Multiple brands unveil their latest e-mountainbikes today – and they all have one thing in common: the brand-new DJI Avinox M1 motor. Among them are UNNO, Forbidden and Megamo, each offering a unique concept but all powered by DJI’s latest drive system. What do these new bikes offer in terms of design, spec, and pricing? Where do they differ – and which model is right for which rider? We’ve summarised the first key insights and impressions for you.
What was first – the chicken or the egg? In the case of the DJI Avinox system, the answer is clear. The debut came with the AMFLOW PL Carbon, which we were one of the first magazines to test in detail. Now, three more e-mountainbikes have launched with the same powerhouse inside – and at least two of them closely mirror the AMFLOW in terms of travel: the Megamo Reason with 160 mm front and rear, and the Forbidden Druid CorE with 160/150 mm – exactly like the AMFLOW. Standing out a bit is the UNNO Mith, aiming a step higher with 170 mm front and 160 mm rear travel – squarely targeting the E-Enduro category. We’ve already put this exclusive gravity rig through a full test.
Both Megamo and Forbidden are also offering lighter, shorter-travel trail versions in addition to the 160 mm builds. But before diving into the specifics of each new DJI-equipped bike, let’s take a look at what all the models share: the DJI Avinox drive system.
The DJI Avinox motor system in the Forbidden LitE, CorE, Megamo Reason and UNNO Mith
When DJI introduced their Avinox motor system, it was clear: this has serious potential to shake up the e-bike market. The numbers speak for themselves – a 2.5 kg motor with 105 Nm of torque and 850 watts of continuous power – and in Boost mode, briefly up to 120 Nm and 1,000 watts of peak power – stronger than most current e-bike motors. On top of that, you get a choice of an 800 Wh battery (3.7 kg) or a lighter 600 Wh version (2.9 kg), plus extensive app connectivity with countless configuration options and a top tube–integrated touchscreen display.
So, which new bikes now use the Avinox drive system?
The new Forbidden Druid E – available as LitE and CorE models
With the new Druid LitE and CorE, Canadian brand Forbidden officially enters the world of e-mountainbiking. Both bikes use the DJI Avinox system but differ in suspension travel, battery size and weight.
The Druid LitE features 150/140 mm travel (f/r) and a 600 Wh battery. It is availlable from a € 8,699, € 9,999 to € 11,699, while the CorE model steps up to 160/150 mm with an 800 Wh battery and a price of € 8,999, € 10,199 up to € 11,899. The logic is simple: more travel = more battery, and vice versa. The Druid LitE weighs in at 20.8 kg, while the more downhill-focused CorE version tips the scales at 22.6 kg due to its larger battery and burlier components. With more travel, the head and seat angles on the CorE are 0.6° and 0.9° slacker than the LitE.
As expected from Forbidden, both models use a high-pivot four-bar rear suspension. New, however, is the vertical shock mount. The shock runs parallel to the seat tube, which is kept straight for better dropper insertion. The motor area looks very solid and reinforced, thanks to an additional cross brace above the motor. Both versions run a mullet wheel setup: 29” front, 27.5” rear.
Geometry-wise, Forbidden doesn’t follow the mainstream. They call their approach “proportionally sized,” featuring taller stack and shorter reach numbers. For example, a size S3 Druid CorE (roughly equivalent to a size L) has just 467 mm reach. The chainstays, however, grow proportionally with each frame size – a good thing.
The Forbidden Druid CorE models are availlable from € 8,999 to € 11,899 for the top spec model from beginning of may.
The new Megamo Reason and Reason Air
With the Reason, Spanish brand Megamo is launching a whole fleet of new e-MTBs. The Reason comes in no less than twelve different versions. You can get the new DJI-powered Megamo with an aluminium or carbon frame, with or without the “Air” tag – which denotes the lightweight versions with less travel: 140 mm instead of the standard 160 mm front and rear.
No matter whether aluminium or carbon, the Reason has a super slim profile – you’ll need a second glance to realise it’s even an e-bike. And especially not one with this much power: the DJI Avinox motor system is visually well hidden within the slender downtube.
The “regular” Reason models (non-Air) come with 160 mm travel front and rear, and are available in a wide range of builds – from entry-level aluminium frames with a small battery for €4,999 (MSRP), all the way up to a high-end carbon model with 800 Wh battery for €11,999.
The “Air” models prioritise weight savings, offering 140 mm of travel and lighter components throughout. The top-tier Reason Crb Air, at 17.9 kg (600 Wh battery), is currently the lightest known e-MTB using the DJI Avinox system. Even with the larger 800 Wh battery, it remains impressively light at just 18.9 kg.
The new UNNO Mith with DJI Avinox motor
The UNNO Mith is the only new DJI-powered bike we’ve already been testing for some time. Check out our full review to learn everything about this 21.5 kg e-MTB with 170/160 mm travel (f/r) and a €11,995 price tag.
Conclusion: The new e-mountainbikes with DJI Avinox motor system
NAfter just over a year, it’s clear: the DJI Avinox motor wasn’t a one-hit wonder. As we already pointed out in our first test, it combines massive power with refined control and low weight – a package that’s now attracting established bike brands.
With the Megamo Reason, we’re seeing a particularly slim and lightweight e-MTB hit the market – available as a trail bike or a down-country featherweight. Forbidden takes a different approach, launching the Druid E in CorE and LitE versions – two bikes with varying travel, but united by a stable, high-pivot design that’s sure to please fans of the brand. The UNNO Mith blends both ideas: sleek and minimal in appearance, yet ready for full-throttle action – as our test clearly showed.
We’re curious to see which brands jump on the DJI train next – and of course, we’ll keep you updated.
More info via: forbiddenbike.com megamo.com unno.com
Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Manufacturer
