Avinox

Summary

DJI Avinox is the commonly used name for the Avinox e-bike drive system originally developed within DJI. Introduced in 2024 with the compact M1 mid-drive, the system combines high motor output, multi-sensor control, integrated batteries, a touchscreen display, wireless controls, and app-based configuration. Avinox became an independent company in 2025 and has since expanded beyond the original M1 into the M2 and M2S drive units.

Key Facts

Introduced: 2024
Category: E-Bike System
Original developer: DJI
Current company: Avinox, independent since 2025
Motor type: Frame-integrated mid-drive
Original drive unit: Avinox M1
Current drive units: M1, M2, M2S
M1 rated power: 250 W
M1 maximum torque: 105 Nm in regular modes; 120 Nm in Boost
M1 peak power: Up to 1,000 W
M1 weight: Approximately 2.52 kg, excluding mounting hardware and heatsink
Primary application: Performance e-MTB, with broader applications emerging
Configuration platform: Avinox Ride app
Official website: Avinox

Overview

The Avinox Drive System entered the market at Eurobike 2024 as DJI’s first major bicycle propulsion platform. Its original M1 drive unit attracted attention because it combined a low motor weight with unusually high published torque and peak-power figures.

The system was initially presented almost entirely through performance e-MTBs, led by the Amflow PL Carbon. It was not designed as a retrofit motor or standalone conversion kit. Instead, the motor, frame, batteries, display, speed sensor, wireless controls, firmware, and mobile application function as a coordinated system.

Although “DJI Avinox” remains the familiar name, the branding has changed. Avinox states that it became an independent company in 2025. By 2026, it reported partnerships with more than 60 bicycle brands and introduced the second-generation M2 and M2S drive units. Avinox company update

This makes Avinox more than a single DJI motor. It is now a developing family of integrated e-bike systems with multiple motors, battery formats, displays, and software functions.

How It Works

Mid-Drive Power Delivery

The Avinox drive unit is mounted around the bottom bracket and adds motor torque at the crank. Combined rider and motor power then passes through the chainring, chain, cassette, and rear wheel.

This arrangement allows the motor to use the bicycle’s gearing. An easier gear lets the motor spin faster while producing substantial rear-wheel torque, which is useful on steep climbs. Conversely, operating in a tall gear at low cadence increases drivetrain load and can generate unnecessary motor heat.

The drive unit uses an internal planetary reduction system and one-way clutches to reduce motor speed and connect motor output to the crank drive. These internal components are serviceable under controlled procedures, but they are not intended for casual disassembly.

Sensor Integration

Avinox combines data from multiple sensors rather than relying only on crank rotation. The system monitors:

• Rider torque
• Pedaling cadence
• Wheel speed
• Gear position
• Bicycle attitude

The controller processes these inputs to determine assistance output. This allows the system to distinguish between steady pedaling, a steep climb, a rapid acceleration, and changing bicycle pitch. Avinox also uses the sensor data for traction- and wheelie-management functions. Avinox system FAQ

The final behavior still depends on firmware, selected assist mode, rider settings, gearing, tire traction, and the bicycle manufacturer’s integration.

Assist Modes

Avinox systems provide five principal modes:

• Eco: Reduced assistance and battery consumption
• Trail: Increased response for varied off-road terrain
• Turbo: High regular assistance
• Auto: Automatically adjusts support according to riding conditions
• Boost: Temporarily provides the system’s highest available output

Boost figures should not be confused with continuous output. On the M1, regular modes provide up to 105 Nm, while Boost can reach 120 Nm and a peak of 1,000 W. The original 850 W figure commonly associated with the M1 describes its high output in regular operation, not its absolute peak capability.

Available output can also be limited by battery state of charge, temperature, cadence, system protection, and regional configuration.

Avinox Drive Units

The current family includes three drive units:

All three are listed with 250 W rated power. The M2S reaches 1,500 W only with specified high-discharge batteries; output is lower with other compatible packs. Motor weight figures exclude mounting bolts, washers, and the lower heatsink. Avinox drive-unit specifications

Rated power, peak power, and maximum torque describe different operating conditions. A 250 W rated motor can produce substantially more than 250 W for limited periods without its peak figure becoming its continuous rating.

Batteries and Charging

The original M1 system was commonly paired with internally mounted 600 Wh and 800 Wh batteries. The expanding Avinox platform now includes fixed, integrated, and removable battery formats in several capacities.

Battery selection affects:

• Bicycle weight
• Available range
• Charging time
• Peak motor output
• Frame compatibility
• Whether the battery can be removed for charging

Avinox offers both 168 W and 508 W chargers for compatible battery systems. Charging-port shape and battery generation matter; a charger should not be selected by wattage alone.

Third-party chargers and range extenders are not approved. Avinox warns that unauthorized electrical components can cause incompatibility, component damage, warranty loss, or fire risk. Avinox battery and compatibility FAQ

Display, Controls, and Software

The drive system uses an integrated color control display and wireless handlebar controllers. Depending on the hardware generation, the display can show assistance level, battery status, speed, cadence, rider power, motor output, navigation information, and system warnings.

The Avinox Ride app provides:

• Assist-mode adjustment
• Torque and response configuration
• Firmware updates
• Ride-data recording
• System-status information
• Battery charging limits
• Bike-protection and movement-alert functions

Software is central to the system’s operation, but this does not mean the drive unit is freely programmable. Configuration is limited to Avinox-approved settings. The company does not provide a method for removing regional speed restrictions and states that user modification of the motor, battery, or speed sensor voids the warranty. Avinox Ride app

Smooth Shift Integration

Compatible systems can use Avinox Smooth Shift with SRAM Eagle Transmission. When a shift is requested, the motor briefly rotates the drivetrain so the derailleur can change gears, including in situations where the rider is not actively pedaling.

The feature requires:

• A compatible SRAM Eagle Transmission drivetrain
• The specified SRAM AXS power cable
• Compatible Avinox firmware
• Smooth Shift enabled in the system settings

This integration does not eliminate drivetrain wear or make every loaded shift harmless. Chain condition, derailleur alignment, cassette wear, and correct setup remain important.

When servicing the bicycle, Smooth Shift should be disabled and assistance turned off before working near the chain, chainring, cassette, or derailleur. Unexpected motor-driven chain movement presents a hand-injury risk.

Ride Characteristics

Power Delivery

The Avinox system can produce considerably more short-duration assistance than many conventional 250 W e-MTB systems. This helps maintain momentum on steep climbs but also places greater demands on traction and drivetrain condition.

Maximum output is not always desirable. On loose surfaces, lower torque and a smoother response curve may provide better control than Boost mode. The app therefore allows riders to reduce maximum torque, starting assistance, and overall support.

Handling

The M1’s 2.52 kg motor weight is low for a full-power drive unit, but motor weight alone does not determine bicycle handling. Battery capacity, frame construction, wheel weight, suspension layout, and motor placement all contribute to total mass and weight distribution.

A lightweight motor paired with an 800 Wh battery is not necessarily a lightweight complete system. Avinox-equipped bikes should be compared by complete-bike weight and geometry rather than motor weight alone.

Noise and Thermal Behavior

Motor noise changes with cadence, assistance level, load, frame construction, and mounting stiffness. A quiet drive unit can still create noticeable resonance in a particular frame.

High-output operation also generates heat. The Avinox motor uses a lower heatsink and thermal protection to manage operating temperature. Peak output may be reduced when temperature, battery condition, or other limits require it.

Design Trade-Offs

Advantages

• High torque and peak output relative to motor weight
• Detailed assist-mode configuration
• Multi-sensor control
• Integrated display and wireless controls
• Fast-charging options
• Compatibility with advanced drivetrain functions
• Expanding selection of batteries and drive units

Limitations

• Proprietary motor, battery, display, sensor, and software ecosystem
• Not suitable for conventional-bike conversions
• High torque increases drivetrain loading
• Some functions depend on firmware and specific component combinations
• Internal repairs require original parts and specialized tools
• Long-term support remains less established than older Bosch or Shimano ecosystems

The system’s integration is both a strength and a limitation. Coordinated electronics enable features that would be difficult with independent components, but owners and mechanics have less freedom to substitute parts or bypass the manufacturer’s service process.

Mechanic’s Perspective

The first step in servicing an Avinox-equipped bike is identifying the complete system—not just the motor. Record:

• Bicycle manufacturer and model
• Drive-unit model
• Battery model and capacity
• Display model
• Firmware version
• Current and stored error messages
• Drivetrain configuration
• Whether Smooth Shift is enabled

Initial Diagnosis

Begin with the non-invasive checks:

1. Confirm battery charge and system activation.
2. Inspect the charging port, battery connections, wiring, and visible connectors.
3. Check the wheel-speed sensor and magnet for alignment or impact damage.
4. Inspect the display and wireless controls for communication faults.
5. Connect the Avinox Ride app and check system status and firmware.
6. Inspect the drivetrain before assuming the motor is defective.

With up to 120 Nm from the M1—and still more from later models—chain elongation, worn cassette teeth, bent derailleur hangers, loose chainrings, and poor shifting can create symptoms that riders interpret as motor problems.

Drivetrain Service

Check:

• Chain wear
• Cassette and chainring condition
• Derailleur hanger alignment
• Chain length and B-gap
• Chain guide adjustment
• Crank and chainring attachment
• SRAM AXS power cable routing, where fitted

Disable Smooth Shift and motor assistance before placing hands or tools near the drivetrain. Turning the cranks by hand is not enough to guarantee that the system cannot initiate chain movement.

Drive-Unit Inspection

Inspect the motor mounts, lower heatsink, frame interfaces, and wiring for impact damage. The heatsink is a functional thermal component, not merely a protective cover. Damage, missing thermal material, or incorrect reassembly can impair heat transfer.

Avinox publishes procedures for replacing the heatsink, upper housing, one-way clutch, and planetary gear set. However, its service guide warns that internal work requires original parts, specialized tools, correct grease, seal management, and precise assembly. Improper disassembly can permanently compromise the motor’s water resistance. Avinox Drive Unit Service Guide

For internal faults, the practical workshop path will often be diagnosis followed by authorized component repair or drive-unit replacement rather than unrestricted bench rebuilding.

Post-Service Testing

After mechanical or electronic work:

• Confirm that all connectors and covers are secured.
• Verify wheel-speed display and sensor operation.
• Check assist engagement in a low mode.
• Test each gear under controlled load.
• Confirm Smooth Shift operation only after normal shifting is correct.
• Check for abnormal motor noise, heat, vibration, or error codes.
• Perform a short controlled ride rather than relying entirely on a repair-stand test.

Torque sensing, thermal behavior, traction control, and loaded shifting cannot be evaluated properly with the rear wheel suspended.

Common Misconceptions

“Avinox Is Still Simply a DJI Product”

The system originated within DJI, but Avinox states that it became an independent company in 2025. “DJI Avinox” remains useful historical terminology.

“The M1 Is an 850 W Motor”

Its rated power is 250 W. It can deliver high output in regular operation and reach a published peak of 1,000 W in Boost. These figures describe different operating conditions.

“Peak Power Is Available Continuously”

Peak figures are conditional and limited by system mode, temperature, battery output, state of charge, cadence, and protective controls.

“The Motor Can Be Installed on Any E-Bike Frame”

Avinox is a frame-integrated system requiring a compatible motor mount, battery arrangement, display, sensors, wiring, and firmware.

“Software Control Means the System Is Open to Modification”

The app provides approved adjustments, not unrestricted controller access. Avinox prohibits user modification of the drive unit, battery, and speed sensor.

“High Torque Eliminates the Need to Shift”

Correct gearing remains essential. Starting or climbing in a tall gear increases heat and drivetrain stress even when the motor can produce enough torque to move the bike.

Notable Implementations

Amflow PL Carbon: Launch platform for the original Avinox M1 system.

Performance e-MTBs: The first major application, particularly trail and enduro bicycles.

Expanded OEM platforms: By 2026, Avinox reported more than 60 bicycle-brand partners, with the M2 and M2S extending the system into additional performance and utility applications.

Related Terms

Mid-Drive Motor
Torque Sensor
Pedal Assist System
Motor Controller
Rated Power
Peak Power
E-MTB
Firmware
Smooth Shift
Battery Management System

References

Avinox Drive Units
Avinox Drive System FAQ
Avinox Ride App
Avinox M2 and M2S Launch
Avinox Drive System Downloads
Avinox Drive Unit Service Guide
Avinox 2026 Company Update