Pinion MGU: The Future of E-Bike Drive Systems Has Arrived

I’m a cycling traditionalist, hooked on the click-clack of mechanical gears and wary of change. Electronic shifting? I’d rather tweak cables than tap an app. But lately, I’ve been questioning that mindset. After years of fiddling with limit screws, snapping chains on climbs, and keeping a rag handy for greasy drivetrains, a new contender has entered the ring – and it’s forcing me to rethink everything.

Enter the Pinion Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU) – a revolutionary piece of engineering that combines a full-power motor and a sealed gearbox into one integrated, intelligent, and low-maintenance system. No derailleurs, no external mechs, no greasy chains. Just smooth, silent power and shifting.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just “new tech for the sake of it.” It’s genuinely better.

What Is the Pinion MGU?

At its core, the MGU is a unified powertrain that blends a wear-free, brushless motor with a sealed 12-speed gearbox in an oil bath. It features instant electronic gear shifting via Smart.Shift, and smart features like Pre.Select and Start.Select for intuitive riding. The Gates Carbon Belt Drive keeps the ride quiet, clean, and completely grease-free.

The ride tells a simple story: it just works. You can shift under full load, while stationary, and without worrying if your derailleur will jam or your chain will drop mid-climb.

Why It’s a Big Deal

I love the tactile clunk of traditional gearing, but let’s be honest: derailleurs are fragile. Chains stretch. Cogs wear. And e-bike motors only make those weak points more obvious. The MGU tackles all of that in one fell swoop.

It removes the derailleur, the exposed parts, the greasy chain. Shifting is instant, and the maintenance is minimal – just an oil change every 10,000km. Plus, its low, central placement improves handling and balance, especially on trails.

What Does It Feel Like to Ride?

Honestly? Effortless. The first time I rode a Pinion MGU-equipped bike, I braced myself for the usual clunk or lag when shifting uphill. It never came. Instead, I felt seamless gear changes, quiet riding, and confidence on steep, unpredictable terrain.

It doesn’t just shift better – it changes how you ride. You stop thinking about gears and just focus on the ride ahead. No clicks, no clacks, no second-guessing.

From Porsche to Pinion

Pinion was founded in 2011 by two former Porsche engineers – Christoph Lermen and Michael Schmitz – in Stuttgart. Their vision: bring automotive-level precision and durability to the cycling world.

The MGU is the result of that vision – a single unit that integrates motor and gearbox. Trusted by over 100 bike brands, it has received major industry awards and recognition. It’s not about replacing tradition, it’s about making it better.

Why Cycling Needs This

With e-bikes booming for commuting, touring, and trail riding, riders demand more from their drivetrains. The MGU is tough, low-maintenance, and designed to handle real-world conditions without the usual fuss.

It simplifies design, reduces upkeep, and makes e-bikes more accessible for everyday riders. Whether you’re hitting mountain trails or commuting through the city, the MGU keeps things smooth, efficient, and reliable.

Ready to Try It?

If it’s swaying a gear-clunk lover like me, it’s worth a go. You can test ride the Pinion MGU system at any Fully Charged location – London Bridge, Silverstone, Guildford, New Forest, or Cornwall. The team will help you feel the difference for yourself. Call to book a test ride today.

Because some technologies only make sense once you’ve experienced them – and this is one of them.