Forget Drones, DJI Could Soon Be Getting Into Electric Bikes

Well, we didn’t see this coming. The world’s largest drone maker, DJI, may be facing a ban in the US, but it’s certainly not feeling sorry for itself. On the contrary, a new official teaser and leaks suggest that it’s about to make a surprise breakthrough by challenging the best electric bikes.

A new DJI teaser titled “Power Your Ride” has just been posted on DJI’s official Instagram page, revealing that an official launch will take place on July 3 at 9am CEST (12pm PT / 8am BST / 5pm AEST). The promo also introduces a new brand called Amflow Bikes.

The teaser suggests that DJI will supply the e-bike’s powertrain with an electric unit called the Avinox, and some leaks elsewhere have filled in some of the gaps. A thread from regular DJI leaker @Quadro_News revealed what appear to be marketing slides for the e-bike, suggesting that it will be a high-end e-MTB designed to tackle steep hills and downhill trails.

👉Strength: There are no more unconquered peaks: this electric bike can tackle the steepest slopes and the most difficult routes. Its powerful yet compact motor provides incredible traction, allowing you to conquer the peaks #dji #djiebike pic.twitter.com/yoOIwyuUJhJuly 1, 2024

An additional article showing a DJI Avinox charger recharging the bike’s battery states that the e-bike is “not just a means of transportation, but a high-tech tool for exploring and conquering mountain peaks.”

In a separate leak on X (formerly Twitter), @OsitaLV posted some specs for the DJI-powered e-bike. These suggest that the motor could be very powerful, as it is said to be a 250W unit capable of producing 105Nm of torque and providing acceleration of up to 25km/h.

That would make it a more premium option than our current pick for the best electric mountain bike title, the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon eMTB. But luckily, we won’t have to wait long to hear all the official specs and details on this fascinating initiative from DJI.

DJI spreads its wings?

DJI Osmo Action 4 action camera gets splashed with water

DJI is also reportedly planning to launch a successor to the DJI Osmo 4 action camera (above) soon. Integration with the rumored e-bike would be an interesting crossover. (Image credit: DJI)

It’s unclear whether DJI has long-term plans to get into e-bikes, or whether this is a response to the proposed US bill that threatens to ban the use of its drones in the US. Either way, it’s an interesting move, and one that’s exciting for e-bike fans, considering the technology DJI could bring to the party.

The DJI Avinox part of the equation appears to be the entire e-bike powertrain rather than just an electric motor, meaning it includes the battery and potentially some software integration. The launch coincides with the Eurobike 2024 trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, where the Amflow brand will be present.

Amflow’s profile page on the Eurobike exhibitor list states that it will offer “the next generation e-MTB experience for everyone” that will “incorporate one of the smartest and most powerful e-Drive systems on the market.” The e-bike will also apparently combine “leading power with lightweight materials, premium technology focused on the essentials, a natural riding feel with seamless connectivity.”

With this kind of DJI-powered tech on board and these leaked powertrain specs, this probably won’t be a cheap e-MTB. But the hope for many will be that the tech featured in this high-end flagship model can trickle down to more affordable and accessible e-bikes. Even if we don’t end up getting a flying e-bike to help us live our lives AND dreams.