Even more DJI power: Forbidden presents the Druid CorE and LitE with Avinox motor
Leon Weidner
· 10.04.2025
Forbidden Bike is entering the segment of fully-fledged e-mountainbikes with the new Druid E series. The two models Druid LitE and Druid CorE are based on the manufacturer's well-known high-pivot rear triangle, which has now been optimised for use with an electric motor.
The much-discussed Avinox system from DJI is used as the drive in both variants, which is characterised by its low weight of 2.52 kilograms combined with immensely high performance.
They have thus confirmed the rumours in advance - just as with Unno, who has also been the subject of speculation. had suggested that the next bikes would come with the Avinox engine. And so it is.
Forbidden Druid CorE & LitE in detail
The Druid LitE is the lighter version of the new E-MTB series. The rear suspension travel is over 140 millimetres, while the fork has 150 millimetres. The built-in battery has a capacity of 600 watt hours. Forbidden gives the total weight of the e-bike as 20.8 kilograms.
The Druid CorE is the more robust version with 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel and 160 millimetres at the front. It is equipped with an 800 watt-hour battery and weighs 22.6 kilograms according to the manufacturer. The steering angle of the CorE is 0.6 degrees slacker than the LitE. Fancy a pinch of downhill?
DJI Avinox drive system at the heart of the system
Both Druid E models from Forbidden are equipped with the same power unit: the new DJI Avinox drive system. According to Forbidden, this should deliver a maximum torque of 105 Newton metres in continuous operation and 120 Newton metres in boost mode.
The peak power is specified as 800 watts in normal mode and up to 1000 watts in boost mode. The system has a touchscreen display and can be configured via an app. Read our test to find out how the engine performs in practice and what it can actually do.
Trifecta V3 platform and geometry
Forbidden has revised its Trifecta platform for the Druid E series. The third version retains the high-pivot concept, while it has been specially optimised for use with the electric motor. A vertical shock is designed to offer more space for long seatposts, so that even in the smallest frame size, a 180 millimetre Vario seatpost fits into the frame.
The geometry has been adapted according to the manufacturer's OneRide concept. This means that the seat angle becomes steeper and the chainstays longer as the frame size increases. Overall, the riding position should therefore be more downhill-orientated.
Fobidden bikes: Mullet setup & DH-orientated geometry
Both Druid E models are equipped with a mullet setup, i.e. a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. According to Forbidden, this combination should enable better control and more agile handling.
The geometry is designed for downhill performance overall, with a higher stack and shorter chainstays. The manufacturer emphasises that despite this downhill-oriented design, the climbing characteristics have not been neglected.
Equipment variants and availability
Both the Forbidden Druid LitE and the Druid CorE are available in three different build specs. Forbidden has not yet published much more information on the individual specs and prices than the pictures here in the text, which show the shock and fork (Rockshox Zeb, Lyrik, Vivid and Deluxe).
But below we offer the available tech deep-dive into the geometry data and the specifications of the DJI motor. It is also unclear when the new E-MTBs will actually be available. However, the manufacturer promises that the bikes will come with a lifetime warranty on the carbon frame.
Technical specifications Forbidden Druid E-MTB
Forbidden Druid CorE
- Rear suspension travel: 150 mm
- Fork travel: 160 mm
- Battery capacity: 800 Wh
- Weight: 22.6 kg
Forbidden Druid LitE
- Rear suspension travel: 140 mm
- Fork travel: 150 mm
- Battery capacity: 600 Wh
- Weight: 20.8 kg
Motor (Druid CorE & LitE): DJI Avi
- Motor weight: 2.52 kg
- Max. torque (continuous operation): 105 Nm
- Max. torque (boost): 120 Nm
- Peak power (normal): 800 W
- Peak power (boost): 1000 W
- Display: 2-inch OLED colour display
- Frame: Carbon
- Impeller combination: Mullet (29" front, 27.5" rear)
Leon Weidner
Working student
