IN BRIEF
Scottish firm Intradrive is launching its GD8 at the Roc d’Azur: an e-MTB powertrain that combines a motor with 700 W peak output and an electronically shifted 8-speed gearbox in a sealed 4.5 kg unit that fits the Shimano EP8 mounting interface. Two production bikes use it: the Obscur ENYX, from Drôme-based manufacturer Obscur, from €12,500, and the Alutech ePelmo GD8, announced at €11,499. Intradrive says deliveries to brands will start in December 2026.
| Power | 250 W rated, 700 W peak |
| Gearbox | 8 gears, 480% range, sequential electronic shifting with automatic downshift |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Mounting | Shimano EP8 interface |
| Drive | chain or belt |
| Maintenance | oil change every 10,000 km |
| Bikes fitted | Obscur ENYX (€12,500, ENYX Ultra €15,900) · Alutech ePelmo GD8 (€11,499) |
Edinburgh-based Intradrive is presenting the GD8 at the Roc d’Azur, which runs from 7 to 11 October. Its founders, Mark Ravilious and Peter Slotwinski, spent ten years developing this patented powertrain, which is intended for e-bike brands.
Intradrive GD8: motor and gearbox in a single unit
The GD8 pairs a motor with 700 W peak output and an electronically shifted 8-speed gearbox in a sealed casing. Gear changes are wireless, take around 0.1 s and cover a 480% range, under load or at a standstill. Intradrive’s website describes sequential shifting with automatic downshifting, and a 4.5 kg unit compatible with either a chain or a belt drive. The press release states that maintenance comes down to an oil change every 10,000 km.
For manufacturers, the selling point is the mounting: the GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, so it can be fitted to new or existing EP8 frames with few modifications. The press release states that production has started, with 70 units on firm order and deliveries from December 2026. Mark Ravilious sums it up:
“Seeing the GD8 in production bikes from Obscur and Alutech at Roc d’Azur is the first of many, and we’re now building the partnerships that will take it to scale.”
Mark Ravilious, founder, Intradrive
Obscur ENYX and Alutech ePelmo GD8
One of the two bikes is French. Obscur is an e-MTB brand based in La Roche-de-Glun, in the Drôme, created by a company with twenty years of experience in carbon composites for aeronautics, space and research. “After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame,” says Simon Rubet of Obscur.
The ENYX has 160 mm of travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear. Obscur quotes 95 Nm of torque for its Intradrive GD8 motor. Its 840 Wh battery weighs 3,150 g, in a recycled carbon casing; it is removable, recharges in 2 h 30 and is made in France. Obscur’s website lists the ENYX at €12,500 and the ENYX Ultra at €15,900.
The other is German: the Alutech ePelmo GD8 is a lightweight electric enduro bike with a hydroformed aluminium frame handmade in Germany and a Gates belt drive. The press release puts it at €11,499, including 19% VAT. Alutech’s website already offers the ePelmo with other drive systems, including the Pinion MGU.
