This article is part of our big 2026 motor group test. Click here to read about all 11 systems we tested, discover the latest trends and dive into detailed results from both the lab and real-world testing.
Forbidden, UNNO, ROTWILD, Crestline, COMMENCAL, Megamo – the list of bike brands turning to the Chinese-made Avinox M1 is growing fast. And with good reason: the winner of last year’s comparison test proved in impressive fashion that brutal power figures and finely tuned delivery don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
But the pressure is mounting. More and more manufacturers are launching new motor systems, and established players like Bosch and Specialized are challenging the Avinox M1’s dominance with their latest performance updates. In May 2025, Avinox responded with a major power upgrade – and a clear shift in strategy. DJI’s former development team now operates under the independent brand name Avinox, though it remains a subsidiary of DJI. We put the Avinox M1 head-to-head with the Bosch Performance Line CX-R, the S-Works 3.1 and eight other systems, both in the lab and out on the trail. Can it claim a spot on the podium once again?
The Avinox M1 motor in detail – Superlative
In our motor group test, the AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro, which was developed in-house by the motor manufacturer,features an Avinox M1 drive neatly integrated into the bottom bracket area. For a full-power motor, the level of integration is seriously slick, only revealing that you’re looking at an eMTB upon closer inspection. That puts it right up there with the MAHLE M40 as one of the most seamlessly integrated full-power systems currently available on the market. Only the less powerful maxon AIR Drive S blends in even more discreetly.
The Avinox M1’s key specs are eye-catching to say the least: 120 Nm of maximum torque, 1,000 watts of peak power and a support ratio of 800%, which make it the most powerful system in this test. Now you might be easily led to believe that this level of capability demands compromises elsewhere – yet it doesn’t. At just 2.56 kg, the Avinox M1 is the lightest full-power motor in the entire test field, and around 50 grams lighter than the MAHLE M40.
The system draws its power from either a big 800 Wh battery or a smaller 600 Wh version. There’s no range extender in the Avinox ecosystem, but their partnership with ROTWILD has shown that the system can be paired with external batteries by other manufacturers. Our test bike relies on the standard 800 Wh variant. Charging is handled by a 12A fast charger rated at 508 W, delivering an average speed of 5.8 Wh/min – the second-highest in this test– and taking just 2 hours and 25 minutes to fully charge the 800 Wh battery.
Compared to the only other real fast charger on the market, the one Specialized offer for their S-Works models, the Avinox charger strikes the best balance between charging speed, size and weight, making it the most capable charger currently available. For those less concerned with speed, Avinox also offer a slower 4A charger with a power output of 168 W.
The motor system is controlled via the dual remote, which allows you to switch between support modes and operate the display. It stands out as one of the best remotes in the test, combining a robust build with excellent tactile feedback and clearly labelled buttons for almost every function. Being wireless also reduces the risk of damage or tearing off in a crash. The system can also be operated via the display in the top tube. Thanks to its highly responsive touch function, currently the only display in the test with this feature, operation is incredibly intuitive, much like using your smartphone. The display also offers a high resolution, great readability, a USB-C charging port, and a well-structured menu system despite the number of submenus.
The ecosystem is rounded off by an app that ranks alongside Specialized’s as one of the best in this test. The Avinox Ride app offers an impressive range of customisation options and smart connectivity features. Some functions can also be adjusted directly via the display, including support levels, maximum torque, start modes and overrun. The display itself can be customised through the app, allowing you to call up eight data fields side by side– for example, speed, battery level, power output and more.
Syncing with third-party platforms like Strava works smoothly, and the Avinox Ride app automatically starts recording your ride as soon as you set off, providing a detailed ride summary afterwards. Automatic position and status tracking, as well as real-time display of battery level, estimated range, location and bike status via Bluetooth or 4G, are all accessible directly through the app.
Practical features like “Quick Start” (faster motor engagement when setting off), “SmoothShift” for SRAM Eagle Transmission drivetrains, configurable boost duration (10–60 seconds), and the ability to freely customise the order of assist modes have been added through updates. The system also includes theft and protection functions: bike lock, smartphone unlocking via “Phone Key,” motion detection with push notifications, and remote deactivation of motor support. A charging limit option– settable to 70%, 80%, 95% or 100%, has also been introduced to help extend battery lifespan.
| Parameter | Our measurement | Manufacturer’s spec |
|---|---|---|
| Motor weight (kg) | 2.56 kg | 2.52 kg |
| Battery capacity (nominal, Wh) | 802.8 Wh | 800 Wh |
| Charge time (0–100%) | 2 h 25 min | – |
| Support ratio (%) | – | 800 % |
| Max power output (W) | – | 1,000 W |
| Max torque (Nm) | – | 120 Nm |
| Range* (km) | 24.1 km | 75 km |
| Vertical range* (metres climbed) | 1,953 hm | – |
*All values were measured on the same test track with an average incline of 8.5%, using the maximum support mode, a consistent rider output of 150 watts, rider weight of 72 kg, and standardised tyres: MAXXIS HighRoller (DD, MaxxGrip) up front and MAXXIS Minion DHR II (DD, MaxxTerra) on the rear.
Avinox M1 motor on test – New Lines
The Avinox M1 motor on the trail
In our test, the Avinox M1 clearly proves that maximum power doesn’t have to come at the expense of control. With a brutal support ratio of up to 800%, it delivers the highest level of assistance in the entire test field, yet its ride character feels surprisingly natural and well balanced.
Power delivery starts early and smoothly. Even at low cadences, the M1 responds sensitively to every pedal input, pushing forward with strength but never overwhelming, and builds its output progressively. Other systems like the Shimano EP801 or MAHLE M40 can’t provide usable support at such low rpm. This is where the Avinox M1 shines, delivering consistent power across an impressively wide cadence range. It also feels more responsive and lively than the S-Works 3.1 motor in direct comparison. Against the Bosch CX-R, the Stuttgart-based system comes across as noticeably more twitchy and harder to control in terms of response, while the Avinox releases its power much more evenly. Even the cut-off at the 25 km/h threshold is smooth, fading out without any noticeable jolt.
What truly sets the Avinox M1 apart is the sheer fun it delivers on the trail. Yes, the high power output hits hard, no question, but the key lies in how controlled the bike feels despite all that muscle. The power is exceptionally well modulated, even at full force. In tight switchbacks, on mixed terrain or steep, technical climbs, the support can be modulated with great precision. The M1 opens up lines and possibilities you might never have considered before, steep ramps, technical steps, rock gardens. The Avinox lets you ride new lines where other motors tap out.
On highly technical climbs, the M1 ranks among the best drive units in this test. The forward propulsion is huge, yet the rear wheel maintains impressive traction– even when the motor delivers full power. A key part of its strong uphill performance is the finely tuned overrun: even when you stop pedalling, the drive unit continues to push, helping you clear steps, ledges or tricky technical features.
In terms of noise, the Avinox M1 is also operating at a very high level. Despite its power, it’s quieter than the Specialized 3.1 or the Bosch CX, producing a pleasantly deep, rich hum. On descents, the drive unit remains whisper quiet, blending into the background. It’s another detail that reinforces the system’s overall premium feel.
The Avinox M1 motor on the test bench
At a cadence of 70 rpm, the Avinox delivers its maximum torque of 105 Nm in Turbo mode with a rider input of just over 100 W, which limits total output to around 780 W at that cadence. This means the stated peak power of 1,000 W can only be achieved from a cadence of 90 rpm onwards, a finding confirmed during our variable-cadence power measurements.
Thanks to its high power output, the Avinox recorded the highest uphill speed in the entire test field on a 15% gradient. At low rider input, support climbs to an impressive 833%– even above the official spec –but drops significantly under heavy rider load and low cadence, down to a minimum of 243%.
During our 30-minute full-load test, de-rating begins gradually between minutes 15 and 26, with only a 150 W drop. After that, power drops more quickly by a further 300 W to protect the system. Even so, with 400 W of remaining motor output, there’s still plenty of support on tap. At low power levels, the Avinox runs quietly with only a mild tonal note. However, under load on climbs, it’s among the louder motors in the test, with a moderate tonal character.
Tuning tip for the manufacturer: none.
Who is the Avinox M1 motor for – and who isn’t it for?
The Avinox M1 appeals to a wide range of riders looking for a motor that performs across the board from relaxed evening loops to demanding technical trails. Its strength isn’t just raw power, but how versatile and usable that power feels on the trail. If you like to climb fast, tackle steep sections or pick your way up tricky uphill trails, you’ll benefit from the M1’s precise control, excellent traction and support, all of which are available from very low cadences.. At the same time, it’s a great choice for riders who want a dependable, user-friendly system for everyday use and longer tours, thanks to its well-designed ecosystem of app, display and controls that require little familiarisation.
It’s less suited to those who prefer a discrete, barely-noticeable motor feel. If you spend most of your time cruising on fire roads in Eco mode, you won’t be tapping into the full potential of what the M1 has to offer. The high-performance nature of the system encourages active riding if that’s not your thing, lighter systems like the maxon AIR S might be a better fit.
Conclusions about the Avinox M1 motor
The Avinox M1 remains the benchmark among full-power motors in 2026 not because it’s the most powerful drive unit, but because it uses its power the most wisely. Its precise modulation, excellent traction, and outstanding integration, combined with a strong ecosystem of fast charging, a feature-rich app, and a premium touch display, make it the best all-round package in the testThat’s exactly why the Avinox M1 holds onto its crown as the best all-rounder in this group test, standing out from the competition as a true innovation leader that represents the future of e-bike motors like no other. With that, the Avinox M1 not only takes the top spot in our test, but also sets the benchmark for the next generation of motor development. A well-deserved Best in Test once again!
Tops
- Outstanding modulation despite huge power
- Strong, well-rounded ecosystem
- Fast charger and premium touch display
- Best integration in its class
- Excellent traction in technical terrain
- Best app and connectivity in the test
Flops
- None
For more information, visit the official Avinox website.
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to Our big eMTB Motor Comparison – 15 eMTB Motors on Test
All motors in test:
Avinox M1, Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5, Bosch Performance Line CX-R, Bosch Performance Line SX, FAZUA Ride 60, Mahle M40, maxon Air S, Pinion MGU E1.12, Shimano EP801, S-Works 3.1, TQ HPR60
Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Peter Walker
