British engineering company E-Motiv Shift Systems will introduce its latest two-speed transmission for electric motorcycles at EICMA 2026 in Milan from Nov 3 to 8.
The seamless powershift system allows gear changes without interrupting power delivery to the wheels, potentially improving acceleration and drivetrain efficiency.
Unlike the single-speed transmissions used in most electric motorcycles, E-Motiv’s design gives manufacturers two gear ratios to work with.
It also allows engineers to adjust how gear changes feel, depending on the motorcycle’s intended use and performance characteristics.
The technology draws on E-Motiv’s earlier Zeroshift system, originally developed for combustion engines and adopted by Aprilia Racing’s RS-GP MotoGP motorcycle in 2015.
The electric version has been developed specifically for lightweight EV applications, with validation supported by a UK government-funded project involving motorcycle manufacturer BSA, the University of Bath and the Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS).
A prototype motorcycle called Demo 1, designed by British consultancy Envisage, is being assembled at IAAPS in the UK.
Real-world testing is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
E-Motiv managing director and co-founder Tony Inchbold said the transmission would allow manufacturers to optimise electric powertrains while retaining the ability to tailor gearshift characteristics.
The company will exhibit the technology at Eicma 2026.
