Maxon’s Air S Motor Packs Triple Torque into the World’s Lightest E-MTB
Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Kristina
When Light Meets Mighty
For years, the Maxon Bikedrive Air has been the secret sauce behind the 14.8 kg Thömus Lightrider E Ultimate — still hailed as the world’s lightest full-suspension e-MTB. Now, Maxon’s back with a sequel: the Air S. It’s not lighter. But it’s way stronger. We’re talking triple the torque.
That means climbs that used to be a grind could now feel like you’ve got a ski lift hidden in your frame.
From Mars to Mountain Trails
Maxon isn’t your typical e-bike motor company. Before tackling the trail, they were powering NASA’s Mars rover and building surgical robots. Small, high-performance motors are their thing — so when they entered the e-bike space in 2021, they brought aerospace-grade precision with them.
The Original Air: All About the Weight
The first Bikedrive Air delivered 220 watts from a system that weighed just 3.5 kg — battery included. That let bike makers build ridiculously light e-MTBs and even sub-11 kg electric road bikes. But there was a limit: torque topped out at 40 Nm, which was fine then, but modest by today’s standards.
Enter the Air S: Power Without the Bulk
Unveiled at Eurobike 2025, the Air S changes the game. Torque jumps to 90 Nm. Peak power hits 620 W. And the whole system still comes in at just 3.8 kg. Most of that extra weight is from a bigger 400 Wh battery, with the motor itself only gaining 100 grams.
Compared to other top mid-drives, it’s still the lightest in the “full-power” category.
Clever Split-Cylinder Design
Maxon’s design splits the motor and gearbox into two perpendicular cylinders. This keeps the bottom bracket slim while tucking most of the system neatly into the frame. The battery sits inside the down tube, and you can add a 600 Wh pack or a 250 Wh range extender if you want more miles.
Charging from 0–80% takes about three hours — so it’s quick enough for most post-ride top-ups.
First Bikes to Get the Boost
Dutch brand Instinctiv is rolling out the Ocelot trail e-MTB with the Air S. Depending on the build, you’ll get between 160/125 mm or 170/145 mm of travel. The lightest model weighs just 18.7 kg, with prices starting at €8,010 (~US$9,350). It hits the market late 2025.
Thömus isn’t abandoning its ultralight crown — the Lightrider E Ultimate will keep the original Air drive. But it’s also launching the Lightrider E Max with the Air S, available in XC or trail setups.
The Takeaway for Riders
The Air S looks set to open a new category: bikes that are light enough for nimble handling but powerful enough to tackle brutal climbs without breaking a sweat. Expect to see it not just on mountain bikes, but on gravel and urban rides too.
If you’ve ever wished your featherweight e-MTB had more muscle, this might be the motor you’ve been waiting for.
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
