A major disadvantage of modern e-bike systems with a mid-motor is that they subject the intricate transmission components to increased forces. Gearshift comfort and durability of the drive both suffer as a result. The force from the rider is first boosted by a mid-motor and then transmitted directly to the derailleur or hub transmission. These enormous forces encourage wear in the entire drive train and mean that gear shifts take place without haptic feedback. Premature maintenance intervals are the result.

As a result, the ideal sequence is for the propulsive effort of the rider first to be transmitted through the central Pinion gearbox and only then boosted as required by an electric motor. This means the gearbox components are not exposed to additional forces, and every single gearshift remains “unfiltered” and has a consistent level of precision. This arrangement also retains the low wear on sprockets, the chain and toothed belt that is a typical feature of Pinion.