Experience the new Light Full Power class with the maxon AIR S

The maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S is turning heads across the bike world. Magazines, test riders, and manufacturers are calling it one of the most exciting e‑bike drive systems in years. In 2026, you’ll have the chance to experience the AIR S for yourself at selected bike festivals: live, up close, and directly on the test bike.

Why the AIR S is electrifying the industry

Power alone is no longer the decisive factor. As drive systems continue to grow stronger, the market may be chasing ever-higher peak figures – but real riding enjoyment happens where power, control, and integration are perfectly balanced.

This is exactly where the maxon AIR S stands out. It combines compact design with impressive, fully controllable performance at all times:

• 90 Nm of torque, 620 W peak power, and a weight of just around 2 kg – BIKE Magazine calls it a “powerhouse weighing only two kilos.”
• E MOUNTAINBIKE highlights that maxon has achieved three times the output of its predecessor within nearly identical dimensions, without compromising on integration or design.
• According to The Trail Nomad, the AIR S is super quiet, lightweight, and delivers continuous assistance like a full‑power motor, even on demanding terrain.

This combination enables extremely slim frame designs. Many bikes powered by the AIR S are barely recognizable as e‑bikes at first glance.

Light Full Power: performance redefined

The AIR S defines what many now consider Light Full Power:
Not maximum numbers on a spec sheet, but usable, efficient performance in real‑world riding.

Thanks to its intelligent power assistance curve, the AIR S delivers support progressively and smoothly. As cadence increases and more pressure is applied to the pedals, power ramps up noticeably without ever feeling unnatural or abrupt. The result is a quiet, lightweight system that consistently prioritizes flow over peak output.

A natural ride feel that surprises – “not like an e‑bike”

Multiple test media reach the same conclusion:
The maxon AIR S rides remarkably analog – until it unleashes its power.

• E MOUNTAINBIKE was impressed that bikes such as the Thömus E_MAX or the Instinctiv Ocelot look and ride like a purely human‑powered bike, despite delivering 90 Nm and 620 W.
• Ludwig Döhl (emtb test) sums it up: “As light and quiet as a TQ motor, as powerful as a Shimano EP801 – and almost invisible within the frame.”
• Ralph Näf describes the latest Thömus bike with the system as “an enduro with hidden superpowers.”
• Test rider Nicole Tschenett reports: “The power on the very first pedal stroke? Surprisingly strong for this class.”
• In his first review, Alex Bike Tester calls the AIR S one of the smoothest‑running yet most controllable motors on the market, highlighting the generous ground clearance as a key contributor to riding enjoyment.

The AIR S requires no adaptation, no new riding style, and no restraint. It simply feels natural – and that’s exactly what makes it so special for so many riders.

Experience the difference – live on the trail

The maxon AIR S defines a new class of e‑bike drive systems:
Ultra‑light, powerful, barely visible and incredibly natural to ride.

At the following events, you’ll have the opportunity to test a selection of AIR S‑powered E‑MTBs and E‑Gravel bikes extensively:

• Cyclingworld Düsseldorf: March 20–22, 2026
• Bike Festival Riva: May 1–3, 2026
• Testride Lenzerheide: September 4–9, 2026
• Sea Otter Europe Girona: September 18–20, 2026

Stop by, test the latest bikes, and connect directly with our team.
Decide for yourself whether the AIR S combines the bike feel of the past with the performance reserves of today.