Drone enthusiasts, meet your next obsession — and no, it’s not a new quadcopter. DJI, the dominant force in the drone world, has just brought to the U.S. something that might seem unexpected: a high-performance electric mountain bike. Meet Amflow, DJI’s relatively new e-bike brand, and the latest proof that the company’s technological ambitions go far beyond the skies.
With Amflow’s official U.S. debut this week, DJI isn’t just dipping a toe into the e-bike world. They’re cannonballing into it, bringing with them the same engineering precision and tech-forward philosophy that made them a household name among drone pilots.
From drones to dirt trails: why DJI made an e-bike
Drone pilots know DJI for its flight control systems, battery innovation and lightweight, durable materials — all of which are now powering its pivot to electric mobility. Enter the Amflow PL Carbon and Amflow PL Carbon Pro, full-suspension eMTBs (electric mountain bikes) designed for aggressive trail riding and advanced riders who value performance and finesse.
Why should drone pilots care? Because the same technology that made DJI drones precise, powerful and efficient is now packed into these bikes. In fact, the heart of the Amflow bike is a brand-new DJI-developed motor system called Avinox. It’s not just impressive — it’s a legitimate challenge to motor tech giants like Bosch and Shimano.
A savvy pivot in uncertain skies
While DJI remains the undisputed leader in the consumer drone space, its impossible to ignore how its presence in the U.S. has grown more precarious in recent years. Lawmakers have introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at restricting or even outright banning DJI products (or all Chinese drone companies) from use in federal operations. Some proposed legislation even goes so far as to potentially ban DJI drones from consumer shelves altogether — citing cybersecurity and national security concerns.
Amid this uncertainty, DJI’s expansion into the e-bike market is more than a flashy new venture. It’s a strategic diversification, a smart way to deploy its core competencies — battery systems, compact motor design, and integrated control software — into a new, fast-growing category.
And e-bikes aren’t DJI’s only expansion. In July, DJI launched a strong Insta360 competitor called the DJI Osmo 360, signaling its desire to dominant all sorts of gear for content creators.
Both e-bikes and handheld cameras are proof of DJI reducing its overreliance on drones. With these products, DJI establishes a foothold in an industry where regulatory scrutiny is far lower, yet demand is rapidly increasing. E-bikes, especially high-end models like Amflow’s, are experiencing explosive growth in the U.S. and Europe, and DJI is perfectly positioned to compete thanks to its expertise in lightweight materials and intelligent systems.
In essence, Amflow is DJI’s way of hedging its bets. Should drone restrictions tighten, DJI already has wheels on the ground — literally.
Under the hood: the Avinox drive system
Avinox is a compact, mid-drive motor weighing just 2.5 kg, yet capable of producing 105 Nm of torque and 850W of peak power. For context: that’s like strapping a mini Tesla to your bike frame. DJI even threw in an optional Boost mode that temporarily bumps torque up to 120 Nm, ideal for steep climbs or short bursts of speed.
The system also includes:
- 2-inch OLED touchscreen display integrated into the top tube for real-time ride data
- Wireless bar-mounted controllers for seamless switching between assist modes
- Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated Avinox app for tuning ride parameters, tracking performance, and even anti-theft controls
- 800Wh battery offering up to 157 km of range, with 75% charge achieved in just 90 minutes via fast charging
This isn’t just a motor — it’s a smart system designed by engineers who’ve spent years perfecting electronics for drone flight, now optimized for mountain terrain.
Lightweight, high-strength design that mirrors DJI’s aerial philosophy
If DJI drones taught us anything, it’s that power doesn’t have to come with weight. The Amflow PL Carbon models leverage a 2.27 kg carbon fiber frame, resulting in a bike that weighs as little as 19.2 kg (42.3 lbs) in its lightest setup — featherweight by eMTB standards.
For drone operators used to eking out every gram of payload or flight time, this philosophy will feel familiar. DJI is applying that same lightweight mindset to ground vehicles, without compromising range or power.
Other highlights include:
- FOX suspension systems with 160 mm front and 150 mm rear travel
- Mullet wheel setup (29” front, 27.5” rear) for agility and rollover capability
- Compatibility with both 27.5” and 29” rear wheels via flip chip
- Quiet operation thanks to polymer helical gears
- TÜV-certified durability and testing for extreme terrain, waterproofing, and transport
Why Amflow should matter to drone pilots and tech lovers
Drone pilots are already some of the most tech-savvy, data-driven, and gear-focused people out there. And Amflow is a natural extension of that mindset. The onboard screen gives you live telemetry. The app logs stats like cadence, torque, gradient and GPS data — even syncing with Strava for post-ride analysis. There’s also a remote location tracker and motion-triggered alarm for added peace of mind.
And just like with DJI drones, you can fine-tune nearly every parameter. Whether you’re trying to conserve battery for an all-day epic or want full power for aggressive climbs, the system is as customizable as your drone’s flight settings.
And hey, drones and mountain biking seem to go together anyway. Just look to the popularity of follow-me drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro as proof.
The Amflow price tag: sticker shock or fair value?
The Amflow bikes aren’t cheap. The PL Carbon starts at $7,499, and the top-tier PL Carbon Pro hits $10,199.
But experts in the e-bike world (which to be clear, is not me) have called it class-leading tech. The performance-to-weight ratio, battery life, torque curve and suspension system have already won praise from seasoned riders.
Amflow e-bikes are now available for test rides and purchase through select independent bike shops in North America. You can locate a test ride partner near you via their official site.
Final thoughts: DJI’s ground game just got serious
The launch of Amflow is more than a side project. It signals DJI’s intention to dominate not just the skies, but the trails too. By applying their engineering mastery to e-bikes, DJI has created a product that feels like the future — ultra-smart, brutally powerful, and surprisingly nimble.
And with regulatory clouds gathering overhead, DJI’s pivot to the trail may turn out to be the smartest move they’ve made in years.
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