Since our latest Think Tank, global awareness within the community and the industry regarding the arms race around power and battery capacity has shifted significantly. Numerous media outlets, influencers, trail organizations such as IMBA and DIMB, and online forums have picked up the topic—many of them taking a critical view of the “faster, higher, farther” mentality. That’s a great development, as it pushes us to engage seriously with the issue, to question hype, and ultimately to arrive at better, more reasonable solutions.
Particularly in the U.S., clear criticism has emerged from the community and platforms like Pinkbike, pointing out that the peak power levels of brands like Amflow and Forbidden may not comply with local legal requirements.
It’s no different in Europe, even if the legal situation here is (still) a different one. Ultimately, the key question is this: Will we still be allowed to ride our eMTBs in the same places where analog bikes are permitted? Or are we heading toward a future of mandatory helmets (which would be the least of our worries), insurance requirements, and all the other restrictions associated with motor vehicles? If that happens, our sport is at risk.
At the same time, DJI’s official statement shows that there are alternative perspectives on the proposed 750-watt power cap—and that open dialogue is essential in finding the best possible approach to self-regulation.
But before we dive into their position, let’s take a closer look at what the new DJI Avinox M1 software update actually brings.
DJI Avinox M1 Software Update via Avinox App Version v1.2: What’s New?
The latest update, rolled out through Avinox App version 1.2, promises a host of improvements and new features—on the trail as well as during setup at home.
At the heart of it lies the power increase in Turbo mode: the app now allows riders to permanently raise the motor’s peak output to 1,000 watts—previously only available for a few seconds in Boost mode. The Boost duration, which was capped at 30 seconds, is now fully configurable. Whether that much power is actually needed remains a valid question—in everyday riding, we tend to rely on the more efficient Trail mode, which already delivers more than enough support.
When it comes to personalization, Avinox v1.2 brings significant upgrades: both in the app and on the bike display, assist modes can now be reordered or hidden entirely, based on personal preference. The data display has also been enhanced—up to eight individually selectable values can now be shown at once, including a stopwatch and graphic visualizations in bar or line chart format.
The update also allows for better management of ride data and accessories, along with real-time bike status monitoring. The new Quick Start feature is aimed at sporty riders—it enables the motor to respond even faster when pedaling begins. This is complemented by an improved hill-start assist in Walk mode, and a more intuitive activation process on the remote.
Riders with a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission-equipped bike benefit from the new SmoothShift function, which ensures even gentler gear changes. Also new is the ability to wirelessly control external bike lights via the handlebar remote.
On the software side, the “Sync to Strava” feature has been refined, including automatic prompts for data backup. Account display and backup functions have become more user-friendly and reliable. The app can now even show crash data from past rides—and for those who like to keep things tidy, ride logs can now be selectively deleted.
Overall, the update provides more control and greater customization—fantastic additions. But do we need that kind of power boost? You know our position: we advocate for industry self-regulation to avoid a pointless arms race and protect the integrity of our sport.
DJI Avinox M1 Software Update: How to Get It
To install the new software update for the DJI Avinox M1 system, DJI recommends first downloading the latest version of the Avinox App (v1.2.0), which is now available for both Android and iOS users.
Only after updating the app can the firmware be upgraded to version v00.10.16.06 via the app interface. Important: the update cannot be installed without the current app version.
DJI’s official stance on power restriction
The proposed restriction of 750 W does not appear to have a clear theoretical foundation justifying why this specific limit has been chosen. We believe it is essential for the industry to engage in more thorough and comprehensive discussions to determine an appropriate power limit.
The imposition of a 750 W limit may overlook the needs of certain vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities who require enhanced assistance, those with higher body weights, minors, and users of e-cargo bikes for transporting supplies. We urge policymakers to consider these unique requirements in their deliberations.
Our pursuit of enhanced power is driven by the goal of improving the riding experience (while maintaining a balance between the wear and cost of easily worn components), rather than merely increasing power for its own sake. For instance, the Avinox’s power output is intelligently modulated, automatically decreasing power and torque during gear shifts. This strategy extends the life of the transmission system, ensuring an optimal balance between performance, safety, and reliability.
It is crucial to remain critical regarding certain practices within the industry that are exploiting user needs, where certain manufacturers differentiate their products by imposing subscription-based fees or offering superior performance or features exclusively for premium models, despite identical hardware components. They profit primarily through software limitations. This highlights the critical importance of prioritizing genuine user needs and maintaining transparency in product offerings.
We recognize the need for more adaptable solutions for eMTB riders, including scene-based power modes and user-adjustable settings, which we have successfully developed and implemented. These features allow users to tailor the power mode (including the highest power setting) to meet varying situational demands, such as requiring greater power when starting the ride or ascending hills, thereby enhancing the overall riding experience within legal speed limits. This innovation has been widely validated in the market.
We’re closely monitoring the EU regulations and we are committed to adhere to established guidelines. We are also committed to providing our users with support in light of any regulatory changes that may impact our products. Should such circumstances arise, we will ensure that our end users and OEM bike brands have access to the necessary resources and guidance for adaptations.
Avinox represents more than merely power output; its innovation is reflected in various features, such as its compact size and lightweight design, impressive power-to-weight ratio, seamless software-hardware integration, advanced smart-assist algorithms, lightweight yet high-capacity battery, rapid charging capabilities and more. All these elements underscore Avinox’s commitment to enhancing user experience and exemplify our dedication to innovation.
Since its launch, Avinox has swiftly garnered acclaim from OEM bike brands, users, and top tier media outlets and organizations, underscoring the importance for the industry to heed these voices.
OEM Bike Brands: Following its release, Avinox received a substantial number of partnership inquiries and has rapidly formed collaborations with prominent brands such as Forbidden, Unno, Megamo, Teewing, Smartmotion, and Paprika53 to introduce various models. More collaborations are anticipated to be unveiled at Eurobike 2025.
Users: In the latest user survey conducted by 41Publishing, DJI emerged as the No.1 voted brand in terms of innovation among motor manufacturers, while Amflow ranked third among the most desired bikes for next purchase. Additionally, in the recent annual user poll on EMTB-News.de, DJI was voted as the Gold Winner of Most Innovative Brand, and Amflow was voted as the Gold Winner of EMTB of the Year.
Media and Authoritative Organizations: Avinox has been the recipient of widespread praise, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including the 2024 Eurobike Award, the Design & Innovation Award 2025, Single Track World’s Standout Product of the Year, Bike Rumor’s Editor’s Choice, and The Loam Wolf’s EMTB Advancement of the Year, etc.
Assessment of DJI’s Statement on the 750 W Regulation
DJI’s official statement is not a neutral position paper—it’s a strategically crafted perspective from a highly ambitious player in the e-bike market. And that’s absolutely legitimate. The statement brings valuable impulses to the ongoing debate. Its call for transparency, user focus, and technological openness is important—even if it doesn’t invalidate the need for a clear and comprehensible power limit, as proposed with the 750 W threshold.
The power increase to 1,000 W via the software update comes as no surprise; it’s been in the pipeline for some time. Rumor has it, the Avinox system holds even more untapped potential. That this development adds fuel to the current discussion around sensible power limits is beyond question. From our perspective, a uniform 750 W cap remains a very reasonable compromise between regulatory feasibility and user-friendliness—something sorely lacking in many alternative regulatory proposals.
We remain strong supporters of what DJI and the Avinox team have built—their drive system is still one of the best we’ve ever tested. And no matter how regulations evolve, DJI brings so much innovation and technical depth to the table that the company is bound to remain successful—perhaps in a direction different from what was initially envisioned.
All in all, DJI’s statement makes one thing clear: this Chinese player has the issue firmly on its radar and will adhere to any future regulations. But the debate around how such a power cap should be shaped is far from over. DJI wants to contribute to the dialogue—and rightly so. What’s needed now is a constructive, differentiated discussion that leads to actual outcomes. And that may well be the biggest challenge facing the industry today.
One important reminder: doing nothing is not an option.
Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Peter Walker
