Avinox M2: New Motor Arrives as a Duo with Virtually Unlimited Power

Admittedly, this isn’t really a surprise anymore. Over the past few weeks, rumours about a new ebike motor from Avinox have been circulating. Now, the Chinese manufacturer has indeed unveiled the successor to the DJI Avinox M1. The Avinox M2 picks up seamlessly where the M1 left off. And on top of that, there are new batteries and further smart features.

1. DJI Avinox becomes Avinox
2. New motors: heat-resistant, robust and quiet
3. Avinox M2: Former boost becomes the new standard
4. Avinox M2S incredibly powerful
5. Batteries available as either fixed or removable
6. Further new hardware on the Avinox system
7. Further variants of the display integrated into the top tube
8. New features from navigation to safety
9. What remains familiar?
10. Ebikes featuring the new Avinox M2 and Avinox M2S
11. Initial verdict

1. DJI Avinox becomes Avinox

Before we delve into the technical innovations, a quick word on the new name of the motor and the entire ebike system. DJI has completely disappeared from it. The former DJI Avinox is now simply called Avinox. Consequently, the DJI Avinox M1 has become the Avinox M2. The background to this is the current import restrictions and customs regulations in the US regarding camera technology originating from China. DJI products are currently being significantly hampered by these. To keep such restrictions out of the ebike business, the former SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. has renamed itself SZ Avinox Innovation Co., Ltd. This change is accompanied by the aforementioned name change.

2. New motors: Heat-resistant, robust and quiet

As Avinox’s drive system moves into its second generation, the motor is clearly the focus. Especially as there are now two motors instead of one. The two new models are called the Avinox M2 and M2S.

Externally, they differ only slightly from their predecessor. The dimensions have remained virtually unchanged. What is new, however, are a few cooling fins. Previously, these were only present as a visual hint on the motor housing.

Inside, however, the situation is different. The manufacturer has clearly worked on several details. For example, the focus on thermal management continues here. For the first time, there are special temperature sensors designed to prevent the motor from overheating. Given its performance capabilities, this step seems entirely reasonable.

According to Avinox, both the M2 and the M2S have also been designed to be more robust. The motor’s drive wheels now feature double and helical gearing. More stable bearings are also being used. The latter are said to reduce motor noise to a level of 45 decibels. This will likely also eliminate the rattling noise while coasting, which has been mentioned in relevant forums.

3. Avinox M2: Former boost becomes the new standard

In terms of torque and peak power, hardly any other mid-mount motor has been able to rival the DJI Avinox M1. At the same time, it has been clearly evident in recent months how competitors have been trying to get as close to it as possible. This game of cat and mouse could continue for a while yet. Because the Avinox M2 has only one motto: more, more, more. Its peak power rises from the previous 850 watts to 1,100 watts. In terms of torque, it has gone up from 105 Newton-metres to 110 Newton-metres.

Just to remind you: 1,000 watts and 120 Newton-metres were the figures for the former Boost mode. Now, almost exactly the same level applies as the new standard for the Auto, Eco, Trail and Turbo assistance levels. But what will become of Boost mode now? Well, the manufacturer is sticking with it. In the case of the Avinox M2, it has raised its limits to a peak torque of 125 Newton metres. In Boost Mode, however, the power output remains at 1,100 watts. Despite this significant increase and the mechanical changes mentioned, the M2 weighs just a few grams more than the M1 at around 2.65 kilograms.

Avinox M2 motor at a glance

• Continuous power: 250 W
• Maximum power: 1,100 W
• Torque: 110 Nm (Boost mode: 125 Nm)
• Assistance: max. 800 %
• Weight: approx. 2.65 kg

4. Avinox M2S incredibly powerful

You think that would be enough? Avinox clearly thinks differently. So the manufacturer has gone one better with the Avinox M2S. Even in normal operation, with a torque of 130 Newton-metres and a power output of 1,300 watts, it outperforms the Avinox M2. The real leap in performance comes in boost mode. Here, this motor reaches a massive 1,500 watts at peak and generates a torque of 150 Newton-metres. Rest assured that you can always reduce these settings in the app. For some of you, less might actually be more in this case. Firstly, because there’s still plenty of power left. Secondly, because the ebike battery’s power consumption will noticeably thank you for it and reward you with a longer range.

In addition important to know: Not every Avinox battery allows these maximum performance levels to be achieved. It therefore depends on the exact specifications of the ebike in question. If it is fitted with the new Avinox FP700 intube battery, you can fully utilise the performance of the Avinox M2S in all four riding modes – Auto, Eco, Trail and Turbo – as well as in Boost Mode. If, on the other hand, the ebike uses a new Avinox RS800 removable battery, this only applies to Boost Mode. With all other batteries, the figures for normal operation remain the same, i.e. 1,300 watts and 130 Newton metres.

Avinox M2S motor at a glance

• Continuous power: 250 W
• Maximum power: 1,300 W (Boost Mode: 1,500 W)
• Torque: 130 Nm (Boost mode: 150 Nm)
• Assistance: 800 %
• Weight: approx. 2.59 kg

5. Batteries available as either fixed or removable

This brings us straight to the heart of Avinox’s expanded battery range. The manufacturer will be adopting a slightly different strategy in future. The system featuring the Avinox M1 previously offered only two permanently fitted batteries with capacities of 800 watt-hours and 600 watt-hours respectively – the Avinox FS800 and the Avinox FS600. Perhaps in response to feedback from retailers, the new Avinox M2 system now comes with another permanently integrated battery as well as two removable ones.

All three new batteries use different cell types compared to their predecessors. The Avinox FP700, designed for permanent integration into the down tube, now only has a capacity of 700 watt-hours. Given its weight of 3.18 kilograms, it sits in the middle of the range previously available. The manufacturer promises a range comparable to the older 800-watt-hour model.

Avinox FP700 at a glance

• Capacity: 800 Wh
• Weight: approx. 4 kg
• Dimensions: 558,5 mm × 59,1 mm × 56,1 mm
• Can be used with Avinox RS800: yes
• Can be used with Avinox RS600: yes

The manufacturer has pleasantly surprised us with the removable batteries. Many had suspected that a battery of this type would be released. However, we certainly hadn’t expected there to be two. The Avinox RS800 is slightly larger and heavier than the Avinox FP700. Weighing around four kilograms, it offers a capacity of 800 watt-hours.

Avinox RS800 at a glance

• Capacity: 800 Wh
• Weight: approx. 4 kg
• Dimensions: 434.5 mm × 71.8 mm × 69 mm
• Can be used with Avinox FP700: yes

The Avinox RS600 is a size smaller. As its name suggests, it delivers 600 watt-hours. Its weight is just under three kilograms.

Avinox RS600 at a glance

• Capacity: 600 Wh
• Weight: 2.96 kg
• Dimensions: 434.5 mm × 72.61 mm × 50.17 mm
• Can be used with Avinox FP700: yes

Ebike manufacturers can now use both removable batteries to design ebikes with an Avinox system, allowing the battery to be charged at any location. Particularly for trekking ebikes or urban ebikes, this could be a factor that tips the balance in favour of Avinox in future, where previously the decision had gone to another system provider.

Longer riding time thanks to dual batteries

Even more possibilities arise from the fact that Avinox has enabled the Avinox M2 and the Avinox M2S to be powered by two batteries simultaneously. We have been familiar with this principle from Bosch for years. There, it is called DualBattery. Avinox speaks of dual batteries as well. Yet, the respective batteries cannot be combined with one another at will.

Avinox’s solution follows more closely the pattern of using a range extender. This is because only the removable Avinox RS600 is eligible as a secondary battery. At least for the moment. It can be mounted on the down tube using the appropriate accessories. The following five combinations are possible:

• Avinox RS600 + Avinox RS800
• Avinox RS600 + Avinox RS600
• Avinox RS600 + Avinox FP700
• Avinox RS600 + Avinox FS800
• Avinox RS600 + Avinox FS600

You will also notice here that the permanently integrated Avinox FS800 and Avinox FS600 batteries are compatible with the Avinox M2 and Avinox M2S. Consequently, manufacturers can also combine these older batteries with the new motors on their ebikes. Depending on the type of ebike, this could well be an option due to the lower weight of the Avinox FS600 or the greater capacity of the Avinox FS800.

6. Further new hardware on the Avinox system

Given the sheer power, some of you may have looked at the Avinox drive with scepticism and wondered whether it might simply be too much? Anyone who has ridden an ebike with the system will likely have noticed that the manufacturer has done a very good job of harnessing the power.

This is down to the highly sophisticated coordination of numerous sensors. Among the most important of these is the speed sensor. In the past, this was mounted as a separate disc on the rear wheel. Now, the manufacturer has integrated it directly into the brake disc. Let’s hope this does not compromise the system’s handling.

7. Further variants of the display integrated into the top tube

Two new displays have been added to the ebike system, similarly unnoticed. For the market launch in 2024, Avinox started with the Avinox Control Display, whose exact name is Avinox DP100 Control Display. Now there are two further versions: the Avinox DP100-F Control Display and the Avinox DPC100 Control Display.

In terms of key specifications, the trio are identical. This applies, for example, to the two-inch OLED screen, its resolution of 326 dpi, the screen brightness and the ports. In fact, on the manufacturer’s website, the Avinox DP100 Control Display and the Avinox DP100-F Control Display appear to be identical in all other respects as well.

The only real differences become apparent when compared with the Avinox DPC100 Control Display. It supports neither the 4G nor LTE mobile networks. This significantly limits the digital anti-theft protection, as the theft alarm and associated push notifications rely on this technology. The Avinox DPC100 compensates for this through its compatibility with Apple’s Find My network.

It’s also a bit of a bummer that Avinox has throttled the charging power on the USB-C port – and not just a little. Fast charging at 65 watts is reduced to ‘normal’ charging at a mere ten watts.

You’ll also search in vain for the ambient light sensor on this display. It’s hard to really tell anyway. Rather, you’ll notice its absence when the display’s lighting fails to react to strong sunlight or the onset of twilight with a change in brightness.

The use of the Bluetooth standard BLE 5.3 instead of BLE 5.1 on the Avinox DP100 Control Display and Avinox DP100-F, on the other hand, is unlikely to be noticeable.

8. New features from navigation to safety

How great riding an ebike feels is no longer determined solely by motor power and range. Avinox seems to share this view and is expanding its system with a few new functions. For example, routes from services such as komoot, Strava, Garmin, Wahoo and others can be transferred to the display and then used for offline navigation. Thanks to the USB charging port on the Avinox display, you’ve already been able to navigate using your smartphone for longer periods without its battery suddenly failing. Now you don’t even need to rely on having a signal.

For offline navigation, you can import files in GPX, FIT and TCX formats from three sources:

• locally from the device itself
• from platforms such as komoot and Strava
• from your history of previously recorded routes

If you wish to use these platforms, you will of course need to have an account with them.

To send the track to the display, it must be switched on. Also ensure that your ebike and smartphone are connected via Bluetooth. To transfer the data, select the desired route in the Avinox Ride app and send it to the display. Once this has been done successfully, a message will appear on the display which you must confirm to complete the data transfer.

To view all imported routes, simply swipe up on the display. This takes you to the settings. There is a menu for navigation there. Below that, you’ll find an overview of the imported routes. Tap on one of the routes to select it and then start navigation. Alternatively, navigation can be started on the display from the home screen.

Navigation interface could be improved

During offline navigation, you receive turn-by-turn directions. A few seconds before a turn, an audible signal sounds to alert you to the new direction. If you wish, you can also disable this in the app and on the display.

Incidentally, the whole thing works the other way round too. This means that, using the Avinox Ride app, you can also upload recorded rides to third-party platforms such as komoot, Strava and the like, and view them there later or share them with others, for example.

At present, the navigation display on the Avinox screen is not quite that advanced yet. For now, there is no 3D display or option to save favourites as destinations. The track display also looks quite basic. Unusually for current standards, it isn’t integrated into a map. You only see the route. Turn arrows and a compass appear as visual aids.

Motor control via heart rate

Furthermore, you can pair a device that measures your heart rate whilst cycling with the e-drive, thereby instructing the system on the intensity level at which you wish to ride. The system adjusts the motor assistance accordingly. This means that it reduces its power output if you fall below the threshold, or increases the assistance as soon as you exceed the target value and are therefore pedalling too hard.

The heart rate monitor is connected to the ebike as a new accessory. Then, in the settings on the ebike display, open the menu for the adjustable riding modes. Tap the item at the very top highlighted in white text. This opens an option where you can activate heart rate control.

Once activated, you can set the respective limits for your heart rate. You can define a desired target value, specify how many beats you are allowed to deviate from this heart rate, and set the value at which an alarm should be triggered.

According to Avinox, the control system does not yet work with all riding modes. Unfortunately, we cannot say which ones this applies to.

When it comes to security, integrating the ebike into Apple’s Find My network offers a certain added benefit. With the GPS tracker and unlocking the ebike via smartphone, Avinox already offered state-of-the-art protection. Now you can also locate your ebike using other Apple devices. However, this will only work on ebikes fitted with the Avinox system that have the Avinox DPC100 display installed. The other two models – the Avinox DP100 and Avinox DP100-F – do not support this service.

9. What remains familiar?

Around the new motors and batteries, Avinox has built a system with components, some of which have proven themselves since the 2024 launch. These include, for example, the control concept with the two units on the left and right of the handlebars, the display integrated into the top tube with its two-inch touchscreen, the optional front light, and the fast charger, which could charge the previous 800-watt-hour battery to 75 per cent within 90 minutes.

Of course, you also benefit from the Smoothshift function on the Avinox M2 and Avinox M2 S as soon as an electronic derailleur from Sram is fitted to the ebike. This means that the system shifts gears automatically, for example on a descent, when you are coasting and approaching a counter-slope or a flat section. Similarly, the motor briefly reduces power during gear changes to minimise the force applied and protect the chain, chainring and sprocket.

10. Ebikes featuring the new Avinox M2 and Avinox M2S

Despite the rebranding of Avinox mentioned at the start of this article, Amflow is still, for all intents and purposes, a kind of Avinox’s own brand. Unsurprisingly, then, Amflow has unveiled two models – the Amflow PX Carbon and the Amflow PR Carbon – which utilise the Avinox M2 and Avinox M2S respectively. Other manufacturers, such as Crussis, have also been in the starting blocks for some time and are now presenting their ebikes featuring the new generation of motors.

11. Initial verdict

With the new generation, Avinox is unmistakably pursuing an approach based on the motto “Faster, higher, further”. The manufacturer appears keen to restore the gap between itself and other motor manufacturers to the level that existed around a year ago. Anyone looking for top-tier performance and torque should not be able to ignore Avinox.

It remains to be seen how sustainable this concept is in the long term. One thing is certain: Those hoping for more practical innovations, such as a separate display that isn’t necessarily mounted on the top tube or a range extender, will be left empty-handed for the time being.

Pictures: SZ Avinox Innovation Co., Ltd.; Elektrofahrrad24 GmbH