2024 E-Bike Trends Predictions: How Are We Doing So Far?

At the beginning of the year (Where did those four months go?) we published our predictions for the coming e-bike year. We are far enough into the year now that we thought we should take a look at those predictions and see how we are doing. The e-bike market is in the most rapid evolution we’ve seen since e-bikes became a blip on the radar.

E-bikes to look forward to

Van Moof

The Dutch city bike maker was purchased out of bankruptcy and we recently reported that the new owner, Lavoie had discontinued the warranty-issue-plagued X3 and X3 and that they would add a full-suspension city e-bike and build a network of independent dealers.

As of this writing, they still haven’t resumed selling e-bikes.

More lightweight e-bikes and eMTBs

We noted that the launch of some lightweight mid-drive motors in 2023 should translate to an increased number of lightweight e-bikes. It takes about a year from when a new product hits the market before we see it spec’d on new or existing models.

We are definitely seeing a rising number of lightweight e-bikes, particularly eMTBs. Two of our favorite examples from this spring are the Aventon Ramblas and the Canyon Neuron:ONfly. These are two eMTBs that their competitors are examining how to compete against, which is good news for everyone considering an eMTB purchase.

Gocycle

The next product for Gocycle is to be a cargo e-bike. They announced the Gocycle G4, G4i and G4i+ at the end of 2023 and said it would be introduced in 2024, but as of yet, none of the G4 variants are available for purchase.

Will new motors and systems emerge?

SRAM

Since our January reporting on Amprio’s RMAG mid-drive motor, SRAM has purchased the company. This will speed up SRAM’s entry into the e-bike market. Considering SRAM’s product lineup focuses on more expensive enthusiast end of the market, it seems reasonable to expect that we will see the RMAG motors on eMTBs primarily.

SRAM is simultaneously working on its Eagle Powertrain, which is based on a Bosch motor, shown above. The SRAM Eagle Powertrain has been spec’d on an ever-growing number of e-bikes including the Megawatt 297 from Nukeproof, the GASGAS ECC and MXC enduro and all-mountain eMTBs, the Transition Repeater PT and Propain Ekano.

Pinion

While we have yet to see the Pinion MGU that combines both a motor and gearbox in a single unit, Lectric surprised everyone with their introduction of the ONE. It appears to be the only e-bike on the market in the $2000 price range equipped with the Pinion gearbox.

Veer

Since our reporting on Veer’s 2-speed drivetrain for the Gates carbon belt drive, their crowdfunding effort on Start Engine has closed and they raised more than $300,000. Veer’s innovative drivetrain will appear on bikes and e-bikes from Phatfour, Detroit Bikes, Noko Bikes and Multicycle.

Porsche

While there’s no new word yet on the mid-drive motor that Porsche is developing, five models of the Rotwild-made eMTBs are available for purchase and they are taking preorders on six more models. The frame has a distinct visual language to delineate the Porsche models from Rotwild’s existing line.

Hyena E-Road AIR System

As of this writing, Hyena has removed the page for its E-Road AIR system for road e-bikes. The 2.9-lb. (1.3kg) AIR hub is listed, apparently available to OE manufacturers.

Mavic X-Tend

French wheel maker Mavic has teased a new, ultra-small mid-drive e-bike motor. The X-Tend is reported to produce a rather modest 39Nm of torque and is powered by a 250Wh battery. Other than the media reports that have been published, there is no mention of the motor elsewhere, including Mavic’s website.

KMC

Chain maker KMC has announced an e-bike system called Kynamic that will give manufacturers a choice between a 250W hub motor and a 200W mid-drive motor. The system is powered by a 497Wh internal battery. So far, Whyte Bikes is the only company to spec the Kynamic system on an e-bike, its city e-bikes, the RHeO 2 and RHeO 3, which aren’t available online yet.