E-Motiv brings MotoGP technology to electric motorcycles and promises gear shifts without power loss
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British technology company E-Motiv Shift Systems will unveil a two-speed transmission for electric motorcycles at the EICMA show in Milan in November, allowing gear changes without interrupting traction. Developed from MotoGP racing technology, the system promises to improve acceleration and energy efficiency while retaining the smooth power delivery characteristic of an electric motor.
Two gears could be better than one
Most electric motorcycles use a fixed gear ratio because an electric motor develops high torque even at low speeds. A simple transmission reduces weight and mechanical losses, but forces engineers to strike a compromise between acceleration, top speed and energy efficiency.
E-Motiv's new two-speed powershift gearbox allows a lower ratio to be used for acceleration and a higher ratio at higher speeds. Unlike a conventional gearbox, the system does not interrupt drive during gear changes.
According to the manufacturer, the technology also allows the shift characteristics to be tailored. On a sports motorcycle, it can prioritise immediate response, while on a touring motorcycle it can favour smoothness and energy savings.
The system's actual efficiency will, however, depend on the additional weight and mechanical losses. E-Motiv has not yet disclosed the gearbox's weight, gear ratios or measured efficiency figures.
MotoGP experience dates back to 2015
E-Motiv's technology has its origins in the Zeroshift gearshift system developed nearly 25 years ago.
Aprilia Racing introduced it on the RS-GP race motorcycle in 2015. Since then, the team has achieved more than 30 podium finishes, including a podium sweep at Silverstone in July 2026.
For electric motorcycles, E-Motiv developed a separate patented solution, supported by £1 million, or approximately €1.15 million, from the UK government's Innovate UK programme.
Motorcycle manufacturer BSA, the University of Bath and powertrain research centre IAAPS participated in the development project.
First test rides to begin in 2027
The technology will be tested on the Demo 1 electric motorcycle, designed by British company Envisage. IAAPS is building the prototype at its research centre, with the first real-world riding tests due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
E-Motiv will unveil the new transmission at EICMA 2026, held in Milan from 3–8 November. The company is not yet disclosing when series production will begin or who its potential customers might be.
In the European electric motorcycle market, the system could be of particular interest to manufacturers of sporty and longer-range models. A two-speed transmission would allow the electric motor to operate in a more efficient range, but its benefits must outweigh the more complex design and higher price.
E-Motiv's technology does not automatically make an electric motorcycle faster or more economical. It does, however, give engineers another way to optimise the transmission without sacrificing one of electric propulsion's greatest advantages: uninterrupted drive.
