Niche Mobility, a company based in Girona, is set to redefine the e-bike landscape with its revolutionary Automatic Digital Transmission System (ADTS). This groundbreaking technology promises to eliminate conventional mechanical gears, offering riders a completely automatic and digital experience. The system is engineered to adapt continuously to speed, cadence, and terrain, removing the need for manual gear changes. With regenerative braking and a reverse gear also integrated, the ADTS is poised to simplify e-bike operation and enhance user accessibility, targeting a market launch in 2027.
The core of Niche Mobility's innovation lies in its patented ADTS, which digitally and continuously adjusts the gear ratio without any mechanical shifting or distinct gear steps. Real-time data from various sensors, including speed, slope, and riding mode, feeds into the Bicycle Control Unit (BCU) to determine the optimal ratio. This design creates a 'series hybrid' system where pedaling energy powers a generator motor, which then transmits power to a separate traction motor that drives the rear wheel. Crucially, there is no direct mechanical link between the pedals and the rear wheel, meaning pedaling alone won't propel the bike if the system is disengaged. This pedal-by-wire approach, while incorporating a chain, shares conceptual similarities with existing systems that translate pedal input into hub motor drive.
The battery capacity for e-bikes integrating the ADTS will be determined by individual original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), influencing factors such as range. The system provides pedal assistance up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph), with future speed pedelec versions expected to reach 45 km/h (28 mph). A robust motor delivering a maximum torque of 120 Nm ensures powerful performance, while the estimated range hovers around 80-90 km (50-56 miles), depending on the battery size and assistance level. Beyond the technical mechanics, the ADTS includes a Human Machine Interface (HMI) instead of a standard display, offering various motor maps like Easy, Flow, Sweat, and Off. Smart features, such as over-the-air updates, anti-theft protection, localization, and wireless bike blocking, are accessible via a dedicated app, further augmenting the user experience.
Regenerative braking is a key component, functioning both actively during braking and passively as engine braking when coasting or descending. A unique reverse gear, activated by a single button press or backward pedaling, significantly improves maneuverability. Niche Mobility anticipates the ADTS will be most beneficial for urban, trekking, and cargo e-bikes, where simplicity, minimal maintenance, and user-friendliness are highly valued attributes. The vision for this system originated with company founder Marc Barceló, who began prototyping bicycle motors in his garage in Catalonia. Having previously founded Volta Motorbikes and developed electric propulsion systems, Barceló shifted his focus to e-bikes, aiming to create a system that democratizes cycling by removing the complexity of traditional gearing, particularly for novices and occasional riders. The company has already initiated discussions with several bicycle manufacturers interested in adopting this innovative motor platform for their upcoming models.
This innovative ADTS system from Niche Mobility is poised to transform the e-bike sector by offering a truly automatic and gear-free riding experience. The technology, which is currently in its final development stages, incorporates regenerative braking and a reverse function, making e-bikes more intuitive and accessible. With plans for industrialization this year and a market launch in 2027, Niche Mobility aims to make cycling simpler and more enjoyable for a wider audience, particularly in urban, trekking, and cargo e-bike segments.