The Eiros Empor-E is designed to resolve conflicting priorities: a fully-equipped, no-compromise full-power e-MTB with 105 Nm of torque, a large battery and a total weight of just 18.5 kilograms. On paper, this sounds like a challenge to all lightweight, high-performance e-MTBs. That’s precisely why it’s important to remember: the figure is intriguing, but it’s not yet a fact. The weight figure comes exclusively from Eiros; a test bike and independent measurements are not yet available. Nevertheless, we’re keen to take a look at the facts regarding this carbon-fibre masterpiece.
Eiros Empor-E at a glance
| Component | Manufacturer's specifications |
| Engine | Mahle M40, 105 Nm, 850 W peak power |
| Battery | Mahle, 850 Wh |
| Weight | 18.5 kg according to the manufacturer’s specifications |
| Chassis | Öhlins RXF 38 m.3 TTX18, 170 mm at the front; Öhlins TTX2 Air m.2 at the rear |
| Bicycle wheels | DT Swiss HXC 1200, 29-inch front / 27.5-inch rear |
| Brakes | Brembo GR-Pro |
| Circuit | SRAM XX T-Type Eagle |
| Tyres | Continental Kryptotal, Enduro Soft at the front, Downhill Soft at the rear |
| Quantity | 100 copies worldwide |
The secret behind its light weight is said to lie in the Spanish company’s expertise in carbon fibre. The firm specialises in super-lightweight bicycle components – and has now applied this know-how to the lightweight frame of the Empor-E. This is evident from the design alone, with Eiros making extensive use of visible carbon fibre throughout. It is immediately apparent that the entire frame, right down to the gear lever, is made of carbon fibre. Eiros’s one-piece carbon cockpit is also designed to save weight.
The Mahle M40: a powerful engine, not just a spec-sheet motor
The Mahle M40 is no lightweight drive, but a fully-fledged, full-power mid-mounted motor. The manufacturer’s specifications sound promising: 105 Nm of maximum torque and up to 850 watts of peak power. The drive also offers features such as Auto Hold on steep hills, dynamic motor coasting and a wireless control unit with Head Unit+ and Trio Remote.
Our experience with the M40 to date confirms the system’s fundamental capabilities. In the BIKE test of the Mahle M40 On the laboratory scales, the motor weighed 2.64 kilograms rather than the 2.5 kilograms stated by Mahle. In a standardised uphill comparison, it was significantly faster at 2:01 minutes than a Bosch Performance CX with a power update, which took 2:25 minutes. At the same time, the clearly audible operating noise and the as yet limited range of models are among the system’s weaknesses.
18.5 kilos: Why this figure would be extraordinary
18.5 kilograms for a full-suspension enduro e-MTB with a 105 Nm motor, a large battery, a 170 mm fork and robust tyres would be quite a statement. By way of comparison: In our test of lightweight full-power e-MTBs These included an Amflow Carbon PL with 160/150 mm of travel weighing 19.8 kilograms, a Cannondale Moterra SL weighing 20.2 kilograms and a BH iLynx+ weighing 21.2 kilograms.
The Empor-E would therefore weigh around 1.3 kilograms less than the lightest of these three comparable bikes. And this is despite its particularly robust components: an Öhlins 38 mm fork, downhill rear tyres and Brembo brakes are not weight-saving parts designed for gravel trails. Eiros quotes a weight of 1.2 kilograms for the carbon main frame. That’s light, but it doesn’t explain the exceptional figure. After all, the Mahle drivetrain isn’t significantly lighter than the drivetrains on the bikes mentioned above.
An exclusive concept requiring substantial evidence
The Eiros Empor-E is an unusually well-conceived project. Its specifications live up to the standards of a rugged, high-performance enduro e-MTB, and according to our hands-on test, the Mahle M40 is one of the most powerful and compact motors currently available. And if Eiros confirms the weight of 18.5 kilograms in a near-production configuration, the Empor-E would set a remarkable new benchmark in its class.
Until then, it is important to take this with a pinch of salt: 18.5 kilos is not a verified BIKE fact, but a manufacturer’s specification that has yet to be verified. Furthermore, a definitive assessment is not possible without details of the price, available frame sizes, geometry data, the actual rear suspension travel, and information on servicing, warranty and delivery dates. With only 100 units planned for production worldwide, the Empor-E is likely to remain, above all, an exclusive showcase of technology. Whether it also performs well on the trail is something only a thorough test can reveal.
What do you think of the Eiros Empor-E? A carbon-fibre dream? Have your say in the comments.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD