PRESS RELEASES & NEWS

Fuji, Japan – April 22, 2026 – JATCO Ltd. announces that the electric-assist bicycle “FESGLIDE”, equipped with JATCO’s electric-assist bicycle drive unit “GLIDE AXCEL,” has been launched on April 22, 2026 by THIRDBIKES, a sports bicycle brand of HODAKA CORPORATION.

This launch marks the market introduction of a drive unit that JATCO has been developing and preparing for mass production as part of its initiative to expand its business in the electric-assist bicycle field, which was announced in March 2025.
https://www.jatco.co.jp/english_release/2025/20250326_1857.html

The electric-assist bicycle drive unit GLIDE AXCEL, developed by JATCO by applying over 50 years of experience and expertise in automotive component development, integrates an internally geared 3-speed transmission and a 250W assist motor into a compact 2‑in‑1 rear‑hub drive unit.

By reducing the number of components through this integrated design, the unit achieves a compact structure while maintaining high functionality.

This drive unit efficiently transmits motor output to the rear wheel using a rear‑wheel drive configuration, delivering powerful assist performance during start-up and on inclines. In addition, JATCO’s proprietary internal 3‑speed transmission enables smooth gear shifting with minimal shock, even under high pedal load conditions.

The adoption of a wide gear ratio allows for lighter pedaling when climbing and prevents excessive cadence during cruising, contributing to a comfortable riding experience.

In addition, the drive unit works in conjunction with a smartphone application developed by JATCO. The app allows users to visualize riding data such as speed and remaining range, switch assist modes, and fine‑tune assist characteristics through a “ride comfort setting.”

Six assist modes are available, including a fat‑burning mode that estimates the rider’s heart rate based on riding data and supports exercise-conscious riding.

Further details on the drive unit and the smartphone application developed by JATCO are available on the JATCO website:
https://www.jatco.co.jp/english/products/newbusiness/bicycle.html

Details regarding the specifications and sales of the complete electric‑assist bicycle “FESGLIDE” can be found in HODAKA CORPORATION’s announcement:
https://www.thirdbikes.com/information/fesglide-release/

JATCO will continue to leverage the technologies and expertise cultivated in the automotive field, and through initiatives in a wide range of mobility domains—including bicycles—will keep working to drive the possibilities of mobility with technology and passion.