A multi-speed transmission (20) for transmitting power between a first shaft (26) and a second shaft (32) includes a plurality of gear sets (38), a plurality of connector gears (40) corresponding to the plurality of gear sets (38) and a shifting mechanism (42). Each gear set (38) includes a first gear (30) rotatably disposed about the first shaft (26), a uni-directional free wheeling mechanism (28) between the first gear (30) and the first shaft (26), and a second gear (36) coupled to the second shaft (32). The uni-directional free wheeling mechanism (28) permits the first gear (30) to freely rotate about the shaft (26) when the first gear (30) rotates in a preselected direction relative to the rotation of the first shaft (26) and locks the first gear (30) to the first shaft (26) at all other times. Shifting mechanism (42) moves at least one connector gear (40) to interconnect at least one gear set (38).