The situation on the bicycle market is not exactly conducive to innovation. Full warehouses, a difficult sales situation - some new developments remain in the drawer longer than originally planned. Nevertheless, a lot has happened on the e-bike market in recent years. We take a look at the latest developments in 2025 and dare to take a look back.
DJI Avinox M1
Admittedly: The DJI Avinox M1 came onto the market in 2024. But the year 2025 has made it clear just how far-reaching this drive is for the e-bike industry. In no time at all, bike manufacturers have customised new models to the powerful Avinox motor. The promising facts about the new motor from China: at just under 2.6 kilos, it is more powerful than any other current mid-engine. The unit produces up to 1000 watts and 120 Newton metres. This is significantly more than the competition from Bosch, Shimano, Brose or Specialized. At the same time, the dimensions remain more compact and the weight lower. What's more DJI increased the power in turbo mode in the spring. Since then, 1000 watts should be permanently available.
Ideal light motor: TQ HPR 60
Light motors aim to win over cyclists with a sleek look, low weight and unobtrusive riding. More bike, less motorbike. But the question is: how much power and range do bikers want to do without? The new HPR 60 from TQ strikes a strong balance. Following the update, the motor has become slightly more powerful, but above all more stable and efficient. As a result, the whisper-quiet motor has significantly minimised its weaknesses and is well ahead of the light motors.
Smart guy: Owuru from Decathlon
This is not yet a topic for mountain bikers, but technically this drive is still extremely exciting. Because Decathlon's Owuru not only has a motor, but also a continuously variable automatic transmission. The fact that this combination works Pinion with the MGU proven. The special thing about the Owuru drive: the package is available at a really fair price, whereas Pinion bikes are invariably in the high-end range. The system was convincing in the BIKE test.
Integration assistant: Intradrive GD8
The Scots from Intradrive have been working on their motor with integrated manual gearbox for quite some time. Even before the Pinion MGU saw the light of day, the geared motor was on show at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen. In 2027, the first bikes with the compact mix of motor and gearbox will finally be launched on the market. The gearbox offers eight gears and a range of 480%. The motor is expected to accelerate with up to 700 W and weigh 4.5 kilos. From the side view, the GD8 (for gearbox drive unit) is surprisingly slim, although it is slightly wider. We are curious to see whether the system will become a serious competitor for Pinions MGU developed.
Minimalist: TQ HPR 40
The HPR 40 from TQ brings a breath of fresh air to the e-bike scene, as it is an absolute mini motor for racing and gravel bikes. At Eurobike 2025, we were able to see complete bikes that easily weigh less than 10 kilos! This should make the disadvantages of current e-road bikes a thing of the past. The motor itself is a real lightweight at under 1.2 kilos and is even quieter and has less resistance than its predecessors, the HPR 50 and the brand new HPR 60. Will e-mountain bikes also be equipped with this super-light motor? We are curious! Click here for a detailed article about the TQ HPR 40.
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Golden centre: Maxon Bikedrive Air S
With the new Bikedrive Air S, Maxon has not focussed on maximum power or minimum weight, but on the perfect middle ground. The motor weighs just 2 kilos and delivers 90 Newton metres and up to 620 watts. The Swiss could therefore have the lightest power motor on the market. Bikes from Thömus, Transalpes and Instinctiv with this little powerhouse were on show at the Eurobike trade fair this summer. We are curious to see how the drive will develop and whether larger brands will soon be using the Swiss motor. The small power pack seems to have the potential - because it perfectly captures the spirit of the times.
Spain chases China: Mahle M40
If it weren't for the DJI Avinox, this motor would shake up the entire electric motor market. At least if you believe the manufacturer's claims. With 850 watts of peak power at 2.5 kilos, the new Mahle M40 e-bike motor is causing quite a stir among the competition. Until now, Mahle was only with hub motors on road and gravel bikes represented. Exception: The Specialised SL motorwhich was also produced at the Mahle plant in Spain.
Visually, the M40 looks really compact. At 2.5 kilos, it is also significantly lighter than its classic competitors from Bosch and Shimano. Mahle states the peak output as 850 watts - which is significantly more than the two popular classics. However, there are currently no exciting bikes from major brands with the newcomer from Spain. We remember that this didn't stop the DJI Avinox from making its breakthrough a year ago. We are excited! In advance Here is more information about the Mahle M40.
New edition: Yamaha PW-Link
Yamaha presented its new PW-Link e-bike system rather inconspicuously this year. The modular platform comes with a few new motors, integrated batteries and networked displays. With up to 100 Nm of torque on the top model and a lightweight motor that weighs just two kilos, Yamaha wants to appeal to various e-bike segments. The market launch is planned for spring/summer 2026.
The drives are based on a 48V architecture and all components should be compatible with each other and can be freely combined. In addition, an open interface enables the integration of third-party products.
The PW-X4 is designed as a powerful top model for e-mountainbikes. With a maximum torque of 100 Nm, it is designed to master even the most demanding trails. Despite its high performance, the motor weighs just 2.6 kilograms thanks to its magnesium housing. Yamaha has developed the PW-L1 for lightweight e-bikes and gravel bikes. With a weight of around 2 kilograms and 60 Nm of torque, it should enable a low bike weight with a decent thrust.
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More torque: Bosch Performance Line SX
As with the CX, Bosch is now also bringing more power to the lightweight Performance Line SX via a firmware update. It now offers up to 60 Nm (instead of 55) and 400 per cent (instead of 340) support. The new software update with many other cool functions will be available from autumn via the app for all existing SX motors.
Touring power: Boch Performance Line PX
New from Bosch is the Performance Line PX trekking motor. With 90 Nm and 700 watts, it provides real power for your tours. Slightly less powerful than the Performance CX e-MTB model, but cheaper - so there are differences. It's also cool that the PX is compatible with coaster brakes. Bosch has also reorganised the Cargo, Performance Line and Performance Line Speed models. You can find all the information in the detailed article.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
