The launch of Avinox’s second-generation motors has reopened the debate on whether the peak power of electric bikes should be limited.
It’s not a new question – the Chinese brand's M1 motor caused a furore after being boosted to 1,000W via a firmware update last year. Now, the M2S version has blown that figure out of the water with a peak power of 1,500W.
Shimano and Bosch’s peak power pales in comparison, at 500W and 750W for their most powerful motors, respectively.
An EAPC-regulated motor is legally classified by its continuous rated power as opposed to its peak power output. This is capped at 250 watts in the UK and EU, and support must cut out once the bike reaches 25.5km/h.
While headlines have focused on the outrageously high peak power, reviews of the motors show they stand apart from others on the market, highlighting the impressive climbing ability, which enables you to ride easily at the 25.5km/h limit up even the steepest of climbs.
It’s fair to say this power isn’t untamed, with the M2S motor's control being one of the highlights we found when testing it back-to-back.
While the Avinox motors are not illegal, the immense peak power of bikes fitted with the M2S has brought into question its suitability – and could pose legal concerns for other manufacturers.
Bosch, and its sponsored riders such as Hans Rey, have asked for clearer ebike regulations, and there’s a sense the 'Goldilocks' position that EAPC-regulated ebikes enjoy – requiring no registration or licensing – may be at risk.
An Avinox spokesperson pointed out to us that the rules are defined less consistently in the United States: “The U.S. federal government, along with the majority of states, has not provided clarification on whether the 750W designation refers to rated power or peak power, and local policies vary across states. Only a limited number of states, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland, explicitly defines 750W as rated power.
“In this context, Avinox is in compliance with the standards with a rated power of 250W.”
Peter Eland, technical and policy director at leading UK trade body, the Bicycle Association, says: “As an industry our priority must be to safeguard the bicycle status of e-bikes – this is also key to maintaining access rights off-road [for cyclists].”
Away from industry concerns, the new motors have been divisive within the mountain bike community, with some riders questioning the need for such power and posing the question of where it will end.
Proponents see no issue with the increased power, as long as the assistance limit remains under 25.5km/h, while those against the new Avinox motor say it is too powerful for shared trails and enables riders to easily climb at the limit with minimal input.
One BikeRadar commenter wrote: “1500 watts isn't an ebike. It's a motorcycle”, while another stated: “This trash is going to close trails, destroy trails, and create further headaches for mountain bikers vs ebikers sharing the same trail systems”.
With the history and the facts outlined, we’d like your say on the matter – is it time to cap ebike power?
