IN DEPTH: Early in January, drive systems specialist Ananda cut the ribbon on its brand new M7000 Series, pitched as a new generation of mid-drive motors designed as a scalable platform rather than a single product. Eagle-eyed on trends in the market, Ananda has designed the platform to accommodate the twin aspirations of simplification and affordability that are becoming more prevalent in the sector.
Simplification
An Ananda spokesperson tells CIN: “One of the core ideas behind the M7000 Series is simplification. By moving to a shared platform with common integration standards, electronics, communication protocols, and system logic, we reduce complexity for OEMs across development, sourcing, production, and long term management.
“By allowing the exchange of key components – motor, battery, display, sensors and controllers – across the same platform, OEMs can serve multiple applications while managing fewer variants and reduced stock positions. A single family design also ensures visual consistency across different segments.
“From development to production, the platform simplifies processes. Universal documentation allows teams to do the work once and efficiently adapt it across projects. A single mounting standard and reduced number of parts mean less complexity in frame design, logistics, assembly and aftersales handling.
“Familiarity is another key advantage: once teams learn the system, they know it across all applications – from product management and production to sales and service.
“The result is clear: lower costs, less complexity, and greater flexibility – reducing effort while expanding possibilities.”
Speaking of the show, which is grabbing a few extra headlines as the global business deliberates on the future of the bike trade shows in Europe, how was Velofollies for Ananda? “The launch went very well. Velofollies was the right place to introduce the M7000 Series, as it allowed us to present not just new motor, but a complete platform
approach,” the spokesperson tells CIN. “From day one, we saw strong interest from OEMs, retailers and media, with many in-depth discussions around system flexibility and positioning as a credible alternative to established market leaders.
“The show itself felt busy and constructive. Attendance was solid, conversations were business-oriented, and there was a clear appetite for well thought-out, long-term system solutions rather than isolated components. Velofollies is also an important touchpoint with dealers, which made the timing of the launch particularly relevant.
“Velofollies also confirmed that the European bike market has entered a more stable and professional phase after a difficult period. Volumes are more realistic than during the post Covid peak, but confidence is returning, and brands are clearly focused on efficiency and long-term strategies – exactly where the M7000 platform fits.”
The O2feel is one brand that recently switched from Shimano to Ananda, which piqued interest among a decent proportion of show visitors: “this naturally generated curiosity and discussion around our technology.”
Beyond the M7000 Series, Ananda also used Velofollies to highlight its R900 electronic 3-speed automatic gear hub system, with demo bikes available in the test area. Visitors could experience this technology first-hand, which will be available on customer bikes in 2026 and 2027.”
Pace of development
With consumers becoming ever more aware of the brand, Ananda is keen to impress upon potential OEM partners that it is designing systems that work for them too. This latest series launch is consciously a move away from the “one motor, one application” mindset, the firm explains: “We created a modular mid-drive platform that allows
OEMs to cover multiple segments using the same core architecture.”
It’s a move that will likely speed up development for OEMS: “Rather than starting from scratch for each project, brands can work from a proven foundation and adapt it to different bike concepts – from urban to trekking or eMTB. This shortens development cycles, reduces engineering effort and R&D costs, and helps brands bring new models to market faster while maintaining consistent ride quality and brand differentiation.”
Affordability moves into the driving seat
Those themes have a positive knock-on effect on those seeking greater affordability, as the firm points out: “We see a strong shift toward complete system solutions and long-term platforms rather than isolated components. OEMs are increasingly focused on reducing complexity, controlling costs, and shortening time-to-market while still delivering differentiated products. Flexibility, serviceability, and platform scalability are becoming essential requirements, not optional extras. At the same time, the market remains highly price-sensitive, making value for money, service support, and long-term reliability just as important as peak performance figures. This is exactly where the M7000 Series is positioned.”
According to the brand, the affordability factor is now more important than ever, with urban and city eBikes (for example) priced above €5,000 largely reaching saturation point, and most potential customers already equipped. The firm says: “Growth now lies with first-time buyers and non cyclists entering the eBike market, typically targeting bikes priced below €3,000. This segment represents the core of today’s market and still offers significant untapped potential for brands able to deliver strong value without unnecessary complexity.
“For these new riders, simplicity is as important as price. They are looking for robust, intuitive bikes that are easy to use, easy to maintain, and reassuring in everyday riding. Complex systems or manual gear management can quickly become a barrier to adoption. Automatic gear shifting is particularly relevant for this audience, simplifying the riding experience and reducing maintenance concerns. This thinking directly inspired the R900 electronic 3-speed hub system, launched at Eurobike. By combining automatic shifting with low maintenance, it addresses the needs of new riders seeking a stress-free, intuitive riding experience.
“Overall, Ananda’s strategy is clearly focused on serving real riding needs while making life easier for OEMs – combining platform efficiency, accessible performance, and user-friendly system solutions.”
Ananda sees the M7000 Series as a key milestone in its development and – perhaps crucially – its perception as a serious long-term partner in the European market: “Designed to evolve over time, the M7000 platform ensures continuity, investment protection, and the flexibility for our partners to respond quickly to changing market demands.”