Yamaha will unveil its new PW-LINK System on the opening day of Eurobike, ahead of its full consumer launch in spring/summer 2026.
Whilst there are a number of points of interest with the PW-LINK, it’s likely that “Full and simple connectivity to external, third-party components” is the part which will likely grab and hold attention.
Unrivalled connectivity
As well as each component being fully interchangeable, the PW–LINK System’s ease of connectivity also extends to third-party products and services, allowing the likes of Comodule, Enviolo, and other complementary technologies to be effortlessly synced, as well as providing eBike manufacturers with the ability to develop their own customised connectivity projects.
A range of drive units, batteries and displays, which are all interchangeable and fully connected, will enable and allow e-bike manufacturers to spec the same frame with multiple PW-LINK combinations, offering a greater variety of e-bike options to their end consumers.
Fabio Marzola, Division Manager eBike Drive Units & Systems at Yamaha Motor Europe N.V, comments: “Every product in this pioneering line-up has been tested extensively to ensure we deliver the most reliable, safe and best-performing eBike system range in the market.
“We cannot wait to present it to our valued partners at Eurobike, and we’re confident it will also generate interest with prospective partners.”
Elevating the Yamaha product line-up
With its drive units produced at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facilities in Japan, this allows the business to benefit directly from the company’s vast expertise in e-bike Systems engineering and manufacturing, which spans over three decades.
While some components like batteries are sourced from other companies, this integrated approach for key components has resulted in what the brand is calling “one of the most advanced and reliable e-bike systems in the industry. A system that’s ready to provide rich riding experiences of the very highest quality.”
The PW–LINK System incorporates three main models, each optimised for different types of eBikes, featuring:
- Increased maximum output with the 48V system (a 33% boost compared to the 36V output achieved in previous models)
- Increased maximum torque up to 100Nm on the flagship PW-X4
- Zero Cadence Technology, which ensures the units adapt immediately to different riding styles
- Full compatibility with all PW–LINK System components
- Extremely quiet and low vibration
- Compact and robust design
- Full and simple connectivity to external, third-party components
PW-X4 has experienced a significant boost in performance, making it Yamaha’s ultimate e-MTB drive unit., the PW-X4
“Light, compact and powerful” means a motor that weighs 2.6kg – thanks to a magnesium housing – and produces 100Nm of peak torque. The 48V design is, simply put, “the most powerful motor Yamaha has ever produced.”
PW-L1 is described as “Incredibly light and super compact”, making the PW-L1 “the ultimate drive unit for cyclists seeking to maximise their climbing potential”.
Weighing in at approximately 2kg, courtesy of its magnesium body, this new lightest-in-class 48V system motor delivers a peak 60Nm of torque to achieve strong performance that takes you further and faster on uphill terrain, for the purest riding experience.
PW-S3 is described as “the ultimate all-rounder”; available in three compact and versatile models, each weighing in at 2.8kg and powered by a 48V system.
The PW-S3 comes in two variations, tuned for specific use cases. PW-S3 Easy is optimised for everyday riding and city commutes, with 60Nm delivering both efficiency and comfort. The PW-S3 Cargo, meanwhile, has been engineered for heavy loads, with up to 85Nm ensuring stability and support whilst transporting cargo. Each model comes equipped with Zero Cadence technology to offer instant assist and a super-smooth and quiet ride.
Batteries
Yamaha has designed and developed two battery models which deliver maximum energy density values while also ensuring the very highest levels of safety in terms of fire prevention.
PW–LINK Integrated Battery 840 comes with what Yamaha states is a “best-in-class capacity-to-weight ratio.”
- Weight 4.35kg
- 842Wh, from a compact 48V battery
- For added security, there’s an anti-theft function that prevents unauthorised use, as well as an industry-leading fire propagation prevention structure, making it one of the safest batteries in the industry.
PW–LINK Integrated Battery 560 is designed to provide users with reliable power every day of the week.
- Compact dimensions and a low weight of just 3.1kg
- 48V PW–LINK Integrated Battery 560 is perfect for short to medium journeys
- 560 also supports dual battery use to deliver far greater riding time.
As with the 840, the 560 is highly durable and features an anti-theft function and industry-leading fire propagation prevention structure. From commuting to weekend outings, this light, robust battery provides an optimal balance of performance, range and reliability.
Control units and displays
Alongside three new motor configurations are two new control units: PW–LINK Side Display and PW–LINK Integrated Display.
PW-LINK Side Display offers a compact TFT LCD screen which “ensures visibility in any weather, and at any angle, while the high-grade colour interface provides instant updates on essential data such as battery level, distance and speed.”
The interface is also customisable, allowing riders to choose between two home screen backgrounds which fit their style, and buttons have been ergonomically positioned to allow usage whilst holding their handlebars.
PW-LINK Integrated Display is designed to offer “the ideal user interface on high-end MTBs”. The frame-embedded design integrates a “compact 1.9-inch screen to offer enhanced visibility and overcome some of the clarity issues found in rival models”.
Essential ride data such as speed, assist and battery levels are presented clearly to deliver distraction-free riding.
The display is equipped with ANT+, allowing users to connect to a third-party cycle computer, as well as being fully compatible with all Yamaha drive units, batteries, and wider third-party components.
Yamaha PW-LINK App
To coincide with the public launch of the PW-LINK System in spring/summer 2026, Yamaha will also introduce a fully updated app, offering seamless Bluetooth connectivity to every component in the product line-up, whilst also possessing a host of customisable features that can be tailored to each bicycle manufacturer.
Onscreen graphs allow riders to fine-tune their level of assist, while the status of multiple batteries can also be easily assessed, with notifications alerting riders when each one is fully charged.
Anti-theft and other features
The app’s owner and battery authentication settings act as an anti-theft function, while riding and performance logs, safe ride assist, real-time coaching and battery range indicators all enhance the user experience.
Practical information, such as maintenance and update reminders, is also featured in a comprehensive and inclusive suite of functions.
Service support for partners
As the e-bike market shows signs of maturing, brands, distributors and retailers alike are coming to expect extensive support from motor and system manufacturers.
As we speak, Marzola highlights that the new PW-LINK System launch follows hot on the heels of Yamaha’s eBike Systems Service launch.
Based on four key pillars – Technical Support, Warranty, Spare Parts, and Training – the Yamaha eBike Systems Service is a comprehensive backup scheme that provides fast and effective support via locally-based teams.
The state-of-the-art platform of the Yamaha Motor Academy gives easy and 24/7 access to online training materials via PC or smartphone, ensuring that dealers can stay up to date with the latest advancements and can benefit from Yamaha’s extensive e-bike experience.