trek lightweight emtb

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6 lightweight emtbs tested and compared!

• Author Knut Nes
• Publish date Nov 24, 2022
• Article read time 17 min read
• Tags lightweight review superlight

An introduction to Lightweight​

Branches of emtbs​

The contenders​

2022 orbea rise h30 - € 5.299​.

2022 Rotwild R.X375 Core - € 7.499​

2022 Orbea Rise M10 - € 8.299​

2022 Forestal Cyon Halo - € 9.699​

2023 Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 - € 10.499​

2023 Trek Fuel EX-e 9.9 AXS - € 15.499​

Climbing with a lightweight emtb​

Riding mellow, flat and low speed​

Going down, going fast​

Motors​

Batteries​

Range​.

Walk assist​

Displays​

Durability and serviceability​

Conclusion​

Winner?​

Started mountainbiking in the 90s. Moved to emtbs in 2014 and have been reviewing them since 2016. Contact me here https://emtb.no/contact/

• Nov 28, 2022

Tyres are so terrain specific it seems a shame to have gone to the effort of comparing all these bikes but then not to have used a set of control tyres that were well matched to the test area. That would have allowed the comparison of descending and climbing performance to focus more on the characteristics of the bike and suspension platform rather than the tyres. Also worth noting you can add a normal Shimano display to the Rise for about £100, you just plug it in place of that little display.  

• Nov 29, 2022

Another great review Knut! Thanks for doing it. I'm pretty sold on the Fazua 60 but wouldn't consider the Pivot for my needs. So patiently awaiting other options.  

• Dec 1, 2022

Great comparison! I think it would be great if there were a few sentences discussing long term ownership of these systems and how easy they are to repair though (e.g. no spare parts for Shimano, it's replacement only!)  

robbydobs said: Great comparison! I think it would be great if there were a few sentences discussing long term ownership of these systems and how easy they are to repair though (e.g. no spare parts for Shimano, it's replacement only!) Click to expand...

• Feb 17, 2023

Great review, thanks! Did you weigh the bikes? I see so many different figures for the weight on lightweights that I'm at a loss to which one to get!  

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Review: Trek's 2023 Fuel EX-e Is Light & Nearly Completely Silent

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Review: Trek Fuel EXe eMTB smashes rough trails & climbs like (you’re) a beast

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The Trek Fuel EXe is a bit of an outlier in the current e-MTB market. Most e-mountain bikes fall into one of two categories: High-powered, long-travel beasts, or lightweight, short-travel models with lower-power systems.

The Fuel EXe sits in the middle, with 150/140mm travel and generous, adjustable trail geometry, and the new TQ HPR50 motor that’s ultra-quiet with moderate output. And it works, delivering a balanced, capable bike and an extremely fun ride experience.

If you’re looking for an eMTB that rides like a trail bike and helps you conquer bigger trails and longer days, here’s everything you need to know about the Trek Fuel EXe…

The Quick Overview

The Trek Fuel EXe translates their popular Fuel EX trail bike line into an electric-assist model that “empowers you to do more, without interrupting the way you experience nature.” That was the goal, and they nailed it.

It starts with a full OCLV carbon frame with fully internal routing and integrated TQ HPR50 drive system. The tiny motor sits where the BB is and still allows short 440mm chainstays. The 360Wh battery sits in the downtube and the power button/system monitor is flush in the top tube.

A simple two-button remote is barely visible on the bars. It cycles through the modes, initiates Walk Mode, and a long press of the lower button will turn off all assist. Meaning, default is Eco mode, you have to hold the lower button for about 3 seconds to turn assist off…I wish it was just a quick press as for the other modes.

The bike has 29er wheels front and rear, 140mm rear travel paired to 150mm forks, a 65º head angle, and 77º effective seat angle (in Low position; their Mino link flip-chip lets you tweak the geo by 0.5º steeper in High).

Size-specific dropper posts range from 120mm to 170mm in travel depending on frame size. All sizes get 165mm cranks.

Check our launch coverage for the full tech story on this bike.

How’s the TQ motor?

It’s brilliant. Until I thought to pay attention to it, I heard nothing.

And when I was paying attention, it sounds like a light, barely perceptible whistling of the wind.

The sound of my friend’s regular eMTB riding 20 feet behind me drowned out any noise from this bike.

Basically, noise is no issue here, not even at maximum power. You truly do hear nature, not the bike.

This is because the motor has no belts or gears. Trek has a great breakaway view of it , and we covered the tech in depth if you’d like to dig deeper.

The TL;DR is this: It’s ultra quiet, pumps out smooth power delivery, and 50Nm of torque is plenty to help you along the trail and up the hills. It’s also ultra-light, weighing 2.5+ pounds less than competitors’ larger 85-90Nm motors. As such, it uses a smaller, lighter battery without giving up range or ride time.

What about battery life?

Trek claims 2-5 hours of ride time per charge. With judicious use of Eco mode, I routinely got more than 3 hours of riding on a single charge. That means mixed use of mostly in Eco but using Trail mode on most climbs and Turbo on the steepest climbs.

Fortunately, Eco felt just right when pedaling along. Trail was fun, and a bit faster, but mostly not necessary for keeping up with others.

That said, when riding with others on eMTBs with more powerful systems, it was clear that they were faster. But on the trail, in the woods, things evened out enough that we all just rode together perfectly fine. I never felt under-gunned unless we were nailing it up a smooth fire road.

A 160Wh Range Extender is available for $599 and adds 44% more capacity. It’ll take up the single bottle cage on the bike, but it’s worth it for big days when range anxiety is a real thing. Personally, I’d add it to the cart.

One note: Fresh out of the box, TQ says the system needs a few full charge and discharge cycles to accurately estimate range and battery life.

My first ride’s assistance abruptly ended with 7% battery showing on the display. My second ride ended at 3%.

Subsequent rides are getting closer to 0%, but even at 0% showing, there’s a small reserve left to power the electronics. Which is crucial because the SRAM AXS rear derailleur is plugged into and powered by the bike…not its own battery.

Starting with 1%, I still managed to get 2.5+ hours of riding out of it before it finally, fully shut down and left me with a single speed.

Yes, you can borrow the battery from the Reverb AXS and use that, but then the wire and plug leading to the derailleur are left dangling about… and likely to get ripped off or sucked up into the chain.

Fortunately, the system also charges quickly, getting to about 80% in about 90 minutes, and fully charged in about 2.5 hours.

It’s worth noting that when TQ’s system drops below 10% charge, it limits output to Eco mode regardless of the setting you choose. This helps ensure you maximize your range.

Why not just get a high-powered eMTB?

I’ve been asked, “yeah, but if you’re paying for an eMTB, why not just get a high-powered e-MTB?”

That’s a good question. I have a couple of good answers.

First, this bike is a lot lighter, at least 10lbs lighter. It’s entirely pedal-able even without assist, something I unwittingly proved when I showed up at the trailhead and realized I hadn’t charged it.

Three hours later, I was spent, but had a great time riding. Granted, this was on flowing trails without any massive, long climbs, but I still had hundreds of little punchy climbs and sprints to get up and down the trail.

Second, full power feels about like half power compared to a top-level Bosch- or Shimano-equipped bike. But that’s OK. The Fuel EXe’s output feels more natural, so if you’re looking for an e-bike that rides like a regular bike, this is it. It just lets you get a little further a little faster. Big days can be bigger. Little days can be a little faster.

On loose, technical, or entirely too steep climbs, I actually preferred the lower output of the Fuel EX-e. It was more than enough to help me up (I still had to work), but it wasn’t spinning out or lurching out of control where more powerful bikes were. It makes really steep, sketchy climbs more manageable.

But if you want more power, check out the Trek Rail . If you want no power, we reviewed the non-electric version of this 2023 Trek Fuel EX with this same spec, too.

How much does the Trek Fuel EXe weigh?

I tested the top of the line Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS in size XL. It weighed in at 41lb 11oz (18.76kg) without pedals…and that’s with an impressive (and expensive) mix of both lightweight and tech-laden parts.

Trek says the entire TQ HPR50 system adds just 3.9kg (8lb 10oz). The EXe is only about 10lbs more than the nearly identical-looking standard Fuel EX, so they didn’t add much beyond the TQ system to make it an e-bike.

The frame feels stiff and robust. The tires are big and meaty.

The bike looks tough, with square-ish tube profiles and wide cross sections. All of that adds up to an extremely laterally stiff frame.

The one-piece RSL handlebar stem and Line Pro 30 carbon wheels save weight, but as a percentage of total bike weight, they’re not making the same impact they would on an analog bike. And, at 820mm wide (on all frame sizes!) it’s really wide…if it were mine, I’d cut it down (they include marks measured to 740mm).

I’d also probably switch the grips to something with a bit more vibration damping. If you choose a model with a standard handlebar and stem, I’d recommend something like the OneUp or Race Face trail handlebars with added compliance.

Too much tech?

Other spec highlights on this particular trim level include a complete SRAM AirWiz and TireWiz system, offering remote tire pressure and fork & shock pressure monitoring.

The Trek App shows recommended tire, fork, and shock pressures based on your riding weight, along with starter rebound settings. With AirWiz/TireWiz installed, their app will also show current actual pressures, too.

Check it there, or just look for the blinking lights on the bike to be green, and you’re good to go. Red lights mean something’s out of the recommended range.

I found that the recommended tire pressure settings were a tad high. I ended up at 22psi front and rear with no issues (I’m about 192-195lbs fully kitted out, ready to ride).

The Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 29×2.5 tires are excellent, I run them on some of my other bikes, too. Like most aggressive trail tires, and particularly those spec’d on e-bikes, the casings are stiffer and can take a lot of abuse, so lower pressures help improve ride feel. I may still go a bit lower.

At 22psi, they’ll mold to the ground and take a hit, but I still haven’t felt a rim strike despite some obvious deformation over roots and rocks.

The rear shock’s air pressure recommendation was spot on, giving me full travel on the big days.

The fork, however, was too high. Trek recommended 102psi, but even at 87psi I was only getting ~85% travel. I’m still tinkering here, down to 84psi, but the takeaway is that you don’t have to stick to the recommended settings.

And, once you find what you like, you can use the Trek (or SRAM’s AXS) app to manually set your preferences. If the bike has the Air/TireWiz devices, those will be updated to blink red/green accordingly, too.

Personally, I think the Wiz devices are clever, but overkill, and they definitely add cost. I like that I can set my preferences and use the Trek app to save them (because I will definitely forget), but I could take or leave the extra electronics on the bike…and, if I were shopping, would probably opt not to pay for that tech here.

How does the Trek Fuel EX-e ride?

In short? It rides like an aggressive trail bike. A really good aggressive trail bike.

Trek’s ABP suspension is efficient and effective. There’s a lockout switch on the rear shock, but in most instances it’s not needed. I only used it on long fire road stretches or when riding the road to the trails. Once on the dirt, it stays open with no issues on sprints, standing climbing, or just powering along.

On the descents, I could smash through extended rock and root sections, prevalent on the trails at Carven’s Cove near Roanoke.

While I’m still fiddling with the fork’s air pressure to improve small bump and low speed comfort, the Lyrik Ultimate on this bike absolutely demolished high speed hits.

Combined with the stiff frame and capable tires, the Fuel EXe inspires a lot of confidence at speed over gnarly terrain.

The suspension stays active under power, which is good because I (like most eMTB riders, according to research) tend to stay seated more often on e-mountain bikes. The motorized assist helps a rider power through rough stuff in theory, and a good suspension platform like this makes it happen in reality.

The Fuel EXe hammers through the rough stuff when standing, too, maintaining traction.

Situations like these, where a little bounce and skip is inevitable is another argument in favor of moderate power output from the motor. Never once did I spin out, and never did I really wish for more power. It’s a good balance.

The bike’s geometry is perfectly balanced, too. I could easily maintain rear traction while keeping the front wheel firmly on the ground, even on some monstrous 18%+ loose, rutted fire road climbs.

Even the bike’s weight feels well-balanced, in terms of handling. Jumps feel natural…

…as do drop-ins…

…and drop offs.

But there’s a definite heft to getting the front wheel up and over logs or rocks.

The result was that I’d just smash into stuff that I would usually pop up and over on a regular bike. Up to a point, of course … there are some things you simply have to lift the wheel up and over, so just know that it takes more effort.

Which means riding this bike, despite its relative light weight, is more of a full-body workout, as is any eMTB. And I feel like I pedaled more consistently and turned more total revolutions, many times also riding a bit longer than I otherwise would have.

The point is, at the end of each ride, I was all grins and knew quite well that I’d earned them. Well done, Trek.

TrekBikes.com

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com , where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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Great review!!

Thank you for the thorough review! Did you happen to test it out on jumps? I’m hoping that the reduced weight makes it feel more natural off of jumps compared to the heavier e-bikes but haven’t seen that discussed yet.

Caution: If you are like me, and ride small frame bikes, right now they are very difficult to come by. I recently ordered the Trek Fuel EXe 9.8 and it has an early arrival date of January. Other companies are into spring.

Hoping to pick up my 9.7 in early November. Excellent review.

Great review. You rode an XL but never mentioned your height. Did it feel long? I’m 6’1 190 and debating L vs XL

What the long-term plan from TQ on motor footprint/mounting. If the motor goes in 5-10 years, is the bike basically trash?

It’s still just a Trek. I guess we thank Giant for the fine work?

Also, TQ was having a heckuva time keeping up with demand in Europe, so time will tell how successful this bike will be service-wise.

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Best lightweight electric mountain bikes 2024 | 7 top-rated light eMTBs, plus our buyer's guide

We explain the different types of lightweight eMTBs and share our favourites

Laurence Crossman-Emms / Our Media

Finlay Anderson

The recipe for the best lightweight electric mountain bike is a hotly debated topic. 

Some manufacturers co-develop drive units with motor specialists, while others fit off-the-shelf models. 

Other producers think lightweight ebikes should have a cross-country bias, while others go all-in with big-travel rigs designed for enduro racing . Most opt for a trail-focused middle ground. 

Whatever approach is taken, weight, battery life and power need to be balanced perfectly to create a bike that feels much more like a regular mountain bike in its weight and handling, while also enabling the user to benefit from the extra assistance of the motor.

In this guide, we’ve brought together the best lightweight eMTBs as tested by the BikeRadar MTB team. Between them, the team have tested all the entries in our pick of the best electric mountain bikes and tracked the development of this burgeoning bike category.

They're also the brains behind our annual Electric Mountain Bike of the Year category in our industry-leading Bike of the Year mega-test. 

For more on what to look for when buying a lightweight eMTB, read our buyer’s guide at the bottom of this article .

Best lightweight electric mountain bikes 

Focus jam2 sl 9.9 .

• £7,499 / €8,499 / AU$14,499 as tested
• Pros: Impeccable performance; powerful and frugal motor
• Cons: Stock tyres are inadequate; Fauza ring controller feels cheap

The Focus JAM2 SL is the German brand’s lightweight electric mountain bike. It has 150mm of travel and is powered by Fazua’s Ride 60 motor and a 430Wh battery.

With its two geometry-adjusting flip chips and capable suspension, we found the JAM2 SL to be right at home on both trail and enduro terrain, making the bike seriously fun on a variety of trails.

The only thing holding the Focus back was the lightweight tyres, though this is easily corrected.

Although a lot of money, the £7,499 price tag represents good value when you study the Focus’ spec. Yes, you’ll need to upgrade the tyres, but once you’ve done so, that’ll be it.

• Read our full Focus JAM2 SL 9.9 review

Orbea Rise H10

• £6,623 / $8,000 / €7,100 / AU$12,600 as tested
• Pros: Well-finished alloy frame; throttled-down Shimano EP8 motor gives natural ride feel
• Cons: Limited seatpost clearance; uncomfortable saddle

The Orbea Rise H10 is an aluminium ebike that sits somewhere between the lightweight and ‘full-power’ categories. It boasts a larger battery than most SL options, at 540Wh, and is powered by a 60Nm Shimano EP8 motor that’s throttled down to limit its torque and extend range. 

The H10’s frame has nicely smoothed welds at the top tube junctions that could fool you into thinking it’s carbon, and side-on it’s not obvious there’s a battery in the down tube either. The geometry is trail-oriented and modern, but not cutting-edge.

With its higher-torque motor, the Rise feels more powerful on climbs and can handle rougher, steeper trails. 

• Read our full Orbea Rise H10 review

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL

• £13,000 as tested
• Pros: Incredibly wide performance band; adaptable geometry
• Cons: Inadequate rear-tyre casing; cost

The latest S-Works Turbo Levo SL uses Specialized’s ‘semi-skimmed’ Turbo SL 1.2 motor that has 50Nm of torque and 320W of power. A 320Wh battery is tucked into the sleek carbon down tube.

Boasting 160/150mm of travel, the bike feels comfortable on all types of terrain, while maintaining an impressive capability when the going gets tough.

Specialized has given the bike adjustable geometry, and allows the bike to be run as a mullet setup .

The spec list, featuring Fox Factory suspension and SRAM’s XX Eagle Transmission, combined with its capable geometry, makes the bike a masterpiece at pace, though this comes at a cost.

• Read our full Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL review

Whyte ELyte 150 Works

• £9,999 as tested
• Pros: Excellent geometry; supple suspension; brilliantly specced; relatively light; good battery life
• Cons: Motor cadence sweet spot; 36t chainring and weedy stock rear tyre

Whyte's debut lightweight carbon fibre eMTB seriously impresses and is one of the best lightweight eMTBs currently on the market.

Sporting a Bosch Performance Line SX motor with 55Nm of torque and up to 600Nm of power, the seated climbing position is comfortable and neutral but you need to ride hard to get the most from it on descents.

This halo model runs on a 150mm-travel Fox 36 Factory Fork and a Float X Factory Shock with 142mm travel. Rounding out the build is a SRAM XO Eagle AXS Transmission groupset, Hope Tech4 V4 brakes and Whyte's own carbon fibre rims laced to Hope Pro 5 hubs.

We found the bike's handling to be calm and composed, with everything feeling as though it's in the right place.

We'd recommend swapping the chainring to a 32t option because the motor favours a higher cadence and even superhuman riders will struggle to keep momentum up.

• Read our full Whyte ELyte 150 Works review

Haibike Lyke CF 11

• £6,799 / €7,999 as tested
• Pros: Sorted suspension; value for money
• Cons: Unsuitable tyres; messy cable routing

Haibike’s debut in the lightweight eMTB market combines sorted geometry and suspension with a powerful and frugal motor for impressive performance.

The Lyke CF 11 provides plenty of support uphill, with the Fazua Ride 60 motor delivering 60Nm of torque and up to 450W of power taken from a 430Wh battery located in the down tube of the carbon frame.

Pointed downhill, the Haibike punches well above its diminutive 140mm-travel suspension figure; its kinematics and balanced geometry eke out more performance than you’d initially expect.

Spec-wise, the Shimano XT /SLX hybrid groupset, Fox 36 Performance fork and Fox Float DPS Performance shock help make this bike seriously good value for money.

• Read our full Haibike Lyke CF 11 review

Forestal Cyon Neon 

• £10,999 / $11,799 as tested
• Pros: Supportive suspension; balanced geometry
• Cons: Pike fork is under-gunned; stock tyres not suitable

Forestal’s 150mm-travel Cyon is a solid performer, typifying the qualities of the best trail bikes .

The Bafang-built EonDrive motor provides a punchy 60Nm of torque and 250Wh of nominal power, which comes from a 360Wh battery in the down tube.

Not one for minimalists, Forestal’s touchscreen control panel boasts a plethora of in-built functionality such as GPS, WiFi, maps, ride recording and statistics.

On the trail, the Cyon’s stiffer-than-average setup makes the bike less comfortable than others at slower speeds, but provides stability when it’s ridden hard, nullifying the harshest of bumps.

​​We found the RockShox Pike Ultimate to be a little under-gunned, being easily overwhelmed by the capability of the rear end.

• Read our full Forestal Cyon Neon review

Scott Lumen eRide 910

• £6,499 as tested
• Pros: Punchy motor makes climbing fun; rear suspension is capable up and downhill
• Cons: Tyres limit descending potential; a lot of levers and buttons for your left thumb

With its integrated rear shock and sleek carbon frame, the Scott Lumen cuts a futuristic silhouette. Boasting 130mm of travel and 29in wheels , the Lumen is designed to cover ground and smash out local trail laps. 

Powered by TQ’s HPR50 motor, it dishes out a punchy 50Nm torque and 300W peak power and is powered by a 360Wh integrated battery. The motor packs a punch for its size and has plenty of power to help you up the climbs.

The Lumen’s 130mm of rear-wheel travel is impressively capable and a highlight of the bike, giving it the capacity to handle some aggro trail riding. Like many others in this category, we’d upgrade the tyres to maximise this bike’s potential.

• Read our full Scott Lumen eRIDE 910 review  

Why you can trust BikeRadar

BikeRadar has been an authority on bikes and cycling tech since its inception in 2007, delivering the world’s best riding advice.

We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes. 

Our reviews are always editorially independent – with no exceptions. Our reviewers comprehensively test all products in the real world, always reflecting on performance, value and the wider market when delivering their verdicts and review ratings .

We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice. 

Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.

Lightweight electric mountain bike buyer’s guide

How much should a lightweight emtb weigh.

As the name suggests, the key difference between a ‘full-power’ eMTB and a lightweight eMTB is the weight. 

While regular electric mountain bikes often weigh upwards of 24kg, most of the best lightweight eMTBs weigh less than 20kg.

These substantial weight savings are achieved by speccing a smaller, less powerful motor and pairing it with a smaller ebike battery . Lightweight eMTB motors tend to have around 20 per cent less torque and battery capacities are commonly one-half to two-thirds that of regular eMTB motors . 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of lightweight eMTBs? 

The advantages of lightweight eMTBs all lie in their feel on the trail. Due to their lighter weight, these ebikes handle much more like the best non-assisted mountain bikes than their heavier stablemates. 

Despite lacking some all-out power on the climbs, lightweight eMTBs deliver smooth and natural-feeling assistance. This, paired with their reduced weight and improved agility, creates plenty of control on steep and technical climbs.

Pointed downhill, lightweight electric mountain bikes reward riders with a playful ride feel, opening up line-choice and air-time options that may be a struggle on a heavier bike. They are less tiring on longer descents, an advantage that is especially rewarding for smaller riders. 

Disadvantages

To achieve the reduced weight and natural ride feel, peak motor power and battery capacity have to be sacrificed. 

This is a disadvantage for those who rely on big motors and batteries to ride as many laps as possible in a short space of time, or those who want to ride all day with high levels of motor assistance. 

While it’s certainly possible to stretch a lightweight eMTB’s range to cover a good day of riding, you will have to pace yourself and settle for less assistance and slower speeds.

Lightweight eMTB motors, power and range

When compared to regular eMTBs , the motors found on lightweight eMTBs are noticeably smaller and quieter, and provide a natural pedalling experience. 

Natural pedalling experience means lightweight eMTBs deliver their power smoothly, giving you a helping hand without shunting you uphill. 

Regular ebike motors, on the other hand, can sometimes feel jerky and uncontrollable in high-assistance modes due to their higher torque output. 

To achieve both the weight savings and the ‘natural’ ride feel, lightweight eMTB motors have less power and torque. Most of the best lightweight motors feature no more than 60nm of torque and pack a maximum power output of around 400 watts. 

This reduced output also enables them to use a smaller battery (typically around 320-450Wh) without drastically compromising their range.

Now, that’s a considerable difference compared to full-power motors that all have around 85Nm of torque and around 600W peak power. 

However, once you’ve factored in the overall lighter weight and efficient, low-friction motor design, it’s unlikely you’ll be left yearning for more power on a lightweight eMTB. 

Lightweight eMTB suspension and geometry

There’s no set amount of travel or geometry for lightweight eMTBs – both will vary from bike to bike, depending on the bike’s intended riding style. 

However, most of the best lightweight electric mountain bikes we’ve seen to date sit in the trail bikes category. Here, suspension travel ranges from 140mm to 160mm. Head angles sit around 64 to 65 degrees, combined with relatively balanced 76 to 77-degree seat angles. This helps these bikes excel on a variety of different trails, making them versatile mountain bikes. 

Of course, there are outliers at either end of the spectrum. The Scott Lumen , for example, has 130mm travel and blurs the line between trail and cross-country bikes .

The Specialized Kenevo SL , on the other hand, boasts a massive 170mm of travel front and rear and is best considered an electric enduro bike .

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First Look | 2025 Trek Slash+ is a brand new lightweight e-MTB with high pivot suspension

The Trek Slash+ is a brand new lightweight electric mountain bike for 2025. It follows in the footsteps of the popular Fuel EXe that was launched two years ago, though it pumps up the travel to create a much burlier package that’s designed to thrive on steeper and more technical trails. It shares a lot in common with the regular Slash that we reviewed earlier this year including a mixed wheel setup and the distinctive high pivot suspension design, making this the longest travel e-MTB that Trek has ever produced.

An overview of the 2025 Trek Slash+

Equipped with 170mm of travel at both ends, the Trek Slash+ is a lightweight e-Enduro bike that’s built to go head-to-head with the likes of the Specialized Kenevo SL .

Like its non-motorised counterpart, the Slash+ features a high-pivot variation of Trek’s four-bar ABP suspension platform. The chain routes up and over a big 19T pulley, and there’s a redesigned lower guide that incorporates beefed-up chainring protection. There’s also a new fully-enclosed lower pulley that aims to eliminate the chance of the chain derailing.

Leverage rate adjustment is built into the lower shock mount, which comes from the factory in the less progressive setting. Flipping this around into the more progressive setting is recommended should you wish to run a coil shock.

As with many other lightweight e-MTBs on the market, the Slash+ is only produced in carbon fibre. Well, at least for now anyway. It features a mullet setup with a 29in front wheel and 27.5in rear wheel, with the exception being the Small size that uses 27.5in wheels front and rear.

Compact motor, big battery

Powering the new Slash+ is the compact TQ HPR50 motor . Despite being the lightest and quietest drive unit we’ve tested, the HPR50 still pumps out up to 50Nm of peak torque and 300W of peak power.

Unlike the Fuel EXe with its small 360Wh battery, the Slash+ gets a brand new 580Wh battery from TQ. This offers a significant boost in capacity, though it’s still possible to add on TQ’s 160Wh range extender for those who want maximum ride time.

Trek secures the main battery inside the downtube with two large bolts. Removing these and the motor skid plate allows you to take the battery out of the frame should you need to charge it separately. Otherwise you can charge the battery in situ using the port on the frame.

As for the user interface, the Slash+ features exactly the same controller and top tube display as the Fuel EXe. You can configure the display using the Trek Central or TQ app, which also allows you to tune the motor’s output. Check out our TQ HPR50 review for more info.

Trek Slash+ geometry & sizing

Geometry on the Trek Slash+ closely follows that of the non-motorised Slash. The main point of difference is the omission of the M/L size, which means the Slash+ is only available in four frame sizes rather than five.

Otherwise you’ll find the same 63.5° head angle and 77° effective seat tube angle. Trek also utilises size-specific rear centre lengths that varies from 434mm on the Small up to 445mm on the X-Large.

Like the regular Slash and Fuel EX , the Slash+ incorporates adjustable headset cups. The bike comes from the factory with the neutral cups fitted, though purchasing the offset cups aftermarket will allow you to steepen or slacken the head angle by a degree.

Trek Slash+ price & specs

There will be two Trek Slash+ models coming into Australia this year. Both will share an identical OCLV carbon frame, TQ HPR50 motor and 580Wh battery.

Prices will start at $11,499 AUD for the Slash+ 9.7, which gets a Fox 38 Rhythm fork and a Float X shock, Shimano SLX/XT gearing and 4-piston brakes. It also features lightweight Bontrager XR5 Team Issue tyres, which seem like an odd choice for such a big travel e-MTB.

You’ll find more appropriate SE6/SE5 tyres on the top-end Slash+ 9.9 model, which also upgrades to a RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork and Vivid Ultimate shock. Along with the wireless Reverb AXS dropper, SRAM X0 Transmission and Maven brakes, that bike will set you back a cool $17,999 AUD.

We’ve put our name down to review the new Slash+ and can’t wait to see what it’s all about. In the meantime, read on for the detailed specs for each model below.

2025 Trek Slash+ 9.9

• Frame | OCLV Carbon Fibre, ABP High Pivot Suspension Design, 170mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox Zeb Ultimate, Charger 3.1 RC2 Damper, 170mm Travel
• Shock | RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230x65mm
• Motor | TQ HPR50, 50Nm Peak Torque
• Battery | TQ 580Wh
• Wheels | Bontrager Line Pro 30, Carbon Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29×2.5in Front & SE5 Team Issue 27.5×2.5in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12 w/X0 Alloy Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | SRAM Maven Silver 4-Piston
• Bar | Bontrager Line Pro, OCLV Carbon, 27.5mm Rise, 780mm Width
• Stem | Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm Length
• Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, 34.9mm Diameter, 170mm Travel
• Saddle | Bontrager Verse Short Comp, Steel Rails
• Claimed Weight | 20.88kg
• RRP |  $17,999 AUD

2025 Trek Slash+ 9.7

• Fork | Fox 38 Rhythm, GRIP Damper, 170mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float X, Performance Series, 230x65mm
• Wheels | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Bontrager XR5 Team issue 29×2.5in Front & 27.5×2.5in Rear
• Drivetrain | Shimano SLX/XT 1×12 w/e*13 Plus Alloy Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
• Brakes | Shimano Deore 4-Piston
• Bar | Bontrager Line, Alloy, 27.5mm Rise, 780mm Width
• Stem | Bontrager Elite, 35mm Length
• Seatpost | Bontrager Line, 34.9mm Diameter, 170mm Travel
• Saddle | Bontrager Verse P3, Chromoly Rails
• Claimed Weight | 20.38kg
• RRP |  $11,499 AUD

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What’s the best Light-eMTB 2023? – We put 8 hot models to the test

The latest generation of Light-eMTBs doesn’t just make trail riding more fun, but also outshine many analogue MTBs! That said, not all Light-eMTBs are equal: the differences in motor systems, performance and handling are considerable and you should know exactly what to look for. We measured up 8 of the most exciting models ranging from € 8,499 to € 15,999, giving you both our high- and low-lights of the group, as well as numerous exciting insights that we discovered during the test!

Table of content: What is in this test

What is a light-emtb and who says so.

• Our Light-eMTB test field

The motor systems of the Light-eMTBs on test, their integration options, and the software at a glance

How and where did we test the light-emtbs, our test crew, our light-emtb group test in numbers, the tops and flops of our light-emtb group test, an overview of the light-emtb test field and the winners.

We always love hearing from our readers at ENDURO and we often get questions filling our inboxes. One of the questions we hear most frequently, and will probably keep hearing for quite a while, is whether you should buy an analogue bike or rather get an eMTB instead. Considering last year’s Light-eMTB boom and the emergence of a new Light-eMTB generation with very promising motors, we’re not surprised. As technology advances, the bikes’ performance on the trail, the possibilities, and above all, the fun you can have grows, too. More fun is what we all want, right?

The FOCUS Raven was the first Light-eMTB to pop up on the scene in 2016, followed by the first full-suspension Light-eMTB the Lapierre eZesty a while later, and then many more like the Specialized Levo SL . However, these bikes couldn’t prevail against the bigger and more rapidly rising eMTB tidal wave, drowning in it instead of surfing it themselves. But all that’s set to change with the latest generation. Until now, the masses have been screaming for more power and bigger batteries, while the ebike haters and doubters have been growing quiet. After more than 10 years of eMTB development, we seem to have reached a peak for the first time last year as manufacturers ease off on the battery capacity arms race and realise the advantage of using smaller and more compact batteries and offering greater flexibility. It’s the perfect storm for Light-eMTBs to shake up the market!

This is also due to the almost simultaneous introduction of two new light motors, the TQ HPR 50 and the FAZUA Ride 60, bringing with them a whole armada of new Light-eMTB models. The past has also shown that it usually takes large brands to get new technology to stick in the market and generate sufficient traction. So, it’s great to see manufacturers like SCOTT and Haibike jump onto the bandwagon and launch their own Light-eMTBs featuring the latest in lightweight drive unit technology. You can expect to see these bikes flooding the market over the coming months, and we predict that there will be no major bike brand without a Light-eMTB in their portfolio by the end of 2024.

With an eMTB, the overall concept and motor system dictates the intended use. The amount of travel that the suspension offers is largely irrelevant. Long travel ebikes can be just as good for touring and everyday commuting as they are for big hits and rough trails.

The definition of a Light-eMTB isn’t as straightforward as it seems at first glance either. What does the term “light” refer to? Is a Light-eMTB necessarily a bike with a less powerful motor or a smaller battery? Or is it the complete bike weight that counts? Or are Light-eMTBs simply bikes that resemble analogue MTBs in their handling despite having large batteries, powerful motors, and a hefty weight?

True to our test philosophy, it all boils down to the overall concept – considering the individual parameters of a Light-eMTB in isolation makes as little sense as assessing the performance of an analogue mountain bike based on its geometry sheet. No, it makes even less sense! Because even the best electric motor is only as good as the bike it’s in! And a good Light-eMTB mustn’t just have the right geometry and components, but also the right combination of power, battery capacity and weight. Unfortunately, it’s often only the flagship models that take the latter into account, many of which cost well over € 10,000. If you look at the more affordable models, an 18 kg bike can quickly tip the scales at 22 kg. Nevertheless, this creates a concept that bridges the gap between analogue bikes and full-power eMTBs on the trail and in terms of handling.

Our Light-eMTB test field – The 8 hottest bikes on the market

For our Light-eMTB group test, we included 8 of the hottest bikes, all of which have been launched within the last 12 months. They don’t just take very different approaches, but also feature four different motor systems. In the right-hand corner, you’ve got the new Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS , the SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL and the SIMPLON Rapcon PMAX TQ , all of which rely on the 50 Nm TQ HPR 50 drive unit. They are powered by a 360 Wh internal battery, which you can pair with a 160 Wh range extender. In the opposite corner are the Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 , the Haibike LYKE CF SE and the FOCUS JAM² SL 9.9 . These rely on the FAZUA Ride 60 motor, which delivers 60 Nm of torque and is powered by a 430 Wh battery. The Orbea Rise M-LTD rolls into the ring as an old dog with a new lick of paint. It’s the only bike on test to rely on the Shimano EP801 motor, though with a reduced output of 60 Nm and bearing the RS suffix. In combination with a large 540 Wh internal battery, the competition has their work cut out. The optional range extender provides an additional 252 Wh, giving it more capacity than any other bike on test. Lastly, we’ve got the Forestal Siryon Diode from Andorra making its debut appearance in our group tests. The small premium brand rely on the 60 Nm EonDrive motor, which was developed in-house and is supplied by Chinese motor specialists BAFANG. It features its own software interface with a touch display and is powered by a 360 Wh battery.

When you buy an eMTB – or in our case Light-eMTB – you don’t just decide on a bike, but also on a motor system, which has a significant impact on the performance and handling of your bike. While there are many options available and they will continue to grow, it’s good to have an overview and be aware of what you want from your bike. While newly introduced technologies are state-of-the-art, they often still suffer from teething issues. Large established brands usually have a reliable service network in case you have any trouble with your motor, but they often take fewer risks during development than smaller and more agile players, catering to the masses but not necessarily to your individual requirements. The same applies to custom solutions such as display and charging port integration, or even the choice of battery. You can find practical and tailored solutions, though you might have issues with durability or finding spare parts. Manufacturers of bikes, components and motors must work closely together to create a complete package. Thanks to the wide range of products that are now available to bike manufacturers, meeting this requirement is becoming easier and the bikes can be tailored to your needs more and more specifically. Nevertheless, the development of an ebike is vastly more complex than that of its analogue counterpart. The large selection of components and rapidly developing market only serve to complicate matters even more.

That’s why , with eMTBs, you shouldn’t just consider the performance and functionality on the trail, but also trailside repairs and everyday serviceability.

Note: with such rapid development, the market is constantly being flooded with new software updates and accessories such as range extenders. Many of them solve problems or make bikes more versatile, but as the past has shown, they can also create new problems. So, we wrote this article for you based on current information as it stands in March 2023.

Below, you will find an overview of all the motor systems featured in this group test:

The TQ HPR 50 system

The TQ HPR 50 is the Bavarian tech company’s first minimal assist motor, though not their first ebike motor, and it relies on their patented harmonic pin-ring technology. It was developed in collaboration with Trek, which gave the bike brand the exclusive right to the motor for 3 months before other manufacturers such as SCOTT and SIMPLON were given the green light. At first glance, it seems like Trek use the same display as the competition, but they developed their own software and app. All HPR 50 motors are capable of putting out 50 Nm of torque with a 300-watt peak, and they’re exclusively compatible with the 360 Wh TQ battery. In the case of Trek, the battery can be removed, whereas all other brands have chosen to keep the 1800 g battery firmly integrated in the frame. Due to the compact design of the battery, the down tubes can also be kept nice and slender, making bikes such as the SIMPLON or Trek difficult to distinguish from their analogue siblings and resulting in the most inconspicuous motor system integration to date – the small motor is equally well hidden in the bottom bracket. If you want more range, you can stick the optional 160 Wh range extender in the bottle cage, upping the total battery capacity to 520 Wh.

The 2″ TQ display is designed to be integrated into the top tube where it’s inconspicuous but clearly visible. It uses monochrome dots and rings to indicate the chosen support level, which isn’t very intuitive at first. The battery status is displayed via 10 small bars, each representing 10% charge. By double clicking on the button below the display, you can scroll through various views, or switch the system on or off. You have the following views to choose from:

• current speed in km/h
• battery level in percent
• remaining range in the current support level
• current power output of the rider and motor in watts

The system can be controlled via a small remote, which is always attached to the left side of the handlebar. It is very unobtrusive and intuitive to use with just two buttons. It will let you choose the support mode, activate the walk mode, or turn off the assistance altogether. The remote has a pleasant feel and ergonomics due to its rubberised coating, and it provides good feedback thanks to a distinct click. You can also adjust the motor settings and access more data via the TQ app.

Trek, on the other hand, have integrated these functions into their own app, which also gives you suggestions for the suspension setup, lets you connect to third-party sensors like the TyreWiz via Bluetooth, and displays the range on a map. All in one – cool! The display of the Trek is a bit more intuitive, too, showing you the support levels with 3 large bars and the battery level in %. You can also switch the view to see your average speed and remaining range, with the range displayed in minutes or kilometres.

You have three support levels to choose from on the trail, ECO, MID and HIGH, and there’s a walk assist mode too. The HPR 50 motor is by far the quietest and most natural feeling in the test field. Due to its slightly lower power output and the inconspicuous way it engages and disengages, it feels more like you’re extremely fit rather than being assisted by an electric motor. It’s only when the support is switched off that you become aware of how much the motor has been helping. To unleash its full power, the motor requires a relatively high cadence, making it more likely that you’ll break into a sweat, but it suits the motor’s character. This makes it better suited to gravel road climbs than technical singletrack ascents, taking the burden out of the uphills when you ride, while still keeping you fit. Compared to the rest of the test field, technical climbs require much more physical effort and conscious gear selection to maintain the required cadence for optimal power delivery. If you’re looking for something that will push you up the mountain without putting in any effort yourself, you won’t like the TQ. However, if you like sweating at least a little on the uphills and want a quiet and natural feeling bike, this might just be the perfect companion. Unfortunately, one display became defective during the test, though it’s super easy to replace once you can track down a spare.

The FAZUA Ride 60 system

The FAZUA Ride 60 is the second minimal assist motor to come from the brand. The first generation was introduced in 2017 and it could be removed from the bike as a complete unit containing the battery and motor. FAZUA chose a different approach with their latest system, and they increased the power output. As the name suggests, the new Ride 60 delivers 60 Nm of torque, with a peak power of up to 450 watts. FAZUA also rely on their own battery, which can be permanently integrated or removable. It weighs in at 1,960 grams and delivers 430 Wh of capacity. While FAZUA have announced a range extender, it wasn’t yet available at the time of the test. Due to the elongated shape of the motor and the fairly wide battery, many of the bikes on test have a down tube shaped like a hockey stick, easily betraying them as ebikes. Haibike are the only brand that tilt the motor horizontally into the seat tube, allowing for a cleaner integration, though this comes with some compromises of its own.

FAZUA also position their so-called LED Hub in the top tube where it’s clearly visible. It indicates the support level and the battery status with the help of 5 small LEDs. As such, the battery level is divided into 5 large 20% increments, and the different colours of the support modes are difficult to read in direct sunlight. By flipping up the LED hub, you get access to a USB-C charging port, though it only delivers about 1 ampere of power. This isn’t enough to charge your smartphone while riding, but it does keep the battery running longer when using your phone to navigate.

On the left side of the handlebar, you’ll find FAZUA’s Ring Control remote. Unfortunately, it isn’t labelled, and due to the cheap feel and looks, it isn’t on par with the competition. The control is multi-directional: it can be pressed up, down and inwards, towards the stem. This lets you control the support levels and activate the walk or boost mode.

As you’d expect, FAZUA also have an app with which you can configure the support modes. They’ve tried to optimise the user experience here: after an extensive questionnaire, the app will recommend the optimal support mode settings, tailored specifically to the rider. This is great for ebike beginners and all those who couldn’t be bothered wasting their time by playing with the settings! If you don’t trust computers or don’t always ride in the same kind of terrain, you can also configure the support modes yourself and save them as pre-sets. You could save them as “the early bird gets the dirt”, “fetch beer” or “power hour”, for example, and call them up as needed.

For the trail, FAZUA has already taken the creative liberty in naming the three pre-configured support modes: Breeze, River, and Rocket. You can also activate the afterburner, officially called Boost mode, for a quick push when needed. However, it takes a moment to kick in and the duration depends on the battery level and the temperature of the motor. In ideal conditions, you’ll get up to 12 seconds of additional thrust to pass your buddies.

While Breeze and Rocket mode are constant, offering the least and most support respectively, River mode is adaptive, coupled to the pedalling input and adapting the output accordingly. The support kicks in noticeably in Rocket mode, pushing you forward even at low cadence. The FAZUA is powerful enough to let you conquer technical climbs, but the Ride 60 still struggles with a software-related issue, doing a restart after you stop pedalling. So, if you stop pedalling on a climb, the motor keeps assisting briefly and then forces you to pedal on your own for about 1-2 seconds thereafter as it restarts. This can quickly throw you off balance and is very annoying! If you find this to be a problem, you can use the app to make the motor more dynamic, which makes it kick in rather abruptly, but seems to shorten the dip in power. FAZUA are already working on a solution and promise to release a software update that fixes this soon. On the descents, the motor is perfectly quiet, but it is audible when pedalling and resembles the Shimano EP8 motor in terms of sound characteristics. Only the BAFANG motor in the Forestal is louder. The character of the FAZUA Ride 60 is much closer to a full-power system and can make easy work of the climbs. Active riders also get their money’s worth, as long they don’t spend too much time on technical climbs, because the above-mentioned software issue can get frustrating. Besides that, we encountered several instances during our tests where the bikes didn’t switch on. In this case, it helps to shake the bike, recharge the battery, unplug it, or wait… Unfortunately, one of the bikes remained defective.

The Shimano EP801 RS system

The Shimano EP801 is an EP8 motor with slightly modified hard- and software. The 01 suffix provides for a wider cadence range in which the motor offers support and a FINE TUNE mode to adapt it to your needs. You also get a wider selection of remotes and it’s compatible with Di2 groupsets. However, the RS addition is Orbea’s and – contrary to what most riders think – means that the motor’s power output has been throttled from 85 to 60 Nm. Since Shimano allow third-party batteries, Orbea can offer the Rise with a 360 or 540 Wh internal battery. As with TQ, you can also store a range extender with a generous 252 Wh in the bottle cage. Since the EP801 is also used on full-power eMTBs and is only restricted by the software, it’s the largest motor on test and thus also limits the bike’s discreet looks.

In our case, there was no display on the bike, with battery and support mode information instead displayed via the small remote, which is located on the left side of the handlebar. There’s an LED that uses 5 different colours to indicate the 3 support modes, walk mode, or an error code. A second LED flashes red or green, or lights up permanently, thereby showing you the battery status. However, it’s somewhat confusing and thus serves more as an emergency signal. A flashing red light means that it’s time to head home. Of course, the remote can also shift the support modes up and down, activate walk mode, and switch the system on or off. If this is too minimalistic for you or you want a different remote, Shimano give you many options to choose from to equip your bike with displays and the like.

With the E-TUBE PROJECT app from Shimano, you can create different profiles for the basic eco, trail and boost modes. With the FINE TUNE function of the EP801, you can activate up to 15 additional support modes. The app also gives you the battery status in percentage points, in case you need more detailed information than that offered by the LED on the remote.

On the trail, you can switch between eco, trail and boost, or the additional support modes. Even in the highest setting, the EP801 remains easy to modulate and allows you to pull away safely even in tricky conditions. The Shimano still delivers a decent amount of power at a low cadence, showing what a wide range it has. This makes easy work of the climbs even after a long day in the saddle. Technical ascents are no problem either, thanks to the power and characteristics of the reliable Shimano motor. The EP801 is relatively quiet when it isn’t under strain, but it trumps the FAZUA motor when it’s working hard – only the BAFANG is louder. A big drawback is the metallic rattling noise that it makes on the descents, which the Shimano EP8 motors are known to do. If you’re looking for a reliable motor that’s easy to modulate, provides a lot of customisation options, and has a large service network, the EP801 is a faithful companion. It provides enough power for technical climbs and relaxed ascents, though it can’t be integrated into the bike as inconspicuously as the competition in this test field.

The BAFANG EonDrive system

The BAFANG EonDrive motor in the Forestal is rather unique. It’s manufactured by BAFANG, but a significant part of the development was carried out by Forestal, combining it with in-house accessories and software. It’s a daring and impressive achievement when you consider that it’s the debut product of the fledgling Andorran bike brand. The EonDrive motor delivers 60 Nm of torque and is powered by a 360 Wh BAFANG battery. Forestal have announced that they’ll be releasing a 250 Wh range extender, though it had yet to be released at the time of testing. The Forestal is the only bike on test with a 3.2″ touch display, which is beautifully integrated into the top tube. The display sensitivity can’t keep up with the level of modern smartphones, but it works surprisingly well and is intuitive to use. Just don’t get mud or water on the display, as that seems to confuse it, going back and forth until you wipe it clean. It’s best to lock the display before you ride to prevent that from happening. The display provides an immense wealth of beautifully displayed metrics such as the battery level percentage, distance travelled, altitude difference and the current time. There is a large GPS map too, and you can record your rides thanks to the GPS antenna that Forestal have disguised as a stem spacer, which doubles as anti-theft protection – cool!

To use many of these features, you’ll need to connect your bike to the Forestal app. It provides additional information about the motor, battery, and your activities. You can also see the location of your bike and get in touch with Forestal. No other bike on test can match the extensive functions of the Forestal system.

Like the others, the remote can be found on the left-hand side of the handlebar, where you’ll also find an additional battery indicator in 25 % increments. The remote has two buttons to shift between support modes, and a third button to switch the bike on or off, or activate walk mode. Unfortunately, the rubber buttons provide zero haptic feedback, and the cheap-looking remote seems misplaced on the otherwise premium looking Forestal.

On the trail, the BAFANG system offers four different levels of support and a walk mode. However, the BAFANG turns out to be the loudest motor on test, almost whistling like a turbo when put under strain. But it also offers the most assistance, engaging quite aggressively when pulling away. However, the assistance provided is heavily dependent on the cadence. The motor can’t unleash its full power at cadences below 60 rpm or above 100 rpm. Fortunately, the display shows you your cadence, which takes out the guesswork and helps you stay in the optimal range. Within that range, the motor pushes you along even when the climbs get technical, though you get the feeling that the motor’s output gradually lessens the longer the climb and you have to keep adding more input of your own to make it to the summit. The duration that the motor keeps assisting after you stop pedalling is dynamic. This means that the harder you pedal, the longer the delay. Although this results in natural feeling assistance, it can be a hindrance on technical climbs, as you often need the motor to keep pushing even if you’ve only put in a light pedal stroke. The motor is silent on the descents and there’s enough free movement in the cranks to avoid any unwanted thrust. We didn’t run into any problems with the BAFANG system, but the after sales service could be an issue considering the very small production run and the wealth of custom solutions. It also has a very high battery consumption, draining the battery noticeably simply from being switched on.

It comes as no surprise that we weren’t crazy about the idea of testing 8 Light-eMTBs in January, sliding around in the freezing mud of the German winter. To make matters worse, we did it while conducting the biggest E-MOUNTAINBIKE group test of all time, putting 30 eMTBs head to head. This allowed us to make direct comparisons between all the relevant systems, gaining a lot of insights we wouldn’t have otherwise. Due to the different target group and requirements of ENDURO’s readers, we then took the 8 Light-eMTBs out of the test field and reviewed them separately.

Fortunately, it all took place in the sunny south. The still relatively unknown Spanish town of Santa Coloma de Farners – which is about an hour’s drive east of Barcelona – offered the perfect location to put the bikes through their paces with its huge trail centre, and sandy and rocky trails. We successfully dodged the two rainy days – the average January rainfall – and had dry trails throughout. Our test track, a combination of “Dragon Khan” and “La Llosa”, was peppered with sandpaper-like rock slabs, roots, flowing berms, and loose, sandy corners. The climb to the trailhead had a bit of everything from wide gravel roads with huge potholes which, if you accidentally hit one of them, would almost catapult you off the bike, to technical sections that the bikes only just got up. So, if you feel like going somewhere other than Italy for a change and are looking for fine trails without shuttles, you will find everything your heart desires at Santa Coloma de Farners. If that’s not enough, there are two bike parks just a stone’s throw away, and the ticket is cheaper than a shuttle day in Finale ;).

Things that went wrong during our tests:

• 1 derailleur hanger got torn off
• 1 chain broke
• 3 tires got punctured
• 1 Shimano brake lever broke
• 3 FAZUA bikes had difficulties starting up
• 1 FAZUA bike was defective
• 1 TQ display failed
• 1 skid plate broke

Our test crew had:

• 7 near death experiences
• 6 kg Clif Bars

The Light-eMTBs on test:

• 8 bikes in the test field
• € 12.394 average price
• that would be 688 crates of our favourite regional beer (Wulle)
• € 15.999: the most expensive bike on test, the SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL
• € 8.499: the most affordable bike on test, the FOCUS JAM² SL 9.9
• all bikes roll on 29″ wheels
• the bikes weigh 18,6 kg on average
• the lightest bike weighs 16,0 kg and is the most expensive bike
• the heaviest bike weighs 19,4 kg and is the most affordable bike
• the smallest battery is 360 Wh
• the biggest battery is 540 Wh

What should you look for when buying a Light-eMTB?

Before you pillage your bank account to call yourself the proud owner of a Light-eMTB only to realise that you made the wrong choice, you should ask yourself a few essential questions. Most bikes can only live up to their full potential if they’re used as intended and, by extension, you will only be happy if you find a bike that suits you and your riding style.

It all boils down to overall concept

Many ebike buyers want to know which is the right or best motor, but it’s like the 29” vs 27.5” wheel size debate (just slightly more complex): the best motor is only as good as the eMTB it’s installed in. Conversely, the eMTB is only as good as the way the motor supports and complements the character of the bike. Compared to analogue mountain bikes, this makes matters much more complex, because there are more factors – like the integration of the battery and motor, and the weight distribution of heavy components – that must work in harmony to offer a coherent package with characteristics that seem contradictory.

New possibilities – even enduro riders eventually get old

Exhausted after a long day at work? Pressed for time? Riding with your buddies on the weekend, but they’re all on eMTBs? Or want to take your kids for a ride in the trailer without giving up on the first climb? The latest generation of Light-eMTBs can be the answer while still offering full-on trail fun without sacrificing performance.

Note: Light-eMTBs don’t necessarily have less range!

Just because Light-eMTBs typically have a smaller battery doesn’t mean that they have less range than full power eMTBs. You must always consider the battery capacity in relation to the power of the motor, i.e. its consumption. You may get just as far or even further, though with less support, so it’ll take longer or more effort on your part.

What to ask before buying a Light-eMTB

Do I tend to ride in a group with analogue mountain bikes? Then pretty much every Light-eMTB or motor system is suitable for you because you can always go slower. In most cases, the eco mode can also be individually configured and you can adjust the amount of support according to your needs, or you can turn off the support entirely. The range shouldn’t be a limiting factor either when using minimal support and if you have extremely fit colleagues, most Light-eMTBs have the option of a range extender. From our experience, you should easily keep up in the lowest and medium support modes and still have enough reserves for the occasional overtaking manoeuvre.

Do I tend to ride in a group with full-power eMTBs? If you regularly go riding in the company of full-power eMTBs, then the power, i.e. torque output of your motor power will be a decisive factor for you. You don’t want to be the one holding everyone up! Roughly speaking, the highest support mode of a Light-eMTB corresponds to about the middle support mode of a full-power ebike, and so there isn’t much you can do if your buddies decide to shift up a gear. However, if they stay in the lowest mode, you shouldn’t have any problems keeping up, even with bikes that rely on a TQ system. But remember: more power also consumes more battery. That said, the Orbea Rise has a battery capacity of 792 Wh with the range extender, which is more than most full-power eMTBs. In this case, your buddies are more likely to get range anxiety, even if you might have to put in a little more physical effort.

How much effort do you want to put in? If you want the feeling of simply being pushed up the mountain that you get with an eMTB, a Light-eMTB is not what you’re looking for. Nevertheless, there are Light-eMTB motor systems that will get you to the summit in a more relaxed manner than others, though it’s not something that everyone wants. The TQ HPR 50 can generate just 50 Nm of torque and it requires a fairly high cadence to do so. It is more strenuous, but it also helps you stay fit without having to torment yourself up the steep sections. If you’re looking for a Light-eMTB yet want to exert yourself as little as possible, the systems from Shimano, FAZUA or BAFANG are the better option.

How much battery capacity do you really need? If you usually only ride short laps with minimal support, large batteries only mean extra weight, which usually comes at the cost of trail performance. Furthermore, lightweight riders consume significantly less battery, and the topography of the trail also has a major influence on range. On the other hand, if you love nothing more than gaining altitude or riding long distances, you’ll probably do well with a big battery capacity. Tackling technical climbs or using a high support mode naturally drains the battery quite a lot quicker. Fortunately, most manufacturers already offer range extenders, or at least have one in the development pipeline. That allows you to adjust your capacity depending on the planned route. Removable batteries, such as those found on the FOCUS or Trek are an option, too. You’ll just have to budget for the cost of a spare battery, and go back to the car to switch out batteries.

What additional features should your Light-eMTB have? The possibilities are endless as most manufacturers offer countless options for displays, remotes, or additional accessories at the time of purchase. But what do you really need? What is helpful and what is simply unnecessary? The good thing is that you can retrofit most accessories at a later stage and there is a constant stream of software updates and extensions entering the market. Before buying, however, you should still have an idea of what you want from your display, whether you need a navigation function, or if a flashing LED is sufficient. An integrated light or GPS tracker doesn’t hurt and doesn’t limit the bike’s performance on the trail, it just keeps you and your bike a whole lot safer, regardless of whether that’s on your daily commute to and from work or during a post-ride beer on the Ligurian coast. So, when buying, be aware of what you need or might want to retrofit in the future and find out about compatible options.

What should you consider when handling a Light-eMTB? The development of Light-eMTBs often goes hand in hand with certain compromises to make the bike as light, clean and slender as possible. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can make things tricky for you depending on the situation. For example, if you don’t have a power outlet where you park your bike, you’ll want to be able to remove the battery for charging. Otherwise, you’ll need to park your bike in your living room or next to your desk at work to keep it charged. Conversely, it’s annoying if you must remove the battery after each ride to charge it even though you’ve got a power outlet right there. The trend of routing the cables through the headset creates a clean look, but also makes servicing the bike a whole lot more frustrating. If you’re an inexperienced or impatient mechanic, you should get a bike with classic internal cable routing with ports in the top or down tube, or good old external cables.

What should you consider regarding the components of a Light-eMTB? There’s no such thing as the perfect, one-size-fits-all build, but some components have a much greater influence on your bike’s performance on the trail and above all on your safety. The added weight of large brake rotors is negligible, and they improve the reliability and power of your brakes enormously. In this instance, the following applies: better to go for big brake rotors than top-of-the-range brakes intended to save weight. The suspension has a huge influence on your bike’s performance on the trail, on long-distance comfort, and climbing efficiency. You don’t need the golden Kashima coating, but you should pay attention to the damping technology used. We recommend the GRIP2 damper for FOX forks, or the Charger 2.1 or Charger 3.0 damper for RockShox models. With the shock, a piggy-back reservoir is a useful feature to get the best performance from the rear end. At the risk of repeating ourselves, we must emphasise that any component can only work as well as it does in combination with the bike as a whole.

The latest generation of Light-eMTBs ticks many of the right boxes, benefiting from the expertise gained by bike and motor manufacturers through the development of full-power ebikes. Our group test also shows that the same motor systems can be integrated into a bike in very different ways. And while the motor system is an important component, it’s ultimately up to the bike manufacturers to define the intended use and character of the bike, despite having almost identical key metrics – the differences are huge! Considering the status quo, it’s clear that the new systems from TQ and especially FAZUA still have bugs to iron out, especially on the software side, with over half of the test field struggling with motor related problems at some point during the test. For the end user, that means paying a fortune for a bike that might not work as it should. It’s a common early adopter problem! Fortunately, we live in a time when you can easily solve problems via software updates. For a better overview, we’ve made a list of all the bikes on test and their characteristics below.

The Forestal Siryon Diode could be considered the most futuristic Light-eMTB on test. The Andorran start-up have tackled a mammoth project for their first bike, demonstrating a level of development that you don’t even see from the world’s biggest bike brands. Chapeau! They’ve shown what the future of ebikes can hold. A touch display, which was developed entirely in-house and is beautifully integrated into the top tube; an app with an extensive range of functions including theft protection via a hidden GPS antenna in the stem spacer; and a motor that Forestal played a large role in developing. Moreover, the Siryon is a force to be reckoned with on the trail – it’s one of the most capable bikes on test. Unfortunately, it also had an extremely high battery consumption, the loudest motor on test, and we’ve got a lot of unanswered questions when it comes to the after sales service.

German ebike pioneers Haibike have kept us waiting for a Light-eMTB and they weren’t all that present in the more aggressive mountain bike sector, yet they have made a great Light-eMTB debut with their Haibike LYKE CF SE , featuring some clever solutions. They’re the only brand to tilt the FAZUA Ride 60 motor upright in the bike and thus hide it in the seat tube. However, this also comes at the cost of insertion depth for the seat post. While the LYKE looks very aggressive at first glance, its trail performance doesn’t match. Compared to the competition, it’s difficult to control on technical trails and quickly feels overwhelmed.

With its black finish, the FOCUS JAM ² SL 9.9 doesn’t just look inconspicuous, but also offers unspectacular handling. But this is by no means a bad thing as the JAM² SL is a predictable all-rounder that combines comfortable touring characteristics with strong trail capabilities. The solid spec, good suspension, and super easy handling make it an excellent weapon of choice for beginners and experts alike – and that at the most affordable price point. However, always having to remove the battery for charging is annoying.

The Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01 was the first Light-eMTB available to consumers featuring the FAZUA Ride 60 motor. It features Pivot’s signature DW-Link rear suspension, making it super efficient up the climbs and poppy on the descents, putting a big grin on your face in flowy terrain. Together with the responsive steering and fast colour, it takes us back to our BMX racing days.

The master of integration, the SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL is powered by the TQ HPR 50 motor. It’s not just the shock that’s hidden in the frame, but you’ll also find countless features and tools in every conceivable nook and cranny. As its looks suggest, the Lumen climbs mountains like nothing else with its cross-country genes, but it turns out to be capable on the descents, too. Nevertheless, priced at € 15,999, the SCOTT will break most bank accounts while catering to a very limited use case.

The € 14,499 Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS is also damn expensive, but it’s much more versatile. The drive unit in the Trek was developed in an exclusive cooperation with TQ and though other manufacturers now rely on the same motor, Trek still have some cool advantages thanks to their own software and app. For one, the display is more intuitive to use, and you’ve got a wider range of functions via the in-house app. The Trek is capable of handling pretty much everything on the trail, but it’s not a master at anything, rolling along inconspicuously and with beginner-friendly handling.

The best Light-eMTB 2023: The SIMPLON Rapcon PMAX TQ

Winner genes? Indeed! Its analogue counterpart – on which the SIMPLON Rapcon PMAX TQ is based – already won the title of the best enduro bike two years ago. Now the Austrian brand have neatly integrated the TQ motor into the frame, piecing together a damn good overall package. The bike’s character suits the motor to a tee and despite its low power output, the Rapcon can pull away from most of the competition thanks to its efficient rear suspension. The SIMPLON lets you blast down the descents and instils you with the confidence to keep pushing with its super easy handling, incredible composure, and unmatched suspension. Without question, the best Light-eMTB of 2023!

Our Best Buy: The Orbea Rise M-LTD

Thanks to the extensive online configurator, the new Orbea Rise M-LTD can be tailored to your needs both in terms of looks and components. You can even choose between a 360 Wh and 540 Wh internal battery. In combination with the optional range extender, the Rise has a bigger battery capacity than many full-power eMTBs. Speaking of full-power: Orbea throttle the integrated Shimano EP801 at 60 Nm, thus increasing your range further still. Despite that, it turns out to be the best climber on the trail and doesn’t have to hide on the descents either, thanks to its intuitive and good-natured handling. Our Best Buy!

Some bikes and accessories are true designer pieces and too beautiful to be left in the cellar. That’s why you should take a look at the article on bikes in the home in our sister magazine DOWNTOWN. We show you how you can beautifully display your favorite bike/accessory in your home.

All bikes in test: Focus Jam² SL 9.9 2023 (Click for review) | Forestal Siryon Diode (Click for review) | Haibike LYKE CF SE (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-LTD (Click for review) | Pivot Shuttle SL Pro X01(Click for review) | SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL (Click for review) | SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EXe 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review)

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more .

Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker, Mike Hunger

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About the author.

Peter Walker

As editor-in-chief, Peter is as much a man of action as he is of words. This expert, screw-driver-flexing two wheeled-whizz has many envy-inducing characteristics, including a background in motocross, several EWS race plates to his name, and more than 150 recorded days at Whistler Bike Park. However complex the bike and however steep the trail, he’s probably already nailed it, twice. Oh, and he can do it all on skinny tyres too. When it comes to guiding consumers, Peter cut his teeth at Vancouver’s oldest bike shop and now puts pen to paper on the daily translating this know-how into our editorial plan. When not tearing up Stuttgart’s local trails while testing bikes, he loves nothing more than loading up his self-renovated VW T5 and hitting the road. The fact that he’s a trained paramedic gives his colleagues reassurance out on the trails. So far we haven’t had to call him by his alias ‘Sani Peter’, so here’s hoping he keeps it right side up for the rest of his time here!

• Cycling Magazine

A lightweight enduro eMTB? Trek Slash+ goes a little electric

Do small motors and big bikes mix let's find out.

One year after Trek launched the new Slash, a pretty serious departure from what the bike had up until that point been, the Waterloo, Wisc., brand is at it again. This time, the Slash+ is taking the brand in a new direction. Or new-ish.

Here’s a look at Trek Slash+, what came before, what’s new and how it stacks up against the Slash.

Trek rolled out the new Slash in 2023

The EXe debuted the TQ HPR 50 mmotor

Trek Rail was the brand's previous long-travel eMTB

eMTB: Where is Trek starting from?

Up until now, the Rail was Trek’s main long-travel, full-power eMTB. It’s a full 29″ bike with 150mm rear travel, 160mm front. With a 85-Nm Bosch motor and 500-750 Wh battery, it is in-line with other full-power beasts. Power and range are the main priority.

At the other end of the spectrum, Trek made waves with its Fuel EX-e . The lightweight eMTB debuted the TQ HPR-50 motor, with 50Nm of torque and a 360-Wh battery, it brought a light assist and nearly silent motor to a trail bike package.

Two very different eMTB’s with two very different purposes. One sacrifices range and power. The other sacrifices weight and ride feel.

Trek Slash+: Wisconsin dreams of electric shredding

How do you balance the two realms of eMTB? How do you get a lighter eeb that feels like a real bike without giving up all the advantages of going electric? Enter the Slash+.

The Slash+, like the EX-e, looks a lot like its namesake. Both bikes are, at a glance, honestly hard to tell apart. That comes down to, again, the TQ HPR50 motor which hides in the bottom bracket area, almost entirely obscured by the chainring if you’re looking at it from the drive side. Like the EX-e, it has 50-Nm torque, which Trek says is tuned specifically for the Slash+’s high pivot design, with 300W peak power (250 W max continuous power).

Where the Slash+ diverges is in range. Trek adds a 580Wh battery to power the TQ for longer rides. Or, more likely, for bigger climbs. This makes sense. With 170mm suspension travel front and rear, like the Slash, this is a bike designed to eat up big descents. That means you need enough battery to get to the top of big descents. And sustained climbing eats through an eMTB’s battery way faster than, say, the rolling terrain that the EX-e might expect to encounter. If you’d rather save weight than ride farther, Trek offers the option of running a 360-Wh battery, with the purchase of a spacer to make it fit in the Slash+.

With less absolute power, the Slash+ edges into the emerging mid-weight category. At 44.94 lbs (for the 9.7), it is light enough to be fun on trails without having weight as the primary concern. It sees a mix of lightweight power combined with a more burly, e-enduro rig. Light, but not the lightest. Enduro, but a little extra.

Trek Slash+ : the non-electronic (sort of) bits

Like the EXe, the Slash+ is a near-identical replica of the Slash just with a motor, battery, display, remote and speed sensors added on. Like it’s predecessor it is carbon-fibre, high-pivot frame delivering 170mm travel front and rear. The Slash+ runs on a MX wheel set up but, unlike the Slash, can’t be changed to dual 29″ (due the TQ system and the speed sensors, the change in wheel size would no longer be compliant with max eMTB speeds for the Slash+ category. Whereas the EXe can run a 27.5″ instead of 29″ and just has a lower, still compliant max speed).

The Slash+ also gains the progression flip-chip (instead of a geo-adjust Mino Link like on some other Trek models) and the optional, angle-adjust headset cups. Geo is very similar to the Slash, though weights will, obviously, be different.

Trek Slash+

TQ HPR 50 motor and brake/sensor wire routing

TQ display tucks into the top tube

Looks like a Slash

Still a high-pivot with idler pully, like the Slash

Tidy cable routing and a shock progression flip chip (20% vs. 25%)

Models, pricing and availability: Trek Slash+

Trek is offering the Slash+ in two models.

The 9.7 runs for $11,000.00 and rides on a mix of Fox suspension (Rhythm 38 fork, Fox Performance Float X shock) and a mix of Shimano XT and SLX drivetrain. There are four-piston Shimano Deore brakes, Bontrager Line Comp 30 wheels with XR5 tires (2.5″) and a mix of Bontrager parts. The Slash+ 9.7 weighs in at 44.94 lb. (20.38 kg)

The higher-end Slash+ 9.9 runs for $16,000 and rides on RockShox suspension (Zeb Ultimate fork, Vivid Ultimate shock) and a wireless electronic SRAM XO T-Type drivetrain. Line Pro 30 heels with SE6 tires (2.5″) and a RockShox AXS wireless dropper post round out the build, as well as an array of Bontrager bits. This puts the 9.9 at 46.04 lb. (20.88 kg).

Both bikes are available to order through your local Trek retailer with expected delivery late summer

Casey Brown shows the Slash+ is every bit as capable as its analog predecessor. Ryan Howard watches. Photo: Sterling Lorence

Making eMTB look like MTB. Photo: Sterling Lorence

A nice reminder that it's all about getting out here, whether with the help of gearing or the help of a motor and battery. Photo: Sterling Lorence

Trek Slash+ pricing

• Slash+ 9.9 : $16,000 (US$12,000)
• Slash+ 9.7: $11,000 (US$8,000)

Check out the new Slash+ at Trekbikes.com

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2023 EBIKE LIGHT ROUNDUP

Testing the best sl emtbs.

Words by Drew Rohde  |  Photos by Dusten Ryen & Max Rhulen Video by Brian Niles / Treeline Cinematic

Welcome to our first ever Lightweight, SL, eBike Light Group Review. Pardon the long title but we don’t exactly know if the mountain bike world has adopted an official name for this category of eBike. We’re trying to get eBike Light to stick, but ‘SL’ seems to be rising to prominence. No matter what you call it, there is no denying the category is booming. It seems new models are dropping almost every other month as brands seek to offer lightweight, mid-power eMTBs for riders seeking a different experience compared to the full power, full weight eMTBs that have risen dramatically in popularity.

Each year we conduct a massive and thorough full-power eMTB Shootout , and the last two have seen an increase in comments and questions from viewers asking how this bike or that bike would compete.  Most often it’s a lighter, mid-power bike. We don’t really believe comparing full power eMTBs to eBike Lights is apples to apples, as they really are different beasts. For that reason, we set out to test and review eight of the best lightweight eMTBs we could get our hands on.

We pride ourselves on being as open-minded and honest in our test process as we can, and even the few riders who came into the test saying they were full-power converts and wouldn’t buy an SL came around to admit that the capabilities of these mid-power bikes have improved in the same way their full-power siblings have. Battery ranges have increased in many bikes and drive unit power has also improved compared to the early lightweight eMTBs, boosting their performance drastically in the process.

Before we get too far into this review, we’d like to acknowledge and thank some partners who believe in our process. Their support helped us to afford the days out of the office to travel and ride so many bikes and create so many videos, in an effort to have a thorough and helpful review series for those in the market, and we really appreciate them helping to make it possible.

Schwalbe Tires has been an amazing partner and once again returns as our official test tire. The new Tacky Chan served us incredibly well over the course of our testing and quickly became one of our favorite tires on the market!  Get your tires here

Ninja MTB dialed us in with some really comfortable and breathable knee pads and elbow pads that also cost quite a bit less than many other offerings on the market. We’d suggest checking them out here .

Glade Optics hopped on board as our official eyewear sponsor and we were stoked to have some quality lenses to keep the bright sun and dust out of our eyes.  Give them a peep here .

LOCATION We traveled back down to Klamath Falls, Oregon a spot we recently visited for the first time in our eMTB Destination Tour a few months ago. We fell in love with the trail offerings and the Running Y Resort’s amenities. Thanks to the Running Y and Discover Klamath we had a great time staying in a beautiful spot with epic views and just a short drive away from two very fun trailheads.

In this Group Review we had a wide spread of drive units, power ratings and battery sizes as well. We had bikes with 50Nm, 60Nm and the Giant with its whopping 85Nm SyncDrive Pro drive unit. Similarly battery sizes ranged from 320Wh to 540Wh internally, with optional range extenders being found on several models of bikes. Range Extenders are something we believe is essential for eBike Light riders, to give the option to cover big miles or ride in faster, higher power modes.

TRENDS AND TROUBLES

Out of the eight bikes we had, four of the bikes shared drive units, with two sporting the TQ HPR50 and two built around the Fazua Ride 60 unit, which was high on our list thanks to the power, speed, silence and battery size. It will be interesting to see as more brands begin to release mid-power eMTBs, like the newly released Santa Cruz Heckler SL (First Ride Review here) also coming with a Fazua drive unit, if a certain brand will dominate the field, or if newer offerings like Bosch’s SX will make in-roads.

Another common issue we’ve been having lately is broken chains. We’re not sure if there were some bad batches of chains produced during the COVID era but the number of chains breaking in weird ways we’ve never seen before has us scratching our heads and leads us to this public service announcement. Always be prepared to repair your bike. Carry at least one spare link but we’d suggest two and know how to fix a chain. We’d also suggest lubing and inspecting your chain regularly as we’ve discovered several with cracked links. Trust us when we say that snapping a chain is no fun, and in some circumstances can be quite dangerous.

GENRES AND TRAITS ON THE TRAIL

In this group review we have a solid middle-ground of bikes in the 140-160mm travel range with a couple outliers at 130mm for XC shredders and 170mm bruiser for enduro or big hit shredders. We’re not sure where the SL category will land, or if there will be an increased spread of the offerings, but we feel like the 140-160mm range is likely going to be the bread and butter as smaller batteries likely won’t be ideal for self-shuttling 170mm bikes up the steepest trails for run after run. We also don’t really see the XC eMTB market being huge, as our experience has shown that most performance XC riders tend to prefer lighter, self-propelled rides than electrically assisted bikes. That said, perhaps riders in flatter, more neutral regions like Bentonville, the Midwest and casual trail riders will blow this category up. Either way, it will be fun to watch and see how things evolve.

THE CONTENDERS

We’ve created detailed write ups and video reviews of each bike you see here, so feel free to click a link to see more and compare them to each other.

FORESTAL SIRYON

Build: Diode Travel: 170 / 170mm Motor: EonDrive by Bafang | 60NM Battery: Forestal Aurora Performance | 350wh Price: $10,750 Weight: 42.8 lbs/ 19.4 kg

CHECK OUT THE REVIEW

GIANT TRANCE X ADVANCED E+ ELITE

Build: E+ Elite 0 Travel: 140 / 150mm Motor: SyncDrive Pro Powered by Yamaha | 85NM Battery: EnergyPak Smart 400 | 400wh Price: $14,000 Weight: 44.5 lbs / 20.2 kg

Build: M-Team Travel: 140 / 150mm Motor: Shimano EP801 RS | 60NM Battery: Orbea Internal | 540wh (Optional Upgrade) Price: $9,433 as built Weight: 43.3 lbs / 19.6 kg

PIVOT SHUTTLE SL

Build: Team XTR Travel: 132 / 150mm Motor: Fazua Ride60 | 60NM Battery: Fazua Integrated | 430wh Price: $12,999 Weight: 39.6 lbs / 18 kg

SCOTT LUMEN eRIDE

Build: 900 SL Travel: 130 / 140mm Motor: TQ HPR50 | 50NM Battery: TQ Integrated | 360wh Price: $15,999 Weight: 34.7 lbs / 15.7 kg

SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO SL

Build: S-Works Travel: 150/160mm Motor: Specialized 1.2 SL | 50NM Battery: Specialized SL1-320 | 320Wh Price: $14,000 Weight: 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg

TRANSITION RELAY

Build: XX AXS Travel: 160/160mm Motor: Fazua Ride60 | 60nm Battery: Fazua Removeable | 430wh Price: $12,499 Weight: 43 lbs / 19.5 kg

TREK FUEL EXe

Build: 9.9 XX1 Travel: 140/150mm Motor: TQ HPR50 | 50NM Battery: TQ Internal | 360Wh Price: $13,999 Weight: 43.7 lbs / 19.8 kg

THE RESULTS

After testing some bikes for months and others for just a couple of weeks before heading to Klamath Falls for our final filming and testing week, our crew set out with the intentions of delivering our readers and viewers insight they could trust and find relatable if the time to pull the trigger on a new eMTB is on the horizon.

As with all our group reviews, we do our best to share our personal preferences on what characteristics we like about bikes, the types of trails and terrain we seek out and also offer opinions on who we envision certain bikes could be best for. We fully realize that our style, terrain and desires can be very different from yours and we hope to address that when making our suggestions for bikes that may not be the best for us but could be the best option for you.

So, without further delay, here are our favorite lightweight eMTBs.

2023 EBIKE LIGHT OF THE YEAR

This bike was unanimously chosen by our staff as the bike that was the most fun, capable and fit our riding style best. There is no denying that Fazua has suffered some very real problems and any message board or comment section will show that. However, even with the risk of something going wrong, this bike is just so dang fun to ride on the trails we like to ride that it is our number 1 pick. If you want to go big, charge hard and go fast, the Transition Relay could be for you.

BEST ALL-AROUND LIGHTWEIGHT TRAIL EMTB

PIVOT SHUTTLE SL & TREK FUEL EXE

This category was a tough one to choose because both the Trek and Pivot are incredibly fun and worthwhile machines. Ultimately what it came down to was the intended use and travel of the two bikes that caused the split. We’re certain that if the Pivot Shuttle SL had 140 or 150mm of rear wheel travel it would have been the winner but both Drew and Chris preferred the longer travel of the Trek, especially with a 160mm fork. Nic and Sean both loved the light, playful and fast feel of the Pivot Shuttle SL and how effortless it is to ride and ride fast. All four of the voting test riders agreed they’d be more than happy riding either of the bikes, it just came down to who likes to hit rougher, gnarlier terrain and big jumps, or who wants a livelier and spritelier trail bike. We’d suggest buyers evaluate your local terrain and type of riding and pick either of these two based on that feedback.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS | GENRE BLENDER

GIANT TRANCE X ADVANCED ELITE

Our whole crew absolutely loved the Giant Trance X Advanced. While we’d personally buy a lower-spec model to save money, we had almost zero complaints when it came to reviewing this bike. It’s very close to the top of our list as well and we think riders who want speed, power and assist of a full-power eMTB with a bit less weight will absolutely love this bike. We all agree that we’d love to see a Reign version of this bike, and if they had one, it would likely be the king of the show. Of course, a 160mm fork and range extender on this bike wouldn’t be a bad way to go either!

If you’d like to support us directly, we have a bunch of Loam Wolf merch, Made in USA jerseys, hand guards seen in the tests above and frame protector kits available in our webstore.

Catch you on the trails! Drew and The Loam Wolf Crew

LEAVE A COMMENT, WIN FREE SWAG!

Want to win some free schwag? Leave a comment and vote up the most thoughtful comments and each month we’ll pick a winner. The person with the smartest and most helpful replies will earn some sweet new gear. Join the Pack and get the latest news and read the latest reviews on the top  mountain  and  electric mountain bikes .

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

The 7 Best Electric Mountain Bikes of 2024

A little boost can make mountain biking even better.

In some places, like much of Europe , e-mountain bikes are so ubiquitous that a bike rental shop may look at you funny if you ask for a non-powered bike. How do I know? A kid at a shop in the Austrian Alps once asked two different co-workers to translate my request for a standard bike, sure that he was misunderstanding me. Apparently, I was the first person to ever turn my nose up at the row of beautiful e-mountain bikes lined up outside.

No, I assured him, I wanted to pedal myself. I ended up on a cobweb covered bike with bald tires that was pulled from the depths of a basement. Big mistake. I spent the next several days sweating up long alpine climbs while four-generation families gleefully floated past on powered bikes.

Now, Americans are increasingly realizing what Europeans have known for years: e-mountain bikes make it fun to ride longer or can help us go faster. E-mountain bikes combine off- road functionality with pedal-assist power that makes it easier to get to the top of the climb. Modern geometry and components make these bikes just as fun to ride downhill as their non-powered counterparts. These bikes keep improving as motors and batteries become more reliable, more powerful, lighter, and more efficient.

More importantly, bicycle designers have gone well beyond simply bolting a motor onto a bike and calling it an eMTB. The best models feature motors with enough power and range to let you get the most out of your ride, and are also built to be stable and capable of tackling any trail.

When you’re choosing an electric mountain, look for one that offers a high-power motor, a battery with long life (and/or the capability to add a backup battery), sufficient suspension travel, and a price that fits your budget.

• The Best Electric Mountain Bikes
• Best Overall: Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
• Best Hardtail: Aventon Ramblas
• Best Lightweight: Santa Cruz Heckler SL
• Best Enduro: Yeti 160E
• Best Women's Specific: Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ EL 3

What to Consider in an Electric Mountain Bike

Why you should trust us, how we selected these e-mtbs, our full electric mountain bike reviews, q&a with expert andrew bernstein.

When you’re shopping for an electronic mountain bike, you’ll want to factor in not only the motor’s power and features, but also the bike’s basic capabilities.

Since electronic mountain bikes are heavier than non-motorized bikes, you’ll want to consider a bike with more suspension travel than you have on your non-motorized bike. The longer your travel, the more cushion you’ll get when you encounter obstacles. 

Most full suspension e-MTB fall in the 150- to 160mm range, which offers a nice balance of increased comfort and improved control for first-time buyers.

Motor Options

In addition to choosing the right kind of bike, you’ll also need to decide which pedal-assist motor option is right for you. There are three electric-assist classes in the United States. Class 1 motors kick in only when you pedal and stop helping you at 20 mph. Class 2 also offers pedal assist up to 20 mph, but these bikes can also have a throttle-powered mode that allows users to engage the motor without pedaling. Class 3 is pedal-assist like Class 1, but will help you until you hit 28 mph.

• Class 1: 20 MPH max assist speed; throttle is not standard equipment
• Class 2: 20 MPH max assist speed; throttle comes standard equipment
• Class 3: 28 MPH max assist speed; throttle is not standard equipment

Other countries classify e-bikes differently, and many countries do not allow e-bikes to assist riders beyond 20 miles per hour.

Most performance-oriented electric mountain bikes are Class 1. Electric mountain bikes generally feature one of two types of motors: mid-drive motors, which are contained in the frame at the bottom of the bike between the pedals; and rear hub motors, which are built into the rear wheel.

Bikes with rear hub motors are generally less expensive but are also less powerful. A mid-drive motor will almost always offer more power. Because the extra weight on a mid-mount bike is centered in the bike and lower to the ground, these bikes are generally easier to handle than bikes with hub motors. Mid-mount bikes do tend to be more expensive, but all of our favorite bikes feature this type of motor.

Battery Life, Range, Maintenance, and Safety

On top of the motor, you’ll want to consider the battery size and range. More is always better for performance, but a battery with longer range will also weigh more and cost more. 

As a bike's weight increases, it requires more effort from the rider to handle. This is an especially important consideration for smaller riders, and extra weight can also become a bigger challenge at faster speeds, when you need to handle the bike more aggressively.

A lighter bike will offer better handling, but if you sacrifice too much battery capacity to cut weight, you may find yourself pedaling home with no assist if you take a wrong turn.

Like all e-bikes, eMTBs can be pedaled as a normal bike if the battery dies, so you’ll still be able to get home, but it will require extra effort and possibly more time.

While we can confidently say a larger battery provides more range, it is difficult to accurately estimate any e-bike's exact range. Many factors impact an e-bike's range: How much boost you’re using (most power systems offer three or four settings), how much you weigh, the terrain you’re riding, how much climbing you’re doing, the air temperature, rolling resistance from the tires, and even how clean and lubricated the drivetrain is.

Do not take any brand's word on its range claims. Start conservatively as you test your bike’s range. The more you ride, the better you’ll understand how far your batteries can carry you in different conditions. If your bike’s main battery isn’t cutting it, some models let you add an external range booster, or swap the internal battery for a fresh one. Be warned: These accessories can be expensive!

Like all batteries, e-bike batteries do lose capacity every time they’re charged and discharged. Unfortunately, that means that the more you ride, the sooner you’ll need to replace your battery. Even so, an e-bike battery should give you years of reliable riding.

Follow your bike's manufacturer’s recommendations for storage, but most batteries will last longer if stored with about a 40-percent charge (but don’t forget to plug your bike in about six hours before riding, to make sure you start your ride with a full charge).

Batteries should also be stored at room temperature whenever possible and not left outside or in an unheated garage in freezing temperatures. Some bike brands, including Specialized, have a setting that will prevent the battery from charging fully. This feature is designed to extend the battery’s life, but you may want to disable the feature if your rides regularly use your battery’s full capacity.

If, after a few years, your battery loses enough capacity that you want to replace it, be sure to contact your bike’s manufacturer or local dealer and purchase a certified replacement battery through the brand or its dealer.

Don’t be tempted by cheaper options available online from third-party brands. These third-party batteries are generally not certified by bike brands and may void your bike’s warranty. More importantly, third-party replacement batteries often do not have important safety features, and, as a result, these batteries have been identified as the cause of several serious fires. 

There is currently legislation pending at the state and federal level that will bar the sale of non-certified batteries in the U.S., but they are still available as of this writing.

Drivetrains

While a handful of bicycle drivetrain manufacturers exist, almost every e-mountain bike will have either a Shimano or SRAM drivetrain. Both are reputable manufacturers that offer reliable shifting and a wide-ranging gear set. Some drivetrains feature electronic shifting. Such drivetrains offer quick and precise shifting, but they will add cost.

The added power of an e-bike puts more strain on a bike’s drivetrain. You can expect to replace your chain more frequently, but you can get more life out of your components if you back off the pedals when shifting, and ease the chain between gears instead of mashing the shifter and the pedal at the same time.

Given the increased weight of an electronic mountain bike, you’ll want to make sure yours is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, as most are. These brakes offer lots of stopping power and modulation, which ensures you’ll remain in control regardless of your bike's weight, or how fast you go. 

Several brands offer hydraulic disc brakes, though again, Shimano and SRAM usually lead the way. For additional power, look for bikes featuring four-piston brakes.

Bicycling has been vetting and reviewing bikes, gear, and accessories for more than 50 years. The bike recommendations here are based on the extensive work of the test team, which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and insight that they bring to every recommendation they make.

For electric mountain bikes, Matt Phillips and Tara Seplavy oversaw these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as their own extensive knowledge of the category.

Andrew Bernstein has been a cyclist nearly his whole life and a passionate road rider and racer since he was a teenager. These days, he rides road and gravel bikes around his home in Boulder, Colo. As a former bike salesperson and Bicycling Gear Editor, Andrew has had the chance to ride many bikes and meet many Bicycling readers, helping him to know what to look for in making these recommendations.

Dan Cavallari is a born tinkerer with a garage full of tools to prove it. He spent 14 years as a bicycle mechanic in various shops across the United States and is the editor/publisher of both Slowguyonthefastride.com and DawnpatrolMTB.com. He is the former technical editor of VeloNews Magazine. Find him on Instagram: @DawnPatrolMTB @slowguyonthefastride .

The recommendations here are the combined efforts of Dan Cavallari who has been riding mountain bikes for nearly 30 years, and testing them professionally for more than a decade, in addition to the testing efforts and combined experience of the Bicycling test team, and, finally, the research and industry expertise of Andrew Bernstein.

Each bike recommended here offers an excellent ride quality balanced with assist capabilities most useful to mountain bikers. Based on the cumulative experiences and input of the experts and test team, these are the best electric mountain bikes you can buy right now.

Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy

Specialized has always been known for technical innovation, and when it entered the e-bike market 10 years ago, its first Turbo bikes were highly polished and well-designed. Things have only gotten better since then, and the current generation of Specialized Turbo e-bikes is built around Specialized’s own fast-engaging motor.

The Levo’s 500Wh battery holds enough electrons to carry most riders through all-day rides, and the geometry is designed to make for a stable bike that you can still whip through the technical sections.

Aventon Ramblas

Aventon’s do-it-all hardtail is built around the brand's proprietary motor and power system, which includes a 708Wh battery. The battery gives this bike a longer range than many others, even without a range extender, making the Ramblas perfect for riders who prioritize full days in the saddle. The bike is on the heavier side, which may make it harder to handle, especially in tight terrain, but the responsive Rockshox fork will help riders fly across square-edge bumps.

Read Full Aventon Ramblas Review

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

The Heckler’s slick styling means your riding buddies may not believe that you’re riding an e-bike, at least not until you power away on the first climb. The motor and battery—made by Fazua, a German manufacturer—are so svelte that they almost entirely disappear into the standard Heckler’s frame.

The power comes on smoothly and will work dependably for years. Few brands have as much experience building mountain bikes as Santa Cruz does, and you can feel its experience in the trail-proven handling when you take this bike out for a shred.

Read Full Santa Cruz Heckler SL Review

Yeti’s first e-mountain bike uses Shimano’s EP8 drive system and will help you cruise any trail. Yeti may be new to e-bikes, but the Colorado-based brand has a long track record of building bikes that are as playful as they are competent on rough, steep terrain.

In that tradition, the 160E is ready to tackle any trail, and especially thrives on rough and steep trails. The bike comes in a variety of component configurations, allowing riders to choose their parts, and, to an extent, their price point. The model linked here is built with a dependable Shimano XT drivetrain and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Read Full Yeti 160E Review

Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ EL 3

The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite, which is Liv’s first performance carbon trail eMTB, demonstrates the promising future of ultra-lightweight electric mountain bikes. The SyncDrive Pro2 motor engages smoothly but is slightly less powerful than other motors. The drive system was co-developed with Yamaha and should prove durable enough for many happy miles.

Smaller and lighter riders will find that the motor has plenty of power, and its light weight makes it easy to drive this bike across and through technical sections. We also like the bike’s sleek design, and Liv’s focus on female rides mean that the total package is well thought out with touch points optimized for female riders.

Read Full Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ EL 3

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids

E-bikes can help kids imagine the long rides they’ll be able to enjoy as they get older and stronger. At the same time, the boost can make it practical to take your child out on longer rides that they wouldn’t have enough energy for on their own.

Like all ebikes, this Levo is heavier than comparable non-powered models. That means that it takes more work for the rider to push it around corners, but the geometry is well-designed and the mid-mount motor helps to keep the bike well-balanced for even the smallest riders.

Co-op Cycles DRT e3.1

REI’s Co-Op brand focused on giving riders a great value in a bike that’s fun to ride. The DRT e3.1 has a durable aluminum frame and a solid mix of components that will be dependable without increasing the price of the bike too much. The German brand Bosch is one of the leaders in e-bike motors, and its proven power system should last for thousands of happy miles.

While REI is not generally known as a bike shop, its national network of stores and friendly staff are known for being helpful and professional, ensuring that Co-Op riders will have a dependable place to go for maintenance, advice, and any warranty issues that should arise (although that’s unlikely to be needed).

Expert Andrew Bernstein Shares What Extras To Take On Your Ride, When to Update Firmware, and Where to Ride

What accessories will i need.

Definitely get yourself some comfortable riding apparel. Mountain bike apparel comes in lots of choices, so choose the one that speaks to the way you want to ride and suits your personal style. 

If you want to ride long, it’s a good idea to invest in a hydration pack, and you’ll definitely want to carry supplies to fix a trail-side flat, and tools to address minor trail-side breakdowns.

How often should I update my bike’s firmware?

Most e-bike makers will update their bike’s firmware periodically and you can either update the firmware via an app on your phone, or take your bike to an authorized dealer who will be able to install the update for you. 

In nearly all cases, firmware updates are not essential to bike’s operation, but as with all electronically-controlled pieces of hardware, your bike will work best if the firmware is updated at least every six months or so.

Where can I ride my e-bike?

Unfortunately, there are many different rules about e-bike access on public (and private) land. While many land managers are making an effort to better-accommodate e-bikes, there is no uniform rule at this point. 

We suggest that you check the regulations for any trails you plan to ride before heading to the trailhead, and always be sure to follow posted rules and regulations – riding where you’re not supposed to could result in a ticket.

Andrew “Bernie” Bernstein is a former Bicycling Magazine Gear Editor, and Bicycling marketing manager. While at Bicycling, he promoted the Bicycling Fall Classic, and the famed Fifth Street Cross Thursday Night Training Series. Bernie was an elite track and road racer from 2010-2019. In 2019, he was hit by a driver near his home in Boulder, CO. The crash nearly killed him and left him with paraplegia. He considers himself very lucky to still now be able to hike, and ride with the help of an e-gravel bike. He’s written about his experience as a paracyclist disabled athletes for Men’s Health, Bicycling, and Outside Magazine. You can follow his adventures on Instagram .

Dan is a writer and editor who runs Brown Tie Media (publisher of Slowguyonthefastride.com and DawnpatrolMTB.com ) and a born tinkerer with the garage full of tools to prove it. His life on two wheels started with an overwhelmingly heavy Huffy and progressed into top of the line mountain, road, and gravel bikes over the course of many miles and pedal strokes. He is the former longtime technical editor for VeloNews Magazine and spent 14 years as a bicycle mechanic in various shops across the US. Dan's writing and photography has appeared in VeloNews Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Podium Runner Magazine, Women's Running Magazine, Cycling Weekly, Rouleur Magazine, Road Bike Action Magazine, Mountain Bike Action Magazine, CycleVolta.com , Tomsguide.com , Cycle Sports Japan, CyclingTips.com , Bikerumor.com , Bicycle Retailer, and more.

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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Best electric mountain bike: join the e-bike revolution!

• Danny Milner
• June 18, 2024

Electric mountain bikes (e-bikes) let you go further and faster in the same time as a regular mountain bike, which makes them perfect for the hectic pace of modern life.

This guide will arm you with all the knowledge you need when shopping for the best electric mountain bike. There’s insight on battery and motor technology, a breakdown of different power/weight categories, and all of our recommended models on sale now. Every single one of the bikes in this list has been thoroughly tested by our team of experts, and only the top-scoring bikes make the cut. So, don’t put it off any longer, because with one of the top eMTB models at your disposal, you could be having the best riding experience of your life right now!

On a limited budget? Check out our buyer’s guide to the best cheap electric mountain bikes . And if you want to keep it traditional, there’s our buyer’s guide to the best mountain bike , whatever your budget or discipline.

Specialized has been building e-bikes for longer than most, and its Turbo Levo is proof that experience counts.

1. Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon

The best shop-bought electric mountain bike.

Frame: FACT 11m Carbon, 150mm travel | Motor: Specialized/Brose 2.2 90Nm, 565W peak power | Battery: Specialized 700Wh | Weight: 22.43kg | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent chassis
• A blast to ride
• Great value at the discounted price

Reasons to avoid:

• Cost-cutting drivetrain and fork

In a hotly contested shoot-out, the Specialized Turbo Levo emerged as our best Shop-Bought E-Bike of 2023. There are loads of reasons why it won – a smooth silent motor, comprehensive size range, aggressive, adaptable frame geometry, fun handling, neat integration, and a battery that’s easy to remove – but the real clincher for the Turbo Levo is that it it’s just such a blast to ride.

Yes, Specialized has cut a few corners with the components, but most are consumables that can be upgraded when they wear out. And out-of-the-box it managed to be the easiest bike to throw around, which meant you could either bank that energy and ride for longer, or release it with maximum abandon on the descents. It’s a package that’s hard to fault.

Read the full review of the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon

The Canyon Spectral:ON impressed us with its dynamic handling.

2. Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9

The best direct sales electric mountain bike.

Frame: Carbon, 155mm travel | Motor: Shimano STEPS EP8 85Nm, 500W peak power | Battery: Canyon 720Wh | Weight: 23.34kg | Rating: 9/10

• Dynamic handling
• Choose either 720Wh or 900Wh battery
• Brakes lack bite
• Maxxis Assegai EXO casing tyres aren’t tough enough
• Tall head tube

In the direct-sales category of our E-Bike of the Year test 2023 it was the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9 that walked away with the top prize. And considering it’s a bike that was unashamedly inspired by the Specialized Turbo Levo – from the battery access to the geometry – that should come as no surprise.

The handling is sublime. As agile as a motorised gazelle, with a front end that can be played with like putty in your hands, the mullet-wheel Spectral:ON dispels the opinion that e-bikes are inert. And even with the optional 900Wh battery fitted, Canyon seems to have defied the laws of physics with a dynamic ride that puts most other e-bikes to shame.

Read the full review of the Canyon Spectral:ON CF 9

The Polygon Siskiu T7E is s shredding machine – just get the battery mounts checked before you leap!

3. Polygon Siskiu T7E

Best budget e-bike.

Frame:  ALX Enduro alloy, 144mm travel | Motor:  Shimano EP801 600W, 85Nm  | Battery:  Shimano 630Wh | Weight: 24.62kg | Rating:  9/10

• Great handling and geometry
• Shimano EP801 motor + 630Wh battery
• Fully adjustable suspension
• Shimano SLX gears + wide-range cassette
• Flip-chip for MX wheel option
• The battery fell out, three times
• Hard compound tyres limit grip
• Suntour rear shock blew after two rides
• Geometry slacker than claimed (actually that’s a positive!)

With the demise of Vitus, Polygon has stepped up to claim the best budget e-bike throne from the E-Mythique LT. This bargain e-bike is built burly, with low, slack geometry normally found on bikes with way more than the Siskiu T7E’s 144mm of travel. It gets a genuine Shimano EP801 motor and 630Wh internal battery – well, we say internal, but it fell out a few times on our test bike. But once we’d correctly positioned the battery mounts – an error in assembly – and the battery remained secure and we were back to absolutely tearing the knobs off the Schwalbe tyres on the toughest trails at BikePark Wales. With capable and highly adjustable suspension, dialled brakes, sweet gears, and a host of well-chosen components, this really is a stone-cold electric bargain.

Read our full test review of the Polygon Siskiu T7E

The Pivot Shuttle SL blends the best of analogue bikes and e-bikes into an intoxicating experience.

4. Pivot Shuttle SL 29 Team XTR

The best lightweight electric mountain bike.

Frame:  Carbon Hollow Core, 132mm travel |  Motor:  Fazua Ride 60 60Nm/450W |  Battery: Fazua Energy 430Wh |  Weight:  18.47kg |  Rating:  9/10

• Very dynamic handling
• Low resistance, high power Fazua motor feels great on or off
• Integrated 430Wh battery boosts range
• Shimano XTR drivetrain and brakes reduces weight without compromising performance
• Sag indicator is really useful
• EXO casing tyres are too thin for a bike this capable
• Can’t remove the battery for charging
• Slight delay in the motor when reengaging after overrun is complete
• Handlebar mounted controller feels fragile

Pivot was one of the first brands to release a lightweight trail bike with the latest Fazua Ride 60 motor, and it set the bar very high. So high we awarded it our 2023 E-Bike of the Year award in the Lightweight category. Key to winning that accolade is the infectious ride quality, that encourages skilled riders to extract the maximum fun from every trail. There’s no slack in the system – with minimal travel you have to be on your best game – but the Shuttle SL amplifies every ride.

Fazua’s Ride 60 system feels punchy in the top Rocket mode, but still delivers the best range of all the lightweight motors we tested. Over 1,000m of climbing in Rocket. So the lack of a range extender isn’t really a problem, even though it’ll be tough turning down one more run when the red light starts blinking.

Read the full review for the Pivot Shuttle SL 29 Team XTR

The YT Decoy’s extra battery capacity creates a subtle belly, but keeps the weight low and centred.

5. YT Decoy

Most dynamic long-travel e-bike.

Frame: Carbon, 165mm travel | Motor: Shimano STEPS EP8 85Nm, 500W peak power  | Battery: SMP YT 720Wh | Weight: 23.32kg | Rating: 8/10

• Big travel and dynamic handling
• Top spec for the money
• Finally the staying power to match the thrills
• Very limited bottle capacity

The YT Decoy has been around for a while now, but it still rides as superbly as it did when we first tested it over three years ago. There’s a stack of travel, but it manages to fly in the face of that depth, with a dexterity and reactivity that turns every trail into a playground. And being direct-sales means the Decoy is exceptionally well-dressed for the money.

Our main complaint with the Decoy was the small battery, but YT has now fixed that with a larger capacity unit that comes as standard. So now you don’t have to limp home for an early bath while all your mates go for an extra lap.

Read our full test review of the YT Decoy

The Canyon Strive:ON was our e-enduro test winner.

6. Canyon Strive:ON

Best electric enduro race bike.

Frame: Carbon, 160mm travel | Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85Nm, 600W peak power | Battery:  Bosch 625Wh or 750Wh | Weight: 23.6kg | Rating: 10/10

Reasons to buy: 

• A blistering race bike that’s just as capable outside the tape
• Great value
• Well considered spec
• Progressive sizing

Reasons to avoid: 

• Limited pedal/BB clearance
• Needs careful sag set-up
• Battery needs careful installation
• Boring paint job

Canyon’s Strive was built to win e-bike enduro races at the highest level. And it has done just that, taking the E-EDR championship title in 2023. Key to its success is the punchy and responsive Bosch CX motor, the ample 160mm of travel, the MX wheel design, and the easily removable battery. But while it excels against the clock, it also delights when fun is the only key performance indicator, with agile, dynamic handling and progressive sizing that lets you use every mm of your body’s range of motion.

Choose the lighter 630Wh battery, or the big 750Wh unit for maximum range. But whichever you choose, you’ll have a blast on the Canyon Strive:ON.

Read our full review of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR

7. Specialized  S-Works Turbo Levo SL

Lightest mid-power e-bike.

Frame: Fact 11m carbon, carbon shock extension, 150mm travel | Motor: Specialized SL 1.2, 50Nm, 320W peak power  | Battery: Specialized SL 320Wh | Weight: 17.65kg | Rating: N/A

• More sizes and more adjustability,
• More power and more torque than before
• Lightweight
• Rear suspension isn’t as plush as before
• It’s a ton of money

Specialized has brought the original lightweight Turbo Levo SL up to date and then some. This second generation version gets more power and torque, better sizing and geometry, and some of the most impressive built-in adjustability on the market. Which means you can play tinker with the handling by playing with the head angle, BB height and chainstay length, or sling in a bigger back wheel (it’s sold standard in an MX configuration) if you want better rollover.

Adding power and torque has helped on the climbs, but range has taken a hit. Thankfully there’s also a range extender available to ensure you don’t get left by the trailside with empty tanks. And while most ‘lightweight’ e-bikes seem to stretch that description on the scales, the Turbo Levo SL actually deserves its SL moniker with a weight that’s not far off some analogue bikes with similar travel.

Read our test review of the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL

The Orbea Wild M-Team is a superb e-enduro bike.

8. Orbea Wild

Best customisable e-bike.

Frame: Carbon or alloy, 160mm travel | Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85Nm, 600W peak power | Battery: Bosch 625Wh or 750Wh | Weight: 23.72kg | Rating: 9/10

• Rock solid on rough tracks
• Excellent balance on size large
• Ample power and range
• Suspension offers both grip and support with the option to increase progression
• Customisable spec
• Battery is not easily removable.
• Not as agile as Strive:ON
• Reduced rear wheel clearance for smaller riders
• Headset-routed cables

Orbea’s Wild is a seriously good looking e-bike, and with 160mm of travel, and a progressive frame, it’s an absolute weapon on hardcore enduro terrain. Open up the taps on a jagged rock garden and the Wild never flinches, yet the balanced geometry also lets you carve corners like an Olympic skier.

A customisable spec lets you build your perfect bike – right down to the chance to choose custom colours – which is not something many brands offer. A blistering e-bike that loves to hang it out on the roughest of tracks.

Read our test review of the Orbea Wild M-Team

The Whyte E-Lyte 150 Works has the best handling of any lightweight e-bike we’ve ridden.

9. Whyte E-Lyte 150 Works

Best handling mid-power e-bike.

Frame: Carbon, 140mm travel | Motor: Bosch Performance SX, 55Nm, 600W peak power | Battery: Bosch 400Wh | Weight: 19.7kg | Rating: N/A

• Great handling, combined with stacks of power and battery capacity
• Range extender is in the right place and comes with the bike
• Hope Tech4 V4 brakes and Pro 5 hubs are both first rate
• Not really that light
• Shredders and avid hill climbers will both want a better rear tyre
• Premium price

Whyte’s latest e-bike is also its lightest ever, and marks the return of carbon frames to the brand’s range. It’s also one of the first new e-bikes with the lightweight Bosch SX motor with it’s eye-catching 600w peak power figure. Yes, you have to pump your legs like a washing machine on spin cycle to get the power, but it’s almost double the power you get from the Turbo Levo SL and on par with Bosch’s claims for the Performance CX unit.

What makes the Whyte really special, though, is the ride. It’s first class. While the weight may seem high on paper, the mass dissolves as soon as you start riding, and the E-Lyte can turn on a micro-dot. The suspension is also superlative, with a fluttery sensitivity backed up by steely support.

Read our test review of the Whyte E-Lyte 150 Works

Dropping in on the YT Decoy!

Which electric mountain bike is right for you?

As e-bikes are making up an increasing market share of new bike sales, so they are starting to diversify in order to meet varying consumer demands. At one end of the scale are the bike park bombers, with massive travel, coil-sprung suspension and even dual-crown forks. Also emerging slowly are the lightweight, ‘diet’ e-bikes with less power and smaller batteries. While in the middle are the all-purpose ‘trail’ e-bikes with air suspension, versatile geometry and around 150mm of travel.

A new breed of eMTBs has started emerging as of 2023, and that’s ones with a similar motor output, but with a lighter weight by using a smaller or more efficient battery.

Want to know the different parts of an eMTB? Check out our guide to the anatomy of an e-bike. 

The Forestal Cyon Halo is a lightweight e-bike with packed with impressive tech.

What is a lightweight/diet e-bike?

With most e-bikes weighing between 22-25kg, small weight differences between different models are barely perceptible. Suspension performance, sizing, component choice and geometry play a far greater role in defining the handling of an e-bike.

That was until Lapierre brought out the eZesty weighing an impressive 17.9kg, and e-bikes took a huge leap closer to their non-assisted cousins. The Lapierre uses a Fazua motor, with reduced power, torque and battery capacity, so you have to do a larger share of the work, but it takes much less effort to turn, jump, accelerate and decelerate. Because you put more energy in, the range is similar to full-power e-bikes with double the battery capacity, and with no extra friction in the system, it still responds to pedal efforts above the motor’s legal cut-off of 25kph. You can even remove the whole battery and motor to make a 15.6kg enduro bike.

Since then, Specialized has released the Turbo Levo SL  and Kenevo SL, newcomer Forestal the innovative Siryon and Cyon, Trek has launched the Fuel EXe, Pivot came out with the Shuttle SL, and Orbea has the Rise. There are also options from Scott (the Lumen), Transition (the Relay) and BMC. If you like the thought of a boost on the climbs, but want to retain the lively handling and pure response of a regular bike, a diet e-bike could be the best of both worlds.

The Canyon Torque:ON is so moto it even comes with a gas tank (for water!)

Can you get downhill-specific e-bikes?

Haibike was probably the first mainstream brand to start designing long travel e-bikes and equipping them with dual crown forks, but the spotlight really swivelled onto this category of bike with the introduction of the Specialized Kenevo. With coil-sprung suspension, heavy-duty tyres, four-piston brakes and masses of travel, it was part shuttle vehicle, part downhill bike.

More recently, Cannondale has joined the party with the Moterra SE, while Specialized has pushed the boat out even further with the outlandish new Kenevo, and more recently we’ve seen the Canyon Torque:ON (above).

The Specialized Turbo Levo is a hoot to throw around.

Are trail-focussed e-bikes the most versatile?

Most full-suspension e-bikes fit the ‘trail’ category and typically they run around 150mm of travel, but fitted with burlier forks up front, compared to their analogue cousins, to cope with the extra weight and leverage of the frame.

Four-piston brakes are common, again to decelerate the additional mass, and they usually have slacker head angles and slightly smaller sizing – the extra weight adding stability that non-assisted bikes make up for in length.

Although there are models with 29in wheels and 27.5in wheels, you’ll see plenty of bikes mixing the two into what’s called a mullet configuration. The 29in wheel up front giving good rollover while the smaller 27.5in wheel at the back increasing agility. Usually this is paired with a large volume 2.6in or 2.8in rear tyre that stretches the footprint and increases traction on steep or loose climbs. The most popular motors are built by Bosch, Brose and Shimano, with most battery capacities ranging from 500Wh to 700Wh.

Power-assisted hardtails are simpler, but struggle on rough terrain.

Are e-hardtails a good choice for mountain biking?

If you’re riding consists solely of tow paths, fire roads and country tracks, then e-hardtails make a lot of sense, since they can be cheaper and there’s less to go wrong. But for hitting proper singletrack, bike parks and trail centres, we wouldn’t recommend one.

The reasons are simple. You remain seated far more on an e-bike than an analogue bike – mostly because the motor prefers a high cadence, and the up-down piston motion of your legs when standing up doesn’t mesh well with the smooth, consistent power delivery of the motor. So without any rear suspension you’re in for a punishing ride on anything but billiard-table smooth trails.

E-bikes let you ride up climbs you wouldn’t dream of on a regular bike, but if you can’t get traction – because the rear wheel is bouncing over bumps and roots – you’ll be off and pushing. Finally, on fast, rough or technical descents, it’s much harder to get an e-bike off the ground, so rear suspension not only helps reduce the impact at the wheel, it also helps you pop the bike over square-edge hits. Which is why most e-hardtails we’ve seen on technical trails are being pushed – with a flat back tyre.

Cleaning an electric mountain bike is fine, as long as you take care and leave the jetwash in the garage.

Everything you need to know about electric mountain bikes

Got a question about riding, setting up or caring for your e-bike? Check out the essential info below, and you’ll also want to take a look at our answers to the most popular eMTB questions.

Are e-bikes worth it?

Do you want to ride much further and climb much faster in the same amount of time as you can on a regular bike, then the answer is absolutely YES! E-bikes allow you to cram in two or three times as much climbing (and descending) into a typical two hour ride as you can on an analogue bike, and with everyone juggling busier lives than ever, that’s an attractive prospect.

Of course there’s no such thing as a free ride, and in the case of e-bikes you’ll have to consider the high initial price, the extra wear and tear on components and the additional weight of the bikes themselves before deciding whether they are right for you. If you’re an experienced rider, it will take some time to adapt your riding style to that extra weight, but after the initial adjustment period, you’ll be addicted to the extra runs you can get in.

And, while it’s possible to let the engine take the strain, you can still get a great workout by toning down the power or not stopping for a breather at the top of every climb. And if you’re just starting out, those intimidating climbs will no longer be such an obstacle to exploring the countryside.

Bosch PowerTube battery can be charged on or off the bike

How long do e-bike batteries last?

Although there are plenty of online range finder tools, there are so many variables in play that they can only ever be considered a rough guide.

The best way of finding out how far your new e-bike will go on a single charge is experience. Record your rides and make a note of the trail conditions, power levels used and the battery remaining, so you can cross reference it against the distance covered and elevation gained. Once you’ve built up a data bank of rides, you’ll have a much better idea of your range when you go somewhere new.

To give you an idea of what to expect in the real world, for a rider weighing 70-75kg with dry trail conditions, we get around 1,800m of climbing from a 600-700Wh battery in a middle power setting. Why metres climbed instead of distance traveled? Well, the motor puts a much higher drain on the battery when climbing, and theoretically the battery would last forever if you rode along the flat above the speed limiter.

Should I charge my e-bike outdoors?

In a perfect world, you should always charge your e-bike’s battery indoors at room temperature (between 10-20°C, out of direct sunlight). If your battery is not removable, try your best to charge the whole bike in the house. Always only use the recommended charger that came supplied with the bike and don’t leave it charging unattended or overnight.

Why does my motor still turn when I stop pedaling?

Some motors, most notably the Brose, continue to give assistance briefly when you stop pedalling. Usually this is most obvious in full-power mode, and can be useful to get up stepped climbs, rock gardens or over patches of roots where you need to coast in order to prevent pedal strikes. Officially under EU law this assistance cannot last for more than 2m, although we’ve experienced considerably more than that in the real world.

The new Bosch CX Race motor gives a noticebly powerfull overrun, which is designed to help racers up the technical ascents that are a feature of e-enduro racing.

Battery display built in the to top tube on the Turbo Levo.

What’s the lifespan of my battery?

This varies by manufacturer. Giant says you should have 80 per cent capacity left after 1,000 full charge cycles (equivalent to a big ride almost every day for three years). Shimano guarantees 60 per cent battery capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles. Specialized promises 60 per cent after 500 full cycles.

What frame size should I go for?

Because all that low-down weight means e-bikes are so much more stable than their naturally-aspirated counterparts, it’s less important to search for stability through frame length and slack geometry. That’s not to say you should get the smallest bike you can, but if you’re between sizes, it’s worth considering the smaller option. As always, the best course of action is to try before you buy, so find out about demo days and shop fleets before you commit.

Is it OK to wash my e-bike?

According to advice from Bosch, you should wash your e-bike as frequently as you’d wash an analogue bike (ideally after every ride), but you should never use a jet wash . This is because the high-pressure water can get past seals and into delicate electronics, as well as into non-serviceable areas such as the bottom bracket.

Equally, avoid degreasers and bike shampoos – use water from a garden hose, or bucket, and a range of brushes to get into those awkward areas around the chainset and the motor. Advice varies around what to do with the battery – Specialized recommends leaving it in-situ, but Bosch suggests removing it, then replacing the battery cover. Either way, we’d remove any displays (or cover with a plastic bag), dry the bike immediately after washing, particularly battery terminals, and then switch the bike on to check everything’s working.

E-bike climbing skills with the trials master: Chris Akrigg.

Where should I store my battery?

Keep your battery stored between 10-20°C and out of direct sunlight. If that’s not possible, consider getting a thermal blanket – basically an insulated sleeve – to store it in. If you drive to go riding, keep the battery in this sleeve en route, as it will maintain a more optimal temperature. If you’re not planning on riding for a while, remove the battery from the bike, and store in the house with around 60 per cent charge (the exact amount varies between brands). Charge fully before use.

Do I need e-bike specific components?

As e-bikes have become more popular, so brands have reacted quickly to develop specific products to fit them. In some cases they’re a waste of time, in others they’re well worth considering if not fitted as standard to your e-bike.

For example, Fox’s e-bike specific 36 forks use a thicker steerer tube and stanchion tubes to better resist the increased loads. SRAM’s Guide RE e-bike brakes use a simple lever with four-piston calipers for additional braking power.

Canyon’s SD:ON saddle has a flat nose and broad, kicked-up tail to give you something to push against on steep climbs. Also think about reinforced casing tyres, bigger brake rotors, stronger wheels, more robust freehub internals. Look for components that offer the best value and durability rather than weight saving or bling factor, as e-bikes tend to chew through consumables much faster than analogue bikes.

What happens if my motor stops working out of warranty?

Good news! Now you’re no longer left with a hefty bill for a new motor, because several businesses have popped up specialising in refurbishing, repairing, and servicing motors from all the top brands. Click here to read our story about where to get your e-bike motor fixed .

Looking for something a little less pricy? You can still get a brilliant budget electric mountain bike for less money that still offers amazing performance. 

10 of the lightest eMTB’s on sale today!

by Andi Sykes April 12, 2021 5

The development of ebikes has been fast and very impressive. Gone are the old clunkers leaving a new breed of eMTB that look just as svelte as their non-powered cousins. But this new breed of eMTB doesn’t just look great, they’re also pretty lightweight too!

Lightweight eMTB’s are still a bit of a niche, but brands are getting more and more behind the idea and we’re seeing plenty of options launched. Below I’ve put together a list of the lightest eMTB’s on the market, bikes that are actually on sale today, though many are probably difficult to find in the UK.

Trek E-Calibre

• Lightest Build : 15.5kg
• Category : XC
• Motor : Fazua
• Battery : 252Wh
• Price : From £8500
• From : Trek

Trek’s E-Calibre is the first lightweight eMTB from the bike giant, and like many on this list, they have chosen a Fazua motor system to provide assistance. The full carbon frame of the E-Calibre has been designed to save weight and includes a pivot-less suspension system and proprietary shock just like the non-powered Calibre XC race bike. While the E-Calibre does share an overall aesthetic with the Calibre, Trek has tweaked the geometry with a slightly slacker head angle, longer reach and even given the E-XC bike a longer 120mm travel fork. Trek offers the E-Calibre with an optional downtube cover meaning riders can choose to remove the entire Fazua system and ride the bike like a traditional XC bike.

Lapierre e-Zesty

• Lightest Build: 19.5kg
• Category : Trail/Enduro
• Price : From £5399
• From : Lapierre

The Lapierre e-Zesty was one of the first eMTB’s to seriously drop some weight and open the world up to the idea of lightweight eMTBs. The e-Zesty is a little on the heavier side compared to the new breed of bikes, but thanks to the Fazua system it can be ridden as an eeb or a regular pedal bike by removing the motor and battery, doing so shaves nearly 5Kg off the overall weight too. While light, the e-Zesty is also built to pack a punch with a Fox 36 fork, 4 piston brakes and 150mm of travel front and rear.

• Lightest Build : 19.18kg
• Category : Trail / Enduro
• Price : €7999

The Nox Helium is proof that a lightweight eMTB doesn’t mean it has to be built for XC or trail! With up to 180mm of travel, options for a coil shock and the ability to switch between 27.5in and 29in wheels, the Helium is an impressive package. Of course, adding a coil shock and big forks does take the weight up, but the lightweight build still packs enduro ready specs and the added punch of the Fazua motor system. Nox offers just two sizes of the carbon frame Helium with reach figures starting at 445mm and topping out at 469mm, but if you fit on either and are looking for a big travel eMTB with a low-weight this looks like a solid choice.

• Lightest Build : Below 17kg
• Category : Trail
• Battery : 540Wh
• Motor : BH 2ESMAG
• Price : From €5999

Spanish brand BH has taken the idea of a lightweight eMTB to the next level with a self-developed drive system that neatly integrates into the slim carbon frame. The BH 2ESMAG motor is a self-developed unit producing 65NM torque and weighing just 2.2kg. BH claims the system is friction-free and because it’s so compact the motor is used on both mountain bikes and road bikes. In this case, the lightweight motor is built into the iLynx, a carbon trail bike available with either 100 or 120mm of travel. The lightweight eMTB packs an internal 540Wh battery and there’s room for a 180Wh range extender battery that easily slides into the bottle cage. A very smart looking trail/XC eMTB if you’re after something a little different.

Specialized Levo SL

• Lightest Build : 16.95kg
• Motor : Brose Turbo SL 1.1
• Battery : 320Wh
• Price : From £5500
• From : Specialized

Not the first lightweight eMTB, but the first to bring the idea to a larger audience. The Levo SL can be built up at under 17kg and uses a motor so lightweight it’s also used in Specialized road eBikes. Whereas the Fazua packs 55Nm of torque and the BH 65Nm, the Turbo SL 1.1 gives riders only 35Nm of torque to play with which is significantly less meaning riders need to earn their climbs a little more. Specialized offers the SL in either alloy or carbon frames, but to really benefit from a low-weight you’ll want to focus on the costlier carbon bike. For 2021 the Levo SL shares the same frame as the launch bikes, but now get a burlier 150mm Fox 36 option too.

Rotwild R.X375

• Lightest Build: 18.2kg
• Motor : Shiman0 EP8
• Battery : 375Wh
• Price : From €6999
• From : Rotwild

At 18.2kg the Rotwild R.X375 sits at the heavier end of the spectrum but it is a true trail/enduro bike with bikes offered in either 150mm or 170mm of travel. The Rotwild also uses an off the shelf Shimano EP8 motor system with up to 85Nm. This can be tuned from the Shimano E Tube application to either give you ultimate power or extended range. Rotwild ships the R.X375 with a removable 375Mah battery and will sell you a second for €749 if you want to double your range. Compared to many of the other lightweight eMTB’s listed the Rotwild also appears the most aggressive with a modern long reach.

• Lightest Build : 16.5kg
• Motor : Shimano EP8 RS
• Battery : 360Wh
• Price : From £5599
• From : Orbea

Orbea has also chosen to use an off the shelf Shimano EP8 motor for it’s Rise eMTB, but they’ve had a tinker with the software to limit it to just 65Nm. Out of the box the EP8 allows riders to limit the torque, along with many other tunning options, but the Orbea software means that riders won’t be able to make use of the EP8’s full 85Nm. Inside the slim carbon frame is a 360Wh battery, but those wanting more time in the saddle can plug in a 252Wh range extender. The Rise sit’s firmly in the trail segment with 150mm of front wheel travel and 140mm rear.

Kinesis Rise

• Lightest Build : 19.5kg
• Category : Trail hardtail
• Price : From £3600
• From : Kinesis UK

The Kinesis Rise is a combination of a classic hardcore hardtail with eMTB technology. The Rise wasn’t developed from an existing hardtail platform but built from the ground up with a long, low geometry and integrated Fazua drive system. Kinesis offers the Rise in 4 sizes and uses their own L1 – L4 sizing system to help riders pick that right bike for them. Thanks to the low standover, short seat tube and increased reach, riders can choose the number that suits their height and their style of riding.

Focus Raven2

• Lightest Build : 16.79kg
• Category : XC hardtail
• Price : From £3699
• From : Focus

On the surface, the Raven2 and the Kinesis Rise are quite similar. They’re both hardtails, both have 29in wheels and both use the same Fazua motor and battery system, but whereas the Rise is aimed at hardcore trail riders, the Raven2 is designed for a lower-weight and mile-munching. Built around a carbon frame, the Raven2 is your typical XC race bike with no dropper, racy geo and just 100mm of travel. The Raven2 can also be ridden with or without the motor system meaning it’s 2 bikes in 1 just like the rest of the Fazua machines listed.

Bulls Wild Flow

• Lightest Build : 18.82kg
• Price : €5999
• From : Bulls

Not a brand we see much of here in the UK, but a company that always makes a splash at Eurobike. Bulls make a huge selection of eMTB’s ranging from dual battery off-road adventure bikes to this, the lightweight Wild Flow. A carbon frame, Fazua motor and Fox 34 keep the weight down on the Wild Flow which packs 120mm of travel at both ends. The geometry is a little on the conservative side with shortish reach figures but tall seat-tube lengths so make sure you double-check you’ll be comfortable on one if you’re considering picking one up.

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If you liked this article you might like these, comments (5).

This article would be even lighter without all those grocer’s apostrophes.

Maybe, just maybe, you can add the Forestal Siryon to this list sometime soon

Less is definitely more (cost!), only the two hardtails coming in at less than £5.5k. Having said that, I really like the Orbea Rise and if the cash was sitting around that would be my choice.

eMTBs – plural not possessive! Not heard it described as grocer’s apostrophe before!

Saying how much the lightest build would cost would be useful, as would indicating the weight of the cheapest build.

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