Power, Reliability and Smarter Engineering
With Photon 2, we took everything learned from the first generation and rebuilt the system around one goal: deliver more power, more reliability, and a significantly refined user experience. Photon 2 brings meaningful, rider driven improvements that make it the most advanced and service-friendly mid-drive we’ve ever engineered.
A New Motor Architecture:
More Torque, Better Cooling, Smoother Operation
At the core of the Photon 2 is a newly engineered inrunner motor, replacing the Gen 1 outrunner design.
Why the shift?
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Higher Efficiency & Thermal Performance
The custom flat-wire windings increase coil density, boosting efficiency and torque output. Fully potting the motor core with thermally conductive epoxy improves heat transfer and enables quieter, more stable operation under heavy load. -
Reinvented Thermal Management
Heat now disperses more evenly, delivering dependable cooling even for off-road riders, steep climb commuters, and heavy cargo setups. -
Optimised Gear Reduction
A refined reduction ratio provides smoother, more responsive power delivery where it matters most.
A Stronger, Reinforced Sprag Clutch
Addressing one of Gen 1’s most reported pain points.
The Photon 2 clutch is a ground-up redesign.
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Triple the Torque Capacity
From 12×20mm to a robust 20×28mm architecture. -
Reinforced 1st Stage Shaft
Keyway + adapter sleeve construction ensures long-term durability under higher forces. -
Engineered for Abuse
Whether you’re powering up steep gradients or pushing hard off-road, this clutch is built to take it.
A Drive Unit Built for Easy Maintenance
Servicing the Photon Gen 1 required patience—and specialized tools. The Photon 2 changes that entirely.
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Tool-Free Access
Open the entire drive unit using just four M5 bolts. No more bonded controllers or forced disassembly. -
Quick Chainring Removal
The new radial-screw chainring adapter prevents over-tightening and speeds up maintenance. -
Modular Architecture
Controller, torque sensor, motor module, and 1st-stage assembly are now individually replaceable, making long-term servicing more accessible than ever.
Expanded Chainring Compatibility
Riders want options, so the Photon 2 offers more.
- 36T–50T standard rings maintain a precise 52mm chainline for most MTBs.
- New 32T & 34T chainrings introduce a 7mm offset for compact builds without chainline compromises.
- Backward-Compatible with Gen 1 chainrings for seamless upgrades.
CANBUS Electronics: Faster, Smarter, Still Open
Photon 2 makes a major leap in communication performance with full CANBUS integration.
- Higher Data Throughput for real-time precision.
- Exceptional Noise Resistance compared to UART.
- Open Ecosystem — still no proprietary battery lock-in. Supports up to 72V packs for maximum flexibility.
Smarter Wiring & Connectors
Small improvements make a big difference.
Asymmetrical Connectors guarantee correct orientation every time.
Redesigned Harness improves durability, routing, and long term reliability.