Intra Drive would be very fast, of the order of a tenth of a second with homogeneous staging.
The gearbox is not automatic, however, but it is possible to change gears when stationary, and even several at once. Equipped with cadence, rotation and torque sensors, it offers three levels of electrical assistance. However, it is not known which screen this Intra Drive engine intends to pair with. What is certain is that many batteries will be able to pair. The goal is also to be very reliable and durable over time, for the lifespan of the electric bike as a whole.
A start from 2024, even on cargo bikes
The brand has also not indicated the first electric bikes to want to ride with this block. Intra Drive specifies that it targets city e-bikes (less maintenance and cleaning) as well as e-MTBs. However, prototypes will equip three partner brands, still unknown.
Special feature of the Intra Drive motor: it also exists in a transaxial position, perfect for cargo bikes such as scooters, trikes or quadricycles, for 20-inch wheels. It offers the same characteristics, in order to propel heavy loads, up to 400 kg in total.
Finally, the production date for the Intra Drive engine is scheduled for summer 2024, which relies on crowdfunding on the Crowdcube platform to finance itself. The company has already raised nearly 298,000 pounds (342,000 euros), beyond its objective, and is therefore tending to increase in value.
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