Cheater, I would mutter under my breath as another e-bike rider zipped by on a tough climb. This purist view had kept me from seeing the obvious: electric mountain bikes bring joy!

My change of heart arrived recently during an initial ride on the Amflow PX Carbon Pro equipped with the compact, light, and strong M2S motor from Avinox, a fresh DJI spin-off that has rivals like Bosch and Specialized concerned. The motor does not transform me into a speedster, but it helps me ride better by restoring momentum lost to imperfect skills.

Mountain biking carries a tradition of resisting fresh tech. Enthusiasts once grumbled about full-suspension frames, disc brakes, dropper posts, and 29-inch wheels, insisting they made the activity too simple. Now that gear is standard on many bikes, including the Amflow under review. Strong, torque-rich motors represent the latest step forward.

Without question, the motor eases the effort. On extended, steep, technical climbs I value the help most, converting ascents into smooth, engaging efforts instead of a draining workout that ends the day early. Still, I choose the level of effort. Some rides call for full assist while others suit eco mode when I aim to elevate my heart rate.

I took up mountain biking amid the pandemic along with many peers, relying on online videos to learn posture and methods for corners and jumps. Progress has stayed modest, and a serious fall once dislocated my shoulder in an odd way, per my physician. Confidence has remained lower since. A motor, though, has restored a safer feeling and better command.

The Amflow PX Carbon Pro does not look like an electric mountain bike thanks to its tiny motor.

The powerful yet compact and light Avinox M2S mid-drive motor.

The motor on European eMTBs stops at 25km/h (15.5 mph) so assistance ends on long flats.

Less effort, more laps.

A common myth holds that electric mountain bikes make riders quicker. Perhaps in the US, but I ride in Europe where eMTBs lack throttles and pedal assist ends at a modest 25km/h (15.5mph). Many trail users easily surpass 30km/h on flats, leaving me working hard to match pace on a heavier e-bike. European models also limit continuous output to 250W, rendering them slower and milder than Class 1 US e-bikes, let alone Class 3 versions that resemble motorcycles.

I do not want my eMTB to handle the trail alone. I want the pedal-assist motor to multiply force, blending smoothly with my pedaling to deliver the exact help I seek. That is precisely what the Amflow PX Carbon Pro and more affordable eMTBs provide.

The motor allows cautious braking into a turn, confident passage, and quick controlled acceleration out the far side. When momentum fades in a tricky spot due to weak technique, instant torque rescues the situation, and again when a blind corner reveals a sudden steep pitch.

The extra power, delivered smoothly and reliably by the Avinox M2S motor, has prevented balance loss or forced dismounts on hard terrain. It has also leveled the field when riding with stronger friends who might otherwise leave me behind early on.

Consequently, I smile far more often, eager to log extra trail time, complete more laps, and repeat sections. I enjoy the rides much more even though my older self covers the same familiar paths.

I remain mindful of this new advantage and feel a bit self-conscious about it. Fit riders are not accustomed to being overtaken uphill by someone twice their age. I stay modest and signal early when passing is needed. I also avoid claiming Strava King of the Mountain segments like certain riders do.

It feels a touch unfair that this realization came aboard a $10,000 Amflow PX Carbon Pro. It offers top-tier parts that boosted the experience. That Avinox M2S motor can supply up to 150Nm of torque and a short 1,500W boost for tough climbs. The carbon frame trims total weight to 20.6kg (45 pounds), under the typical 22 to 27kg range.

Avinox now lists over 60 bike partners worldwide. Shopping around therefore pays off. The lowest-priced M2S model I located is the roughly $4,000 CRUSSIS e-Hard 11.11 hardtail. Other affordable eMTBs from brands like Ride1Up and Aventon use simpler motors yet still deliver enjoyment.

In the end, a high-end carbon bike is not required to feel the difference. Whether aboard a premium Amflow or a budget model, the outcome stays comparable: reduced strain, extra laps, and a broad smile. Adding a motor will not instantly improve skills. But it may spark the desire to get better.

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Thomas Ricker