High pivot, high power, high hopes? With its high-pivot rear suspension layout, DJI’s Avinox motor, and a strong dose of Canadian DNA, the Forbidden Druid CorE and LitE are shaking up the eMTB scene. But how do the first electric mountain bikes of the Canadian manufacturer fare on the trail? To find out, we put them through the wringer on steep, techy descents, rough singletracks and technical climbs in the heart of mountain biking paradise.

Welcome to Cumberland, Canada. A picturesque town on Vancouver Island, where a strong scent of fresh pine tickles your nostrils while shredding the trails. This is home to Forbidden Bike Co., a passionate crew of engineers, tinkerers and riders who’ve made a name for themselves in the gravity scene and among core enduro and downhill enthusiasts with their high-pivot bikes like the Druid and Dreadnought. More than enough reason to travel to Cumberland and pay them a visit.

Ollie, lead bike designer and one of the creative minds behind Forbidden, welcomed us at their HQ. With grease on his fingers, a big grin on his face and a couple of electrified Druids on the back of his pickup, he takes us straight to the local trails – while just next door, concrete was being poured for the expansion of the company’s headquarters.

Forbidden Bike Co. – named after the nearby Forbidden Plateau – are launching their very first e-mountainbikes: the Druid CorE and LitE. With a high-pivot rear suspension, DJI’s Avinox motor delivering up to 120 Nm of torque, a peak output of 1,000 watts and an 800 Wh battery, this electrified Druid duo is clearly aimed at ambitious riders. But how do the two bikes perform on the trail? And how different do they feel in a direct comparison? Here’s our first impression!

All in – The Forbidden Druid CorE 1 in detail

Forbidden Druid CorE 1 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 22.6 kg (Manufacturer’s specifications) | 29”/27,5” | €11,899

The Forbidden Druid CorE 1 already looks fast when stationary with its clean design language and striking frame silhouette with sharp, flowing lines. The sporty appearance is enhanced by a sleek paint job that fades from deep purple into glossy black with a raw carbon finish. The carbon rocker link adds to the premium look and is sure to turn heads out on the trail.

The frame is protected by an extended motor cover and a shuttle guard, which is meant to shield the downtube from scratches when loading the bike onto a pickup truck. A small rubber bumper at the transition between the main frame and swingarm keeps the linkage from turning into a finger trap. The home mechanics amongst us will appreciate the thoughtful cable routing: the lines disappear into the frame through cableports behind the head tube and only reappear shortly before the component where they’re needed. Two mounting points on the downtube and a tool mount on the bottom side of the top tube allow you to carry a big water bottle and all your trail essentials directly on the frame.

The high-pivot rear end has an impact not only on the ride feel but also on the bike’s look. The distinctive idler pulley sits well above the motor, giving that area a slightly bulkier appearance.

The spec of the Forbidden Druid CorE 1

The DJI Avinox M1 motor is neatly and deeply integrated into the carbon frame. It delivers 105 Nm of torque, with short peaks of up to 120 Nm in Boost mode, along with 1,000 watts peak power – which, following a software update, is now continuously available in Turbo mode. However, Forbidden intentionally ship their bikes set to 750 watts and 105 Nm to avoid stirring up regulatory concerns and out of a sense of responsibility towards the market. So if you want to unlock the full power, you’ll need to make that decision consciously and change the settings in the app yourself. The motor draws its power from a permanently integrated 800 Wh battery, which can be swapped out on both the LitE and CorE models for a lighter 600 Wh variant. The standard 800 Wh battery is charged using the supplied 168-watt charger, which takes a hefty four hours and 45 minutes to reach full capacity. A shame, really– because that means the DJI motor system’s full potential remains untapped. The good news: you can upgrade later with the 508-watt fast charger available on the aftermarket, which nearly halves charging time to just two hours and 25 minutes. Other manufacturers like AMFLOW and UNNO take a bolder approach and include the fast charger even with their entry-level models.

Our tip: invest in the fast charger – it’ll set you back around € 250, but it’ll save you valuable time. At least the charging port is easy to access, positioned just above the motor, and the cover closes securely with a satisfying feel. The motor system is controlled via the usual handlebar remotes, which are easy and intuitive to operate even with gloves. Forbidden have arranged the modes as follows: Off, Eco, Trail, Turbo, Auto and Boost. The 2-inch touchscreen neatly integrated into the top tube impresses, too, offering a USB-C charging port and a wealth of information – without overwhelming you with a ton of information.

RockShox supply the top-tier Ultimate suspension, which consists of a 160 mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork with Charger 3.1 damper, and a RockShox Vivid Ultimate air shock managing 150 mm of travel at the rear. If you want more travel up front, you can use a fork with up to 170 mm of travel. SRAM’s MAVEN Ultimate four-piston brakes do stopping duties together with200 mm rotors front and rear, delivering powerful, reliable deceleration. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM Eagle X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain, which delivers butter-smooth gear shifts even under load. Forbidden also designed the frame to be compatible with a mechanical drivetrain, so you’ve got the option to retrofit one if needed.

The OneUp dropper post has a very generous 210 mm of travel in size S3, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement on the descents. The Canadian component manufacturer also supplies the OneUp alloy handlebars. The Druid CorE rolls on a Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheelset in a mullet configuration – with a bigger 29″ wheel at the front and smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. For the tires, Forbidden rely on MAXXIS, combining a High Roller in the soft MaxxGrip compound and EXO+ casing at the front and a Minion DHR II at the rear with the firmer MaxxTerra compound and sturdy Doubledown casing – a top combination! Our test bike retails at € 11,899 and, according to the manufacturer, tips the scales at 22.6 kg.

The Forbidden Druid LitE 1 in Detail

Forbidden Druid LitE 1 | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 20.8 kg (Manufacturer’s specifications) |29”/27,5” | € 11,699

The Forbidden Druid LitE shares the same carbon frame and powerful DJI Avinox motor with 800 Wh battery as the CorE version, but opts for a more trail-oriented spec. According to Forbidden’s own statement, this trims around 1.8 kg off the weight, bringing the LitE down to a lean 20.8 kg. At € 11,699, however, it sits almost shoulder to shoulder with the CorE 1 in terms of pricing, saving you just € 200.

The Druid LitE comes equipped with a 150 mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork with the latest Charger 3.1 damper, and a matching RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock controlling 140 mm of travel at the rear. Forbidden have also saved weight in the cockpit area by fitting a lightweight OneUp carbon handlebar in place of the alloy version used on the CorE.

The rest of the high-end spec remains unchanged: SRAM MAVEN Ultimate brakes with 200 mm rotors ensure reliable deceleration, while an electronic SRAM Eagle X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain shifts precisely and consistently, even under load. The Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheelset in mullet configuration is also carried over from the CorE.

Where things differ is in the tire choice, which is a bit less aggressive on the LitE. Up front, you get a MAXXIS ASSEGAI in the firmer MaxxTerra compound with a lightweight EXO casing. At the rear, there’s a Minion DHR II with the same rubber compound and the slightly sturdier EXO+ casing.

Tuning tips:

• If you’re after more control and better puncture protection – and want to prevent those carbon wheels from getting damaged – you should consider upgrading the front tire to the softer MaxxGrip compound for improved grip, and switching to the tougher EXO+ casing.
• Heavier riders will also benefit from a rear tire with the tougher Doubledown casing.
• Don’t forget to pick up DJI’s fast charger on the aftermarket – it’ll cut your charging time in half.

Other spec options for the Forbidden Druid CorE & LitE

Alongside the top-tier Druid CorE 1 we tested, Forbidden also offer two more affordable versions. All spec variants come in either the Electric Teal or Slated paint finish.

Forbidden Druid CorE 2 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 29”/27,5” | € 10,199

The Druid CorE 2, which retails at € 10,199, also features a RockShox suspension– this time from the more affordable Select+ series. Forbidden combine a ZEB Select+ fork up front and a Vivid Select+ shock at the rear. SRAM MAVEN Silver four-piston brakes do stopping duties, while shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM Eagle GX AXS Transmission drivetrain, which offers the same reliable performance as its higher-end sibling, just with a bit of extra weight. This model rolls on a Crankbrothers Synthesis aluminium wheelset rather than on carbon rims.

Forbidden Druid CorE 3 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 29”/27,5” | € 8,999

The entry point is the Druid CorE 3, which costs € 8,999. Forbidden have gone with a RockShox Select+ suspension setup here, paired with SRAM MAVEN brakes. Shifting is handled by the mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission, while the wheelset features Race Face ARC Offset aluminium rims.

Top marks: all three CorE models come standard with a well-thought-out MAXXIS tire combo – High Roller (MaxxGrip/EXO+) up front and Minion DHR II (MaxxTerra/Doubledown) at the rear.

The Forbidden Druid LitE is also available in three spec variants, all finished in the striking Ride the Lightning colourway.

Forbidden Druid LitE 2 | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 29”/27,5” | € 9,999

Priced at € 9,999, the LitE 2 model comes equipped with a RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and a matching Super Deluxe Select+ shock. It also features powerful SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes, the electronic SRAM Eagle GX AXS Transmission drivetrain, and a tough Crankbrothers Synthesis aluminium wheelset.

Forbidden Druid LitE 3 | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 29”/27,5” | € 8,699

The LitE 3 model comes in at € 8,699 and features the same RockShox suspension setup as the LitE 2. However, it comes with a Race Face ARC Offset aluminium wheelset, SRAM MAVEN brakes and a mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission drivetrain.

The geometry of the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 & LitE 1

Both the Forbidden Druid CorE and LitE are available in four frame sizes, S1 to S4. Every size – even the smallest – comes with the fully integrated 800 Wh battery. If you’re wondering why we think that Forbidden’s unique sizing concept makes so much sense, check out the full article to find out more. Both bikes share the same carbon main frame and mullet wheel configuration with a 29″ wheel at the front and smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. Our test bike in size S3 has a relatively short reach of 467 mm, while the chainstays are notably long at 456 mm on both the CorE and LitE – true to Forbidden’s design philosophy. The chainstays grow with the frame size, ensuring consistent handling across all sizes.

The head angle sits on the slacker side at 64° for the CorE and 64.6° for the LitE, while the seat tube angles are a modern 76.5° and 77.4°, respectively. Forbidden deliberately left out a flip chip on both models. A great touch: even in size S3, a 210 mm dropper post can be pushed all the way into the frame – brilliant!

Druid CorE

Druid LitE

Forbidden fruit? – The Forbidden Druid CorE 1 on the trail

As soon as you swing a leg over the saddle, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 places you in a fairly compact yet well-balanced position, making you feel nicely integrated into the frame. The relatively short reach brings you closer to the cockpit, putting slightly more weight onto your hands than on the saddle – keeping plenty of pressure on the front wheel at all times. On fireroads, the suspension responds sensitively, soaking up small roots and bumps with ease, though it’s tuned on the firmer side overall. The rear end doesn’t bob noticeably when pedalling and is surprisingly efficient, with very little bob.

When tackling the first uphill trail, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 is surprisingly capable on the climbs. The rear suspension, combined with the long chainstays, delivers impressive traction, and the tires really dig into the terrain. Even on seriously technical climbs with steep pitches, loose surfaces and rooty sections, the Druid CorE 1 stays composed. The front end always remains planted, making it easy to steer the bike, and only in ultra-steep sections does the front wheel start to lift slightly. The DJI Avinox M1 motor provides strong support in all situations, but delivers its power smoothly and in a controlled manner rather than jumping forward abruptly. Even at low pedalling cadences, the motor pushes with determination. Thanks to the US software version on our test bike, we were flying up the gravel road at speeds of up to 32 km/h.

As soon as the trail points downhill, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 inspires confidence from the get go. The tall front end integrates you deeply into the bike, which really boosts trust, especially in steep terrain. The handling is spot on, with direct response to steering input, yet the Druid is also forgiving, bailing you out when you make a mistake.

Through the first corners, the CorE 1 feels easy to control and, despite the relatively long chainstays, it’s still agile enough to whip through tight turns without major drama. That said, getting the front wheel up for a manual does take a bit more effort – the Druid doesn’t pop onto the back wheel quite as easily. The suspension of the CorE 1 is definitely on the firmer side, which helps you carry speed and transfer rider input straight into the trail without losing anything in the squish. Whether you’re pumping through rollers or railing berms, the bike encourages you to squeeze every bit of speed out of the terrain.

On jump-heavy trails, the Forbidden feels stable and predictable in the air, and its high-pivot rear end comes into its own the moment you touch down. Thanks to its rearward axle path, the wheelbase actually lengthens as the suspension compresses – unlike traditional designs with a lower main pivot, where the wheelbase shortens under load. This has several advantages: the head angle remains stable, and the bike feels more controlled when you land, especially with heavy impacts and big drops.

On fast, rough trails and when rolling over roots or rocks, that rearward axle movement allows the rear wheel to glide over obstacles more smoothly rather than slamming into them. As a result, the Druid CorE maintains the speed better, and delivers a noticeably calmer, more composed ride.

This becomes especially clear when the trail gets rough and you come charging out of the last corner straight into a nasty root carpet or rock garden. The Druid CorE’s composure is impressive – it makes you forget you’re “only” riding 160 mm up front and 150 mm at the rear. It ploughs confidently through choppy terrain, blasts through technical lines and stays planted even at high speeds.

That said, on very long descents the front end can feel noticeably firm, mainly due to the stiff casting of the ZEB fork combined with the Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheels. While the wheels offer a surprising amount of compliance for carbon and are definitely among our favourites, if you’ve already clocked a few thousand metres of descending – as we had a few days before – you’ll eventually start to feel it in the form of arm pump. We also noticed a slight rattling sound on the roughest trails, likely coming from the internal cable routing. It’s subtle and only really noticeable if you’re listening for it. On moderate trails, though, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 runs pleasingly quiet.

Trail time = fun time – the Forbidden Druid LitE 1 on the trail

On the climbs, the Druid LitE 1 proves to be even more eager than its big brother – thanks to the slightly lower weight and steeper seat angle. With 150 mm of travel up front and 140 mm at the rear, the Forbidden Druid LitE delivers exactly what the numbers promise. The firm suspension feels honest and direct, turning every undulation into forward momentum. It rewards an active riding style with plenty of feedback and control. Smaller rocks, roots or ledges are either smoothed out with ease or popped off effortlessly, making it a playful and responsive ride.

The Druid LitE thrives on berms, fast lines and tearing through twisty trails like a greyhound chasing a rabbit. Handling is sharp and responsive, yet never twitchy. When the trail gets rough, the LitE 1 shows it has more in reserve than the spec sheet might suggest at first glance. While it doesn’t quite match the composed character of the Druid CorE 1, it certainly holds its own on rugged terrain. With an active riding style and a bit more rider input, the LitE 1 can be pushed surprisingly hard through technical sections. It holds its line well, inspires confidence, and strikes that sweet spot between agility and control that makes it easy to keep the gas open – even when things get tricky. Bottom line: the Druid LitE is far more than just a slimmed-down version of the CorE. It’s the more agile, lighter and livelier sibling – but still packs plenty of punch.

How does the Forbidden stack up against the UNNO & AMFLOW?

While we haven’t yet ridden the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 back-to-back with the AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro and the UNNO Mith Pro, our experience testing all three eMTBs equipped with the DJI Avinox M1 motor allows for an initial comparison.

On climbs and technical ascents, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 slots in just behind the AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro, which still holds the top spot among DJI-powered bikes when it comes to uphill performance. The UNNO Mith Pro falls short here– its front lifts too easily and the rear end struggles to generate traction.

When the trail turns fast, rough and rowdy, the Druid CorE 1 comes into its own. With its high stability, sporty-firm suspension and excellent tracking, it positions itself just behind the downhill-oriented UNNO Mith Pro, which adds another layer of downhill aggression thanks to its uncompromising race DNA. On the other hand, with its more trail-oriented geometry, spec and lower front end, theAMFLOW has to dial things back noticeably in these conditions.

On flow trails, the Druid CorE 1 reveals a surprising level of versatility. It generates speed with every pump and invites you to ride it actively down the trail. The AMFLOW follows not far behind, while the UNNOsettles somewhere in the middle of the pack with its more sluggish, demanding handling and softer suspension.

All things considered, the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 stands out as the best all-rounder among the DJI-powered e-MTBs we’ve tested so far. It combines strong climbing performance with confident descending and gets just about everything right.

Who should take a closer look at the Forbidden Druid CorE & LitE?

The Forbidden Druid CorE 1 is aimed at sporty riders looking for a versatile and capable eMTB that offers rock-solid composure on the descents, impressive climbing ability and direct, precise handling. If you enjoy riding actively, thrive on technical trails and like pushing your bike to its limits, this one’s for you.

The Druid LitE 1, on the other hand, is made for trail enthusiasts who want a slightly more nimble bike for playful singletrack and tricky climbs. Despite its shorter travel and more trail-focused build, the LitE still packs a punch when things get rough.

That said, both bikes are built for active riders, not passengers. If you’re willing to ride dynamically, you’ll be well rewarded.

Conclusions about the Forbidden Druid CorE 1 & LitE 1

With the Druid CorE and LitE, Forbidden have made a strong eMTB debut – bikes that not only look the part but also perform impressively on the trail. The high-pivot rear suspension offers impressive composure and traction, while the finely tuned DJI Avinox motor provides powerful yet controlled support on the climbs. The CorE stands out as a capable all-rounder with a wide range of use cases, while the LitE shines with its agile character – especially on flow trails – yet doesn’t back down when things get rough. Both models benefit from an impressively low system weight and a firm suspension system that rewards an active riding style. The lack of a fast charger and the steep price do take away a few points, but overall, Forbidden created the most versatile DJI-equipped e-MTB on the market to date.

More infos at forbidden.com.

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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Benedikt Schmidt, Ollie Blight