Latest Gear: Ananda’s R900 Automatic 3-Speed Hub Motor

Chinese e-drive specialist Ananda has launched the R900, a new hub motor that combines automatic shifting with a compact 3-speed gear system. The system, that picked up a 2025 China Cycle Gold Creative Award, is designed to simplify the e-bike experience for everyday riders.

The R900 integrates the motor and shifting mechanism into a single unit, aiming to deliver smooth gear changes with less maintenance. With 50Nm of torque and a weight of 3.9kg, it’s compact, reasonably powerful, and designed to be quiet in operation.

One of the standout features is Ananda’s patented ‘PedalFlow’ technology, which enables automatic gear changes under load. The motor reads torque, cadence, and speed in real time, and adjusts gears accordingly. It’s responsive – shifting takes just 0.2 seconds – and aims to remove the need for manual input.

Ride On had the pleasure of testing out the new system during a visit to the Ananda HQ in May. In a word – impressive! It offers a silky smooth ride and downshifts automatically when you pedal harder and slow down. helping riders maintain a steady cadence on climbs or in stop-start traffic. First gear is tuned for low-speed control or hill starts, while third is perfect for cruising. Our thoughts, it will be an ideal set-up for a commuter bike.

Durability and Design

Durability appears to be a key focus. The R900 has been tested extensively and is IPX6 rated for water resistance, with a sealed housing to prevent dust or moisture from interfering with performance. Its external rotor design is intended to manage heat more efficiently, which should help maintain consistent performance on longer rides or in warmer conditions.

Targeted at Urban and Casual Riders

With a gear ratio progression of 1:1 / 1:1.272 / 1:1.619, the R900 is clearly pitched at the urban and light recreational market rather than performance cycling. It’s also compatible with both chain and belt drive setups.

While automatic shifting isn’t new to e-bikes, Ananda’s system is one of the few available outside the e-MTB or high-end city bike space. That could make it appealing for commuter bikes, utility rides, or casual cruisers where ease of use is a top priority.