The electrified brother of the cross-country hardtail Scott Scale comes in trail guise: wide tyres, Vario seatpost and potent Fox 34 suspension fork with 120 millimetres of travel. In addition to the fork, other components are also "E-optimised": The eight gears are shifted by the very solidly built Sram EX1 drivetrain and stopped by the Sram Guide RE brakes. With 200 mm discs front and rear as standard. As the name suggests, the bike rolls on 2.8-inch wide Plus tyres. Scott relies on proven technology for the motor: the E-Scale is equipped with the Bosch Performance CX motor. On the 2017 model tested, the 500 Wh battery is still enthroned on the down tube; on the higher-quality 2018 models, Scott has installed the Powertube battery from Bosch.
All this comes at a price: the high-quality equipment is reflected in the price. At 5000 euros, this is quite high for an e-MTB hardtail. Is it worth investing in the top equipment or is a less well-equipped full suspension bike at the same price the better choice? And the most important question: Is a hardtail with even the most potent equipment and geometry fun on the trail?
Even before we hit the first trail, we adjust the riding position: All the spacers under the stem are removed to lower the front as much as possible. And as we don't want to be completely pushed along by the motor, the saddle has to be at the ideal height. Unfortunately, the seatpost in the medium bike is too short for our tall testers and we have to extend the seatpost well beyond the limit. The riding position is then pleasantly sporty and we put a lot of pressure on the pedals. The Maxxis Rekon tyres roll very well and we were able to ride at speeds well above 25 km/h on flat terrain.
Uphill, the bike is impressive even on steep sections: the low front end in combination with the 473 millimetre chainstays ensures that the front wheel stays on the ground. Only when the terrain becomes technically demanding does the bike reach its limits due to the system: The rigid rear triangle literally hops over the ground and cannot generate any traction. This is where a fully would go further.
When the trail heads downhill and is not short on flow, it's time for the E-Scale: saddle down and full throttle. You fly over the trail at high speed. With shorter chainstays, you could ride even more actively and playfully. When the going gets really tough, the hardtail loses out: If you open the brakes in rough sections, you have to tame the bouncy rear end. If you're not always on the attack, you can also master very technical descents on a hardtail - albeit at a slower pace.
The equipment is entirely to our taste: the Sram EX1 drivetrain harmonises with the powerful Bosch Performance CX motor and delivers a sufficiently wide range. The Sram Guide RE stoppers are powerful and decelerate very consistently with the 200 mm discs. The Maxxis tyres roll very well with sufficient grip, only in mud does the flat profile reach its limits. Although the fork doesn't perform at factory level, it absorbs all impacts. The fork lockout is unnecessary on an E-MTB!
Back to the initial question: should I go for a fully or a hardtail if I have a generous budget? The hardtail masters all obstacles with its trail-orientated equipment, but has to take a back seat in rough terrain. If you prefer forest roads and flowing trails, you can go for a hardtail without hesitation. However, if you have the most fun on rough descents and technical uphills, go for the fully - even if you have to make compromises in terms of equipment. Comfort-orientated bikers will also be happier with the fully.
Test summary of the Scott E-Scale
With the E-Scale 700 Plus Tuned, Scott has a capable hardtail on offer: the bike is up for anything and can even take on tough descents. Thanks to the optimally selected equipment, the hardtail has a wide range of uses. Nevertheless, in tough terrain we prefer to go for a fully - for example the E-Spark 720, which is also available in the shop for 5000 euros.
