DJI is making a big move into the e-bike space with its new Avinox drive system and Amflow e-bike brand. The company best known for its drones will launch its first e-bike before the end of the year – a carbon fiber Amflow PL electric mountain bike with a mid-drive Avinox motor and fast-charging battery. It packs so much smarts and power into a relatively lightweight e-bike that it should catch the attention of rivals like Bosch and Specialized.
Demonstrating DJI’s new Avinox drive system, the Amflow PL e-bike features an impressive 120Nm of maximum torque and 1000W of on-demand boost power to overcome even the steepest slopes. On top of that, its “very quiet” mid-drive motor has a rated output of 250W and a peak power of 850W. Its removable 800Wh battery can be quickly charged from zero to 75% in 1.5 hours when using Amflow’s 2A/508W GaN charger.
Despite all its power and battery capacity, the Amflow PL weighs just 19.2 kilograms (just over 42 pounds), thanks in part to a 2.27 kilogram carbon fiber frame and a 2.52 kilogram Avinox drive system.
The bike has a 2-inch color OLED touch display integrated into the frame and comes with the Avinox app for wireless access to the bike and all ride data. If something goes wrong, the bike will sound an alarm and remind you of its location in the app. It has four pedal assist modes, including an automatic mode that adjusts power delivery based on riding resistance. Other highlights include a USB charging port for your phone or bike computer, Fox’s full suspension system and a frame that accommodates 27.5-inch and 29-inch rear wheels.
“Our accumulated battery and motor technology expertise in drones and camera stabilization systems led us to create Avinox,” said Christina Zhang, senior director of corporate strategy at DJI. “DJI’s entry into this space is a natural move as we already have the technology necessary for e-bike systems, including reliable motor development, battery management, mechanical design and engineering.”
The company has also been developing smart driving solutions for Chinese cars over the past few years, and some of these solutions have been applied to multiple models. Most recently, the company launched its first power station, expanding into the large consumer battery market.
Amflow PL is expected to ship in the fourth quarter. DJI tells me it’s expected to cost between €7,000 and €12,000 ($7,500 to $12,850), which would put it in direct competition with high-end electric sport bikes like the Specialized Turbo series. DJI said the Amflow PL will be available from authorized dealers in places such as Germany, the UK and Australia.
