Avinox talk the torque. The debate rolls on.
Avinox Pursues Power with Purpose
Avinox reveals its philosophy and makes the case for more power in mountain biking
In mountain biking, power is often misunderstood. For some, higher motor output raises concerns about safety, trail impact, or component wear. For Avinox, power is not about excess, but about possibility. Power can help more people ride farther, climb steeper, and tackle terrain that might otherwise be out of reach.
Our approach to power is rooted in a simple principle: technology should expand access to mountain biking while preserving safety, reliability, and rider control.
Power Is About Capability, Not Speed
When people hear that an eMTB motor delivers high power, they often express concerns about danger, assuming higher power also means higher speed. In reality, these are two very different things. Speed is what ultimately determines safety risk. Power is the force that helps riders accelerate, especially at low speeds and in demanding situations such as steep climbs, technical ascents, and navigation around obstacles.
Avinox systems comply fully with all applicable speed regulations, and we strongly support the implementation and enforcement of speed limits. That means our high power output is not designed to make riders go faster than allowed. It is designed to make difficult terrain more manageable. Whether it is clearing a rocky ledge, climbing a steep incline, or helping a less experienced rider maintain momentum, more power can make mountain biking both easier and safer.
Safety Is a Function of Control
Any bicycle can gain significant speed on a descent, whether it is powered or not. This is not unique to eMTBs. The safety challenge in mountain biking is managing speed, maintaining traction, and giving riders the confidence to overcome high-resistance obstacles in complex terrain.
Avinox focuses on delivering power precisely when it is needed. Our intelligent assistance algorithms provide smooth, predictable support that helps riders maintain control in various situations. In many cases, more available power improves safety by reducing the likelihood of stalling, losing balance, or being forced to dismount in difficult terrain.
Flexible Power for Real-World Riding
Different riders face different challenges. A steep technical climb requires a different level of support than a flowing cross-country trail. A loaded cargo bike climbing a hill has different needs than a lightweight commuter.
Avinox addresses this with customizable riding modes and user-adjustable settings, allowing riders to tailor assistance – including maximum output – to match the terrain and their personal preferences. This flexibility provides support when it matters most while maintaining efficiency and control.
Democratizing Mountain Biking
Mountain biking should be accessible to more people, regardless of fitness level, body type, age, or physical limitations. High-powered systems help make that vision a reality. With greater assistance, riders can:
- Conquer steeper climbs
- Ride longer distances
- Explore more challenging trails
- Recover more easily from technical mistakes
- Build confidence faster
For heavier riders, riders with disabilities, and those hauling cargo, higher power can be considered essential, rather than a luxury. A rigid, one-size-fits-all power limit risks excluding riders who benefit most from additional assistance.
Designed to Protect the Bike
Power only matters if the system remains reliable. Avinox carefully balances performance with durability, avoiding the trap of increasing output solely to claim bigger numbers. Advanced sensors and software continuously monitor riding conditions and adjust torque delivery to protect key components.
For example, the system automatically reduces power during gear shifts, minimizing drivetrain stress and extending the life of chains, cassettes, and derailleurs. Smooth, precisely controlled power delivery also reduces wear on tires, brakes, and wheelsets.
System-Level Optimization
A high-performance motor cannot be developed in isolation. Avinox takes a complete system approach, optimizing the entire bicycle platform to handle elevated power output, including:
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Wheels
- Frame design
- Battery architecture
- Charging systems
- Software controls
This integrated engineering ensures that riders benefit from maximum capability without compromising safety or reliability.
Higher Power Does Not Threaten the Industry
Some argue that offering more powerful motors could invite regulatory scrutiny or harm the industry. We believe that view oversimplifies a much more nuanced issue. Avinox supports responsible regulation and strict compliance with all applicable laws. At the same time, we believe innovation should not be constrained by arbitrary power limits that lack a clearly explained basis.
The industry benefits when manufacturers focus on solving real rider challenges and respecting the diverse needs of users. Progress should be guided by safety, performance, and accessibility, not by assumptions that more power is inherently problematic.
Beyond Power: The Full Avinox Advantage
Power is only one part of what makes Avinox different. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in every aspect of the system, including:
- Compact and lightweight motor design
- Outstanding power-to-weight ratio
- Seamless hardware and software integration
- Intelligent assistance algorithms
- Lightweight, high-capacity batteries
- Fast charging capabilities
- Sophisticated system controls
Together, these technologies create a riding experience that feels intuitive, natural, and remarkably capable.
The Future of eMTB Performance
At Avinox, maximum power is not about pushing limits for the sake of headlines. It is about empowering more riders to experience mountain biking in ways that are safer, more enjoyable, and more inclusive. By combining high power with intelligent control, system-level engineering, and rider-focused innovation, Avinox is redefining what an eBike motor can do. Because when technology is thoughtfully designed, more power means more opportunity.
— Ends —
Where does Singletrack World Magazine stand on this?
We’ll be honest with you: we don’t know.
We certainly clutched our collective pearls when news first broke about the Avinox motor’s power numbers. We very nearly came out with a statement even (“We stand with Hans” etc). But we held off until we the actual bike arrived and we could experience it it firsthand.
And after riding the Avinox-ed Amflow PX… we don’t know what we think now.
Our initial reaction was possibly conflating “more power” with “more speed”. But the assist stops at 15mph like every other motor out there. And, crucially, the Avinox system is significantly less prone to wheelspinning/kicking up dirt than rival systems, due to its more sophisticated hardware (and arguably software).
The sole ‘problem’ we keep circling back to is that the Avinox motor’s power can virtually remove the whole ‘Type 2 Fun’ aspect of cycling. It can make things (well, climbs) very, very easy. Is this a problem for anyone other than the rider on the bike? We’re entering the weird – but still important – arena of the ‘point’ of mountain biking.
Needless to say, we shall be discussing the whole thing in an upcoming Podcast. Stay tuned.
There must come a point where the available power is, to quote Rolls Royce, “sufficient".
IMO it’s similar to people who obsess about range when looking at EVs when most EV drivers agree that more than about 250-300 miles is pretty pointless. It just adds weight that you have to drag around the rest of the time which detracts from the overall driving experience.
Same with power on ebikes – why does anyone regularly need the same sort of power that only the likes of Pogacar can generate for a sprint. Yeah you can do steeper or trickier climbs but that’s as much about controlled power delivery as the absolute number.
So whatever “sufficient" power is for an ebike (and I think we’re already there) let’s stop being impressed by big power numbers and focus on how the thing actually rides. I’d rather ebike motors started getting smaller, lighter, quieter, more efficient, more reliable and (even) more natural feeling than adding power for the sake of it.
What’s the TL:DR?
“Some people need more assistance than others, therefore more power is always better… and we’re not doing it for headline numbers to win market share, honest.”
“Avinox systems comply fully with all applicable speed regulations, and we strongly support the implementation and enforcement of speed limits. That means our high power output is not designed to make riders go faster than allowed."
So have Avinox now made it impossible to defeat the built-in speed limiter? Last I heard you just needed to connect via a VPN and tell it you were in New Zealand to remove the speed-based power cut-off entirely.