Has a new era of e-MTB just begun? The Gobao X1 is a paradigm shift

The electric bicycle industry seems to have found a new technological direction. Just a few hours after Avinox showcased its MG Concept at Eurobike 2026, a motor with integrated transmission that eliminates much of the traditional transmission, the Chinese manufacturer Gobao has officially presented the new X1 and X1P, two systems that take that same philosophy a step further.

Gobao presents a revolutionary motor with integrated transmission and aims for the future of e-MTB without a rear derailleur

Gobao's proposal not only eliminates the rear derailleur and cassette but also incorporates a continuously variable transmission (eCVT) integrated within the motor itself. The result is an electric bicycle capable of automatically adjusting the gear ratio without the cyclist having to shift gears.

Who is GOBAO?

Although its name is still little known in Europe, Gobao is a company with a long history in the electric mobility sector. The company was founded in 2002 in Shenzhen (China) and for more than two decades has developed motors, control systems, and electric propulsion solutions for various market segments. In recent years, it has intensified its commitment to high-performance electric bicycles, allocating significant resources to research and development to reach advanced platforms like the new X1 and X1P, with which it aims to compete directly with the leading manufacturers in the sector.

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A trend that is starting to take shape

The coincidence of Gobao and Avinox's announcements during the same edition of Eurobike does not seem to be a coincidence.

On one hand, Avinox has shown the MG Concept, a conceptual platform developed alongside brands like Canyon, Mondraker, Commencal, Forbidden, or Megamo that aims to integrate the transmission system within the motor assembly itself.

On the other hand, Gobao has already taken that idea to a product that is practically ready for production.

Everything points to the industry beginning to seriously explore an alternative to the scheme that currently dominates e-MTBs: central motor, cassette, and external rear derailleur. The possibility of concentrating all mechanical elements into a single unit promises advantages in protection, maintenance, ease of use, and frame design.

A few years ago, Pinion paved the way with its MGU (Motor Gearbox Unit), and now Avinox and Gobao seem to confirm that total integration will be one of the major development lines for the next generation of electric bicycles.

What makes the Gobao X1 system so special?

The Gobao X1 uses a continuously variable transmission or eCVT. This means it does not work with a fixed number of gears but can vary the gear ratio continuously within a certain range.

In practice, the cyclist selects a target cadence, and the system automatically adjusts the gear ratio to maintain that pedaling rhythm regardless of the slope or terrain conditions.

There are no jumps between gears or noticeable shifts during riding.

To achieve this, the system employs two internal electric motors. One is responsible for providing the main assistance to pedaling, while a second motor regulates the speed of a gear that continuously modifies the gear ratio.

According to Gobao, this solution offers a more natural pedaling feel than conventional systems with stepped gears.

Two versions with spectacular figures

The range consists of two variants. The Gobao X1P is the more powerful version, with a declared maximum power of 1,500 W and a torque of 150 Nm. These are exactly the same figures announced by the Avinox M2S, currently one of the references in the sector in terms of performance.

Below it is the Gobao X1, which delivers 1,200 W and 120 Nm. The most important difference between the two is not only in power but also in the available gear range. The X1P offers a range of 500%, while the X1 is limited to 400%.

More weight, but without external transmission

The new set weighs 3.85 kg.

On paper, it is heavier than a conventional Avinox motor, but the direct comparison is not entirely fair. The Gobao system already incorporates the transmission function, eliminating components like cassette, rear derailleur, shifters, and much of the associated elements.

For many users, this argument could be as important as the motor's power itself.

Ultra-fast charging: one of the most striking aspects

If the integrated transmission is the major technical novelty, the batteries are probably the most surprising aspect of the system.

Gobao claims that its batteries can reach 80% charge in extremely short times thanks to an optional 30-amp charger.

The 500 Wh battery would only need 24 minutes to reach 80%. The 750 Wh version would do it in 28 minutes. And the 900 Wh battery would reach the same charge level in just 32 minutes.

To put it in context, many current systems need between one and a half to three hours to achieve that same percentage of charge.

Moreover, the announced weights are particularly competitive. The 900 Wh battery claims 3.7 kg, even slightly below some lower-capacity solutions currently available on the market.

No bicycles yet, but with ambitious goals

At the moment, there is no production bicycle equipped with the new Gobao X1 or X1P.

The company chose Eurobike 2026 for its official presentation and has not yet announced agreements with major bicycle manufacturers.

However, the brand claims that the first commercial models equipped with this system could start around 3,500 euros, a figure we assume would be for an aluminum frame, but even so would place them in a very competitive position against other premium systems.