For years, I was that guy - the one who'd grumble "cheater" between gasps as an e-bike rider glided past me on a climb. But after a few weeks on an Amflow PX Carbon Pro, I've seen the light: electric mountain bikes are a blast. The bike is fitted with the compact, powerful M2S motor from Avinox, a new DJI offshoot that's making Bosch and Specialized nervous. The motor doesn't turn me into a speed demon, but it does compensate for my terrible technique, letting me "suck better" whenever I lose momentum.

Mountain biking has a long history of gatekeeping new tech - purists complained about full-suspension frames, disc brakes, dropper posts, and 29-inch wheels, all now standard. Powerful motors are just the next evolution. On steep, technical ascents, the motor turns climbs into flowy challenges instead of a cardio tax that cuts my day short. I decide how hard to work: turbo one day, eco the next.

I started mountain biking during covid, learning from YouTube. Let's just say I haven't advanced much beyond novice, and a nasty crash dislocated my shoulder "in an unusual direction." I haven't felt confident since. Adding a motor made me feel safer and more in control. There's a misconception that eMTBs make you faster - maybe in the US, but in Europe, pedal-assist tops out at 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Many trail riders easily exceed 30 km/h on straightaways, leaving me struggling on a heavier e-bike. European e-bikes also max out at 250W continuous output, making them less powerful than US Class 1 e-bikes, let alone Class 3 motorcycle-disguises.

I don't want the motor to ride for me - I want it as a force multiplier. The Amflow delivers: I can brake cautiously into turns, accelerate out with control, and get a torque boost when my shit technique stalls momentum. The Avinox M2S motor keeps me from losing balance or dismounting on difficult terrain. It's also a great equalizer when riding with more experienced friends who'd otherwise drop me in 10 minutes.

As a result, I'm smiling more, doing more laps, and having more fun - even as my middle-aged self rides the same trails. I'm careful with my newfound superpower: strong riders aren't used to being passed uphill by someone twice their age, so I announce my presence early. I also don't claim Strava King of the Mountain titles like some assholes.

It's slightly unfair that my epiphany came on a $10,000 Amflow PX Carbon Pro. It has class-leading specs: the Avinox M2S motor delivers up to 150 Nm of torque and a temporary boost of 1,500 W, while the carbon fiber frame keeps weight at 20.6 kg (45 pounds) - below the average 22 - 27 kg (50 - 60 pounds). But you don't need a five-figure rig. Avinox now has over 60 bike brand partners; the cheapest M2S-equipped eMTB I've found is the $4,000 CRUSSIS e-Hard 11.11 hardtail. Budget options from Ride1Up and Aventon also offer fun with less-capable motors.

Ultimately, whether on a flagship Amflow or a budget workhorse, the result is similar: less suffering, more laps, and a giant grin. The motor won't make you a better rider, but it might make you want to become one.