Light eMTB recommendation 2023: Our top 7 minimal-assist eMTBs of the year
Team FREERIDE
· 15.10.2023
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According to industry insiders, minimal-assist e-MTBs are the future of the sport. Similarly easy to handle as organic mountain bikes without a motor, they still have an ace up their sleeve for off-road gimmicks, whether uphill or downhill: the boost of the e-drive. Here are our top 7 minimal-assist eMTBs of 2023.
Specialised Turbo Levo SL
The first Levo SL revolutionised e-mountain biking. It showed that an e-MTB can also be agile and lively. Gamechanging par excellence! The new Levo SL is once again a blast. Motor: quieter and more powerful. Suspension (160/150 mm): more sensitive, yet plush and potent. Geometry: playful thanks to the short rear end. In short: this is how a light eMTB should be. We are currently riding the Expert model and are thrilled.
- Weight: from 17.7 kg
- Price: from 7900 euros to 15,000 euros
- Test from May 2023
Mondraker Neat
The Neat has a wide range of use - great! The geo creates a smooth and safe ride downhill. The rear suspension does what it should and more - plush! The 29-inch enduro bike (160/150 mm) is one of the favourites in the segment.
- Weight: from 18.5 kilos
- Price: from 7999 Euro
- Test from July 2023
Haibike Lyke
With its long rear end, the Lyke is not quite as playful, but the weight (18.6 kg) is inspiring; the 140 mm suspension can take a lot of punishment. Ideal for epic rides. Chic: The Fazua Ride 60 nestles into the frame in such a way that you can hardly see it.
- Weight: 18.6 kg
- Price: from 6999 euros
- Test from April 2023
Simplon Rapcon TQ EN
The HPR 50 motor from TQ accelerates the 170-millimetre carbon racer with its steel spring rear end as quietly as a whisper. The downhill performance lives up to the promise of its looks: fluffy, grippy, fast.
- Weight: from 19.4 kilos
- Price: 8999 Euro
Santa Cruz Heckler SL
The premium manufacturer from the USA is offering a light e-MTB for the first time. Here, too, the Fazua Ride 60 drives with 60 Nm, 450 watts and a 430 battery. There are five models of the 160/150 mm bike to choose from.
- Weight: from 18.5 kilos
- Price: from 7499 to 13,000 euros
- Info Santa Cruz Heckler SL
Trek Fuel Exe
Pleasant handling, efficient suspension (150/140 mm), lots of playfulness - the Trek behaves just as you would want it to. The small motor creates the look of an organic bike and works quietly - great! Available in aluminium and carbon.
- Weight: 18.8 kilos
- Price: from 5499 Euro
- Test from April 2023
Lapierre E-Zesty AM LTD
The French have it figured out: quiet, light, agile - the E-Zesty with its 140cc chassis is one of our favourites in the light e-MTB segment. The drive is provided by the new Fazua Ride 60 with a 430 battery.
- Weight: from 18.2 kg
- Price: from 7599 euros
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