Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review | Can Reality Match Hype?
A lightweight full-power eMTB with spritely handling and the best climbing performance we’ve ever tested.

In my five years of testing electric bikes, few have arrived with as much hype as the Amflow PL Carbon Pro, which we received for review. Plenty of products make a splash and generate headlines for a moment, but it’s rare to see one that makes the entire industry stop and stare, and then remain a topic of conversation for nearly a year.
So what’s all the buzz about? This is a seriously well-designed bike, with class-leading power and an impressively lightweight build. At a glance, you might not even clock it as electric. It has a slim downtube which hides a surprisingly large 800Wh battery that powers a tiny motor capable of propelling the bike up and over just about anything.
Spoiler alert: it’s the best hill-climber we’ve tested, and it also delivers one of the longest ranges we’ve seen for a full power rig. Power and efficiency? Yes, please.
The component package is mostly top-tier—aside from the tires, perhaps—with upper-level Fox Factory 150/160mm suspension, wireless SRAM Eagle shifting, and Magura MT7 brakes that deliver strong modulation and excellent stopping power.
Its geometry strikes a smart middle ground that suits nearly all riding styles, short of full-on downhill. It rolls on dual 29” wheels out of the box, but a flip chip at the linkage lets you run a 27.5” rear wheel for extra playfulness.
Speaking of playfulness: the PL Carbon is helping redefine what a full-power trail bike can feel like. Our size large test bike weighed just 45 lbs, a number that’s flirting with SL eMTB territory, but it has twice the battery and way more power than most bikes in that class.
Much of that performance is courtesy of the Avinox motor system, which delivers the best power-to-weight ratio we’ve seen, weighing just 5.5 lbs with an output of 1,000 peak watts and 105Nm of torque. There’s even an optional Boost mode that bumps torque up to 120Nm and really ramps up acceleration. The result is a lightweight, poppy ride that launches off jumps with serious power behind it.
It’s not without flaws; the power is great, but you’ll want to spend some time tuning it, and we swapped the stock stem almost immediately. However, the PL Carbon Pro ultimately left a lasting impression.
Hype is common, while follow-through is rare. Yet this bike delivered with a genuinely terrific debut.
Class 3 (pedal assist to 28 mph)
- Exceptional motor performance. The Avinox M1 delivers the best power-to-weight ratio we’ve seen and set new benchmarks in our hill climb tests, yet it remains easy to control thanks to tunable programming.
- Lightweight and agile. At just 45 lbs (size L), the carbon frame and compact motor give this full-power eMTB a nimble, SL-like feel.
- Versatile geometry. Well-balanced geo suits a wide range of trail riding styles, with a flip chip allowing for a 27.5” rear wheel setup for extra agility.
- Efficient battery use. The sleek downtube hides a large 800Wh battery that consistently delivered excellent range in our testing.
- Premium display and controls. The top tube–integrated Avinox OLED screen looks sharp and is easy to read, with multiple data views accessible via a bar-mounted touchpad.
- App support and smart security. The companion app allows for deep tuning, ride customization, and layered security features such as optional 4G connectivity and location tracking.
- Top-tier suspension. Fox Factory 150/160mm components provide smooth, responsive performance across demanding terrain.
- Confident braking. Magura MT7s offer strong stopping power with refined modulation.
- Optional high-output modes. Boost mode unlocks 120Nm for short bursts. It’s also rideable at Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph. Remember, trail access may vary.
- The stock stem felt mismatched and was the only component we immediately replaced.
- The XC-leaning tires are fine, but a bit underbuilt for aggressive or technical riders and might be another upgrade candidate.
- Battery: Avinox Integrated Battery: 800Wh
- Charger: Avinox Fast Charger: 12A/508W
- Display: Avinox Screen: 2-inch OLED Control Display
- Motor: Avinox M1 Drive Unit: 250W nominal, 850W peak power, 1000W in limited use Boost mode, 105 Nm, 120Nm in Boost
- Pedal Assist: 5-level, Eco, Trail, Turbo, Auto. Boost mode goes to 1000W power, 120Nm torque (can hold for 30 seconds)
- App: Avinox
- Claimed weight: 44.5 lbs – 45.2 lbs, depending on frame size
- Tested Weight: 45.6 lbs (size L, no pedals)
- Height range: 5’4” -6’7”
- Max payload: 275 lbs
- Brakes: Magura MT7 Pro hydraulic disc brake, HC lever, 4-piston caliper, 203mm Storm HC Rotor (front and rear)
- Fork: 2026 FOX 36 Factory, 160mm travel, GRIP X2 Damper, 15×110mm, 44mm rake
- Shock: 2026 FOX FLOAT X Factory, 150mm, Trunnion (185×55mm), custom tune, EVOL Air sleeve, 2-position lever w/ LSC adjustment
- Linkage: Four-bar, Horst
- Frame: Amflow PL Carbon Frame, Compatible with 27.5″ and 29″ rear wheels
- Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission Derailleur w/ power cable, SRAM Eagle Transmission E-MTB Chainring 104BCD 34T, AXS Pod Controller, SRAM XS-1295 Eagle Transmission 10-52T
- Grips: Amflow Enduro Grips
- Saddle: Ergon SM PRO M/L
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory, Travel adjustable in 5mm; M: 125-150mm, L/XL: 155-180mm, XXL: 185-210mm
- Handlebar: Amflow Enduro Carbon Handlebar, 25mm rise, 800mm wide, 5-degree upsweep, 9-degree backsweep
- Cranks: Avinox SL Crank (M/L: 155mm; XL/XXL: 160mm)
- Wheels: Amflow HMC-30, Carbon, 29”, 30mm internal width, 28H, tubeless ready
- Tires: Front: Maxxis Assegai MaxxTerra 29×2.5″ WT 3C EXO E-25 TLR; Rear: Maxxis Dissector MaxxTerra 29×2.4″ WT 3C EXO+ E-25 TLR
- Hubs: Front Hub: Alloy, 2 sealed cartridge bearings, 15×110mm thru-axle, 28h, straight-pull, 6-bolt; Rear Hub: Alloy, 4 sealed cartridge bearings, 148×12mm thru-axle, 28h, straight-pull, 6-bolt, 78T
- Spokes: SAPIM E-Light Straightpull
M | L | XL | XXL | |
---|---|---|---|---|
A Reach | 452 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm | 525 mm |
B Stack Height | 618 mm | 628 mm | 641 mm | 655 mm |
C Standover Height | 780 mm | 785 mm | 790 mm | 795 mm |
D Front Center | 782 mm | 810 mm | 844 mm | 873 mm |
E Fork Length | 570 mm | 570 mm | 570 mm | 570 mm |
F Wheelbase | 1227 mm | 1255 mm | 1289 mm | 1318 mm |
G Chainstay Length | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
H Bottom Bracket Drop | 29 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm |
I Bottom Bracket Height | 345.5 mm | 345.5 mm | 345.5 mm | 345.5 mm |
J Effective Top Tube Length | 595 mm | 620 mm | 648 mm | 676 mm |
K Head Tube Angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
L Head Tube Length | 105 mm | 115 mm | 130 mm | 145 mm |
M Actual Seat Tube Angle | 70° | 70° | 70° | 70° |
N Effective Seat Tube Angle | 77° | 77° | 77° | 77° |
O Seat Tube Height | 430 mm | 450 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
Typically, the highest power eMTBs are often the heaviest, and we stay more ground-bound. The light 45 lbs of the PL Carbon Pro was easy to get airborne with, though.
Motors this powerful aren’t typically this small, and yet, here we are! The Avinox M1 motor has the highest power-to-weight ratio we’ve tested.
The battery does a good job of remaining discreet. Yes, the signs of an e-bike are there, but that downtube is remarkably slender for an 800Wh unit.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Motor & Battery
The Avinox M1 motor isn’t just impressive, it’s one of the most forward-thinking systems we’ve tested to date. At just 5.5 lbs, it delivers a nominal 105Nm of torque and up to 1,000W of peak power, setting a new high bar for power-to-weight ratios in the full-power eMTB class. When it launched just over a year ago, it arguably helped ignite the “torque wars” now being seen across the industry. While other major players still hover around the 85–90Nm mark and peak in the 700W range, Avinox has surged ahead.
By default, the M1 motor operates in line with U.S. Class 1 regulations: 750W peak output and a 20 mph speed cap. However, most of the available ride modes allow you to unlock the full 1,000W output. Riders can also opt into Class 3 performance (up to 28 mph), although this setting resets every time you power the bike off, which is an intentional move to help riders stay trail-legal depending on where they’re riding.
There are five total assist modes: Eco, Trail, Turbo, Auto, and Boost. Each of the main modes—aside from Eco—can reach that full 1,000W output. Boost mode is limited to 60 seconds at a time but ramps up to 120Nm of torque, making for wild acceleration and a surge of power best reserved for open climbs or short, punchy sections. It’s fun—ridiculously fun—but it’ll burn through battery fast if you overuse it. For most trail conditions, we found Trail or Turbo provided more than enough firepower.
What really sets this motor apart is its deep customization. The Avinox system allows riders to adjust nearly every aspect of motor behavior, not just the assist levels, but torque curves, acceleration, overrun (the duration the motor continues after you stop pedaling), startup behavior, and more. With the latest firmware, real-time tuning is now available directly from the handlebar controller, allowing on-the-fly adjustments while riding. It’s one of the most rider-responsive systems we’ve used, and a standout for those who like to fine-tune their setup.
In our experience, Eco and Auto were the modes that benefited most from a little extra tuning. Once dialed in, they felt beautifully in sync with our cadence and effort. Trail and Turbo delivered similar top-end power, though Trail offered slightly more refined control.
For possibly the first time ever, even I (a 235 lbs rider) felt like the mid-level assist mode was more than enough for most riding scenarios, something I’ve never said on other eMTBs.
The hardware matches the software here. The M1 uses a combination of polymer and metal gears for a high gear ratio in a surprisingly compact and quiet package. Outside of Boost mode, motor noise was barely noticeable. The rear speed sensor captures 42 data points instead of the usual one, providing ultra-precise responsiveness and smoother engagement on the trail.
On the battery side, the PL Carbon Pro houses an 800Wh pack integrated into the downtube. The battery isn’t removable, which some riders might see as a downside, but it does contribute to the bike’s clean lines and low profile. The battery is made from high-energy-density cells that keep the frame slim without compromising capacity, and the weight distribution across the bike felt well-balanced and natural in all of our test scenarios.
Charging is another area where Amflow stands out. The included 12A/508W fast charger is 3–4 times quicker than what most e-bikes ship with. You can go from 0% to 75% in about 90 minutes, a seriously helpful bonus for anyone who likes to ride frequently or squeeze in big days.
The two 29” tires are great for stability and obstacle avoidance. We like how you can switch it out for a 27.5”, though, if you want increased maneuverability.
The PL Carbon Pro comes in just one color and four different sizes, There is also a silver option on the lower spec PL Carbon.
The Avinox display is highly functional. It’s not just information, but with the touchscreen you can adjust bike settings without the need for buttons or the app.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Display & App
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro pairs cutting-edge hardware with one of the best app ecosystems we’ve seen on an e-bike. Between the Avinox display and companion app, the system delivers a powerful mix of control, customization, and security.
App Experience
The Avinox app stands out for both depth and usability. At its core, it’s where riders can dive into motor tuning by adjusting torque, responsiveness, assist levels, and more. But the functionality goes far beyond just performance tweaks.
You can set charge limits to preserve battery health, view advanced ride data, use GPS-based navigation, and even pair heart rate monitors or sync to Strava. It also acts as the central hub for the bike’s security features. Riders can set up password protection or use a mobile key for automatic unlock when your phone is nearby. With the optional 4G module, the system supports theft detection alerts and real-time GPS tracking, even outside Bluetooth range for added peace of mind.
Whether you’re an enthusiast looking to fine-tune every ride or just want a secure and convenient setup, the app covers both ends of the spectrum.
OLED Display & Controls
The 2-inch OLED touchscreen display on the top tube is one of the best we’ve tested. It’s crisp, responsive, and glove-friendly; it’s easy to swipe through menus, change assist levels, view ride metrics, and access system settings without pulling out your phone.
The interface is intuitive and provides real-time feedback on factors such as speed, range, cadence, and even current gearing. Thanks to integrated gear tracking, the screen displays your exact gear position. The built-in SmoothShift feature enhances shifting behavior in two key ways: it enables electronic gear changes while coasting, and it reduces motor torque during shifts to help extend drivetrain life. The result is smoother shifting and less wear on your components.
At the top of the display, there’s also a USB-C charge port for powering devices like your phone or an action cam.
Two handlebar remotes are included and configurable. The left adjusts your PAS and is how you access Walk and Boost modes. The right one can be assigned out to move through pages on the display, fine-tune power output in real-time, or even control compatible DJI Osmo Action cameras, which is a slick integration that’s rare to see. That said, the system is fully functional without the remotes, so riders who prefer a cleaner cockpit can rely entirely on the touchscreen.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Range Test
I’ve talked a lot about how powerful this motor is, but how quickly does it chew through the battery? To find out, we put it through our dedicated eMTB test loop, which includes a mix of green, blue, and black singletrack. Everyone’s power needs will vary, but we run our tests exclusively in the highest power mode to establish a realistic baseline for minimum range.
The PL Carbon Pro logged an impressive result of 30.9 miles with 3,093 feet of climbing. That’s actually the fourth-longest range we’ve seen on our eMTB test track overall, and the longest for a full-power, full-sus eMTB. So kudos to Amflow on that one.
One quick note, though: we noticed that around the 15% battery mark, the power dropped off significantly. The final two miles required significantly more effort and we weren’t getting quite the same level of assistance. This was after just one range test and covering all those high-power miles straight, so we’ll test it further and see if that’s a one-off or a recurring issue, and update the written review once we know for sure.
Still, 31 miles is a lot. Of course, this is all based on maximum power use, and in mixed or more conservative settings, you could stretch that range much farther.
Personally, I’m a fan of having my cake and eating it too, and the PL Carbon Pro really delivers on that front. You get the power when you want it and the range to go the distance.
The PL Carbon Pro feels like an SL bike when riding.
Travel length varies from 125-210mm on the dropper post depending on your frame size.
The PL Carbon Pro’s SmoothShift tech will help make gear changes for you mid-ride, and help preserve the durability by adjusting the torque while shifting.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Hill Test
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro didn’t just perform well on our test hill, it blew away the competition.
For consistency, we normally conduct two hill tests with our standard rider, Justin. However, due to a recent injury (he’ll be back soon), we had our second tester, Bryce, step in for this round. Bryce is a close match to Justin in rider weight, and to account for any differences, we ran a control ride using one of Justin’s previous test bikes. Bryce came in just 3% faster, which we factored into our results.
We tested the bike on our standard Water Tower Hill course. It’s a 0.86-mile dirt trail with a 5.5% average grade and 245 feet of elevation gain. The PL Carbon Pro climbed it in just 2 minutes and 47 seconds, averaging 18.7 mph. That’s a new record on this segment, beating the previous second-fastest time (3:13 from the HPC Trailblazer Pro) by a full 26 seconds.
Even after trimming a few seconds to normalize performance, it still holds the fastest climb we’ve seen on this course by a significant margin.
What makes that result even more impressive is that the bike wasn’t running at full power. This climb was completed prior to a firmware update, so peak motor output was capped at 850W. We didn’t use Boost mode either, which unlocks up to 1,000W and 120Nm of torque. In other words, the PL Carbon Pro wasn’t even running at its full potential, yet it still set a new benchmark.
The combination of lightweight build, aggressive torque, and responsive power delivery makes this bike feel nearly unstoppable on climbs. On steeper or more technical terrain, you might want to dial things back for traction and control, but when it comes to sheer climbing force, the PL Carbon Pro sits at the top of the class.
We’ll be updating this section with a second climb test at Devil’s Backbone once Justin is back in action, so stay tuned for more data.
We like the Ergon saddle.
It’s rare to see a second controller, but it’s a nice addition that can even run a DJI camera.
The Fox Factory 36 was a great combo of supportive and plush with all the travel you need from a trail bike.
The shock performed equally as well, and we like that the suspension includes a flip chip to keep geo mostly the same if you want to run a 27.5” wheel instead.
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Ride Quality
The Amflow PL Carbon Pro is one of the most playful full-power eMTBs we’ve ridden. Its combination of low overall weight and high-torque motor gives it a snappy, energetic feel that encourages you to pop off every little trail feature. It’s incredibly easy to maneuver, with a ride feel that invites bunny hops, flicks, and fast line changes. We’re especially eager to try it in a mullet setup, since the frame’s flip chip supports a 27.5” rear wheel—a change that could dial up the agility even further.
This is a true all-mountain machine. It’s comfortable tackling a wide range of trail types from flowy descents to challenging technical climbs. For riders aiming to tackle extremely steep and rugged enduro descents, a fork upgrade to a 38 mm might be worth considering, especially for heavier or more aggressive riders. There were a few moments where we felt it lose just a bit of that planted feel we’re used to from heavier bikes, but that’s also part of the tradeoff. The bike’s low weight makes it feel nimble and reactive, which is a big part of its charm.
Suspension performance was excellent overall. The Fox Factory 150/160mm setup is well-tuned for the trail and all-mountain categories, offering ample travel, excellent small-bump compliance, and a supportive feel under load. The geometry balances confidence and fun well. It’s stable when you need it, but never dull.
Component-wise, most of the build lands squarely in premium territory. You get SRAM’s GX AXS wireless shifting, Magura MT7 brakes, and a carbon chassis that keeps weight impressively low at around 45 lbs for a size L. At just over $10K, the price tag might not sound like a bargain, but in today’s high-end eMTB market, this spec sheet could easily command $12K or more. It’s genuinely one of the best value premium builds we’ve seen.
There were only two component choices that felt a little out of step with the rest of the build: the stock stem, which we quickly swapped out, and the tires, which are fine but just not quite the casings we’d have liked to see. Both are simple and relatively inexpensive upgrades if you want to match the rest of the bike’s high performance.
We love the SRAM Eagle groupset, and the wireless shifters are even better thanks to the fact you don’t have to charge a battery for the derailleur. It is hardwired to the bike’s main battery.
A bit of group bias here, but we genuinely love the Magura MT7 setup as the stopping power is great but it’s modular and easy to control with just the squeeze of one finger.
800mm wide bar aids in control, and it’s a fairly uncluttered look that can be even tidier if you choose to remove the remotes in favor of just the screen’s controls.
The Maxxis tires have solid traction to them, and good stability with 2.5” on the front tire and 2.4” on the rear. Given the rest of the premium package of the bike, we would have liked to see something with a tougher casing, though
Amflow PL Carbon Pro Review: Summary / Where to Buy
I’ve always been a sports fan, and in a lot of ways, the Amflow PL Carbon Pro reminded me of the next great baseball prodigy. The young prospect that all the scouts rave about and say has all the tools to be an all-timer one day if they keep their head on straight. In this case, Amflow stepped up to the plate, and in its first at bat hit a home run.
There’s still room to grow and refine: more sizes to offer on the bike, color options, spec levels and a few other things as the brand grows into its own, but as far as debuts go, this one lives up to the hype and then some.
The bike feels phenomenal. It’s got immense power that’ll stretch a grin from ear to ear, but it’s also approachable, with tuning options that few other systems can rival. You can truly make it ride the way you want it to at such a granular level, not to mention take advantage of so much cool tech.
It’s playful and energetic, like a puppy that just wants to go. I’ve ridden plenty of bikes with big power or that are lightweight, but this is one that actually manages to deliver both in a way that feels satisfying.
Oh, and despite all that power, the battery life is excellent. You can hammer hard on short rides or stretch it out for longer, more epic treks without much worry.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Amflow PL Carbon Pro down in our comments section.