VELO DE VILLE REVO-C: The small German family company is the world’s first bike brand to integrate the new Avinox motor from Chinese drone manufacturer DJI into an urban bike – the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C. DJI has been shaking up the eMTB market since summer 2024, but can they do the same in the city and urban-segment? We exclusively took the bike out for a spin through Frankfurt’s streets ahead of its official launch.

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VELO DE VILLE REVO-C | DJI Avinox/600 Wh |
24.06 kg in size 53 | from € 3,999 | Manfacturer’s website

DJI are best known as a global leader in drone technology. Last year, the Chinese brand created quite a buzz at EUROBIKE with its DJI Avinox motor system, seriously shaking up the competition and igniting the battle for power supremacy. The Avinox secured the top spot in the comprehensive motor test conducted by our sister magazine, E-MOUNTAINBIKE. Now, VELO DE VILLE are bringing this innovative motor technology to the urban cycling scene for the first time.

The family-owned brand from Münster has always been big on customisation, and the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C is no exception. Not only are they the first to launch an urban bike featuring DJI’s Avinox system, but they’re also setting new benchmarks with a wide range of customisation options. According to VELO DE VILLE, the optional Carbon-Light package can even push the bike’s weight below the 20 kg mark – an impressive statement for a fully equipped city bike with a 600 Wh battery and an aluminum frame. Our test bike, equipped with an aluminum rigid fork and 28” wheels, weighed in at 24.06 kg.

Whether through the online configurator or at your local dealer, you can tailor the REVO-C precisely to your preferences. Choose from a range of component packages – including carbon wheels, a carbon or suspension fork, and multiple drivetrain options from Shimano’s CUES lineup with 9-, 10-, or 11-speed gearing. On top of that, there are a whopping 33 color options available.

Before the official launch, we took the unisex bike for an exclusive ride through the streets of Frankfurt, from curbsides to skyline. The bike is available in frame sizes 53 cm and 58 cm, fitting riders between approximately 1.55 and 2.00 m tall.

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What makes the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C DJI bike so special? The DJI Avinox motor!

The aluminum frame of the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C speaks a distinctive design language: a slender downtube, the characteristic kink in the top tube, and the smooth transition into the seat tube give the bike a unique appearance. The visible welds reveal its aluminum construction, but build quality is top-notch.

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Clash, Boom, Bang! The first urban bike with a DJI Avinox motor…
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…comes from German family-brand VELO DE VILLE: the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C.

The new DJI Avinox motor integrates seamlessly into the frame design. With an impressive 105 Nm of torque and peak output of up to 850 watts, it delivers serious performance to the urban riding experience. Need a quick burst of power? The boost mode briefly pushes the motor to 120 Nm and 1000 W for 30 seconds – instant energy at the press of a button.

However, there’s one notable trade-off: the 600 Wh battery isn’t removable. Instead, it’s permanently integrated into the frame, meaning that you’ll need a power socket where you keep your in bike. The aluminum version weighs just 24.06 kg – manageable enough to carry up to the first floor if needed. The charging port is conveniently placed and well-protected on the seat tube, just above the bottom bracket.

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The integrated 2-inch OLED display in the top tube provides all essential information and can be intuitively operated via touch function – in addition to the…
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…remote on the handlebar. And by the way: there’s always a bell included – dinnnng!

From bottom to top: integrated in the top tube, a 2-inch OLED display shows ride mode and system data – with options for Auto, Eco, Trail, and Turbo. The touchscreen works reliably even with gloves, and stays responsive when wet or covered in urban grime – outperforming many smartphones in this regard. Additionally, each riding mode can be customized individually. Wireless remotes are placed conveniently on both sides of the handlebars, offering crisp, tactile feedback: use the left remote to switch riding modes, and the right to change the display view – no need to lift your hands off the bars. Thanks to the wireless integration, the cockpit is reasonably tidy; however, the routing for brake, gear, and light cables isn’t quite as sleek, entering the frame rather noticeably further back, behind the head tube.

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Connectivity & Theft Protection on the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C DJI Bike

If you prefer to keep a close eye on your bike, the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C offers multiple layers of protection. Through the free DJI app, you can pair the bike, track its location, and set up a motion alarm. However, tracking in this mode only works when your smartphone is within Bluetooth range – so if your bike is at home and you’re off in Timbuktu, you’re out of luck.

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Using the Avinox app, you can switch the bike on and off – as long as your smartphone is within range. An alarm can also be activated.

To enable true remote tracking, VELO DE VILLE equipped the bike with a permanently integrated SIM card. It can be activated via the in-house VELOMATE app – free of charge for the first three years, after that it costs € 30 per year. Once registered, the bike can be located at any time, regardless of your phone’s location. A solid solution for those who want extra peace of mind. But let’s be honest – digital tools alone don’t always cut it in everyday city life. For added protection, you can opt for extra hardware during configuration: for an additional € 49, there’s an ABUS frame lock that mounts directly to the built-in ABUS ICS interface under the top tube.

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The ABUS ICS mount allows you to retrofit a frame lock directly at your local dealer – or simply add it right from the start when configuring your bike

VELO DE VILLE REVO-C

€ 3,999

Specifications

Motor DJI Avinox 105 Nm
Battery DJI 600 Wh
Display DJI 2" O-LED
Brakes Shimano Shimano MT200 180/160 mm
Drivetrain Shimano CUES Linkglide 1x12
Stem Aluminium
Handlebar Aluminium
Wheelset Aluminium 28"
Tires Schwalbe Motion Big Apple 2,0"

Technical Data

Size 53 58
Weight 24,06 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Kickstand mount Yes

Specific Features

Theft protection
USB-C charge port for smartphone
Online configurator

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Bad weather? No problem.

The bike comes standard with sturdy aluminum fenders, which are neatly integrated into the frame and keep road spray at bay. For on-the-go hydration, there’s a standard mounting point for a bottle cage on the downtube. And on the rigid fork version, you’ll even find additional mounts on both sides – perfect for longer tours or extra bikepacking gear.

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A nice touch: the front light is mounted just above the front wheel, at the top of the fender. Even better is the rear light, seamlessly integrated into the rear rack with a lateral light aura for improved visibility in city traffic – love it!

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VELO DE VILLE has done a great job integrating the rear light into the rack. Like a Porsche light strip, it wraps around the sides by about 1.5 cm – noticeably boosting side visibility.

The rack is MIK-compatible and rated for up to 10 kg – more than enough for everyday errands or shopping runs. It’s not designed for a full week’s groceries, but for € 9 you can add Ortlieb’s QL3.1 system – a smart option if you already own compatible bags. One important note: the maximum system weight is 140 kg. Subtract the bike’s 24.06 kg, and you’re left with around 116 kg for rider and cargo.

The VELO DE VILLE REVO-C DJI Bike on Test

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Swing a leg over the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C and you’ll notice just how easy it is to get on – the curved top tube sits low, so there’s no need for acrobatics. The riding position strikes a well-balanced middle ground – slightly sporty but far from uncomfortable. Weight is evenly distributed between the saddle and hands, giving the bike a calm, confidence-inspiring character – ideal for longer commutes.

Push down on the pedals and the DJI Avinox motor delivers a serious surge in Turbo mode – so eager, in fact, that you’d better make sure your handlebars are pointing straight at the traffic light. It’s a little kickdown moment that can leave even a sports car looking slow off the line. But the real star is the Auto mode: it adjusts support smoothly to your pace and offers the most relaxed ride for everyday urban cruising.

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Straight out of the box, all riding modes of the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C are set to standard – but you can fine-tune them via the display or the app. Our tip: set the overrun to minimum. That’s especially useful in city traffic, where prolonged assistance can be more of a nuisance than a benefit.

When it comes to braking, the standard two-piston Shimano brakes are a bit too reserved. They’re easy to modulate, but lack the bite needed for quick stops. Our recommendation: go for the four-piston upgrade in the configurator – it costs a bit more, but delivers noticeably better control.

Shifting is taken care of by Shimano’s new 11-speed CUES drivetrain. Thanks to Linkglide technology, gear changes are smooth, precise, and built to last – even under load. That’s a big win on a powerful motor like the Avinox, where more torque also means more stress on the drivetrain.

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In wet conditions, the deep aluminum fenders do a great job keeping dirt and spray at bay – so you’ll show up to that meeting dry, even in a suit. But how does the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C ride without a suspension fork?

Surprisingly comfortable! The combo of rigid fork, 2” Schwalbe Motion Big Apple tires, and aluminum wheels delivers a direct, efficient ride feel. Sure, you’ll notice the curbs – but the energy you put into the pedals goes straight to the pavement, polished by the motor and served up with a grin.

Who is the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C for?

For anyone who wants to get from A to B quickly – without sacrificing connectivity or theft protection. With GPS tracking, an integrated alarm, and the option to add an ABUS frame lock via the online configurator, the REVO-C offers just the right level of security for city dwellers and commuters who regularly park their bike outside.

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Conclusions about the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C DJI Bike

With the VELO DE VILLE REVO-C, we tested the world’s first city bike with a DJI Avinox motor – and we were instantly impressed by its lively ride feel and powerful support. Thoughtful features like theft protection and connectivity make it genuinely practical for everyday use, while the online configurator opens the door to a high degree of customization. Our first impression is a strong one – now we’re looking forward to seeing how it holds up in the long term.

Tops

  • Lively riding characteristics
  • Comprehensive online configurator
  • Connectivity via Avinox and VELOMATE apps
  • Three years of GPS tracking included

Flops

  • Battery permanantly integrated into the frame
  • Use caution with Boost mode at traffic lights 😉

For more information, visitVELO DE VILLE.com

Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Jan Fock