We sat down with Ananda’s European Marketing Specialist, Ruben, to delve into the eDrive system manufacturers who have developed Reid’s eBike systems for many years now, from our powerful and reliable motors, to sleek and intuitive displays.
What kind of motor suits your riding style? How can you maintain your bike's eDrive system to ensure it continues performing for years to come? Ruben touches on all these tips for eBike riders, while also discussing Ananda's extensive global support system, meticulous quality control, and their vision for a future of sustainable mobility, all of which are key pillars of Reid’s own product ethos. This alignment has resulted in a strong relationship, with Reid first partnering with Ananda back in 2019.
So, for those who might not know, who are Ananda?
Ananda is a global eDrive system supplier founded in 2011, with a clear mission: “eDrive All” – to make e-mobility accessible to everyone and to globally promote greener drive system applications. With over 100 engineers and a strong reputation among leading bicycle brands, Ananda has become a trusted technology and service partner across the eBike industry.
Globally, where does Ananda operate?
Ananda established its European headquarters in 2013, marking the start of a strong local presence. Since then, Ananda expanded their network with service centers in the Netherlands, France, Italy, Poland, the USA, and Hungary, with more to come — including a new facility in the UK currently under construction. This growing service network, supported by the European headquarters ensures that spare parts, local-language support, and technical expertise are always close at hand.
Globally, Ananda operates six factories across China, Vietnam, and Hungary. By combining global production with local service infrastructure, Ananda provides riders with the best possible eRide experience and delivers reliable support to our customers worldwide.
What makes Ananda unique?
Ananda’s product portfolio spans the entire eMobility landscape, from lightweight eCity and eTrekking bikes to powerful eCargo and eMTB systems. Each drive unit is purpose-built for its category, balancing key factors such as torque, weight, dimensions and cost-efficiency.
While many suppliers specialise in a single component, Ananda offers a fully integrated approach - motors, controllers, displays, sensors and service - all designed, produced and tested within one organization.
Something else that makes Ananda unique, unlike many large system providers, is that Ananda offers brands the freedom to integrate their own components. Brands are free to choose their own setup and select their preferred battery supplier, display, or IoT solutions - but they can also choose to have everything fully covered by Ananda.
For example, In 2025, Reid updated the displays on Ananda mid drive bikes to Bluetooth allowing customers to access the Ananda Ride App giving the user the option to adjust power output, navigate with maps and see other insightful data.
Last but not least, Ananda is deeply invested in the future of sustainable mobility, designing, energy-efficient, eco-friendly eBike solutions. Our focus on durable high-quality, and repairable products ensures longevity and minimizes environmental impact, contributing to green transportation alternatives.
How do Ananda ensure the highest quality of their systems to ensure safety and reliability for riders?
Our systems themselves are designed with reliability in mind, from waterproof IPX6/7-rated motors to intelligent automatic shifting, every system is built to keep riders safe and confident.
Every step, from motor winding to controller and display production, is carried out in-house. At our advanced lab every incoming component detects potential flaws before production begins. Each product undergoes extensive lab and field tests – like vibration, torque, thermal, humidity, salt-spray testing and more. Controllers are even subjected to “aging tests” that simulate years of use in a short time!
How do the different motor types (mid-drive vs. hub motor) in Reid eBikes cater to distinct riding styles?
Take the Reid Quest 2 with the M60 mid-motor. Delivering up to 70 Nm of torque and weighing just 3.5 kilograms, this motor strikes the right balance between power and durability. While Ananda also offers lighter mid-motors, the M60 stands out for its versatility – making it perfectly suited for both navigating busy city streets and exploring further beyond. One of the key advantages of a mid-drive motor is its central placement in the bike frame around the bottom bracket, which provides a balanced weight and results in a stable, confident and natural riding feeling.
Where hub motors seemed to have disappeared from the market for a while, they are now making a strong comeback. Take the Reid Tanami eGravel with the R400 hub motor. Compact, lightweight, and quiet, the R400 is ideal for bikes that need to remain agile – for example, a gravel bike where weight matters. Mounted directly in the rear wheel, the hub motor offers a more direct and sporty riding feeling. It also brings a clear price advantage, as hub motors are generally more cost-effective to produce compared to mid-drive systems – making them an accessible yet high-quality option.
How has the long-term partnership between Reid and Ananda evolved, and what benefits does this continuity provide to the end customer?
Biking – whether on a regular bike or an eBike – should be accessible for everyone. By working together to create eBikes that are affordable without compromising on quality, we can truly encourage people to choose an eBike over a car for short trips, or inspire someone to take their gravel bike out for an adventure on the weekend. This vision is shared by both Ananda and Reid, which makes our partnership such a natural and meaningful collaboration.
What are the most effective tips Ananda can offer Reid owners for maintaining the eDrive system to ensure maximum longevity and performance?
Use your gears wisely – motors perform best at a cadence between 60–80 RPM. So when you’re climbing a hill, anticipate and shift down early. Not only will this help your motor work more efficiently, but it also makes the ride more enjoyable.
When you get home, store your bike indoors whenever possible, especially in wet weather. Our motors are well-sealed, but keeping your bike dry will always extend its overall lifespan. If storing outside is your only option, consider a low-maintenance belt drive instead of a traditional chain.
Speaking of low-maintenance solutions – Ananda recently introduced the R900 Integrated Electronic 3-Speed Gear Hub Motor System. With the gearing integrated directly into the motor, there’s no need for regular servicing or replacement of your drive chain. Looking ahead, Reid is also expected to add the R900 to its line-up by the end of 2026, bringing riders an even more effortless and durable riding experience.
What does the future of Ananda look like & how do Ananda continue to innovate with user experience in mind?
For Ananda, the future is focused on making eMobility more accessible, sustainable, and intelligent. We are developing systems that bring features like GPS tracking, anti-theft protection, predictive maintenance, and personalised rider settings. At the same time, we are investing in lighter e-bike systems to reach a wider audience and moving along the trend – especially those who want a bike that’s easy to carry and manoeuvre and use in everyday life.
Automatic shifting is another key area. As a cyclist myself, I enjoy having gears, but the real breakthrough will come for people who are not yet regular cyclists. Many of them don’t want the hassle of shifting or extra maintenance – they just want to enjoy the ride. By expanding our automatic shifting technologies, like the R900 system, we are making cycling simpler, smoother, and more intuitive for everyone.
When it comes to sustainability, we feel a strong responsibility to make a difference by promoting green e-drive applications. In the Netherlands, we already see a big shift: commuting by eBike has become extremely popular, replacing short car trips. Imagine seeing that same shift all over the world – it would transform how people move every day.
We hope this helped you to understand more about our eBikes and their systems, selected for their user-friendly, reliable & confidence-inspiring design. Working with Ananda enables us to create eBikes that are affordable without compromising on quality, helping to make the world of cycling & eMobility more accessible to all.