A awning motor is a tubular motor that is fitted into the awning's fabric roller and extends and retracts the fabric electrically. It replaces the hand crank or a defective old motor. Vent Systems supplies A-OK awning motors for folding-arm, cassette and drop-arm awnings as well as vertical awnings and screens.
In brief: To choose, we need the fabric roller diameter, the awning size (width and projection) and the desired control. Because of the spring force of the folding arms, awnings need considerably more torque than roller shutters of the same width.
Which awning motor fits?
| Your situation | Suitable solution |
|---|---|
| Folding-arm awning with hand crank | AM45 (10 to 65 Nm) or AM60 (60 to 140 Nm), crank gear removed |
| Manual operation during power failure required | Motor with integrated emergency crank |
| Cassette awning, motor defective | Replacement motor with adapter for the existing fabric roller |
| Vertical awning or screen | Tubular motor with lower torque, depending on fabric weight |
| Awning should retract automatically in wind | Radio motor with wind or sun-wind sensor |
| Control from several locations | Radio motor with handheld and wall transmitter |
Torque for awnings
With folding-arm awnings, the required torque is determined mainly by the spring tension of the arms rather than the fabric weight. It rises sharply with width and projection. There is no simple formula as for roller shutters. The awning manufacturer's data or the rating of the previous motor are decisive – if it is on the type plate, choose at least the same value.
As a guide, A-OK's selection table gives about 25 to 120 Nm for folding-arm awnings depending on width, projection and number of arms, with fabric tubes of 63/70, 78 or 85 mm diameter.
Order directly in the shop
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A-OK AM45E awning motor with emergency hand crank 30–50 Nm
from 125,00 € (148,75 € VAT included.)net, plus VATexcl. VAT
plus Shipping costs
Delivery time: on request
A-OK awning motors at a glance
| Series | Torque | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| AM45 | 10 to 65 Nm | mechanical limits, wired or radio (433 MHz), optionally with emergency crank |
| AM45 electronic awning motor | depending on model | bidirectional 868 MHz radio, fabric relief after retracting, end position correction every 25 cycles, optional 24 V output for LED strip, Wi-Fi or Zigbee |
| AM45 battery awning motor | 50 Nm | built-in lithium battery, solar charging, 868 MHz radio with Zigbee |
| AM60 | 60 to 140 Nm | for large awnings, mechanical or electronic, optionally with emergency crank |
Suitable sensors: wind sensor AC303 and wind, light and rain sensors AC301/AC302. All data: A-OK catalogue 2026 exterior (PDF).
A motorised awning in 5 steps
- Note the awning type, width and projection.
- Measure the fabric roller diameter; if there is a motor, photograph its type plate.
- Choose the control: switch, radio transmitter, sensors.
- Send us the data; we select motor, adapter and accessories.
- Remove the crank gear, insert the motor, set the end positions, have it connected by an electrician.
Safety and connection
The folding arms are under high spring tension, so work on the awning should be done by specialists. The 230 V connection must be made by a qualified electrician. A wind sensor protects the fabric and mechanism but does not replace retracting the awning in a storm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I motorise a crank awning later?
In most cases, yes. The motor slides into the fabric roller and the crank gear is removed. A power supply near the awning is required.
Does the awning retract automatically in wind?
Yes, with a radio motor and a wind or sun-wind sensor. A simple switch does not retract automatically.
Can I replace a defective branded motor?
Yes, as an alternative to motors from established manufacturers such as Somfy, Becker, Elero or Selve. Radio systems from different manufacturers are not compatible with each other, so the transmitter is replaced as well.
How much does an awning motor cost?
With us, an awning motor with emergency hand crank costs from €125 net (€149 incl. VAT), with radio from €165 net. A simple mechanical 45 mm tubular motor for awnings starts at €65 net. Torque, control and whether an emergency crank is needed are decisive.
| Motor | Version | net | incl. 19% VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-OK AM45E awning motor | 30–50 Nm, emergency hand crank, cable or radio | 125–190 € | 149–226 € |
| A-OK AM45 mechanical tubular motor | 45 mm, 15–50 Nm, wall switch | 65–97 € | 77–115 € |
Consultation and offer
Send us the awning type, width, projection, shaft diameter and, if available, a photo of the type plate. Phone 040 50694631 (Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm) or via the Contact form. All motors at a glance: Sun protection motors. Other applications: roller shutter motor, Venetian blind motor and Roller blind and curtain motors.
In the glossary: Tubular motor · Emergency hand crank
Technically reviewed by Dietmar Heiken, Sales, Vent Systems HDI GmbH, Hamburg – around 20 years of industry experience. Questions? Phone +49 40 50694631 or info@ventsystems.de
Last updated: 27.10.2026
Questions? 040 50694631 · info@ventsystems.de
