Moov Drive wants to revolutionize cycling with its engine

Moov Drive Technology, led by three engineers, is committed to developing a direct drive and gearless motor for bicycles and other light vehicles.

When installed in one of the wheels, the electric bike's motor responds to one of these two brushless technologies: reduced or direct drive.

Most often installed first. More compact, it provides a better starting torque. Inside is a gear system that allows the motor housing and therefore the wheel to rotate. More parts make it more expensive and more prone to wear and tear. However, nothing irreparable, according to professionals in the field.

A smaller, but larger circumference, direct drive motor is also heavier. In particular, it is used in connected bicycles that do not meet the European definition of electric bicycles. And this is because it can give the car a higher top speed, in the order of 50 km / h. It offers battery regeneration during deceleration.

On the other hand, inactive pedaling requires fighting a certain rolling resistance of magnetic origin. With fewer moving parts, it is quieter.

"Hybrid" solution from Moov Drive Technology

What the Moov Drive Technology solution offers is one of the best direct drive geared motors. In particular, by increasing the size and weight of the latter.

« By applying our proprietary electromagnetic calculation algorithms and optimized mechanical design, we obtain the best efficiency / weight / torque ratio to offer a European-made motor with the best performance on the market. “A young company promises.

Moov Drive does not detail its technology on its website, which was publicly unveiled at Eurobike in early September last year. On the other hand, the company strives to gain the trust of potential customers, especially bicycle and light electric vehicle manufacturers, highlighting its 75 years of experience in design. The accumulation can be found among the three founders who have recognized their passion for cycling and new technology.

Wind turbines and household appliances

Andre Marchic and Falk Laube live in Germany, respectively in Kiel and Berlin. The last engineer in this trio was the Spaniard Juan Carlos Osin from Irun. They all worked on electric motors. They base their mutual skills, inter alia, on their proven track record in servicing household appliances, wind turbines and vehicles.

Overall, the solution they are seeking to push towards mass commercialization in the service of light EV manufacturers is a lightweight and optimized direct drive motor. Therefore, it does not use gears inside the housing, which eliminates a major source of wear.

Originally designed for bicycles, it will feature quiet operation, power and the ability to recover energy from deceleration to partially regenerate the battery. Hence the increased autonomy.

There are 3 models in the catalog

In anticipation of retail outlets, Moov Drive Technology has already compiled a catalog of 3 models that can be used with a wide variety of electric bikes. All of them show an efficiency of 89-90%.

Weighing around 3 kg, the Moov Urban is designed primarily for everyday bike use, such as going to the office or for a walk. It has a maximum torque of 65 Nm and a top speed of 25 or 32 km / h.

Reserved for small wheel models such as electric bicycles which are suitable for motorhomes, the Moov Small Wheel is lighter (less than 2,5kg) and offers a torque reduction of up to 45Nm.

This is the exact opposite of Moov Cargo, which shows a higher 80 Nm for transporting much larger loads. On the other hand, its weight is more important - about 3,5 kg. In addition to previous top speeds that could be set at 25 or 32 km/h, it offers a mark above 45 km/h, which is very noticeable for cargo bikes.

Prices have not been disclosed yet. It is reported that the company is currently looking for capital and partners to start serial production.