The event is part of our European Dealer Training Tour 2026, an initiative focused on helping dealers become more familiar with Ananda systems and providing them with the knowledge and tools to support their customers.

This training session was specifically organised for dealers in the Benelux region, with most of the programme given in Dutch. The majority of participants came from the Netherlands, but we also welcomed dealers from Belgium.

For us, it was a special occasion since this was the first time we hosted a dealer training event of this scale at our own European headquarters in Arnhem.

“With a day like this, we want to show dealers that we are here to support them and that our technical team is always accessible when they need assistance,” said Ruben Brinkman, Marketing Coordinator at Ananda, who organised the event

Getting to know Ananda

The mornig started with an introduction to Ananda, our European service organisation and the people behind it. For many dealers, it was also an opportunity to meet the local team they normally speak to by phone or email.

For retailers, Ananda’s call centre in the Netherlands plays a central role as the first point of contact for technical questions and support. In addition to Dutch and English, dealers can also receive assistance in fluent German and French. Behind the scenes, the call centre is supported by field service specialists and the product team at Ananda’s headquarters, that that even more complex technical issues can be handled quickly and efficiently.

The most important of this morning sessions was to clarify how we can make service easier for dealers, from technical support and diagnostics to spare parts and warranty procedures. Most of the information told during this morning sessions is all available on the website under the service page

From Theory to Practice

In the afternoon, it was time to get hands-on. During the Ananda Link workshop, dealers learned how to inspect systems, identify potential issues and perform diagnostics using our service software.

Rather than simply explaining how the software works, we wanted participants to experience how straightforward it can be to use in their daily workshop activities.

Every participating dealer also received an Ananda Link tool to take home, allowing them to immediately put their new knowledge into practic

“This day really took my technical knowledge of Ananda systems to the next level. I also now know that Ananda is easy to reach and that I can contact the service centre in Dutch, which gives me even more confidence in our collaboration

Ruud van Mil – Passion 4 sports

Behind the scenes

One of the ideas of hosting the training at the European Headquarters was the opportunity to show dealers what happens behind the scenes.
During the tour of the warehouse, participants learned more about the spare parts stock, service operations and the logistics involved in supporting dealers.

“From Arnhem, we maintain a local stock of systems and spare parts. Having these components readily available helps reduce waiting times and improves the after-sales experience for both dealers and their customers,” Ruben explained.

“At the end of the day, Ruben continues we share exactly the same goal as the bicycle shop: getting cyclists back on the road as quickly as possible.”

Also the plans for the service partnership programme popped up, which aims to launch in 2027. This programme will give bicycle shops the opportunity to become certified Ananda service partners, with benefits such as improved spare parts purchasing conditions, additional training and branding support.

Time to ride

Of course, a dealer training day would not be complete without getting on a bike.

In front of the Arnhem office dealers could experience several of latest e-drivesystems, including the R900 integrated hub motor and motors from the new M7000 Series.

It was a great opportunity to experience the different riding characteristics firsthand, exchange feedback and discuss the technology in a more informal setting.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Beyond the technical sessions, what made the day particularly valuable was the opportunity to connect personally. With plenty of room for questions, conversations over lunch and direct contact with our service team, we gained valuable insights into what dealers need from us.

“The enthusiasm and active participation showed us how valuable these training sessions are. It is not only about sharing technical knowledge, but also about building relationships and understanding what dealers need from us,” said Ruben.

After a successful first edition in Arnhem, we are already looking forward to continuing our dealer training activities in 2027.

The next training opportunity will take place during Velofollies 2027, from 22–24 January in Kortrijk, Belgium. Dealers interested in participating can register through the Ananda dealer page

Not a standalone trend

The result is that folding bikes are no longer just a niche topic. Brands are approaching it as part of a broader urban mobility portfolio or diversity growth within the segment. In some cases, that means revisiting a segment that had previously been scaled back. In others, it means using folding bikes to respond to a market that is becoming more diverse.

“Folding bikes are not a standalone trend,” says Thomas Lecoq, marketing director at Ananda. “They are part of a broader diversification of the e-bike market. As brands expand their portfolios to include a wider range of e-bike categories, each type requires a motor with its own specific characteristics. At the same time, efficient drivetrain integration is becoming increasingly important, with factors such as cable routing, weight, installation space and overall system volume playing a key role.”

The many different bike concepts make it more practical to work with suppliers that give full support, rather than only taking over a small part of the development, production and services process. We respond to this broader diversification with a wide range of hub motors and mid-drive systems, as well as an open system approach.

Developing a folding bike

A folding-bike project comes with a different set of challenges than a traditional eCity bike. The system needs to be lightweight and compact, since the user needs to lift and carry the bike. Cables and connectors need to be carefully integrated and designed around the folding mechanism. And the battery needs to be removable while still fitting within the compact frame design. The display also needs to be robust enough to withstand frequent transport, while remaining simple and intuitive to operate.

While folding bikes come with their own set of technical demands, riders still expect a smooth and dependable ride. The motor therefore needs to support the bike without making it feel heavy or unpleasant to use.

For product managers, time-to-market is an important factor. New trends, like folding bikes, need to reach the market quickly to respond to changing market demand. This requires quick integration and a suitable drive system without starting the supplier selection process from scratch again

Front or rear hub motor

“In many folding bikes, a hub motor is a natural fit for the folding segment, mainly because of its compactness and low weight,” explains Lecoq. “It helps keep the overall bike compact while supporting a straightforward design. Take our R400 motor, available as both a front- and rear-hub motor solution. With a noise level below 50dB and up to 50Nm of torque, it provides strong acceleration while weighing just 2.2kg, making it the perfect choice for discreet performance in a lightweight package. An even lighter 1.4kg version is currently under development and will launch soon together with the lightest controller in the portfolio.”

“Another option for folding bikes is the R900, which combines a rear-hub motor with an integrated 3-speed automatic shifting system,” continues Lecoq. “At 3.8kg and with 50Nm of torque, it reduces the need for additional components such as a derailleur and shifters, making it a great choice for solutions where the bike’s drivetrain needs to be as clean and integrated as possible.”

With multiple mid-drive and hub-motor solutions and custom integration options, brands can select a system based on specifications and needs, rather than adapting the concept to just a single motor. The same flexibility applies to the rider interface, offering a broad selection of HMI solutions, from integrated displays with the latest technology to simple and intuitive interfaces designed around ease of use. Across all solutions, robustness remains a key factor, which is specifically important for folding bikes due to the nature of their use, transport and storage. This is reflected in our clientele, which includes brands such as Brompton, Fiido, Roxform, Vellobike, and Folt.

“Folding bikes will continue to respond to broader market conditions and changing consumer behaviour”

The folding bike segment is not gaining renewed attention because of one single trend. Instead, several mobility shifts are coming together at the same time. Multimodal commuting, limited storage, changing rider preferences and the need for practical urban transport all support the segment’s return in new and existing product offerings.

“That said, market movements in the bicycle industry are rarely linear,” says Lecoq. “Like other bike segments, folding bikes will continue to respond to broader market conditions and changing consumer behaviour. That makes short-cycle flexibility important not only for brands, but for the full supply chain.”

For Ananda, that flexibility is part of the value proposition. It is embedded in the flexible system approach. And its broad system portfolio allows brands to work across different bike categories without having to rebuild their supply structure every time the market changes.

Lecoq concludes: “In a complex segment like folding bikes, where compactness, performance and integration all come together in a highly competitive market, brands benefit from working with an experienced e-drive partner. Beyond the drive system itself, a complete ecosystem of components, integration support, diagnostics and service helps bring reliable products to market faster.”

The R525 is a security-driven hub motor designed for reliable urban and utility e-bikes. Delivering up to 45Nm of torque with quiet performance, it integrates built-in anti-theft protection and patented anti-lock safety technology within a robust 4.2kg hub motor.

Built with security and durability at its core, the integrated hub motor lock gives riders the confidence to park their bike anywhere, delivering a reliable and intelligent solution for modern connected mobility.

Built-in anti-theft protection for when the bike is parked, the R525 is engineered to do more than power your bike — it delivers dependable performance that gets you to your destination with confidence and peace of mind, and keeps your bike secure once you arrive.

“The R525 combines integrated anti-theft protection and patented anti-lock safety technology directly within the hub motor. This dual-layer system protects the bike when parked while ensuring safe riding stability“

Key Features and Specifications

1. Integrated Anti-Theft System

2. Patented Anti-Lock Technology

3.Integrated high-precision speed sensor

4. Robust Design

5. IPX6 Protection

6. Smart System Compatibility

Integrated Anti-Theft Protection

This function is designed to secure the bike when parked. => Bike security feature.

The R525 integrates a mechanical locking system directly inside the hub motor, electronically controlled by the bike’s controller.

When the system is switched off or locked via the display or connected system, the internal mechanism engages automatically to prevent wheel rotation, helping protect the bike from unauthorized movement.

When the system is activated again, the lock releases instantly for normal riding

The mechanism communicates via CANbus protocol, enabling seamless integration with modern connected e-bike architectures.

Patented Anti-Lock Safety Technology

This function operates while riding => Protects riding smoothness and control.

The R525 includes a patented safety logic designed to prevent sudden lock engagement while riding.

If a system error, signal issue or incorrect command were to trigger the locking mechanism, the system does not engage the lock abruptly. Instead, it gradually reduces wheel speed to maintain rider stability and safety.

This intelligent protection layer helps avoid unexpected wheel blocking, preserving smooth riding control and protecting drivetrain components

Robust Construction & Reinforced Motor Architecture Dual Safety System

The R525 features a reinforced stator and rotor design, providing stronger torque-bearing capability than conventional 250W/350W hub motors.

This robust internal architecture improves the motor’s ability to handle higher loads, sustained torque and demanding riding conditions, particularly when climbing hills or carrying cargo.

Combined with IPX6 protection, the R525 is engineered for reliable performance in intensive daily use, from urban commuting to demanding utility and delivery applications.

Smart System Integration Ready

Equipped with high-precision speed detection and multi-protocol communication support, the R525 integrates seamlessly into modern connected e-bike ecosystems and fleet management platforms.

Quiet & Reliable Urban Performance

Delivering 42–50Nm of torque with ultra-quiet operation (<55dB), the R525 ensures smooth, comfortable and confident riding for urban and utility applications

Ananda at Eurobike

Thank you, Eurobike! We’re grateful to everyone who visited our booth and outdoor test area, as well as all the new connections we’ve made. From the moment the doors opened until the very end, the test riders kept rolling and the booth was buzzing with energy.

From our award-winning R900 electronic 3-speed hub, to the launch of the brand-new M7000 compact mid-motor series, and from our diagnostic tool for dealers to our open system integration platform, the Ananda booth was the place to explore the future of e-bike innovation.

Check out the event recap, featuring photos of our booth and the test area.
Thanks for stopping by—or hopefully, we’ll see you again next year!

Ananda unveils the mass production of its brand-new R400 hub motor system. With the R400 system, Ananda underscores the relevance of hub motors in the world of modern ebike design, offering a motor with a quiet and smooth riding experience and high torque for exceptional versatility. This makes it an ideal choice for urban riding in the city but also for escaping the busy city life and explore beyond.

The R400  is designed for rear-wheel applications, while the F400 has been developed specifically as a front hub motor.

Hub motors popularity has decreased among OEM in the past, but this kind of motor can help to reduce bike’s weight and production costs (as these motors are typically more affordable).With recent increased power and component miniaturization, hub motors now offer a compelling alternative to mid motor, as more affordable price.

Who is it developed for?

The development of the R400 was inspired by observing how riders navigate through cities and urban areas. “Urban residents often live in smaller spaces, and the streets are packed with people navigating through the city. This calls for a lightweight motor that makes an eBike easy to store, remains reliable, and features enough power and performance to ensure versatility for both cycling in the city and beyond”, says Jason Shen product manager at Ananda.

The R400 distinguishes itself with its impressive torque and is available in both 45 Nm and 50 Nm versions. Combined with its lightweight 2.3-kilogram motor, this results in a smooth, quiet, and powerful ride, ideal for navigating city streets or exploring the outskirts.

“This motor is designed for long-term use,” says Jason Shen. “In creating this motor, the focus was on durability and quality, ensuring riders have a worry-free ride that meets the demands of city cycling.”

Why was it developed?

The R400 is a modern addition to the lineup of recent hub motor models, such as the M107 and M108, offering a completely redesigned motor while the earlier models remain in production. The stator has been recreated with adjustments in shape and design. This change is the core of the motor’s increased power delivery, without compromising on weight or compactness. Even the motor cover has been redesigned for a more optimized design. With R400, the ebike riders now have the opportunity to enjoy the smoothness and silence of an inner rotor motor at an affordable price point.

Front hub motors like our F400 offer a simple and effective way to electrify a bike without impacting drivetrain components. Very silent, the F400 is a compact and powerful front hub motor is designed for a smooth and quiet riding experience. The F400 also brings ultra-quiet operation and powerful torque of 45 N.m (50N.m optional) to the front wheel, offering a well-balanced and efficient solution for eBike brands looking for versatility

Lightweight eBikes are becoming an increasingly important topic in the industry. Broadening the discussion around it can help drive growth in the city and urban categories, where there is significant potential for the industry to capitalise. During an interview with Cycling Industry News, we shared our insights on the relevance of (light) hub motors in modern eBike design. Read the full story in their April print edition, or read it below.

Ananda argues for developing lightweight urban eBikes that appeal to a wider audience, to drive market 

When we think of lightweight eBikes, we often associate them with high-performance, light-assist eMTBs equipped with a mid-motor. However, this category should also include lightweight urban eBikes—agile city bikes that are easy to carry and store, especially for people living in the city or apartments. This segment remains largely untapped and holds significant growth potential.

It’s important to broaden the discussion beyond mid-drive motors and include hub motors for eGravel, eRoad, but particularly for eCity applications. The real future of the market – and its new opportunities – likely lies in developing lightweight urban eBikes that appeal to a wider audience. We have recently gathered extensive market feedback from both customers and retail¬ers. One unexpected demand has emerged: a hub motor that is both power¬ful and lightweight.

Hub motor popularity has decreased among OEMs in the past, but this kind of motor can help reduce a bike’s weight and production costs, as these motors are typically more affordable. With recent increases in power and compo¬nent miniaturisation, hub motors now offer a compelling alternative to mid-drive motors at a more affordable price. At Ananda, we have developed compact, quiet and high-performance hub motors while maintaining cost-effi¬cient production.

“THE REAL FUTURE OF THE MARKET – AND ITS NEW OPPORTUNITIES – LIKELY LIES IN DEVELOPING LIGHTWEIGHT URBAN EBIKES THAT APPEAL TO A WIDER AUDIENCE”

Different needs on the trails and in the city

For modern eMTB riding, a lightweight drive system must still provide more than 60 Nm of torque to ensure a fun and capa¬ble ride. This quickly leads to the choice of a mid-drive motor. An eMTB motor with less than 60 Nm of torque, paired with a battery under 450 Wh and supple¬mented by a range extender, carries all the downsides of an eBike – extra weight and bulk – without providing enough power and range to explore trails that would otherwise be impossible on a tradi¬tional bike.

For urban bikes, this balance between weight, power and range is even more critical for first-time buyers and those who rely on bicycles for daily commuting. Many urban riders travel relatively short distances on flat city roads, meaning their power demands are lower. This opens the door for significantly lighter bikes than the current industry benchmark.

As pioneer in hub-motors and more than 15 years of expertise we can help riders and eBike manufacturers optimise this balance by developing new technolo¬gies such as ‘Auto Mode’ and intelligent automatic shifting. These innovations ensure the right torque is delivered at the right time, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing maintenance, and ensuring a smoother, more responsive ride.

“THE LARGEST MARKET POTENTIAL LIES WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT YET REGULAR CYCLISTS, AND BRANDS MUST OFFER THEM SIMPLE AND ACCESSIBLE SOLUTIONS”

Current motor models for lightweight eBikes and their advantages

For urban bikes, Ananda offers its brand-new R/F400 hub motor system. The R/F400 distinguishes itself with its impres¬sive torque and is available in both 45 Nm and 50 Nm versions. Combined with its lightweight 2.3-kilogramme motor (2.2 kg for the F400), this results in a smooth, quiet, and powerful ride, ideal for navigating city streets or exploring the outskirts. The R400 is designed for rear-wheel appli¬cations, while the F400 has been developed specifically as a front hub motor.

For eGravel and eRoad, our R820 motor is an excellent choice, featuring a 142 mm OLD, a thru-axle, and a magnetic connec-tor. It delivers 40 Nm of torque while weighing under 2 kg, allowing brands to design lightweight, agile bikes—some¬thing that mid-drive motors often struggle with in these categories. We’ve also developed an integrated system with a frame-mounted display and discreet buttons for effortless mode switching, combining functionality with sleek aesthetics.

The Ananda R900 represents a major step forward in eBike motor technology, delivering exceptional performance, intuitive electronic shifting and smart gearing opti¬misation. Weighing 3.8 kg and offering 50 Nm of torque, the R900 introduces a new level of intelligence in e-drive systems by integrating the motor and 3-speed shifting mechanism into a single housing.

The R900, wich just won the gold creative award at China Cycle 2025 shifts perfectly in sync and is specially designed for a new group of riders who want to focus on their ride, not on shifting gears. With this in mind, Ananda has developed PedalFlow™, a patented technology that enables automatic gear changes for fluid transitions without power loss, even under high torque or heavy load. It allows riders to pedal smoothly while automatic gear transitions happen effortlessly.

”ANANDA SPECIALISES IN ADVANCED TWO-WHEEL MOBILITY DRIVE SYSTEMS, BOASTING OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERTISE IN MID-DRIVE, SIDE-MOUNTED AND HUB MOTORS”

The Gear Hub Motor: “An alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality”

With the comeback of hub motors, eBikes are once again becoming accessible to a different group of people who struggle with the idea of spending over €5,000 on a lightweight eBike today. Brands must offer more accessible options without compro¬mising on quality and service. This is where Ananda stands out as a strong OEM partner, delivering a well-balanced mix of performance, value and reliable support for both manufacturers and retailers.

System Synchronization: Ananda and Shimano Di2 Partnership

As e-bikes continue to evolve, the relationship between the drive system and the drivetrain components is becoming increasingly vital. To further advance this experience, Ananda is integrating its eDrive platform with Shimano’s Di2 electronic shifting technology, enabling both systems to communicate directly through CAN bus technology.

System Connectivity Meets Ride Performance

Building on Ananda’s experience in connected e-bike system development, this new project focuses on creating a digital bridge between the motor and drivetrain. By linking the Ananda drive system and the Shimano Di2 derailleur via CAN bus, the two systems can synchronize and share data in real time.

A Natural Extension of Ananda’s Open Ecosystem Strategy

This collaboration reflects Ananda’s broader vision of creating an open, flexible, and highly adaptable eDrive ecosystem.

By supporting advanced drivetrain technologies from leading industry partners like Shimano, Ananda provides bicycle brands (OEMs) with greater freedom when designing complete e-bike systems. This approach allows brands to combine motor, battery, display, and premium drivetrain technologies into a unified package while maintaining maximum flexibility in product development.

Our Product Manager at Ananda, explains: “By enabling both systems to exchange data, the integration creates a foundation for more intuitive riding experiences, reduced rider workload, and improved rider insights. In doing so, Ananda is embracing the future of connectivity by enabling not only individual e-bike systems to communicate, but the entire network of an e-bike“

Launching with the New M7000 Platform

The first phase of this integration will launch on Ananda’s new M7000 mid-motor platform together with the Shimano CUES product family. Designed for modern e-bike applications, the M7000 combines powerful performance and refined ride characteristics with advanced connectivity features.

Future phases are expected to extend this compatibility to additional Ananda drive systems and future Shimano product lines. Stay tuned for upcoming OEM bike launches featuring the new Ananda M7000 and Shimano Di2 integration

Ananda remains true to its roots with the introduction of the R820, a brand-new hub motor specifically designed for adventurous eGravel riders. While mid-drive motors have recently gained popularity, Ananda proves that the hub motor is still relevant. The R820 eGravel motor is developed based on Ananda’s years of expertise and reputation as a pioneer in hub motors.

With 40 Nm of torque, a smart thru-axle system, and a magnetic connector, the R820 offers gravel riders a powerful, reliable, and trouble free riding experience. It’s perfect for eRiders looking to explore.

Who is it developed for?

Simple: For the gravel rider seeking a balance between support and agility without compromising on control. And who loves switching between dirth paths, gravel, and paved roads.

With the R820 system, Ananda is targeting eGravel riders who love a sporty riding experience. Since the hub motor is directly connected to the rear wheel, it provides direct power transfer, creating a real riding sensation. Combined with an impressive 40 Nm of torque in a compact design weighing just 2.0 kg, the R820 deliver a precisely sporty feeling.

“Listening to our ambassadors, we wanted to make improvements in offering a trouble free riding experience“. Grady Dang, Regional manager Western-Europe explains: “Every sporty cyclist knows the pain of a flat tire. Thanks to the thru-axle and the magnetic connector that connects the electric motor and the rest of the system, the wheel is easy to reassemble”. This makes changing your tire easy With this, Ananda hopes to encourage a wide range of riders to go on adventure.

What are the benefits for the rider?

The lightweight motor is highly noticeable. Which improves the riding feeling but also makes easy to load your bike into the back of your car for a trip to the forest or to take it on holiday.

Another advantage is that the R820, thanks to its compact design, is almost indistinguishable from a non-assisted gravel bike, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking a “camouflage” bike. and makes integration almost unoticeable.

But most important, with its compactness and high torque, the motor retains its power on climbs. This is thanks to a deep understanding of products, coupled with the dedication of our engineers, which leads to the result of a motor system that continues to perform well.

Ananda kicks off European Dealer Training Tour in Warschau, Poland

Earlier, we announced a series of dealer trainings across Europe, and we are pleased to confirm that the first stop has now been successfully completed in Warsaw, Poland. The training took place during the Bike Expo at the National Stadium and was reveived with full enthousiasm.

The training was led by Piotr Smolarz, Sales Manager Poland at Ananda, and supported by Rafał Adam Kuźniar of Pro Sports Group, our official service partner in Poland. The session focused on practical, real-world service scenarios in an interactive, hands-on format.

As more Polish brands, like Romet, Ecobike, and Barton, integrate Ananda mid-drive and hub motor systems into their portfolios, strengthening technical knowledge and aftersales support at dealer level is essential. Instead of mass training, a small-scale format was chosen with a limited number of participants for an interactive sessions. Moreover, the training was free and thus accessible to every bike shop, small or large.

Hands-on and practical training

Ananda showed participants workshop cases such as diagnosing system errors and resolving communication issues between components. A key focus was the use of the Ananda Link service tool for reading and interpreting error codes, running diagnostics, and restoring system functionality step by step.

This approach enables dealers to identify issues faster and resolve service cases more efficiently—reducing diagnosis time and minimizing unnecessary component replacements.

“A key goal of this training is to make service as straightforward and efficient as possible,” says Piotr Smolarz. “Dealers should be able to quickly understand what’s happening in the system and take the right action without losing too much time.”

Succesfull start of the tour

With strong attendance and positive feedback, the first training session in Poland marks a successful start to the European Dealer Training Tour. It underlines our commitment to not only supplying e-bike systems, but also supporting dealers with the knowledge and tools required for daily operations.

At the end of the training, participating dealers received an official certificate confirming successful completion of the Ananda Dealer Training. This certification underlines their technical qualification and can also serve as an added value for their workshop and customer offering.

With this first training successfully completed in Poland, we see a clear confirmation of our approach: strengthening the e-bike ecosystem goes beyond delivering systems alone.

As Ananda, we are actively moving towards a model where we support our partners with structured training, hands-on technical knowledge, and practical service tools.

As the European Dealer Training Tour continues, our focus remains on creating consistent training standards across markets. This helps raise the overall level of service quality, improves workshop efficiency, and strengthens the daily cooperation between Ananda and our dealer network.

In the current stage of the e-bike industry, this type of long-term technical support is becoming just as important as product development and market introduction

Additional training sessions across Europe will follow in the coming months. More information will be shared soon via our official channels.

Ananda at Velofollies

This year’s Velofollies wasn’t just about showcasing our latest technology—it was about building connections and hearing directly from the people who know us best: our customers. From innovative tools like Ananda Link to seamless system integration and reliable support, we’re proud to be the trusted partner for retailers, bike brands, and riders worldwide.

Check out our event recap inlucing oour video, featuring highlights from the show and testimonials from clients who shared why they appreciate working with Ananda. Their words inspire us to keep delivering exceptional solutions for the e-bike industry!