DJI Brings Drone Technology Experience to E-Bike Drive Systems

DJI’s entry into the e-bike market leverages familiar technology from its drone business, according to Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director of DJI Studio Europe. The company’s new Avinox drive system, offering up to 1000 watts in boost mode with 120 Newton metres of torque, emerged from a four-year development process, reports Bike EU.

“Technology-wise, it was not such a leap from drones to e-bikes,” Wolf explained in an interview. “Core components are brushless motors, electronic speed controllers that drive the motor, and a battery to complete the whole system.”

This technical overlap allowed DJI to transition key engineering talent, including battery system developers who previously worked on the Mavic and Phantom drone lines.

The project’s European focus stems from both market and personal factors. Wolf, a German native and cycling enthusiast, notes that “a big portion of the e-bike market is based in Europe and Germany in particular.” This regional concentration, combined with his background as both a tech enthusiast and cyclist, informed DJI’s approach to the market.

DJI’s drone experience influenced several aspects of the Avinox system’s development. The drive system incorporates ten sensors, including an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) – technology commonly used in drones to measure attitude, velocity, and gravitational forces. However, the e-bike application required new development work, particularly in creating a dual planetary gear system, as drones typically use direct drive motors.

In terms of performance, Wolf is careful to note that while the Avinox system offers high peak power, its efficiency is “rather comparable to other systems.” The development team focused particularly on controllability, which market research had identified as a challenge with existing systems. This emphasis on control drew from DJI’s experience with sensor data processing in their drone and camera stabilization systems.

The company established its e-bike operations in Frankfurt, with over 60 people involved across various departments, though many resources are shared with other DJI projects. Product development, R&D, and production are primarily based at DJI’s Shenzhen headquarters, with European operations handling field testing and market feedback.

To showcase the technology, DJI has incubated Amflow as an autonomous e-bike brand, though Wolf emphasizes that his focus remains on the Avinox system itself. Initial market entry will focus on select boutique brands, with broader adoption expected in subsequent years.

Looking ahead, Wolf suggests potential integration between drone and e-bike technologies:

“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 position, bike speed, and trajectory.”

However, he acknowledges that current drone control still requires either a remote controller or separate operator.

The development team aims to further improve the power-to-weight ratio, reduce noise levels, and enhance reliability. Wolf emphasizes that while the system’s power output is significant, they intend to remain compliant with existing regulations. The project reflects DJI’s broader approach to new markets – as Wolf notes:

“The ‘I’ in DJI stands for innovation as we don’t want to be a ‘me too.’”

Photos courtesy of DJI.