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E-bike motors: everything you ever wanted to know
The e-bike motor is the heart and soul of your machine. It’s the single component that makes the biggest difference, both to the bike’s performance and your enjoyment. We’re proud to employ e-bike motor technology by DJI – specifically the company’s Avinox Drive System – on our PL Carbon and PL Carbon Pro full-suspension models. But why Avinox? And what makes a great e-bike drive system? Let’s jump into the details.
Mid-drive vs hub drive e-bike motors
There are two places you can find an e-bike’s motor. One is in the hub of the wheel – known as ‘hub drive’ – and the other is near the bottom bracket and crankset in the middle of the bike, hence ‘mid drive’.
Hub drive motors
Hub drive motors are usually found on rear wheels, although it’s not impossible to find an e-bike drive system built around a front hub motor. Hub drive motors have carved out a niche in the commuter and urban e-bike landscape. their main benefits are a smooth and responsive ride. This design not only simplifies installation and maintenance, but also caters to riders looking for reliable, user-friendly solutions for both daily commutes and leisurely jaunts. Moreover, the affordability of hub drive systems broadens accessibility, inviting a diverse range of cyclists to join the electric revolution.
While they’re great for utilitarian daily use, hub drive e-bike motors can result in a less natural feel during pedaling, limited torque for steep climbs, and potential issues with wheel weight distribution. Additionally, they may face challenges in off-road conditions and lack the performance of mid-drive systems.
Mid-drive motors for e-bikes
By contrast, mid-drive motors are all about the off-road performance. They put out huge peak power – more on that concept later – and allow (particularly) MTBers to blast up inclines on loose surfaces.
Mid-drive e-bike motors offer superior torque, making them ideal for climbing those tough hills and navigating varied terrains. They also provide a more natural riding experience by leveraging the bike's gears, improving efficiency and battery life. Additionally, mid-drive systems usually result in better weight distribution and handling, enhancing overall performance and stability.
The DJI e-bike system, Avinox, deploys a mid-drive motor, perfect for Amflow’s all-mountain models, the PL Carbon and PL Carbon Pro.
How does the motor work on an e-bike?
The motor on an e-bike works by converting electrical energy from the battery into mechanical power to assist the rider. When you pedal, sensors detect your effort and signal the motor to engage, providing additional power to the wheels.
The motor's output is regulated by a controller, which adjusts power levels based on rider input, terrain, and battery status. This system creates a seamless riding experience, allowing cyclists to enjoy enhanced speed and ease without exerting excessive effort.
The DJI Avinox system has four regular assistance modes: Auto, Eco, Trail, and Turbo. Each is set up to give a different level of support and to fit a particular riding context. However, the companion Avinox app can also let you fine-tune things like assist level, max torque, start assist and continued assist within each of these modes – so your bike will ride exactly how you want it.
Multiple Assist Modes, Customizable Riding
Auto:
A smart mode that automatically adjusts assistance level based on the riding resistance. Engineered for adaptive, long-range use.
Eco:
As the name indicates, this is the most economical mode, set up to support you on long rides by saving energy where possible. You’ll experience more gradual acceleration from standstill, and lower overall assistance.
Trail:
Designed to support you on mixed trail endeavors, it has stronger assistance through the ride and moderate startup assistance.
Turbo:
The most aggressive regular mode, it uses energy quickly but empowers you to blast up hills and take on challenging obstacles.
And then there’s Boost, which activates a maximum of 30 seconds of 120Nm drive torque and an instantaneous max output of 1,000W. This setting is for those occasional riding situations when you just need to power through… it cannot be adjusted using the Avinox app, for reasons of safety.
The DJI Avinox motor, known as a ‘drive unit’, is innovatively equipped with a compound planetary gearset for lightweight and compact architecture. The motor offers a maximum torque of 105 Nm (120 Nm in Boost mode), providing users with powerful ride support. Multiple sensors deliver accurate measurements while riding to provide appropriate power in any riding situation. With a protection rating of IP66, the drive unit can handle a wide variety of weather conditions and environments.
Continuous power vs peak power
We already mentioned peak power earlier in the article, but what does that term actually mean?
And what is the other type of power than an e-bike motor can produce?
What is an e-bike’s peak power?
Peak power represents the maximum output the motor can achieve for short bursts, usually during acceleration or climbing steep hills. The higher an e-bike motor’s peak power, the better it is going to be able to assist you when you’re blasting up steep inclines, between those beautiful flowy downhill sections. If you’re already an e-MTBer, this ability to get quickly and more easily back to the trailhead is probably one of the things that most attracted you to the discipline in the first place.
The DJI Avinox system used in the PL Carbon Pro delivers 850 watts of peak power, making it one of the most powerful electric bike motors on the market. With DJI Avinox’ Boost setting, that goes up to 1,000 watts – but only for a max of 30 seconds. This level of assistance is incredibly useful for getting up those super steep and techy climbs you sometimes encounter.
What is an e-bike’s continuous power?
Continuous power refers to the motor's sustained output over an extended period, typically measured in watts. This rating indicates how much power the motor can deliver consistently without overheating, ensuring reliable performance during long rides.
Continuous power is a regulated feature of electric bikes. In the United Kingdom, e-bikes may only have a maximum of 250 watts of continuous power output. In Germany, and other EU countries, the upper limit is set also at 250 watts. In the United States of America, the upper limit for continuous power is a huge 750 watts, although the laws also vary from state to state, and there are further restrictions and classifications of e-bikes related to maximum speed.
So there you have it… a deep dive into e-bike motors, covering some of the biggest questions related to the technology. One of the most exciting things about electric bikes is the way the technology is continuously moving forward, and we’re excited to see what’s coming down the pipe next.
In the meantime, if you have questions about e-mountain biking, we recommend our guide to full-suspension electric mountain bikes.
Amflow PL
The Amflow PL electric mountain bike offers 850 watts of power in an ultra-light sub-20kg build. With an unrivaled combination of power, range, and weight, it delivers the ultimate ride.
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