Land Mobility : Electrically Power Assisted Bicycles

Product Profile

Electrically power-assisted bicycles (or e-Bikes) are bicycles equipped with an electric motor and battery that send supplementary power to the rider’s pedals. Yamaha pioneered this product with the 1993 release of the PAS (Power Assist System) model, the first electrically power-assisted bicycle in the world. In addition to the ease of use and convenience of a conventional bicycle, e-Bikes gained widespread acceptance thanks to effectively addressing the drawbacks of bicycles, like the difficulty of riding uphill, against the wind or with cargo. They are now used as a form of personal mobility for people of all ages for a variety of uses, from commuting to work or school and ferrying children to and from kindergarten to shopping trips and deliveries in cities. More recently, sport e-Bikes designed for hobbyists have become popular and the eBike market in Europe is showing growth.

Background of the Business

As awareness of societal issues like the global climate crisis and Japan’s aging population grew in the 1980s, Yamaha began developing a new vehicle under the concept of “an eco-friendly and people-friendly vehicle that puts human perceptions first.” We then launched the PAS in 1993 as the world’s first electrically power-assisted bicycle. Since then, Yamaha has continued working to grow the customer base and expand usage possibilities by refining its products and promoting the benefits of e-Bikes to the public. In 2015, we launched the YPJ-R road bike model and followed up by adding other sport e-Bikes to the lineup. Yamaha also began exporting its drive units to bicycle makers overseas as an OEM supplier in 2013, and achieved an aggregate production of five million units in 2019. In addition, in 2025, we acquired the eBike drive unit business subsidiary of German automotive parts manufacturer Brose and established a new company, Yamaha Motor eBike Systems (YMESG).

Current Market Conditions

In addition to a larger number of users and usages, the e-Bike market is expanding domestically and internationally against the backdrop of societal developments that include a heightened awareness of health and environmental issues and changes in transportation environments. In the European market, where Germany and the Netherlands are posting particularly strong growth, demand for Yamaha drive units continues to rise each year.

Assistance Ratio as Set by Legal Standards in Japan

Up to 10 km/h, electric power assists pedaling at a maximum ratio of 1:2*
Above 10 km/h, electric power assist is moderated to keep the bicycle from going too fast
Above 24 km/h, electric power assist is cut off

* The maximum ratio set by legal standards in Japan

Outline of the PAS System

Note: For the pedaling power of 33%, the assist power of 67% is the maximum ratio set by legal standards.

Production