LEVA-EU member Bafang’s H730 3-speed automatic shifting motor has won the prestigious German Design Council award.
The globally renowned e-bike drive systems brand has stated its pride about receiving this award, and will soon share more information about it with the official jury report, insights from behind the scenes, as well as the award-winning motor being featured on partner bike models.
The official award ceremony for it will take place on 6th February 2026.
The LEVA-EU member has announced a strategic partnership with Comodule, an Internet of Things (IoT) technology provider for light electric vehicles, to enhance the intelligence, security, and connectivity of Bafang’s next-generation drive systems, which are set to debut in 2026.
Comodule, known for its behind-the-scenes influence in the connected e-bike sector, brings extensive expertise in digital integration and data-driven solutions. The collaboration will introduce a suite of advanced software and hardware features designed to elevate both the security and performance of e-bikes powered by Bafang systems.
Bafang’s R&D Senior Manager, Leo Wang, has said the following about the collaboration:
“We believe a truly smart e-bike is built on a foundation of powerful, reliable platform, seamlessly extended by digital intelligence. While we provide the complete integrated drive system, including motor, display, battery, etc., we firmly believe in keeping our ecosystem open. By connecting Comodule’s advanced IoT platform with our drive systems, we are empowering OEM and brand partners with unparalleled flexibility. They can now offer a richer, more secure, and continuously evolving rider experience.”
Among the most notable innovations is a digital immobilizer with a motor lock, innovated to make stolen e-bikes practically unusable. It operates via a partner mobile app that automatically disables the bike’s drivetrain when the rider moves out of range.
For mid-drive systems, the motor is electronically locked, while in hub-drive systems, the wheel itself is prevented from turning. Even if the IoT unit is removed, the immobilizer remains active until the rightful owner re-enables the system.
Complementing these safeguards is a movement detection system that sends real-time notifications to the owner’s smartphone if unauthorized motion is detected. The system can also trigger an audible alarm and activate onboard lights, to help further in deterring theft, as well as alert bystanders to suspicious activity.
Smarter diagnostics and data transparency
Beyond theft prevention, the partnership introduces expanded access to drivetrain and battery analytics. Riders will be able to monitor a broad range of data, including speed, cadence, and assist levels, as well as diagnostic information including error codes, motor and battery temperatures, and overall battery health.
These insights are particularly relevant as the industry continues to focus on battery safety and transparency following public concerns over e-bike fire risks.
The added data visibility will allow riders and manufacturers to better understand the performance and reliability of their e-bike’s system. OEMs and fleet operators can benefit from remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air configuration adjustments, enabling proactive management and operational efficiency. The system also opens opportunities for data-driven business models, such as personalized services, subscription features, and ongoing customer engagement.
Continuous improvement with Over-the-Air (OTA) technology
Bafang’s upcoming systems will also support OTA updates, allowing e-bikes to receive new software features and performance enhancements wirelessly, helping to ensure that the bikes remain up to date with technology advancements.
For fleets, OTA updates can enable remote control of vehicles, including immobilization in cases of unpaid subscriptions or misuse.
Upgrading e-bikes into smart bikes with open ecosystems
Sten Soomlais, Chief Product Officer at Comodule, stated the following about the potential of open digital ecosystems and the Bafang collaboration:
“Open ecosystems are the key to transforming e-bikes into smart bikes. They unlock digital rider experiences, new business models, and give OEMs true freedom of choice over their products and services they offer. This is the path we believe the whole industry must take, and Bafang’s openness has allowed us to push these limits with this integration. It shows how collaboration in an open ecosystem can drive innovation and adoption at scale.”
The Comodule partnership marks a significant step for Bafang’s e-bike drive systems in advancing the next generation of connected, intelligent e-bikes, with improved safety, smarter diagnostics, and digital adaptability.
As the European Union enforces stricter battery regulations, LEVA-EU member Bafang has announced new measures to enhance battery safety, compliance, and sustainability. The company’s initiatives have been carefully designed with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and the EN 50604-1 standard in mind, which set rigorous benchmarks for lithium batteries used in e-bikes entering the European market.
Bafang, widely recognised for its integrated e-bike drive systems, has stated that it has intensified its focus on advanced testing, sustainable design, and automotive-grade battery management technology to reinforce durability, safety, and consumer trust in a rapidly evolving e-mobility sector.
Bafang’s head of research and development, Gary Xu, spoke about this in more detail with Bike Europe.
“As e-bikes evolve, so too do their battery packs in terms of shape, capacity, charge and discharge ports, communication protocols, and installation methods. But it isn’t always easy for these things to be produced against the EU Regulation 2023/1542 and the EN 50604-1 standards,” Xu explains. “At Bafang, following regulations is a given, but we’re also committed to going that extra mile to instill confidence and consumer trust in our global partnerships.”
Expanded testing capabilities
The manufacturer operates a 5,000-square-metre testing facility accredited by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). The site includes laboratories dedicated to environmental reliability, mechanical performance, safety compliance, and real-world validation. This infrastructure allows Bafang to shorten certification cycles while ensuring its products undergo comprehensive evaluations.
Bafang reports that its batteries are subject to more than 100 assessments, ranging from vibration, crush, and drop tests to exposure to salt spray, extreme temperatures, and overcharge/discharge conditions. The brand has confirmed that certification already covers its key drive systems, including the H730, M510RS, and M430, which were showcased at Eurobike 2025.
Focus on sustainability
The company emphasizes that sustainability is central to its product strategy. More than 50 of its battery models are certified, with several holding dual certifications. Central to EU Regulation 2023/1542 is the requirement for recyclability of raw materials, a goal that Xu says is supported by sourcing cells exclusively from Tier 1 global suppliers committed to circular economy principles.
Bafang has also revised its Design for Manufacturability (DFM) manual to prioritise the use of recyclable materials, simplified structures, and designs that reduce the environmental impact of after-sales repair.
Competitive edge through technology
On the technology front, Bafang employs automotive-grade Battery Management Systems (BMS) equipped with millisecond-level communication capabilities and cell activation features. These innovations are intended to optimise cell performance, extend battery life cycles, and improve thermal stability.
To maintain a competitive position, the globally renowned e-bike drive system brand collaborates with global certification bodies, including SGS, TÜV, DEKRA, and UL. Internally, it is developing battery passport systems, upgrading BMS intelligence, and establishing carbon footprint calculation models.
Supply chain and industry outlook
Bafang maintains long-term partnerships with leading international cell suppliers, which it says ensures consistent access to high-quality raw materials. Its production processes combine automated equipment and digital manufacturing systems to deliver precision and standardised quality control.
The company has positioned compliance with EU regulations as both a necessity and an opportunity. “We actually believe that this regulation will safeguard the healthy development of the e-bike industry as a whole by significantly raising the requirements for battery design, manufacturing, and service,” said Gary Xu.
Looking ahead
By combining sustainability initiatives with technological innovation and rigorous testing, Bafang aims to provide safer, greener, and more reliable e-bike drive systems for global markets. The company views its ongoing commitment as a contribution to both consumer safety and the wider adoption of environmentally responsible mobility solutions.
LEVA-EU member Bafang, a global leader in e-bike drive systems and components, recently highlighted its latest e-mobility innovations at the Italian Bike Festival and will soon be exhibiting at Taichung Bike Week.
From September 5 to 7, 2025, Bafang participated in the Italian Bike Festival (IBF) at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. Visitors explored Bafang’s newest drive systems, including the M510, M820, and M430 models at Booth N10. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Bafang representatives, test products on-site, and discover the company’s cutting-edge technology alongside hundreds of other industry brands.
Following the Italian showcase, Bafang will attend Taichung Bike Week 2025, taking place from September 16 to 19 in Taichung, Taiwan. As one of Asia’s leading cycling trade events, the exhibition will provide a platform for Bafang to present its advanced e-bike solutions to a global audience of manufacturers and distributors. Booth highlights will include the H730 drive system; featuring Bafang’s GVT technology, it offers a seamless 3-speed automatic gearbox which smartly adapts to speed, eliminating the need for manual shifting. The team will also be showcasing the M510RS and M430 systems at this prestigious event.
Bafang’s participation in these two prominent events highlights its commitment to driving innovation in the e-bike sector and supporting the growth of sustainable mobility worldwide.
Over the past 22 years, Bafang has positioned technological innovation as the cornerstone of its development, a strategy that has helped the company navigate both market booms and industry turbulence. According to CEO Qinghua Wang, demand-driven innovation remains essential as the global bicycle market faces increasing volatility.
Europe holds strong as the core market
Industry analysts note that Europe continues to be the largest and most significant e-bike market, and Bafang expects this dominance to continue over the next three to five years. While Europe remains its stronghold, the company also sees growth potential in North America and Japan, where consumer interest in e-mobility is rising.
Expanding service networks
Bafang has complemented its product development with a broad service infrastructure designed to support long-term brand partnerships and consumer trust. Service networks have been established across the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Poland, the UK, the US, and China, with coverage also extending to the Benelux region.
This expansion includes direct dealer support for contract brands using Bafang drive systems, a move intended to improve customer care and strengthen retailer relationships. Market observers suggest that these efforts underline the company’s focus on not just product quality, but also after-sales reliability – seen as crucial to brand reputation in the competitive e-bike sector.
Innovation beyond products
One of the most pressing challenges facing the global bicycle industry is the lack of fresh innovation, Wang argues. The past five years have seen shifting consumer demands and unpredictable market conditions, making traditional product cycles less effective. Bafang’s response has been to broaden the definition of innovation, encompassing not only product design but also business models and distribution strategies.
Recent product launches illustrate this approach. The GVT series, for instance, integrates automatic shifting to optimise pedalling efficiency and provide a smoother ride, targeting the growing segment of urban commuters. The company maintains that no single product can satisfy all rider needs, advocating instead for a modular approach that allows drive systems to be tailored to different user profiles.
Streamlined SKUs, retained flexibility
Bafang has also moved towards a platform-based modular design philosophy, aimed at reducing the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) while still offering flexibility to customers. Industry watchers note that this shift helps improve supply chain efficiency, shorten lead times, and increase product turnover, without limiting consumer choice.
Navigating tariff uncertainty
When it comes to trade policy challenges, particularly the threat of new US tariffs, Bafang is taking a cautious stance. The company has signalled a “wait-and-see” approach, continuing to collaborate with partners while monitoring regulatory developments. This reflects a broader strategy of adaptability, which has underpinned its resilience through more than two decades of market fluctuations.
Outlook
With Europe remaining its strongest market, a growing service footprint, and an emphasis on demand-driven innovation, Bafang is positioning itself to remain a key player in the global e-bike sector. Industry observers suggest that its focus on modular design, after-sales support, and adaptable strategy could help insulate the company from some of the volatility shaping the market today.
The LEVA-EU member has announced the relocation of its European headquarters to a significantly larger site in Cuijk, the Netherlands. The new facility, which is four times the size of its previous location, marks a major investment in the company’s long-term European operations.
E-bike drive systems manufacturer, Bafang, first established its presence in the Netherlands in 2012. Its new headquarters is designed to enhance the company’s role as a dealer service hub, after-sales repair centre, as well as a warehousing and logistics base for the European market. Bafang states that the expansion is aimed in particular at improving its 48-hour rapid service coverage in Western Europe.
The Cuijk site will support Bafang’s growing European service network, which currently includes eight centres located in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom. Each centre is staffed by native-speaking personnel, totaling the European team to 35 members. Beyond Europe, Bafang also maintains service facilities in China and the United States.
“The new facility reflects our long-term commitment to the European market,” said Leroy van Heerde, Bafang’s Benelux Customer Service Manager. “We are not just expanding physical space but redefining service standards through localised teams, smart supply chains, and flexible collaboration models. We aim to deliver truly ‘zero-delay’ support for our clients.”
To streamline its operations, Bafang has developed a dual-track service model. For brands specifying Bafang e-drivetrain components, the company offers an exclusive service programme covering the entire product lifecycle. In parallel, its dealer-direct-service (DDS) programme is available to retailers in the Benelux, Germany, Poland, and the UK. The DDS programme is open to brands using complete Bafang systems and is activated through mutual agreement to ensure consistent service quality.
A company spokesperson noted that the dual-drive approach enables Bafang to strengthen the competitiveness of its global partners in the e-bike market.
With its expanded headquarters in Cuijk, Bafang aims to set new service benchmarks as it looks to reinforce its position as a leading drive systems provider in Europe’s fast-growing e-bike industry.
LEVA-EU member Bafang has launched its H730 hub motor, which features a three-speed automatic gear hub using the brand’s patented Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology.
The GVT-equipped hub motor shifts based on riding speed, without the need for manual intervention from the rider. According to Bafang, the H730 is designed to automatically shift around 100 times during a 20-kilometer ride; Leo Wang, Bafang R&D Senior Manager, says, “Automatic shifting makes cycling easier, especially in busy cities where cyclists need to focus on safety rather than gears.”
Streamlined design and enhanced durability
H730 is designed without external components such as gear cables, levers and derailleurs, resulting in a streamlined design and enhanced durability, with good weather resistance and reduced maintenance requirements. The system includes a clutch sensor and controller, which analyse pedalling force and adjust the motor power accordingly. This is intended to prevent the rider experiencing unwanted situations such as ‘ghost pedalling’. The motor supports speeds of up to 25 km/h and is aimed at energy efficiency for urban commuting.
A focus on ease of use
Bafang has designed the H730 to be compatible with various e-bike designs, including belt drive systems. The GVT technology builds on earlier development work by Bafang, including products such as the external rotor hub motor (2003) and the M400 mid-motor system (2015). Since the introduction of the H700 2-speed hub in 2022, GVT technology-equipped products have been adopted by multiple e-bike brands in a range of cycle categories, including city, cargo and touring bikes. The design philosophy behind GVT is focused on ease of use. The system is also available in combination with mid-motor systems, such as the M210 with the RG A310.D internal gear hub with three automatic gears. Zou Bin, Bafang GVT Engineer, says, “GVT has transformed gear shifting from a mechanical process to an intuitive experience, where rider and machine become one.”
Broad usage scenarios
The GVT series includes motors with power ratings between 250W and 1000W, and features specialised products including the RG A510.D five-speed hub, designed for applications with torques up to 200Nm, such as cargo bikes. With the introduction of platform-based systems, including applications in shared bikes and folding models, Bafang seeks solutions that respond to design challenges and reduce wear. Leo Wang says, “GVT is more than a product, it is a technological foundation. We are exploring new possibilities to further improve the cycling experience.”
The LEVA EU members captivated international audiences with their pioneering technologies for the global e-mobility sector in Shanghai, China.
Bafang
Bafang, with over 20 years of expertise in e-bike drive systems, unveiled a suite of advanced drive solutions tailored to diverse scenarios from urban commuting to extreme off-road adventures.
Among its highlights was the M560 Heavy-Duty Mountain Drive System, boasting a formidable 140Nm of torque and 750W output, redefining performance standards for mountainous terrain. The H730 Auto-Shifting 3-Speed Hub Motor, integrating Bafang’s proprietary Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) and torque sensor technologies, enables intelligent, seamless gear transitions without manual input. This system simplifies maintenance by eliminating external gear components while optimizing energy efficiency.
Bafang’s award-winning RG A510.D 5-speed Gear Hub, part of its GVT series, won the 2025 CHINA CYCLE Innovation Award. Designed for challenging environments like snow and sand, the hub withstands 200Nm torque and speeds of up to 60 km/h, thanks to a rigorously tested 5-speed mechanism engineered for high-performance use.
More information about Bafang at China Cycle can be accessed on its website.
Greenway
Meanwhile, Greenway made a powerful statement with its EN50604-certified lithium battery solutions, showcasing a full range of products that meet Europe’s stringent safety standards. From in-tube and externally mounted batteries to range-extending and rear carrier models, Greenway’s offerings are tailored for diverse use cases and engineered with safety as the cornerstone.
The company’s flagship ZZ-ZZ209 and more accessible models like DZ-ZZ098 and DZ-ZZ027 underwent rigorous durability, shock, and environmental testing. These batteries are built to withstand real-world conditions—from crushing and combustion to extreme temperatures—demonstrating unmatched reliability.
Notably, Greenway’s NZ533 battery not only achieved EN50604 compliance but also earned UL2271 certification from Underwriters Laboratories, strengthening its competitive edge in the US market. Domestically, its “Gingu Bang” cell-powered solutions—CCC-certified—deliver high efficiency and robust performance across commuting, shared mobility, and off-road use cases.
Greenway’s full China Cycle recap can be found on its website.
Bafang, an LEVA-EU member which specialises in the development and manufacture of drive systems for e-bikes, has revealed its plans to move its European HQ to Cuijk in the Netherlands.
The brand was at China Cycle showcasing its newest products when its Chairman and General Manager, Wang Qinghoa, shared that the European HQ will be moving in the near future from its current location in Wijchen to Cuijk, and outlined the European layout, with reference to its factory in Wroclaw, Poland. “Assembly will also take place in the Netherlands, but that will not affect the location in Poland for the time being. Because the production costs are lower there and because this is Bafang’s service center for Europe.”
Bafang’s new H730 drive system
At the China Cycle trade show, Bafang exhibited its new H730, a whole system that consists of an auto-shifting 3-speed hub motor featuring Bafang’s GVT technology, a display, controller, both pedal and torque sensors, and battery. With this system that’s intended for city e-bikes, Bafang offers a smooth, intuitive riding experience, with enhanced ease of use and minimised maintenance. The colour display has the option of being integrated into the handlebars.
