Top e-bike innovations 2024: The 10 most exciting e-MTB innovations of the year

The most exciting e-bike motors for 2024

With its motor-gearbox unit, or MGU for short, a small Swabian company is making the gears on the rear wheel completely superfluous. The innovation prize for 2023 therefore certainly goes to the new Pinion motor, but 2023 also had some great innovations to offer in terms of motors: Sram presented its own motor for the first time, linking the drivetrain, battery and drivetrain into a stand-alone system, while Bosch finally took the light theme out of its niche with the SX motor.

Pinion MGU E1.12 - The carefree motor with integrated gearbox

Motor-Gearbox-Unit, or MGU for short, is the name of the new e-drive from German gearbox specialist Pinion. And if the system delivers what it promises, the Denkendorf-based company has found something like the Holy Grail of the e-bike industry. Instead of heavy, wear- and defect-prone derailleurs and sprocket sets on the rear wheel, the gear changes in the encapsulated gearbox run directly in the motor. The big question: Can the complex technology be convincing in off-road use?

The short answer is: Yes! Because the MGU makes the hearts of e-mountain bikers beat faster in many respects: low maintenance, minimised wear, ideal weight distribution and whisper-quiet on the descent! This makes the motor-gearbox unit the absolute hit of 2023 and could become a milestone for frequent riders and fans of carefree e-bikes. On the other hand, with the current state of development, you have to put up with a loud drive noise and unpleasant pedalling interruptions during some gear changes. These are still important construction sites for the big breakthrough. However, the combined motor-gearbox unit is definitely already an exciting alternative to conventional drive systems.

>>You can read all about Pinion's MGU, including a detailed riding impression, all the facts, laboratory and test bench data, in our detailed test

The facts about the MGU E1.12 from Pinion

• Weight: 4112 g (measured in the EMTB laboratory)
• Max. Torque: 85 Newton metres (manufacturer's specification)
• Max. Power: 600 watts (manufacturer's specification)
• 12 gears, 600 per cent bandwidth (spur gearing with two gear sets connected in series, 3 x 4 stages)
• Maintenance interval: Oil change every 10,000 km or once a year
• With an empty battery, there is a reserve for 1000 switching operations
• Intelligent push assistance with customisable speed
• Four support levels Eco, Flow, Flex and Fly - individually customisable via app
• Control elements, batteries and app from FIT, various versions

Bosch SX - Reutlingen goes Light E-MTB

Light e-mountainbikes have been the hot topic in the industry for years, but motor giant Bosch, of all companies, was left out for a long time. Until Eurobike 2023, when the Swabian company presented its first light motor, the Performance SX. And at just over two kilos, but with a whopping 600 watts of peak power, it is a real performance athlete. On paper at least, it clearly puts other motors in its class in the shade.

However, it's not quite that simple. This is because the small Bosch only really releases its high peak power in very short sprints. Both in practice and in the laboratory, the Ride 60 from Fazua has more power and, not least, more torque in some scenarios. Nevertheless, the small Bosch is exciting. Like almost no other light motor, it conveys the feeling of lively power on acceleration and is therefore a real guarantee of riding enjoyment. The dosage and response behaviour are also - typically Bosch - really successful.

Fazua and TQ are still a little quieter and rattle less downhill, but the Bosch SX is still a successful debut with its 400 battery, integration into the classic Bosch system in terms of display, app, remotes and, last but not least, the great service network. It's hardly surprising that quite a few manufacturers are using the lightweight Bosch as an opportunity to present a light eMTB for the first time. Some of these bikes have also made it into this list of highlights below.

The facts about the Bosch Performance SX

• Continuous load: 40 Newton metres / 450 watts motor power (manufacturer's specification)
• Short-term peak values: Up to 55 Newton metres / 600 watts motor power (manufacturer's specification)
• Motor weight: 2.07 kg (EMTB measured value)
• New battery: Compact Tube 400 Wh, 2075 grams (EMTB measured value)
• Range extender Power More 250: 250 Wh
• Q-factor: 172 mm (EMTB measured value)
• Part of the smart system
• Compatible with all corresponding batteries, controls and features

>> You can read all about the new Bosch SX in our detailed test

>> All bikes with the Swabian light drive can be found here in the overview

Sram Eagle Powertrain - motor and shifting as a complete system

First of all: Sram has not developed a new motor of its own, but instead uses hardware from Brose. Nothing fundamentally bad - with its 90 Newton metres and low-frequency drive noise, we have always liked the Brose motor. Thanks to its own software, Sram promises that belt tearing is finally a thing of the past. The really new thing about the Eagle Powertrain is the complete system and, above all, the networking and combination with the Eagle Transmission drivetrain. As with Shimano's EP801 and the new Shimano XT Di2 Sram is now also coupling the motor with the gears. The result and highlight of the Sram drivetrain: automatic shifting functions. Similar features are also available with the combined motor-gear unit MGU from Pinion and Shimano's new Di2 groupsets.

The entry of industry giant Sram into the drivetrain market alone is a real eye-catcher. A special feature is the networking with the gears. And the automatic gear changes really do work excellently, as long as the system does not reach its logical limits. Because even Sram's automatic system can't really look ahead - an abrupt counter-climb can cause one or two interruptions in the flow of the ride. On the other hand, we really liked the automatic shifting on the roll, which provides real added value on trails and descents in almost every situation. The intuitive operating logic of the Sram system is also a success. The cockpit only needs a few buttons, and the behaviour of the automatic system can be effectively adapted to the current riding situation with just a few button presses, even when riding. We can't wait to see how the powertrain and automatic system perform in the long-term test.

The facts about the Sram Eagle Powertrain

• Complete system comprising motor, battery, controls and Srams Eagle Transmission gears
• Automatic shifting functions possible (Auto-Shift and Coast-Shift)
• Two battery options with 630 or 720 watt hours
• Option of range extender on the down tube (250 Wh)
• Motor relies on Brose Drive SMag hardware (90 Nm max. torque)
• Two support levels "Range" and "Rallye" (both adjustable via app)
• Completely wireless operation via four buttons on the handlebars for all gearshift and motor functions

>>You can read all about Sram's Eagle Powertrain in our detailed first test of the Sram system

These are the best e-mountainbikes for 2024

Light e-MTBs remain in vogue and it is foreseeable that this will continue to be the case in 2024. This is due not least to Bosch's new Performance SX light motor, which combines exciting performance with the familiar Bosch service network. An argument for many larger brands in particular. Bulls, KTM, Cube and Canyon are at least now finally entering the light E-MTB market. But a lot has also happened in the power segment with the new EP801 motor from Shimano, Sram's Eagle Powertrain and Pinion's MGU. The trend here is: Lots of suspension travel and downhill fun on the one hand and full motor power with low weight on the other.

Bulls Vuca - Innovative Pinion bike for trail and everyday use

Bulls presents the launch of the Pinion MGU three platforms with the new, revolutionary motor-gear unit. The Bulls Vuca Evo Am was developed for sporty mountain biking and is also the most affordable e-MTB with the new Pinion drive. The carbon main frame is combined with an aluminium rear triangle. This chassis accommodates 29er wheels and offers 150 millimetres of suspension travel. A classic combination for touring and trails, where the E-Fully should feel at home. Nice: The moderate geometry suggests uncomplicated riding characteristics, while the Monkey-Link, trailer release and integrated rear light will appeal to everyday users who might particularly enjoy the Pinion bike.

In addition to the two AM models from Bulls for off-road use, there will also be two fully equipped hardtails (Vuca Evo X1) and fullys (Vuca Evo FSX1), optionally also available as step-through models. Prices for these start at 6299 and 7299 euros respectively. For off-road use, the top model Bulls Evo AM2 with Fox Factory suspension and XT brakes is particularly attractive. Although the price is not low per se, it is perfectly acceptable in view of the high-quality equipment, the carbon frame and the expensive Pinion system. The top-of-the-range Vuca changes hands for 8499 or 8699 euros, and all models should be on sale around the turn of the year 23/24.

The facts about the Bulls Vuca Evo AM

• Motor/gearbox: Pinion MGU E1.12, 85 Nm, 12 gears
• Battery: either 960 or 720 Wh
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Suspension travel: 150 mm
• Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
• Belt drive
• max. permissible total weight: 150 kg
• Approval for child trailers
• Price: from 7499 euros
• In addition to two AM fullys, there are also two hardtail models (from 6299 euros)

>> Read all about the Bulls Vuca Evo AM here

Canyon Neuron:On fly: Light E-MTB now also affordable

Some people probably thought that Canyon would never jump on the light trend. But in mid-March, the time had finally come: Canyon's first light eMTB was presented at the company's headquarters in Koblenz. It was exciting to see: Would the latest addition be exceptionally light? Would we get to see exclusive technology? The answer to both questions was no. And yet the mail-order company has once again achieved something that no competitor before it has managed to do: make the light trend affordable.

The Canyon light bike goes by the name of Neuron:On Fly CF and is designed as an all-rounder with 140 millimetres of travel and 29-inch wheels. Trails uphill and downhill, not too wild and also the occasional longer tour were in the specification. Propulsion is provided by a Bosch SX, the geometry is rather longer. This should give the Neuron:On Fly confident handling and strong climbing characteristics. In terms of weight, Canyon's Light E-MTB doesn't break any records at 19 to 20 kilos, especially as the equipment is rather conservative with narrower forks from the trail class à la Pike and Fox 34 and with Hans Dampf and Nobby Nic tyres. On the other hand, Canyon once again impresses in terms of value for money.

>> You can read all about the new Neuron:On Fly in our detailed test report. We were also able to compare the Canyon with its most important competitor.

The facts about the Canyon Neuron:On fly

• Motor: Bosch SX, 55 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 140 / 140 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: XS to XL
• Price: from 4849 Euro
• Weight: 19.71 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
• Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
• Approval according to canyon category 3e (trail: jumps up to 60 cm)

Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 - Light bike with oomph

Smooth-running yet fun. Powerful and yet light. The Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 aims to combine many opposites in one package. And it is quite successful in doing so, as we have to recognise after the first test. First example: the drive. Here, the Lower Saxony-based company opted for the new Bosch Performance SX, which also gives light bikes the famous uphill flow and a certain power feeling. At least at a high cadence, as our detailed test in the laboratory and in practice shows. Power is supplied by the new Compact Tube 400, as on the vast majority of bikes with Bosch SX.

The lack of a charging socket in the frame is rather unusual. This means that no range extender can be fitted to the Ryvon and the battery must be removed for charging. The idea behind this is a consistent focus on lightweight construction and trail strength. This is reflected not only in a great weight of 18.9 kilograms for the top model with 170 millimetres of suspension travel, but also in very successful riding characteristics. For an enduro bike, the Ryvon is remarkably light-footed, bounces over roots and yet also absorbs rough bumps and wild descents with ease. The top-equipped test bike thus poaches in the absolute high-end league of 15,000 euro bikes and yet remains comparatively fair in terms of price at 9999. An even livelier trail model, called the Ryvon ST, and cheaper versions of the LT model are of course also available. It starts at 6000 euros.

The facts about the Conway Ryvon LT

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX
• Battery: 400 watt hours
• Suspension travel: 150 (ST) or 170 (LT) millimetres
• MX wheel mix (29 / 27.5")
• Full carbon frame
• Weight: 18.9 kilograms (Ryvon LT 10.0, EMTB measurement)
• Price: From 5999 Euro
• Permissible total weight: 140 kg
• Approval according to ASTM category 4 (enduro, occasional bike park use)

>> Click here to test the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

Cube AMS Hybrid One44: The first Light E-MTB from Cube

Industry giant Cube took its time with the first Light E-MTB. This is because the Upper Palatinate company focussed on this first, with the One55 to put a lightweight bike with full engine power on the tyres. But the wait for the Hybrid One44 was worth it. The result is a bike with an excellent price-performance ratio and first-class riding characteristics. We found it to be precise and direct the new Cube during our first test. The key data: 140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29-inch wheels and, of course, a Bosch SX motor with a 400 battery, permanently installed in the down tube for weight reasons.

The new Cube, whose full name is AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X, is available in two different versions and in a total of four model variants. Behind the bikes with the abbreviations TM (for Tame the Mountain) are two downhill-oriented models with 36 mm forks from Fox, shocks with reservoirs and grippy and robust tyres for 6499 and 8999 euros. The two SL models, with 34 mm forks and lightweight tyres, aim for the lowest possible weight and cost €5999 and €7999. Nice: Even the cheapest SLX model for € 5999 is really light at 17.4kg according to the scales in our test lab, while the SLT weighs just 16.2kg according to the manufacturer's specifications. Here, as well as in terms of handling, Cube's first light bike is way ahead. The competition will have to stretch themselves to keep up with it.

Facts about the Cube AMS Hybrid

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX
• Battery: 400 Wh (removable)
• Frame: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 140 mm / 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Four models between 5999 and 8999 euros >> available here
• Weight: 17.8 kg (Super TM test bike in size L, EMTB measurement, without pedals)
• Permissible total weight: 135 kg (manufacturer's specification)

>> You can read all about the new Cube AMS Hybrid One44 here in our detailed test report!

Lightweight and full motor power: Orbea Rise and Cannondale Moterra SL

The facts about the Cannondale Moterra SL

• Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Darfon, 600 Wh (permanently installed)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm with Flexpivot rear triangle
• Wheel size: Mullet (29 / 27.5 inch)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Three models between 7999 and 13,999 euros
• Weight: between 19.5 and 20.6 kg depending on the model (manufacturer's specification, size M)

>> Click here for the detailed test of the new Cannondale Moterra SL

Lightweight motors and small batteries have pushed the weight of e-MTBs back below the 20-kilo mark in recent years. This is good for downhill handling, but not everyone likes the low range and motor power. But what if you had full power and a long range, but only 20 kilos? Cannondale and Orbea, among others, have asked themselves this question and with the new Rise and the Moterra SL are delivering just such bikes.

At around 20 kilos, both e-bikes are only slightly heavier than most light e-MTBs, both bikes offer a full 85 Newton metres of torque and, with a good 600 watt hours in the battery, a strong range for longer tours. At least, if you don't always open the throttle fully. The most important differences: While the Cannondale Moterra SL with its very slack steering angle, demanding handling and really unthrottled motor power caters more to the extremes, the Orbea Rise remains a little more pleasing. There is also plenty of torque at the bottom end, but the peak power is slightly throttled. You can also extend the range using the range extender. This is not possible with the Cannondale. Nevertheless, two expensive but impressively light bikes that combine the advantages of light and power almost outrageously well.

The facts about the Orbea Rise

• Motor: Shimano EP801 RS Gen2 MC, max. 85 Nm torque
• Battery: either 420 or 630 watt hours (each permanently installed), optional 210 Wh additional battery
• Full carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Two versions: SL with 140 mm travel, LT with 160/150 mm travel
• Four models to start (2x SL, 2x LT) from 7999 euros
• Frame weight: 2.2 kg (manufacturer's specification)
• Weight: SL from 16.2 kg, LT from 18 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
• Test bike weight: 20.02 kg (measured in the EMTB lab, 630 Wh battery, size M)

>> Read all about the new Orbea Rise including first ride impressions here

Propain Ekano 2 - E-freerider for bike park and enduro trails

With the Ekano 2, Propain is relaunching its e-mountainbike after a long time. Unusual: The gravity specialists from Lake Constance have opted for neither a huge battery nor a light drive. Instead, the Ekano 2 is the brand's first e-bike to feature the Propain-typical Pro 10 rear triangle with a vertical shock. And what else? At least when looking at the data, the Ekano seems to be a real breaker: 180/170 millimetres of travel, flat geometry - the aluminium Ekano is even available with a fat 190 mm fork.

We were all the more surprised when we were able to test the Propain Ekano 2 for the first time: Contrary to what its travel and geometry might suggest, the Ekano 2 is a surprisingly friendly and manoeuvrable bike. There was hardly a tester who wasn't impressed by the fluffy character and lively handling, especially in the bike park. At the same time, the Bolide can of course also take an incredible amount of punishment, creating a fantastic compromise between riding fun and pure downhill power. An E-MTB for real freeriders!

The Ekano 2 is available in two versions. Depending on the individual configuration in Propain's extensive customising programme, the aluminium bike costs from 5000 euros, relies on shorter chainstays, a particularly fluffy and rather linear chassis and comes exclusively with a mullet wheel mix and Shimano's new and more powerful EP801 motor. With the Ekano 2 CF comes the new Sram Eagle Powertrain drivetrain for use. The bike has longer chainstays and can therefore be ordered as a 29er or mullet bike. The rear triangle is designed to be slightly more progressive. Prices start at around 8,000 euros due to the high-quality basic equipment.

The facts about the Propain Ekano 2 AL / CF

• Motor: Shimano EP801 / Sram Eagle Powertrain
• Battery: 625 Wh / 630 Wh
• Frame material: aluminium / carbon
• Suspension travel: 180/170 mm
• Wheel size: Mullet / 29er or Mullet
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: from 4995 / 7794 euros
• Weight: 24.5 kg (AL, EMTB measurement) / 23.2 kg (CF, EMTB measurement)
• Max. permissible total weight: 130 kg (bike, rider and equipment)
• Approval according to ASTM category 5 (downhill, full bike park approval)

>> Read all about the Propain Ekano 2 in our detailed test of the aluminium model

>> And in our new presentation including a driving report of the Ekano 2 CF

Santa Cruz Heckler SL - Light e-bike in a downhill rush

Hardly any other brand focusses on the trail characteristics of its bikes as publicly as Santa Cruz. It is therefore almost surprising that the Californians are entering the market with a relatively light eMTB. The choice of the Fazua motor (to the test of the Fazua Ride 60) is less surprising. Finally, the PON Group, to which Santa Cruz belongs, is also linked to Porsche, the parent company of Fazua (You can read the background to the corporate network here). The orientation of the Heckler SL is just as logical. With 160/150 mm suspension travel and mullet wheels, it is designed to inspire on descents of all kinds. Just like its "big" brother, the Heckler with Shimano motor (to the test of the Santa Cruz Heckler), the SL also plays on the border between trail bike and enduro.

At 19.3 kilos with a permanently installed battery and full carbon frame, the check on the scales does not trigger any enthusiasm. On the other hand, the Heckler SL has implemented the rear suspension with the popular VPP kinematics. Thanks to the compact motor, the engineers were able to place the pivot points even lower on the SL than on the Heckler with Shimano drivetrain. This brings the kinematics even closer to the ideal of the Californians' non-motorised bikes. Top: The Heckler SL is available in five sizes from S to XXL, and the system weight rating of up to 156 kg is also impressive.

Facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS

• Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
• Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh (non-removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Price: 9799 Euro
• Weight: 19.3 kg (EMTB measurement, test bike in size L, without pedals)
• Permissible total weight: 156 kg (manufacturer's specification)

>> Here you can find the complete test report and all information about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS! <<

Conclusion on the E-MTB innovations 2024

E-mountainbikes are developing in a great direction. A lot has changed again in 2023, especially in terms of riding fun. Light e-MTBs have long been more than just a specialist topic, but there are also exciting trends in power bikes and short chainstays and low bottom brackets in favour of good trail handling are no longer a rarity. So there's something for everyone: from minimalist and fast bikes like Cube's first light bike AMS Hybrid to long-travel freeriders with lots of motor power like the new Ekano. My personal favourite: the middle ground with full power but really light, like Cannondale's new Moterra SL or the Orbea Rise. - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB