For years, mountain bikers have divided themselves into two camps: those who embrace electric assistance and those who view it as a shortcut that undermines the sport. The author of this article once belonged firmly to the latter group, scoffing at e-bike riders who whizzed past on steep climbs while he struggled for breath. But a recent test ride on the Amflow PX Carbon Pro, equipped with the groundbreaking Avinox M2S motor from DJI, transformed his perspective. He now admits that electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are not only legitimate but genuinely fun.
The purist myth of cheating
Every generation of mountain biking has seen its share of gatekeeping. When full suspension frames first appeared, purists claimed they made the sport too easy. Disc brakes, dropper posts, and even 29-inch wheels all faced the same criticism. Today, those components are standard on most trail bikes. The author argues that powerful, torquey motors are simply the next logical step. The idea that an eMTB does the work for the rider is a misconception—even with a motor, the rider must still pedal, balance, and choose lines through technical terrain.
How the Amflow PX Carbon Pro changed his mind
The specific bike that turned the author into a convert is the Amflow PX Carbon Pro. Weighing just 20.6 kilograms (45 pounds), it is among the lightest eMTBs on the market, thanks to a carbon fiber frame and a remarkably compact mid-drive motor. The Avinox M2S motor delivers up to 150 newton meters of torque and a temporary boost of 1,500 watts, flattening steep ascents without feeling overbearing. It is the same unit used by over 60 bike brands worldwide, making it a new benchmark for the industry. The author notes that the motor does not transform him into a speed demon; rather, it compensates for moments when poor technique stalls his momentum on technical climbs.
European regulations and real-world performance
One crucial detail often lost in discussions about eMTBs is regional regulation. In Europe, where the author rides, electric mountain bikes are limited to a pedal-assist cutoff speed of 25 kilometers per hour (15.5 miles per hour) and a continuous power output of 250 watts. This means they are actually slower on flat straightaways than many experienced riders on analog bikes, who can easily exceed 30 km/h. The European eMTB lacks throttles entirely, relying solely on pedal assist. This distinction matters because it dispels the myth that e-bikes make riders faster. Instead, the motor acts as a force multiplier that smooths out ascents and helps preserve energy for multiple laps.
Safety, confidence, and injury recovery
The author’s own experience with a serious shoulder injury made him less confident on the trails. The extra support from the motor allowed him to brake more cautiously before turns, accelerate smoothly out of them, and avoid dabbing or dismounting on steep, technical sections. He describes the intuitive power delivery as a tool that keeps him balanced and in control. For riders recovering from injuries or lacking experience, eMTBs can lower the barrier to entry while still requiring technique and fitness. The motor does not replace skill—it amplifies what a rider can already do.
Social dynamics and trail etiquette
Riding an eMTB in a group of analog bikers can be awkward. Strong riders are often surprised to be passed on a steep uphill by someone older or less fit. The author admits to feeling embarrassed and makes a point to announce himself before passing. He also refrains from posting Strava segment times, acknowledging that any advantage is unfair in a competitive context. Yet for casual group rides, the eMTB levels the playing field, allowing friends with different abilities to stay together and enjoy the same trail.
Cost, options, and the Avinox ecosystem
The Amflow PX Carbon Pro costs around $10,000, an eye-watering sum that might deter many potential buyers. However, the author emphasizes that you do not need a flagship rig to experience the joy of an eMTB. Avinox’s M2S motor, now licensed to numerous brands, appears on more affordable models such as the CRUSSIS e-Hard 11.11 hardtail, which retails for roughly $4,000. Budget options from Ride1Up and Aventon also offer capable motors at lower prices. The key takeaway is that even entry-level eMTBs provide the same fundamental benefit: less suffering, more laps, and a wider grin.
The bigger picture: eMTBs and the future of the sport
The rise of electric mountain bikes reflects broader changes in outdoor recreation. Biking, like hiking and skiing, is embracing technology that makes it more accessible to people of varying ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. E-bikes also have environmental advantages: they can replace shorter car trips for errands, and when used on trails, they encourage longer, more frequent rides instead of driving to distant trailheads. Critics worry about trail erosion and user conflicts, but studies show that eMTB impacts on soil are similar to those of traditional mountain bikes when ridden responsibly.
Personal transformation: from skeptic to advocate
The author concludes that his shift in attitude came not from being conquered by marketing hype, but from a single, genuine ride on a well-made machine. He still considers himself a novice mountain biker, and the motor has not magically improved his descending ability. But it has made him want to ride more, practice more, and enjoy the process rather than fight it. The motor, he writes, does not make him a better rider—it makes him a more enthusiastic one.
In the end, the greatest value of an electric mountain bike may be psychological. It removes the dread of steep climbs, reduces the fear of getting stranded, and allows riders to focus on flow, technique, and camaraderie. As the industry continues to innovate with lighter batteries, more powerful motors, and smarter integration, the line between eMTB and analog will blur even further. For now, one thing is clear: electric mountain bikes don’t suck. They might just be the future.
Source:The Verge News