E-MTB test 2020: We have examined almost 60 current e-mountain bikes over the past few weeks and months. Depending on the area of application, many of the bikes were convincing. We have summarized our editorial favorites for you depending on the target group or area of application.
E-MTB Test 2020: Our test winners
In both of our test fields we had a very tight lead with some wheels fighting for the throne. They all combine great performance with high-quality add-on parts and a well-rounded overall concept.
TrekRail 9.9
The Trek Rail 9.9 is one of the most expensive, but also one of the best eMTBs in our test. It owes its great performance to the excellent overall package of high-quality, light carbon frame, the convincing Bosch Performance CX motor and the well thought-out equipment. Beautiful features such as the nicely designed battery removal or the clever integration of the Kiox display on the top tube demonstrate the US manufacturer's attention to detail. Thanks to the excellently balanced geometry, the Rail 9.9 can score top marks uphill and downhill and should even be a lot of fun for sporty touring riders.
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Simplon Rapcon Pmax
The Rapcon from Simplon with a carbon frame and the Bosch Performance CX motor is a little cheaper than the Trek Rail 9.9. Overall, with its mullet tires and coil damper, it is trimmed a bit more in the direction of descents and was one of the best of all 57 test bikes. The equipment is absolutely top with Sram AXS and RockShox Ultimate suspension.
Canyon Neuron: ON 9.0
The Canyon Neuron:ON is an inexpensive and "tamer" alternative to the premium bikes from Trek and Simplon, which comes with great equipment for just under 4.500 euros. Driven by the tried and tested Shimano E8000 motor and a 504Wh battery, it also delivers surprisingly strong downhill performance thanks to the Pike Ultimate fork.
E-MTB test 2020: Our price hits
E-MTBs are expensive fun. Our test shows this impressively: The average price for our high-end bikes is a whopping 7.800 euros, and for the bestsellers it is also just under 5.000 euros. However, it is also clear that some manufacturers are putting together attractively priced overall packages that don't tear such a big hole in your wallet.
Radon Render 8.0
Of course, almost 4.000 euros is a lot of money. In view of the high price level of modern E-MTBs and the all-round convincing performance of the Radon Render 8.0, one can confidently speak of a bargain here. With a main frame made of carbon, 12-speed gears, solid RockShox chassis with Lyrik fork at the front, it comes with an equipment package that many non-motorized MTBs in the same price range have to stretch. On top of that there is also the new Bosch CX motor with a large 625Wh battery. On the trail, it can shine with great all-round properties.
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Bull's Sonic Evo EN 2
As the cheapest bike in our high-end test field, the new Bulls Sonic Evo EN 2 managed the feat of riding in the face of one or the other significantly more expensive e-MTB. With massive suspension travel and the very progressive geometry, it conjures up a big grin on the face of active riders in particular in demanding terrain. It also brings exciting innovations, for example with the clever battery removal or the integrated variable speed support.
Thok MIG 2.0
At well under 4.000 euros, the Thok MIG 2.0 is the cheapest e-MTB among the full-suspension test candidates. Of course you have to make compromises here and there at this price: The Shimano E7000 motor should be a bit more powerful and the chassis has a fairly simple damping. With its modern geometry, the low center of gravity and also the mullet mix on the wheels including powerful tires, the E-MTB from Italy is a lot of fun.
E-MTB Test 2020: Park bikes with a built-in lift
There is now a whole range of E-MTBs that are more than powerful enough for long, hard days in the bike park. Large reserves of spring travel, powerful brakes, robust attachments: you don't have to worry about that. The best thing about it - thanks to the motor, you save yourself the long queue at the lift and can take the forest path or one of the increasing number of uphill trails up to the summit in a relaxed manner.
YT Decoy Pro Race
The YT Decoy Pro Race is currently perhaps the best E-MTB for fast descents on demanding trails. The coherent equipment contributes to this, as does the successful geometry, which would also look good on an enduro without a motor. Unfortunately, the bike has to lose a few feathers on the climbs. On the one hand, this is due to the slightly weakening Shimano motor, but also to the geometry mentioned, which doesn't work nearly as well here as on the way down.
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Norco Range VLT C2
The Norco Range VLT C2 is a real full-throttle E-MTB with unimagined climbing qualities. The very aggressive geometry requires an experienced rider who knows how to deal with it - but then the carbon E-MTB offers enormous reserves and is also potent enough for the downhill tracks in the bike park. The very steep seat angle also helps the bike perform surprisingly well on climbs, even if it tends to wobble in corners. Unfortunately, the battery cannot be removed, but the design allows for a slim down tube and rattle-free descents.
Orange Surge RS
We know that the British from Orange have been producing very good bikes with their own character for many years, far away from the mainstream. All the better that the Surge RS is further proof of how well this concept still works in 2020. The E-MTB is designed to shoot and requires an active riding style, but is then equally fun and fast on the descent. We also liked the lovingly and sensibly selected components and attachments. In view of this all-round successful impression, it is all the more annoying that there is no charging socket on the frame.
E-MTB test 2020: The trail thieves
Not every trail fan wants uncompromising downhill machines. Slightly more playful handling with good all-round qualities and robust attachments. These are the ingredients of our trail robbers - all-rounders with a powerful dash of off-road potential, so to speak.
Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
The Specialized Turbo Levo Expert is an almost perfect eMTB. The components are not always "off the top shelf", but harmonize extremely well with each other. The motor, which is as natural as it is powerful, is just as pleasing as the pragmatic operating concept. If you want to look for the hair in the soup, you could cite the sometimes somewhat overstrained chassis. On the other hand: The Levo doesn't want to be a pure shooting machine - that's what the Kenevo is for in the Californian range.
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Santa Cruz Heckler CC X01 RSV
Santa Cruz's Heckler was one of the best high-end all-rounders in the test field. It benefits immensely from its low weight and excellently balanced geometry. Playful, agile but with enough stability, it's a lot of fun on the trail. The comfortable seating position makes it a good climber, even if the Shimano E8000 motor reached its limits here and there. Only the price, which is a bit too high for our taste, spoils the overall impression a bit.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC™
With the Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM, Cube has put together a strong overall package for downhill-oriented e-mountain bikers. With its powerful chassis, modern geometry and robust tires, it even outperforms significantly more expensive competitors on the trail. Despite the convincing Bosch CX motor, it has to give up a few feathers on the climbs. Especially when things get tight, the modern geometry makes handling a little bulky. All in all, a great sporty all-rounder at an attractive price.
E-MTB test 2020: The best all-rounders
The one for all - the dream of many bikers, with and without a motor. Some e-mountain bikes come very close to this goal: comfortable, suitable for trails and tours, and sometimes even with a healthy dose of everyday use. Many other of our candidates from the E-MTB Test 2020 could be in this category, but we have chosen the following three.
Cannondale Moterra Neo 1
The Cannondale Moterra Neo is an enormously balanced and versatile E-MTB that can be recommended almost without hesitation. Thanks to its modern but not too extreme geometry, a good balance between smooth running and agility and well-chosen components, it is a pleasure for both beginners and experienced riders alike. The Bosch CX motor delivers the usual good performance, even if the Moterra is not one of the liveliest climbers. The standard headlight from Supernova is a nice extra.
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Orbea Wild FS M10
The Orbea Wild FS M10 is an all-round successful E-MTB that does not make any notable blunders in terms of equipment or handling. Overall, the chassis is trimmed more for comfort than for pure downhill action, but still offers enough reserves, even for fast riders. The Bosch motor can shine on the climbs and thanks to the short crank arms there is a lot of ground clearance even in technical sections. In addition, the Basques show attention to detail with beautiful details such as the valve extension on the damper or the special Kiox bracket. Only the rattling battery spoils the high-quality overall impression a bit.
Flyer Uproc3 6.50
The Flyer Uproc3 6.50 is a true all-rounder. It is certainly suitable for leisurely, extensive tours as well as for occasional excursions on trails that are not too demanding. Thanks to a few clever features, it even masters everyday tasks without any problems. However, it pays for this versatility by not being able to get top marks in any area. All in all, an all-round convincing E-MTB for those who are looking for one thing for all.
E-MTB Test 2020: Impressive off-road tourers
Comfortable chassis, comfortable seating position, good ergonomics: These are the criteria that an off-road tourer has to meet. Anyone who likes to take it a little easier and places more value on long-distance suitability than trail potential places different demands on their E-MTB. We also tested a few candidates for this.
Storck e:drenalin GTS XT CMF
The new Storck e:drenalin with Shimano motor was one of the lightest bikes in the test field and was particularly impressive with its high level of comfort and a comfortable seating position. Despite the large suspension travel reserves, the bike didn't feel particularly comfortable on the trail or on the descents and rode rather stilted due to the high front end. The driving characteristics were all the better in moderate terrain on the level. The Carbon Fully also proved to be a good-natured climber. All in all a very nice bike for extensive off-road tours!
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Giant Stance E+ 0 Pro
Despite its short travel, the Stance E+ 0 Pro 29 was one of the most fun bikes in our entire test field. With its lively, playful character, it was also able to win the hearts of trail fans off-road. Thanks to the sensitive rear end and the comfortable seating position, it also cuts a really good figure as a potent touring bike - the fact that the SyncDrive motor lacks a little sensitivity is not too serious and only slightly spoils the overall impression.
Hercules NOS FS Pro 1.1
The Hercules Nos FS Pro 1.1 is an excellent off-road all-rounder that is particularly popular with its great drive combination and high-quality equipment. The Brose Drive S Mag provides powerful, natural and quiet support and lasts a really long time thanks to the large 750Wh battery in the down tube in the Hercules. The comfortable chassis with 150mm spring travel has a lot of potential for off-road use, where the bike is slowed down by the somewhat stilted geometry. With the powerful motor and long chainstays, however, it also masters tricky climbing passages with flying colours.
E-MTB test 2020: The power packs
Full speed ahead: There are now a number of different mid-engines on the market - each with its own special characteristics, but also with different strengths. If you can't get enough power, you can't get past the TQ mid-engine with 120Nm. Since this season, however, the new Sachs RS has been competing with it.
M1 Spitzing Evo Bobby Root Edition
The M1 Spitzing Evolution in the Bobby Root Edition is a special E-MTB in many ways. On the one hand, of course, due to the enormously powerful but rather insensitive TQ mid-engine, but on the other hand also due to its good rear end and its good-natured handling, which conveys a lot of security. Nevertheless, due to its high weight, it seems quite sluggish overall. However, the noble carbon bike is also an excellent choice for long trail tours due to the long-range battery. The choice of components is well thought out and of high quality - but that's to be expected given the price of just under 10.000 euros.
For the detailed test:
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Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0
The Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 is not an E-MTB for everyone, but it will still find many fans - and rightly so. On its plus side, the bike can boast the extremely powerful TQ motor, which can shine with enormous power, especially at low cadences. The system integration, including the great lighting system, large color display and clever smart features, is also impressive. Due to its high weight, it is quite cumbersome on the trail, but scores with great running smoothness, which it also owes to the good 180mm chassis.
Nox Hybrid AM 5.9 Expert Sachs RS
The very powerful Sachs RS mid-engine is both a curse and a blessing for the Nox Hybrid All-Mountain 5.9. It ensures that the bike literally flies up even the steepest climbs and is also a lot of fun here. On the other hand, when it gets more technical, it lacks sensitivity and is difficult to tame. It also pushes the weight up - which spoils the otherwise very good driving impression on the descent. The new Sigma EOX Remote is a welcome change and we like it despite a few minor criticisms.
E-MTB Test 2020: The everyday heroes
Due to their versatile character, E-MTBs are also ideal for everyday use - especially if you regularly go on forest and forest paths. Even if we didn't test any bikes with mudguards or similar, some test candidates are prepared for such add-on parts and are therefore very well suited for everyday use.
Scott Strike and Ride 910
The Scott Strike eRide 910 is an excellent E-MTB for leisurely off-road use. With its very relaxed seating position, good-natured chassis and powerful drive, it makes the hearts of those who regularly take long tours under the tires beat faster. The Strike eRide feels comfortable off-road as long as the trails are not too demanding and the speed is not too high. Nice: Thanks to the preparation for lighting, mounts for side stands, mudguards and even a luggage rack, it is also very suitable for everyday use.
For the detailed test:
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KTM Macina Chacana 291
Trekking bike in an E-MTB coat? The KTM Macina Chacana 291 could be summarized like this or something similar. This is initially meant to be completely neutral, because the Austrians have put together a very good overall package for use on leisurely off-road tours. The seating position is very comfortable, the rear end is extremely sensitive and the components are of high quality. The Bosch CX motor has a lot of power, but with its natural support behavior it fits well with the character of the KTM tourer. The only thing we can't understand is the choice of tires and would have at least preferred a more voluminous combination.
Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 3
The Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 3 is a versatile and technically impressive E-MTB. With its great Brose motor, which combines sensitivity and power very well, and the large 750Wh battery in the down tube, it is based on one of the best drives in this price range. The geometry is sporty with a healthy dose of touring DNA. The rest of the spec doesn't make any major blunders either, although we're sure that a more powerful front tire could elicit even more trail potential from the Bulls.
E-MTB Test 2020: Climbing artists
Uphill Flow: The dynamic, powerful mid-drive motors and modern geometries make it possible for a modern E-MTB to get that almost intoxicating flow feeling uphill, which trail fans have only known from the downhill. Although almost all bikes in the 2020 E-MTB test were good climbers, a few stood out that also mastered really tricky uphill sections with flying colors.
KTM Macina Prowler Prestige
Anyone who assumes a pure downhill machine based on the technical data behind the KTM Macina Prowler Prestige is wrong: Despite a lot of spring travel, steel spring dampers and Eddy Current tires, the E-MTB from the Austrians feels more comfortable at a moderate speed, which is mainly due to the somewhat spongy rear end. Due to the high front and the long stem, the Prowler also feels a little stilted. On the other hand, the great frame geometry and the noble XTR equipment hit the mark. The crisp, fast gear changes also make it easier to climb uphill, which is a lot of fun anyway thanks to the good seating position and powerful Bosch motor.
For the detailed test:
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BH AtomX Carbon Lynx 6 Pro-S
The BH AtomX Carbon Lynx 6 Pro-S is a very independent E-MTB. This applies to the optics as well as to some technical details, which, however, are all convincing. A highlight is certainly the very good color display, as well as the large 720Wh battery with its removal on the top tube. On the trail, the E-MTB from Spain is very good-natured, but at high speeds it is mainly slowed down by the rear end, which then reaches its limits. On the other hand, when going uphill, the AtomX Carbon Lynx 6 is more in its element. The Brose Drive S Mag motor has a lot of power and is nice and quiet, but works less sensitively on the BH than we are used to from other Brose E-MTBs.
Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.5
The Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.5 surprised us in the test with an extremely strong climbing performance. With a combination of the powerful but sensitive Bosch CX motor, the very steep seat angle and non-slip tires, it allowed us to master ramps and uphill sections that had presented us with unsolvable tasks with other E-MTBs. It's also convincing on the descent, although it seems a bit sluggish here and doesn't quite match its grandiose uphill performance.
All bikes in the E-MTB test 2020
- BH AtomX Carbon Lynx 6 Pro-S E-MTB on test: Unique overall package with well thought-out features
- BH AtomX Lynx 6 Pro E-MTB review: Innovative individualist with a large battery
- BMC Trailfox AMP SX two E-MTB on test: Comfortable trail bike with great chassis
- Bottechia Evo Start E-MTB on test: All-rounder with a slim down tube
- Bottechia Proton E-MTB on test: Solid basis with weak equipment
- Bulls Copperhead E2 29 E-MTB on test: Power pack for touring and everyday use
- Bulls E-Stream Evo AM 3 E-MTB on test: Universally applicable with great endurance
- Bulls Sonic Evo EN 2 E-MTB on test: Huge downhill potential for experienced bikers
- Cannondale Moterra Neo 1 E-MTB on test: Potent all-rounder with a carbon frame
- Canyon Neuron:ON 9.0 E-MTB on test: Feel-good all-rounder with potential for off-road use
- Centurion No Pogo E R2600i E-MTB on test: Swabian all-rounder with that certain something
- Corratec E-Power RS 160 Pro E-MTB in test: Good-natured trail rocket to feel good
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM E-MTB on test: Convincing overall package with downhill urge
- Ducati MIG-S E-MTB on test: Sporty downhill skier with a clever frame design
- Dynamics Vulcano E-MTB in the test: Strong all-rounder for women
- Flyer Uproc3 6.50 E-MTB on test: Generalist instead of specialist
- Focus Jam² 6.8 Nine E-MTB on test: Lively fun bike for moderate terrain
- Focus Jam² 9.9 Drifter E-MTB on test: Nimble flyweight with an innovative battery concept
- Fuji Blackhill Evo 27,5 Plus 1.3 E-MTB on test: Comfortable off-road tourer with a great chassis
- Ghost Hybrid ASX 6.7+ E-MTB on test: Successful trail bike with strengths in the descent
- Giant Fathom E+ 2 E-MTB on test: Light overall package for sporty connoisseurs
- Giant Reign E+ 0 Pro E-MTB on test: Great overall package with strong trail performance
- Giant Stance E+ 0 Pro 29 E-MTB on test: Fun off-road tourer with a successful concept
- Greyp G6.2 FS Expert E-MTB on test: Good-natured E-MTB packed with smart features
- GT Force AMP E-MTB on test: Great offer for trail-hungry e-mountain bikers
- Haibike XDURO AllMtn 3.5 E-MTB on test: Climbing specialist with strong equipment
- Haibike XDURO Nduro10.0 E-MTB on test: High-tech E-MTB with a powerful motor
- Hercules Nos Pro FS 1.1 E-MTB on test: Strong overall package with staying power
- Husqvarna Mountain Cross 8 E-MTB on test: Comfortable off-road tourer with weaknesses in the details
- Kettler Scarpia FS 2.0 E-MTB on test: Long-range off-road tourer
- Kona Remote CTRL E-MTB on test: Solid overall package with outdated technology
- KTM Macina Chacana 291 E-MTB on test: Moderate touring bike with high-quality equipment
- KTM Macina Prowler Prestige on test: Touring climber with weaknesses in the descent
- Lapierre Overvolt AM 7.6 E-MTB on test: Comfortable all-rounder with a sporty touch
- M1 Spitzing Evo Bobby Root Edition E-MTB under test: Noble carbon all-rounder with a powerful motor
- Norco Range VLT C2 E-MTB on test: Potent shooting machine for adrenaline junkies
- Nox Hybrid All-Mountain 5.9 Sachs E-MTB on test: Well-rounded concept with a powerful engine
- Nox Hybrid Enduro 7.1 Pro Sachs E-MTB on test: Solid trail all-rounder with a powerful motor
- Orange Surge RS E-MTB on test: British personality with terrific trail performance
- Orbea Keram 29 30 E-MTB on test: Comfortable hardtail with dual battery option
- Orbea Wild FS M10 E-MTB on test: Great all-rounder with no significant weaknesses
- R Raymon FullRay E-Seven 9.0 E-MTB on test: Good-natured tourer for pleasure bikers
- Radon Render 8.0 E-MTB in test: Sporty all-rounder at an attractive price
- Santa Cruz Heckler CC X01 RSV E-MTB on test: Playful all-rounder with an impressive weight
- Testing the Scott Genius eRide 900 Tuned E-MTB: Noble E-MTB with a versatile character
- Scott Strike eRide 910 E-MTB on test: Comfortable tourer with high suitability for everyday use
- Simplon Rapcon Pmax E-MTB in test: Perfectly balanced bike with a high fun factor
- Specialized Turbo Levo E-MTB in test: Strong performance despite mediocre equipment
- Specialized Turbo Levo Expert E-MTB on test: Great E-MTB for sporty riders
- Steven's E-Pordoi E-MTB on test: Flashy trail bike with practical features
- Stevens E-Sledge ES E-MTB on test: Heavily equipped curve robber
- Storck e:drenalin GTS 500 XT E-MTB in test: Light touring bike with weaknesses on the descents
- Thok MIG 2.0 E-MTB on test: Downhill bargains for sporty drivers
- Trek Rail 7 E-MTB on test: Great frame with huge potential
- Trek Rail 9.9 E-MTB on test: Expensive but (almost) perfect E-MTB
- YT Decoy Pro 29 E-MTB in test: Sporty all-rounder with a lot of potential
- YT Decoy Pro Race E-MTB under test: Terrific descent with weaknesses on the climbs