I'm certain that some, particularly in the Avinox motored bike threads, are tired of hearing my ruminations about Bosch motors almost certainly having about 20% better efficiency than the Avinox, so I'm keeping it here. It does matter because it effectively erases the weight advantage and even some of the charging speed advantage of the Avinox, because it takes more (heavy) battery to climb the same distance with an Avinox than it likely does with the Bosch. People have correctly pointed out that there are some variables so it's hard to know for certain.
I've analyzed some anecdotal evidence a few times from riders that have had similar days on both motors, as well as just what people tend to notice.
However this review, is a lot more scientific in it's approach to measuring battery efficiency:
30 eMTBs in Our Huge 2025 E-MOUNTAINBIKE Comparison Test: What’s the Best eMTB of the Year?
They used a 2-3 kg heavier Bosch e-bike vs. 2 cutting edge Avinox bikes (Amflow & Mith) and the Bosch bike used less battery watts to climb further, and very importantly, also while climbing FASTER than both of the Avinox bikes. All while utilizing power input measuring pedals to remove a significant variable, rider input.
But then I came across this older motor review at PB. The DJI is tested as well as the Gen4 Bosch. So it's the older Bosch but I'm going to assume that efficiency has NOT dropped with the Gen5 Bosch.
Here are the relevant parts of the efficiency portion of the review:
#5 DJI - 0.645 Wh/m, (this result was in turbo)
"the Avinox’s “Trail” mode is more comparable to other motor brands’ boost setting. The Trail mode also cuts off the wild Turbo burst, lowering the pace, but more importantly, conserving the battery. For what it's worth, we conducted a bonus
lap in the lower Trail mode and result in efficiency score of 0.604 Wh/m."
*(this result was in trail mode)
#1 Bosch - 0.490 Wh/m
"Bosch is well known name when it comes to motors. As it turns out, they know a thing or two about efficiency. Although it squeaked into first place, my money was on the Performance CX Line based on total ride times with other eMTBs. It was satisfying to confirm that theory to rest with back-to-back laps on each motor.
The math is pretty simple really, (.604-.490)/ .490 = 23% more battery usage in the Avinox to climb the same feet/ meters. What does that mean practically speaking? Well for example, our resident Weight Weenie Kiwi, would need a 493W battery in an Avinox bike to match his 400W Gen5 Crestie battery. Add a bash guard and poof, there goes your Avinox weight advantage not to mention your piece of mind since the Avinox rattles a fair bit. The high pivot Avinox bikes are going to suffer even poorer efficiency.
I too have been really stoked on the Avinox motor, but I'm putting together all of the evidence before me and I just think the Bosch is a better motor and we've all sort of been wooed by the absolute power and stunning looks of the Avinox. The Bosch is more efficient, much quieter, has better power delivery, is well supported by dealers, has a lower center of gravity for a given number of feet climbed, technically lighter in terms of climbing meters, has better heat management & has a natural bash guard. It now also has an excessive power option for the road climbs as well as an updated display, much like the Avinox. Furthermore, the CX-R version will be lighter still and quite likely have even greater efficiency with the ceramic bearings.
That's my take on it and I think the evidence is pretty conclusive at this point. The Avinox needs a V2 to try and catch up to the Bosch.
My next bike will almost certainly be a Regulator CX-R because I like the geo but I absolutely prefer the Bosch motor. but I'd also be pretty stoked on a lightly used Bosch Crestie (there is one for sale locally but the guy won't sell just the frame at this time).
