Goodbye to the DJI Avinox in competition, the UCI bans e-bikes above 750W

The new EPAC motor homologation system will debut at the 2025 MTB World Cup in Valais and will be mandatory from 2026 in all sanctioned events. The new regulations highlight the 750W limit for motors, which directly means that DJI Avinox systems cannot be used.

UCI limits power in e-MTB: no motor can exceed 750W

UCI has announced the implementation of a new approval process for the motor units of electrically assisted pedal bikes (EPAC), with a key rule: no motor can exceed 750 watts of maximum mechanical power in the rear wheel.

This limit, which had not been officially applied in the UCI technical regulations until now, becomes one of the pillars of the new protocol, approved by the UCI Management Committee during its meeting held in June in Arzon (France). The process will be applied for the first time at the 2025 Mountain Bike World Championship in Valais (Switzerland), from September 1 to 14, and will be mandatory in all UCI e-MTB competitions from 2026 onwards.

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According to the official procedure document, "EPAC motor units applying for UCI approval must not announce or register a power greater than 750W measured at the rear wheel." This figure thus becomes the maximum allowed threshold, without exception by manufacturers, teams, or riders.

UCI itself explains that the decision responds to a double concern: avoiding disproportionate technical advantages and maintaining the essence of assisted cycling as a discipline in which the effort of the cyclist remains decisive.

This regulation would exclude eMTBs with the DJI Avinox motor from competition, a system that with its 1000W of power has revolutionized the market in recent months and is currently at the center of controversy over a possible new European regulation.

To be admitted to UCI competition, these bikes must meet the following technical requirements:

• The assistance must cut off at 25 km/h, except in countries where the European EN15194 regulations do not apply and it is specified otherwise in the event's technical guide.
• The motor can only assist when the cyclist pedals forward.
• The assistance must stop immediately when pedaling stops, with a maximum cut-off distance of two meters.
• The complete motor system (without battery or peripheral components such as cranks or chainring) must not exceed 3.1 kg.
• The battery must weigh a maximum of 4.5 kg and comply with UN3480 regulations.

In addition, event organizers can request exceptions, always with prior authorization from the UCI and in accordance with local regulations.

From the entry into force of the new protocol, UCI commissioners will be required to disqualify any cyclist using a non-approved unit. In addition, UCI reserves the right to withdraw or suspend approval in case of unreported modifications in hardware or software.