Reader poll | Avinox's 1,500W motor has sent shockwaves through the industry – is it time to cap ebike power?

Avinox has reportedly introduced a 1,500W motor, a development that has sent discernible tremors through the e-bike industry. This significant power output, far exceeding current regulatory norms for road-legal e-bikes in many regions, prompted a reader poll by BikeRadar questioning the necessity of capping e-bike power. The news highlights a growing divergence between technological capability and existing legislative frameworks, particularly concerning classification and safety.

This development is significant because most e-bikes are legally limited to 250W continuous output and a 25 km/h assist speed in Europe, and 750W in the US for Class 1/2. A 1,500W motor pushes well into the territory of light electric motorcycles, blurring lines and raising concerns about infrastructure, rider skill, and public perception. It underscores the industry's ongoing struggle to define "e-bike" as motor power rapidly escalates, potentially inviting stricter regulation if self-governance isn't carefully managed.

Ultimately, Avinox's powerful offering forces a necessary, if uncomfortable, conversation: are we still talking about bicycles, or have we simply found a new way to sell scooters to people who prefer Lycra?