A new era of lightweight E-MTB design: maxon AIR S wins the Design & Innovation Award 2026

maxon’s AIR S e-bike system has been awarded the Design & Innovation Award. Often referred to as the unofficial “Oscars of the bike and outdoor industry,” the award is based on extensive real-world testing and evaluates how drive system, bike, and riding feel interact during actual trail use.

For maxon, the award is above all one thing: validation from the field. The e-bike drive impressed the jury where it matters most – through the real-world interplay of bike, motor, and rider on the trail.

Jury verdict: Lightweight design that opens up a new performance class

In its verdict, the jury highlights an “impressive fusion of lightness and power.” Weighing just 2 kg, the e-bike mid-drive motor delivers up to 620 W of peak power and 90 Nm of torque – performance values previously reserved for full‑power systems. This, according to the jury, marks the crucial point: the maxon AIR S redefines the boundary between light‑assist and performance‑oriented drive systems.

The riding feel is emphasized in particular. The drive system enables slim, unobtrusive e‑mountain bikes with a very natural character. On the trail, the AIR S impresses with direct acceleration and a harmonious power delivery that significantly enhances the riding experience.

Efficiency also plays a role in the evaluation. With an efficiency of up to 85%, the AIR S allows for smaller batteries while maintaining comparable range. This opens up new possibilities for integration and design – enabling elegant, minimalist frame concepts. Overall, the jury recognizes the BIKEDRIVE AIR S as a technological advancement that leads E‑MTB design into a new era of lightweight construction.

Instinctiv x AIR S: Trail‑tested

The maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S was tested together with the Instinctiv Ocelot E‑MTB, which the jury used for real‑world trail riding as part of the award evaluations.

Instinctiv develops trail and enduro bikes inspired by alpine terrain as well as Slovenian and Croatian trails. Riding in nature, as Instinctiv describes it, “opens your mind, puts things into perspective, and gives you the feeling of being alive.” The brand aims to pass this experience on through its bikes – encouraging riders to venture away from cities, push their limits, and explore speed and adventure.

This philosophy also drives the technical design of their e‑bikes. Instinctiv develops models for rocky, demanding trails – bikes that “instill confidence, master big terrain, and offer outstanding traction.” They aim to deliver great riding fun for experienced riders while remaining stable and predictable for those entering the e‑bike world.

Why Instinctiv chose the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S?

For Instinctiv, every new bike is defined by two core elements: the suspension and the drive system. As part of the development process, they tested various e‑bike systems. But the maxon AIR S stood out within just a few meters: “A compact, lightweight system with high performance and an exceptionally natural riding feel,” says Andreas Knol, CEO of Instinctiv.

The drive offers powerful electric support while remaining practically invisible. It runs quietly, the bike doesn’t feel like an e‑bike, and the power delivery is very smooth. Instead of feeling like motorized assistance, it feels as though you simply have incredibly strong legs.

maxon: What matters is the feedback from the trail

For maxon, the Design & Innovation Award 2026 is above all recognition from real riders – because ultimately, what happens on the trail is what counts. Volker Stützinger, Head of E‑Bike at maxon, says: “We are very pleased about the award.” He immediately adds what truly matters from maxon’s perspective: “For us, it’s essential that riders have fun and experience the AIR S on the trail as powerful and well‑balanced – numbers on paper aren’t everything.”

When performance and the interaction between rider and system come together perfectly, “that is the best validation for our approach in the light‑full‑power segment.” And this is just the beginning: “We continuously develop our portfolio. This year, we will launch the range extender, a larger main battery, and a new display.”