Industry voices: Are minimal-assist bikes dead? 5 opinions on light e-MTBs

The concept of so-called minimal-assist bikes - also known as light e-MTBs - is based on electric assistance that is as unobtrusive as possible. The aim is to create a bike that looks and feels very much like a classic bike (also known as a biobike, pushbike or muscle bike).

The motor-battery unit in this mountain bike class is so compact that it can be integrated into slim frame tubes. The advantage: low weight and a more natural riding experience. The disadvantage: limited power and range - especially at high support levels.

Nevertheless, many well-known manufacturers rely on this concept. Prominent examples are the drives from Fazua, TQ or the compact motor from Bosch. These systems are mostly used in small to medium-stroke bikes for sporty tours and trails. Compared to fully equipped e-mountainbikes, light systems save around 2.5 kilograms in weight.

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What the industry insiders say

Industry voices: Are minimal-assist bikes dead? Designers Lutz Scheffer and Peter Denk, scene insider and e-biker of the first hour Christoph Malin and the two BIKE test editors Florentin Vesenbeckh and Laurin Lehner answer.

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"Practically dead" | Lutz Scheffer, Red Deer designer

"Minimal-assist bikes have always been a niche market - in terms of sales figures, they are now practically dead. To a certain extent rightly so: full-assist bikes have become increasingly lighter. The weight advantage of the minimal-assist version is perhaps 1.5 kilos on average. I can understand those who say that this is not a good enough reason to restrict yourself to such an extent. The battery and the motor should always be considered separately."

"The specialised trade was overwhelmed by this" | Peter Denk, design engineer

"It seems that way - unfortunately. Because I'm a fan of the concept and I'm convinced that there are enough people for whom a bike like this is just right. I think the specialised trade was overwhelmed by the task of explaining the bikes properly and therefore selling them. And of course, arguments such as more power and more range are more attractive to buyers than less power and battery. However, anyone who has ever ridden a 20-kilo e-bike (minimal assist) and a 23.5-kilo e-bike (full assist) knows how striking the difference is. One comes very, very close to a conventional bike. The other tends to be a clear e-bike. But maybe it's too early for minimal-assist bikes and they will make a comeback in a few years when the fascination with ever more power and range is exhausted. I know of examples in the motorbike adventure sector where it was exactly the same."

"...over 2000 metres in altitude it gets tough" | Christoph Malin, e-biker

"Dying? No! But relegated to a narrow niche. A light e-MTB is closer to a normal bike than an e-bike. You notice this when you're out and about with colleagues who ride full-assist - it just doesn't harmonise. Fun fact: Hikers often applaud because they don't suspect a motor in the narrow down tube. The flip side of the coin: it gets tough on tours with more than 2000 metres of altitude. There are still a lot of minimal innovations, but will it stay that way?"

"Power bikes under 24 kilos are the exception!" | Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE

"The flood of new light e-MTBs is bypassing the market. Recently, it felt like there were more new mini e-bikes than power e-models. It's completely logical that the expensive specialists aren't catching on with the masses. Now the warehouses are full of them. But for many bikers, lightweight e-MTBs are just the thing. Especially as the weight of other e-mountainbikes tends to go up, at least in affordable spheres. Power bikes under 24 kilos are the exception!"

"Almost as lively as classic bikes". | Laurin Lehner, BIKE editor

"Please don't! Many of these bikes are almost as lively on the trail as classic bikes without E - provided they don't weigh more than 21 kilos. I also want to continue mountain biking - that means sweating uphill, pedalling and slowing down in my head instead of racing uphill in moped mode. So, dear people: think again. I can use my endurance test bike Specialised Levo SL recommend - currently heavily reduced."

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