Yes, drone maker DJI is now also – DJI the ebike motor maker – with an all-new full-power but lightweight mid-drive Avinox ebike drive system. Calling it a logical progression from the light but powerful motor & battery systems that keep their drones in the air, the DJI Avinox system powers eMTBs with 105Nm max torque from a motor that weighs just 2.5kg. That makes Avinox the lightest full-power eMTB drive I know of, and just about half a kilo heavier than those lightest motors that put out around half as much torque. So, with energy-dense battery tech, DJI promises full-power ebikes as light at 19.2kg, still with all-day range.
DJI Avinox lightweight, full-power ebike drive system
DJI says they are going to “redefine the electric mountain bike (eMTB) experience” with their all-new Avinox ebike drive system. With a unique combination of industry-leading torque, light motor weight, light & energy-dense battery tech, and smart automated pedal-assist modes, the new DJI Avinox ebike drive system looks poised to make a splash in the growing eMTB market.
Sure, we’re a little hesitant any time a new company appears out of the blue with a complex technical product going head-to-head with established industry powerhouses. But it’s true that DJI knows how to build powerful electric motors and batteries. And no one needs to make electric drive systems lighter and more efficient than a company used to flying them in the air. So, our interest is truly piqued to see how DJI can adapt their battery-powered drone expertise into battery-powered ebikes.
“DJI’s legacy of passion for innovation, as well as our expertise in battery and motor technology accumulated in drones and camera stabilization systems, have led us to the creation of Avinox. It is a natural move for DJI to expand into this field as we have been mastering the technologies essential to an electric bike system, in terms of reliable motor development, battery management, mechanical design and engineering. This powerful and compact e-bike drive system embodies our pursuit of technological excellence and opens up exciting new possibilities for DJI as a leading tech brand in the outdoor realm. We are thrilled to come with a new proposition where we expect our expertise can bring enhanced experience to the users.”
– Christina Zhang, DJI, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy
Industry-leading power at superlight weight
The all-new DJI Avinox Drive Systes centers on a lightweight but full-power mid-drive motor. DJI says it puts out a max 105Nm of torque and a peak of 850W of power assist (of course, 250W nominal power to meet pedal-assist regulations.) And yet delivering industry-leading power, the Avionox motor is claimed to weigh just 2.51kg, making it the lightest full-power motor we’ve seen.
To hit that light of a weight, DJI says the Avionox motor uses “high-performance polymer gears” inside its ‘compound planetary gearset’. Not just powerful and light, Avionox also promises a “remarkably quiet ride”.
Smart pedal-assist modes
Another key element leveraging DJI’s drone motor and stabilized video tech is smart pedal-assist modes. Instead of just their conventional Eco, normal riding Trail, and high-power Turbo modes, DJI Avinox adds a new algorithm-tuned Auto mode. “Designed for broad adaptability and long-range use, the Auto mode utilizes multi-sensor fusion to automatically and continuously adjust assistance based on riding resistance.” DJI Auto promises a longer range than just running Trail or Turbo, but still gives you powerful pedal-assist when you need it.
Plus, for those moments when you want to go full gas, there’s a 5th Boost mode, that surges output beyond the Avinox’s peak 850W power for up to 30 seconds at an even-higher 100W, at the push of a button.
A companion DJI ebike app gives the rider customization control over assist levels and ride feel for each mode.
Big batteries and fast charging
While light assist eMTBs have generally opted for <500Wh batteries and many full-power ebikes have expanded to >1000Wh, DJI strikes a balance in the middle. Their standard go-to is an 800Wh internal battery (at a claimed 2870g). But there’s also a 600Wh option for building eMTBs that blur the boundaries between lightweight and full power. Whatever way the eMTB designer goes, DJI employs “GaN 3x fast charging 1” tech in their chargers so you can charge your ebike quickly. DJI says their 12A/508W fast charger can bring the bigger 800Wh battery from 0% to 75% charge in just 90 minutes.
An integrated interface
All the power, control, and range come together in a sleek package with a tidy 2″ full-color touchscreen OLED display in the top tube. The same exact touch-control display that users of DJI’s latest Osmo Pocket 3 camera will know.
Sure, you can connect a smartphone and DJI’s new Avinox ebike app. But it’s hard to argue with seamless simplicity on bikes these days.
Oh, and a USB port so you can keep your phone charged as you ride, too!
Added connected features include “bike security, data recording, and sharing, assist parameter adjustments, and real-time bike status checking”. And the Avinox system uses standard Bluetooth communication and two wireless remotes to move through all the functions at your fingertips.
DJI Avinox ebike drive – Availability & Pricepoint
As is pretty standard, you can’t just buy an ebike drive system on its own without an ebike itself. So the first complete eMTB that will feature the new DJI Avinox ebike drive system is the Amflow PL.
An independent upstart bike manufacturer incubated by DJI, Amflow just launched a carbon 150/160mm all-mountain ebike with the DJI system that will be available later this year in Q4 starting around 7000€ and with complete weights as low as 19.2kg in a more expensive spec.
Check out our separate coverage of the Amflow PL Carbon here.
Beyond Amflow at launch, DJI confirms that they are in discussions with other established ebike manufacturers. And if the ride feel, torque, power, and weight claims stand up, we’d bet a bunch of ebike makers will be jumping to stick a DJI AVinox motor in their eMTB frames.
