In the ever-evolving world of electric assist systems for bicycles, a new contender has emerged that has the potential to redefine performance standards: the DJI Avinox Drive System. And as with Pinion’s MGU system, many recumbent enthusiasts wonder when we will see Avinox on recumbents. DJI is globally known for their innovative drones and camera technology. They have leveraged its expertise to develop a groundbreaking e-bike motor system. But what does this mean for the recumbent community? Could we soon see recumbent bikes and trikes equipped with this powerful new motor?
DJI’s Foray into the E-Bike Market
DJI’s entry into the e-bike sector was officially unveiled at Eurobike 2024, where they introduced the Avinox Drive System. This system features impressive specifications, including a compact mid-drive motor delivering up to 105 Nm of torque and 850 watts of peak power in Boost mode, all while weighing just 2.52 kg / 5.5 lbs. Such figures may position the Avinox as a formidable competitor in the e-bike motor market.
Comparing the Contenders: DJI Avinox vs. Shimano EP801 and Bosch Performance Line CX
To understand the potential impact of the DJI Avinox on recumbents, it’s essential to compare it with existing top-of-the-line systems like the Shimano EP801 and Bosch Performance Line CX that you can find on recumbents.
- Power and Torque: The DJI Avinox stands out with its 105 Nm torque and 850 watts peak power in Boost mode. In contrast, both the Shimano EP801 and Bosch Performance Line CX offer 85 Nm of torque and approximately 600 watts of peak power.
- Weight: The Avinox is lighter at 2.52 kg / 5.5 lbs. The Shimano EP801 weighs around 2.7 kg / 5.9 lbs, while the Bosch Performance Line CX is slightly heavier at 2.9 kg / 6.17 lbs. The differences in weight are visible, but in the case of recumbents, which are generally heavier than conventional upright bikes, these differences are more than negligible.
- Integration and Compatibility: Both Shimano and Bosch have established ecosystems that support electronic gearing and automatic shifting, features increasingly favored by recumbent riders. The DJI Avinox system, while advanced, currently lacks compatibility with electronic gearing options and does not offer automatic shifting capabilities.
- At least in the first year or two, it will also be necessary to take into account the fact that this is a new system, which has not been tested for a long time and may develop various growing pains.
Challenges in Adapting New Motor Systems to Recumbents
Integrating a new motor system like the DJI Avinox into recumbent designs may seem easy as just the front boom would need to be adjusted as well as the battery bracket. However, the Avinox doesn’t offer a downtube type of battery used on recumbents, and the recumbent manufacturers would also need to develop new custom cable harnesses and ensure not only compatibility with their existing gearing options but also reliability of the system and often a worldwide service. These modifications require significant investment, as well as time to test and refine the designs to meet the specific ergonomics and performance standards of recumbent bikes and trikes.
The Road Ahead: Will DJI Avinox Power Recumbents?
The DJI Avinox is set to make its debut at Eurobike 2025, showcased on select mountain bike models. Given the typical product development cycles, it may take several years before this system becomes available for recumbent applications, if at all. The initial focus on mountain bikes, a segment quite different from recumbents, suggests that adaptation will not be immediate. However, it’s worth noting that both the Shimano EP801 and Bosch Performance Line CX were originally designed for mountain bikes and have since been successfully integrated into recumbent designs.
Ferdinand Wolf, DJI’s Product Experience Director, expressed optimism about the system’s versatility:
“Avinox was primarily developed to shine on a mountain bike, but as it works well in this category, it will also work on city or cargo bikes. So we expect to see it specified in other categories like city bikes, touring bikes, and cargo bikes as well.”
This adaptability could eventually extend to recumbent bikes. Much will depend, however, on the minimum order quantities DJI will require from manufacturers and whether it will be open to unique types of bikes such as recumbents. That remains to be seen.
A Glimpse into the Future: DJI’s Unique Proposition
One of the most intriguing possibilities with the DJI Avinox system is the potential integration with DJI’s drone technology. Imagine a scenario where a DJI drone autonomously follows a rider, capturing dynamic footage from various angles. This concept leverages DJI’s expertise in both aerial and cycling technologies, offering a seamless and enhanced riding experience.
As Wolf hinted:
“It will certainly be interesting if a drone can follow an e-biker or the other way around by providing additional information about the bike, about the bike position, bike speed, and trajectory.”
Conclusion
While the DJI Avinox Drive System brings impressive specifications and innovative potential to the e-bike market, its adoption in the recumbent sector is still a big question. The need for specialized design modifications, compatibility with existing recumbent configurations, and the current lack of features like automatic shifting are significant considerations.
So if we ever see DJI Avinox on recumbents, another question arises. Which manufacturer will lead the charge? Will it be established names like HP Velotechnik, Catrike, ICE, or AZUB, or will smaller producers like Specbike Technics or Steintrikes seize the opportunity?



