The Intradrive GD8 – a drive unit that puts an e-bike motor and an 8-speed gearbox into one sealed housing – has moved from prototype to series production. The first two eMTBs built around it, the Obscur ENYX and the Alutech ePelmo GD8, were unveiled at the Roc d'Azur festival in Fréjus, France, on 8 October 2026 and are on show there until 11 October.
Intradrive is a small company based in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the GD8 is designed, tested and built. The brand says it has invested in production tooling, that production is underway and that first deliveries to partner bike brands are planned for Q4 2026.
Intradrive GD8: what the motor-gearbox does
Like Pinion's MGU, the GD8 replaces the derailleur and cassette. The gears sit inside the drive unit at the bottom bracket, so the rear wheel only carries a single sprocket. Intradrive argues that this lowers unsprung mass, protects the gearing from mud and impacts and cuts maintenance to an occasional oil change – Pinkbike reports an interval of 10,000 km.
Shifting is electronic and sequential, controlled by a wireless shifter. According to Intradrive, gear changes take around 0.1 seconds and work under load, while coasting and even at a standstill; the unit also downshifts automatically. Obscur lists four assistance modes: Eco, Medium, High and Boost. Intradrive has not published a torque figure.
Shimano mount, chain or belt
For bike brands, the most practical detail is the frame interface: the GD8 bolts to the Shimano EP8 motor mount, so frames designed around that standard need fewer changes. It works with a chain or a belt, and Intradrive supplies the complete system – motor-gearbox, battery options, display, shifter, wiring harness, cranks and sprockets.
The first two GD8 eMTBs
- Obscur ENYX – a hand-laid carbon all-mountain bike from France with 150 mm rear and 160 mm front travel, mixed wheels, chain drive and Obscur's own removable 840 Wh battery. Prices start at €12,500.
- Alutech ePelmo GD8 – a 170 mm aluminium enduro platform from Germany with 29" or mixed wheels and a Gates belt drive, priced at €11,499 incl. 19% VAT according to Pinkbike.
The GD8 joins a growing group of gearbox drive units for eMTBs. For other recent motor news, see our report on Bafang's M560RS and M510RS motors and our eMTB motor overview.
Intradrive GD8 – claimed specifications
- Type
- Mid-drive motor with integrated 8-speed gearbox
- Power
- 250 W rated, 700 W peak
- Gear range
- 480%
- Shifting
- Electronic, sequential, auto downshift, ~0.1 s, wireless shifter
- Weight
- 4.5 kg
- Frame interface
- Shimano EP8 mount
- Final drive
- Chain or belt
- Made in
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Availability
- Deliveries to bike brands from Q4 2026
Manufacturer figures. Torque not published.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Intradrive GD8?
It is an e-bike drive unit that combines a motor and a sealed 8-speed gearbox, replacing the derailleur and cassette. It is designed and built by Intradrive in Edinburgh, Scotland.
How powerful is the GD8?
Intradrive rates it at 250 W continuous and 700 W peak. A torque figure has not been published.
How much does the GD8 weigh?
Intradrive quotes 4.5 kg for the motor-gearbox unit.
Which eMTBs use the Intradrive GD8?
The first two are the Obscur ENYX carbon all-mountain bike and the Alutech ePelmo GD8 enduro bike, both shown at Roc d'Azur in October 2026.
Does the GD8 fit existing frames?
It uses the Shimano EP8 frame interface, which simplifies integration for brands, but a frame still has to be designed for a gearbox drive with a single rear sprocket and chain or belt tensioning.
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