Most electric motorcycles use a single-speed transmission, but a British company believes adding another gear could make them even better. E-Motiv Shift Systems is preparing to showcase a retro-styled electric motorcycle equipped with its new two-speed transmission at the 2026 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
The prototype, called Demo 1, has been developed to demonstrate technology that could eventually find its way into production electric motorcycles. Its biggest selling point is a transmission designed to change gears without interrupting torque delivery to the rear wheel.
E-Motiv claims the system could improve acceleration, efficiency, and thermal performance while making electric motorcycles more engaging to ride. The company also believes manufacturers could use the technology to give different models their own distinctive riding characteristics.
The motorcycle will be presented at EICMA, which runs from November 3 to 8. However, the prototype isn’t intended for immediate production, with real-world testing currently scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Why Give An Electric Motorcycle Two Gears?
Unlike conventional gasoline-powered motorcycles, most electric bikes don’t need multiple gears because electric motors can deliver plenty of torque across a broad operating range. E-Motiv believes a second gear could still offer advantages by allowing the motor to operate more efficiently at different speeds.
Its patented seamless powershift transmission is designed to maintain torque delivery during gear changes. That means riders could benefit from stronger acceleration without the interruption normally associated with shifting gears.
Manufacturers could also adjust how the transmission behaves, potentially creating different riding experiences for commuting, touring, or performance-oriented motorcycles. E-Motiv hasn’t released detailed performance figures or efficiency improvements yet.
The Technology Has Roots In MotoGP
Although the electric motorcycle transmission is new, the underlying technology has an interesting history. E-Motiv’s system builds on the Zeroshift seamless gearing technology originally developed for combustion engines.
That technology made its way into Aprilia’s MotoGP racing program in 2015, where seamless shifting has helped support the team’s racing efforts. E-Motiv has since adapted the concept for lightweight electric vehicles.
Development was supported by a £1 million British government-funded project involving motorcycle manufacturer BSA, the University of Bath, and the Institute of Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems.
A Retro-Styled Prototype With A Modern Drivetrain
The Demo 1 motorcycle was designed by British consultancy Envisage and is being assembled at the IAAPS research facility in the UK. Its retro-inspired appearance contrasts with the modern electric powertrain technology it was built to demonstrate.
E-Motiv plans to begin real-world testing during the first quarter of 2027, although the company has not announced production plans or specifications for a commercial motorcycle.
The Demo 1 is primarily a showcase for the transmission rather than a new motorcycle headed for dealerships. Its success will depend on whether the promised improvements prove worthwhile when the technology reaches the road.