Scott Patron ST eRide 900 Tuned - The all-rounder
The egg-laying woolly milk sow has a long history at Scott. The latest E-MTB Scott Patron ST with Bosch's exclusive CX Race motor strikes the same chord. While competitors like to focus their bikes on clear core virtues such as downhill strength or touring quality, the Swiss have always tried to combine seemingly contradictory aspects in their bikes. The Patron ST also achieves this. At the rear, there's a firm 115 or fluffy 160 millimetres of travel at the touch of a button. A long 170 millimetre fork provides downhill potential. In combination with the powerful motor and long-range battery, the Patron ST has no real weaknesses and deservedly secures the best rating in our exclusive Readers-Most-Wanted test group.
Rockrider E-Expl 520 S - Price banger
E-mountain bikes are inspiring the masses. But really off-road MTB fullys are expensive. With the Rockrider E-Expl 520S, the discounter Decathlon is sending a powerful e-bike with 140 millimetres of suspension travel and a Brose motor into the ring at a competitive price. And the fact is that we have had mixed experiences with the outdoor generalist's e-MTBs. But this model is simply really good. The suspension responds sensitively. The affordable Brose motor is quiet and powerful. The weight and range are typical of an entry-level eMTB. In addition, the bike provides a lot of safety off-road and can also provide real riding fun for less than 3000 euros. Little things like the cheap gears and the weak brakes can hardly spoil the positive overall picture. In short, we've never ridden a bike this good for under 3000 euros!
Bosch Performance Line CX - It can do everything!
The Bosch Performance CX is probably the best-selling e-MTB motor on the market. It impresses with its reliability, balanced power delivery and long range. However, this classic motor is not only popular with the mainstream. If you're after really technical uphills, the CX is also the perfect choice. Because its modulation is still leading the market. Or at least it was at the time of our last major motor comparison test in spring 2024 (click here for the test). Bosch has since added the new CX, which can do everything even better than its predecessor. Lighter, more sensitive, quieter and, thanks to the new generation of batteries, with an even greater range. Even if DJI is lurking on the horizon - The test victory of the "old" Bosch CX shows that Bosch still has the edge when it comes to power motors.
Propain Ekano AL - Ballerbude
Plenty of suspension travel, gravity genes and a special rear suspension concept: the Propain Ekano 2 aims to be the perfect downhill machine. The mail-order bike from Lake Constance has therefore already had to prove itself in a duel against Canyon's E-Downhiller Torque:On. No easy competition, but in the end the Propain took the well-deserved test victory. This is of course also due to the high level of riding safety and the great suspension of the Propain. This means you can leave it standing on even the toughest downhill tracks. But - and this is where the Ekano 2 differs greatly from many bikes in its class - the 180-millimetre enduro bike also remains surprisingly manoeuvrable downhill. This means that the Ekano 2 is not a heavy breaker even on flow trails, but is a lot of fun to ride in all situations. By the way, if you want something even more sophisticated, you can also opt for the carbon version Ekano 2 CF. You can read all about the differences between the two Ekanos in this article.
Fazua Ride 60 - Lightweight and long range
Golden mean or lazy compromise? The Fazua Ride 60 sits pretty much in the middle between the classic minimal-assist class and the power motors. For our taste, it strikes a sensible middle ground and should appeal to a broad group of (e-)mountain bikers. Both e-bikers who want a somewhat lighter e-MTB and those switching from a classic mountain bike might find the wide range of applications and the diverse strengths of the Ride 60 appealing. Weaknesses? It has them too. The riding experience is not on a par with its competitors from TQ and Bosch, and the remote and app could be improved. On the other hand, the Ride60 pushes a real 440 watts and 60 Newton metres onto the roller in the test laboratory and is also very heat-resistant and has a long range. Currently an unbeatable combination in the light class.
Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM - Handling miracle
Many have been waiting for price-performance brands like Cube to enter the race for the best light eMTB. At the beginning of the year, the time had come and Cube unleashed a real firecracker with the AMS One44. Cube has achieved a great success with the top-of-the-range Super TM model of its first light e-MTB. And the more affordable TM version is also a real lightweight at 18.4 kg. And that without cheating on the suspension elements or tyres.
The bike stands out in trail use. With its feel-good handling and well-designed suspension, the Cube is agile and manoeuvrable through corners without being jittery. Despite its moderate price, the bike from Waldershof is more in the same league as the 10,000 euro class. Only when the going gets steep, rocky and rough downhill is the One44 TM no longer quite in its element. This is because the geometry is not designed for high-speed battles. However, thanks to good equipment and effective suspension, it also performs remarkably well on downhills, securing the coveted test victory in our comparison test of affordable light eMTBs.
Rotwild R.EXC Pro - licence to rattle
With the World Cup Racer R.EXC Rotwild aims to have created the perfect compromise. Super light for a full-power e-bike, plus an exciting rear suspension concept - powerful and manoeuvrable at the same time. The calculation works! On the trail, this makes the Rotwild R.EXC one of the best and most versatile E-Enduros we've ridden this year. The biggest weakness: on climbs, the front wheel climbs early, which requires a lot of control from the rider. On the other hand, the Rotwild shines on the descents with its superb suspension and easily swallows up even the worst rock gardens. Thanks to the low weight of just over 22 kilograms, the bike remains surprisingly manoeuvrable with its short chainstays. Want to rock a flatter trail? A no-go with many E-Enduros, but still great fun with the Rotwild. Expensive overall, but the overall performance is impressive.
Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM - Everybodys Darling
The Stereo Hybrid 140 from industry giant Cube is probably one of the best-selling e-mountainbikes ever. The TM version of the classic is traditionally designed for trail strength, but the bike's biggest trump card is its uncomplicated nature. Comfortable riding position, sensitive suspension, good equipment: the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM can be recommended to anyone with a clear conscience. By the way: There is now a successor, which we have also been able to test. It is slightly more expensive, but offers additional reserves with the new Bosch motor and a further improved chassis, especially for a sporty downhill riding style.
Decoy SN Core 3 - Supernatural
SN stands for Supernatural. What does YT mean by this? The light enduro bike is supposed to give you supernatural powers uphill and guarantee full riding fun downhill. The Forchheim-based company, known for its full-bodied marketing slogans, goes even further: The Decoy SN is the best enduro bike that YT has ever built - with or without a motor. Can the Decoy SN really live up to this claim? It can! Despite a live weight of almost 21 kilograms, the bike is really light-footed and playful. The sporty, defined suspension is convincing downhill, while the powerful Fazua motor with its relatively high range is impressive uphill. Typical mail order company: The equipment is really good, the price is even hotter than it already is thanks to current discounts.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
