Lightest Full-Power E-Bike Drive

The lightest full-power e-bike motor: 2 kg, 90 Nm.

Weighing just 2 kg, with 90 Nm of torque and up to 620 W of peak power, the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S delivers a natural ride feel with serious performance.

Developed and manufactured in Switzerland, it’s invisibly integrated into the frame - perfect for trail, gravel, and urban e-bikes.

Thanks to its compact design and 85% efficiency, it enables ultra-light builds under 17 kg with 400 Wh or 600 Wh batteries offering more range with less weight.

Experience the new lightness of e-biking with the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S.

maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S: The Advantages

Full power and lightweight

The maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S is built for maximum efficiency, delivering smooth and consistent power even at high cadences without overheating. This helps conserve energy and extends the range of your e-bike.

The graph illustrates how the system responds with progressive power output across different cadence levels, highlighting its refined performance curve.

At just 2 kg and with up to 620 W of peak power, it’s the lightest full-power e-bike drive in its class. It’s perfectly suited for high-performance e-mountain bikes, as well as lightweight e-gravel and urban models that demand both agility and power.

Compact and fully integrated into the frame, the motor runs quietly and delivers a natural riding experience. Paired with 400 Wh or 600 Wh batteries, it offers extended range without adding unnecessary weight.

E-Bike system overview

  • Control Unit
  • Battery
  • Range Extender
  • Drive Unit

Drive Unit

Compact. Powerful. Precise.

Weighing just 2 kg, the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S delivers up to 620 W of power and 90 Nm of torque, offering a natural and responsive e-bike experience. The drive unit features a highly efficient brushless EC internal rotor motor combined with an ultra-quiet, high-performance planetary gearbox. Precision torque and cadence sensors ensure the system responds smoothly to your pedaling, providing intuitive support with up to four times your own power. Its magnesium housing includes integrated sealing that protects reliably against splashing water. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the drive reflects the highest standards of precision and sustainable production.

Battery

Smart energy. Seamlessly integrated.

maxon’s e-bike batteries are powerful energy sources with capacities of 400 Wh or 600 Wh – ideal for long rides with a lightweight setup. Discreetly integrated into the frame, they maintain a sleek e-bike design without sacrificing performance. These lightweight lithium-ion batteries feature an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that protects against overcharging, deep discharge, and overheating. This advanced technology makes them among the safest and most reliable e-bike batteries available today.

Options

  • 400
    Wh
    Capacity 4
  • 36
    V
    Voltage
  • 1.8
    kg
    Weight
  • 3
    Std.
    Time to 80% charge 5

Range Extender

More range. More freedom.

More energy for longer rides: the maxon Range Extender is a compact power reserve shaped like a water bottle, weighing just 1.6 kg. It mounts easily to your e-bike’s bottle cage and significantly increases your range. The additional battery is fully compatible with both the 400 Wh and 600 Wh batteries of the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S system. A universal bottle holder is included, which also fits standard water bottles. Intelligent energy management ensures efficient power usage - giving you even more freedom to explore.

Control Unit

Compact. Robust. Intuitive.

The minimalist control unit is seamlessly integrated into the top tube, giving you full control of your e-bike at all times. It connects easily to your smartphone or compatible devices via Bluetooth or ANT+. Choose from three support levels – Cruise, Sport, and Blast – each customizable to match your riding style. A discreet handlebar shifter offers intuitive control right at your fingertips.

Coming Soon

Brilliant. Durable. Connected.

Soon available with a built-in display, the top tube control unit will offer even more functionality for both trail and city riding. Designed to withstand impacts and vibrations, it keeps you in command of your e-bike in any environment. Like the standard version, it connects via Bluetooth or ANT+ and works seamlessly with the intuitive handlebar shifter for effortless support level selection.

Shifter

Click. Feel. Ride on.

The handlebar shifter puts e-bike control exactly where it belongs - right under your thumb. With a single click, you can switch support levels effortlessly, without taking your hand off the handlebar. Your focus stays on the trail, and your ride stays smooth. Compact and discreet, the shift lever blends seamlessly into any cockpit, whether you're riding through the city or tackling mountain trails.

Charger

Two Chargers. One goal: More freedom.

Whether you're heading out for a spontaneous trail ride, commuting through the city, or planning a long tour, our chargers give you the freedom to start your ride anytime. The powerful 6A charger brings your battery to 80 percent in around three hours. The compact 2A charger is your perfect companion on the go: Lightweight, practical, and always ready when you are.

Options

 
  • 2
    A
    Charging current
  • 200
    g
    Weight

Apps

Connect & Service. For riders. For professionals.

The Connect App lets you personalize your e-bike to match your riding style. Adjust support levels, track ride data, and access key features – all with an intuitive interface right at your fingertips. The Service App is designed for professional dealers. It enables quick diagnostics, targeted maintenance, and direct access to spare parts, making service faster and more efficient.

Connect App

Apple App Store
Google Play Store

Service App

Apple App Store
Google Play Store

Less visible.
More remarkable.
Built for exceptional e-bikes.

Bike Brands

Whether on asphalt, gravel, or demanding trails, the maxon AIR S drive system delivers the perfect solution for every riding style. Lightweight and efficient, it provides a natural and dynamic ride feel – ideal for e-mountain bikes, gravel, road, and urban models.

Bike manufacturers like Thömus, Transalpes, Instinctiv, and Spherik rely on this technology to bring maximum performance and unmatched lightness to their e-bikes. The result is a riding experience that integrates seamlessly into high-end frame designs.

About maxon

From Space to the trail.

For more than 60 years, maxon has been developing high-precision electric drives used around the world in robotics, industrial automation, medical devices, and even space missions. This deep expertise is built into every detail of our e-bike technology.

maxon drives are known for their efficiency, reliability, and technical sophistication. All developed and manufactured in Switzerland with the highest standards of quality and precision.

With the BIKEDRIVE AIR S, we have created the lightest e-bike drive in its class, without compromising on performance or ride feel. The compact motor integrates almost invisibly into the frame and delivers powerful support with outstanding energy efficiency. Perfect for riders who value design, dynamics, and a natural riding experience.

Learn more about maxon
Precisely engineered.
Proven in space.
Built for trails.

Stories

Is this the lightest power ever?

First review with Nicole & Ralph

How pros train smarter: With the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR e-bike system.

A visit to the training camp in Finale Ligure

"Smooth, Sleek, and Strong. That’s what I ride."

An Interview with Downhill Legend René Wildhaber
More Stories
Start your e-bike project with us.
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  1. 1
    Source: https://www.bike-magazin.de/komponenten/e-bike-motoren/e-mtb-antriebe-im-test-lieber-light-oder-mit-mehr-power-8-e-bike-motoren-im-vergleich-2024
  2. 2
    Ideal values depending on riding and environmental conditions. All data on this page was tested in a controlled maxon laboratory environment. Actual results may vary.
  3. 3
    Rounded weight.
  4. 4
    Nominal capacity.
  5. 5
    With 6A charger: 80% charge: approx. 3 hours / 100% charge: approx. 4 hours.
  6. 6
    With 6A charger: 80% charge: approx. 3 hours / 100% charge: approx. 5 hours.
  7. 7
    With 6A charger: 80% charge: approx. 2 hours / 100% charge: approx. 3 hours.