Top e-bike launches for 2024: The 10 most exciting new e-MTBs of the year

The most exciting e-bike motors for 2024

With its motor-gearbox unit, or MGU for short, A small Swabian company has made the rear derailleur completely redundant. The Innovation Award for 2023 is therefore sure to go to the new Pinion motor, but even aside from that, 2023 had some major innovations to offer in terms of motors: SRAM is unveiling its own motor for the first time, thereby integrating the drive, battery and gear system into a standalone system, whilst Bosch is finally bringing the ‘Light’ concept out of the niche with its SX motor.

Pinion MGU E1.12 – The hassle-free motor with integrated gearbox

The Motor-Gearbox Unit, or MGU for short, is the name of the new electric drive system from German gearbox specialist Pinion. And if the system lives up to its promises, the Denkendorf-based firm will have found something akin to the Holy Grail of the e-bike industry. Instead of relying on heavy rear derailleurs and sprocket sets – which are prone to wear and tear and breakdowns – gear changes take place directly within the motor, inside the sealed gearbox. The big question is: can this complex technology prove its worth in off-road use?

The short answer is: Yes! Because in many respects, the MGU is sure to set e-mountain bikers’ hearts racing: low maintenance, minimal wear and tear, ideal weight distribution and whisper-quiet on the descents! This makes the motor-gearbox unit the absolute hit of 2023 and could prove to be a milestone for frequent riders and fans of hassle-free e-bikes. On the other hand, given the current stage of development, you have to put up with a loud drive noise and, during some gear changes, an unpleasant interruption to your pedalling. These are still key areas that need work before it can be considered a major breakthrough. That said, 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 ride review, all the facts, and lab and test bench data, in our in-depth review

The facts about the Pinion MGU E1.12

• 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 gear ratio range (spur gearing with two gear sets connected in series, 3 x 4 stages)
• Servicing interval: Oil change every 10,000 km or once a year
• When the battery is flat, there is still enough power left for 1,000 switching operations
• Smart pushing aid with adjustable speed
• Four support levels – Eco, Flow, Flex and Fly – which can be customised via the app
• FIT controls, batteries and app, various models

Bosch SX – Reutlingen goes Light E-MTB

Lightweight e-mountain bikes have been the industry’s hot topic for years, yet of all companies, motor giant Bosch stayed on the sidelines for a long time. That was until Eurobike 2023, when the Swabian firm unveiled its first Light motor, the Performance SX. Weighing just over two kilos but delivering a whopping 600 watts of peak power, it’s a real high-performance machine. On paper at least, it clearly outshines other motors in its class.

However, it’s not quite that simple. That’s because the little Bosch motor only really unleashes its high peak power during very short sprints. Both in real-world use and in the laboratory, it is evident that, in certain scenarios, the Fazua Ride 60 also delivers more power and, not least, more torque. Nevertheless, the little Bosch is exciting. Like hardly any other light motor, it delivers a real sense of lively power when pulling away, making it a guaranteed source of driving pleasure. The power delivery and responsiveness are also – as is typical of Bosch – spot on.

Fazua and TQ Although they’re still a bit quieter and rattle less on descents, the Bosch SX – with its 400 battery, its integration into the classic Bosch system in terms of the display, app and remotes, and, last but not least, its excellent service network – is nonetheless a successful debut. It’s hardly surprising that quite a few manufacturers are taking the launch of the lightweight Bosch model as an opportunity to unveil their first Light e-MTBs. Some of these bikes have also made it onto this list of highlights.

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 of motor power (manufacturer’s specification)
• Motor weight: 2.07 kg (EMTB measurement)
• New battery: Compact Tube 400 Wh, 2075 grams (EMTB measurement)
• Power More 250 range extender: 250 Wh
• Q-factor: 172 mm (EMTB measurement)
• Part of the smart system
• Compatible with all relevant batteries, controls and features

>> You can read all about the new Bosch SX in our in-depth review

>> You can find an overview of all bikes fitted with the Swabian Light drivetrain here

SRAM Eagle Powertrain – motor and gearbox as a complete system

First things first: SRAM hasn’t developed its own motor from scratch, but is instead using hardware from Brose. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with that – with its 90 Newton-metres of torque and low-frequency drive noise, we’ve always been impressed by the Brose motor. SRAM promises that belt breaks will finally be a thing of the past thanks to its own software. What’s truly new about the Eagle Powertrain is the complete system and, above all, its integration and combination with the Eagle transmission. As with Shimano’s EP801 and the new Shimano XT Di2 So now SRAM is also integrating the motor with the gearbox. The result – and the highlight – of the SRAM drivetrain: automatic gear-changing functions. Similar features are also available on the MGU combined motor-gearbox unit from Pinion and Shimano’s new Di2 groupsets.

The entry of industry giant SRAM into the drivetrain market is a real game-changer in itself. What sets it apart is its integration with the gear system. And the automatic gear changes really do work superbly, as long as the system doesn’t reach its logical limits. After all, even SRAM’s automatic system can’t really anticipate everything – an abrupt uphill section is enough to cause the odd interruption in the flow of the ride. On the other hand, we really liked the automatic shifting whilst coasting overall, and it offers real added value on trails and descents in almost every situation. The intuitive control logic of the SRAM system is also a success. The cockpit requires only 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 whilst riding. We’re already keen to see how the Powertrain and automatic system will perform in long-term testing.

The facts about the SRAM Eagle powertrain

• A complete system comprising a motor, battery, controls and SRAM Eagle Transmission gears
• Automatic gear-changing functions available (Auto-Shift and Coast-Shift)
• Two battery options: 630 or 720 watt-hours
• Option for a range extender on the down tube (250 Wh)
• The motor utilises hardware from the Brose Drive SMag (90 Nm maximum torque)
• Two support levels: “Range” and “Rally” (both adjustable via the app)
• Fully wireless control via four buttons on the handlebars for all gear-changing and engine functions

>>You can read all about SRAM’s Eagle powertrain in our in-depth first review of the SRAM system

These are the best e-mountain bikes for 2024

Light E-MTBs have remained popular, and it is likely that this trend will continue into 2024. This is due in no small part to Bosch’s new Light Performance SX motor, which combines impressive performance with the well-known Bosch service network. This is likely to be a key selling point, particularly for many of the bigger brands. Bulls, KTM, Cube and Canyon are finally entering the Light E-MTB market, at least now. But there have also been significant developments in the high-performance segment, with Shimano’s new EP801 motor, SRAM’s Eagle Powertrain and Pinion’s MGU. The current trend here is: plenty of suspension travel and plenty of fun riding downhill on the one hand, and full motor power combined with low weight on the other.

Bulls Vuca – An innovative Pinion bike for trails and everyday use

Bulls is showcasing the launch of the Pinion MGU: three platforms featuring the new, revolutionary motor-gearbox unit. The Bulls Vuca Evo Am was developed for sporty mountain biking and is also the most affordable e-MTB featuring the new Pinion drivetrain. 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-full-suspension bike should feel right at home. A nice touch: the moderate geometry suggests straightforward handling, whilst the Monkey-Link, trailer attachment point and integrated rear light will appeal to everyday riders who are likely to particularly enjoy this Pinion bike.

Alongside the two Bulls AM models designed for off-road use, there will also be two fully-equipped hardtails (Vuca Evo X1) and full-suspension bikes (Vuca Evo FSX1), available with a low-step frame as an option. Prices start at 6,299 and 7,299 euros respectively. For off-road use, the top-of-the-range Bulls Evo AM2, with Fox Factory suspension and XT brakes, is particularly attractive. Whilst the price isn’t low per se, it’s perfectly reasonable given the high-quality components, the carbon frame and the expensive Pinion system. The top-of-the-range Vuca is available for 8,499 or 8,699 euros; all models are expected to be in shops around the turn of the year 23/24.

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 inches
• Suspension travel: 150 mm
• Carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
• Belt drive
• Maximum permissible gross weight: 150 kg
• Approval for child trailers
• Price: from 7,499 euros
• As well as two AM full-suspension bikes, there are also two hardtail models (from 6,299 euros)

>> You can read all about the Bulls Vuca Evo AM here

Canyon Neuron: On Fly: Light E-MTB now available at an affordable price

Some people probably thought Canyon wouldn’t be jumping on the ‘Light’ bandwagon at all. But in mid-March, the moment finally arrived: the mail-order company’s first ‘Light’ e-MTB was unveiled at Canyon’s headquarters in Koblenz. There was plenty to look forward to: would the latest model be exceptionally light? Would we see any exclusive technology? The answer to both questions is: no. And yet, once again, the mail-order company has achieved something that no competitor before it has managed in this way: making the ‘Light’ trend affordable.

The Canyon Light bike is called the Neuron:On Fly CF and, with 140 millimetres of suspension travel and 29-inch wheels, is designed as an all-rounder. The specifications called for it to handle trails both uphill and downhill – nothing too extreme – as well as the occasional longer ride. Power is provided by a Bosch SX motor, whilst the geometry is slightly longer. This is intended to give the Neuron:On Fly confident handling and strong climbing capabilities. In terms of weight, Canyon’s Light E-MTB, weighing in at 19 to 20 kilos, isn’t breaking any records, especially as the spec is rather conservative, featuring narrower trail-class forks such as the Pike and Fox 34, and Hans Dampf and Nobby Nic tyres. That said, Canyon once again impresses with its value for money.

>> You can read all about the new Neuron:On Fly in our in-depth review. We’ve also been able to compare the Canyon with its main competitor.

The facts about the Canyon Neuron: On Fly

• Motor: Bosch SX, 55 Nm maximum torque
• Battery: 400 Wh (built-in)
• Frame material: carbon
• Suspension travel: 140 / 140 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 inches
• Frame sizes: XS to XL
• Price: from 4,849 euros
• Weight: 19.71 kg (test bike, size L, EMTB measurement)
• Maximum permissible weight: 130 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
• Approved to Canyon Category 3e (Trail: jumps up to 60 cm)

Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 – A lightweight bike with plenty of oomph

Smooth-running yet fun. Powerful yet lightweight. The Conway Ryvon LT 10.0 aims to combine many contrasts in a single package. And it’s quite successful at doing so, as we have to admit after our first test ride. First example: the motor. Here, the Lower Saxony-based brand has opted for the new Bosch Performance SX, which breathes that famous uphill flow and a certain sense of power into even light bikes. At least at a high cadence, as our detailed laboratory and field tests show. Power is supplied by the new Compact Tube 400, as is the case on the vast majority of bikes fitted with Bosch SX.

What is rather unusual is the absence of a charging socket on the frame. This means that a range extender cannot be fitted to the Ryvon, and the battery must be removed in order to charge it. The idea behind this is a consistent focus on lightweight construction and trail performance. This is reflected not only in an impressive weight of 18.9 kilograms for the top-of-the-range model with 170 millimetres of travel, but also in its excellent handling characteristics. For an enduro bike, the Ryvon rides with remarkable agility, bouncing playfully over roots whilst still absorbing rough bumps and tackling wild descents with confidence. As a result, the top-spec test bike competes in the absolute high-end league of €15,000 bikes, yet remains comparatively reasonably priced at €9,999. An even livelier trail model, called the Ryvon ST, and more affordable versions of the LT model are, of course, also available. Prices start at 6,000 euros.

Facts about the Conway Ryvon LT

• Motor: Bosch Performance SX
• Battery: 400 watt-hours
• Suspension travel: 150 (ST) or 170 (LT) millimetres
• MX wheel set (29 / 27.5")
• Full-carbon frame
• Weight: 18.9 kilograms (Ryvon LT 10.0, EMTB measurement)
• Price: From 5,999 euros
• Maximum permissible weight: 140 kg
• Approved to ASTM Category 4 (enduro, occasional use in bike parks)

>> Click here for the review of the Conway Ryvon LT 10.0

Cube AMS Hybrid One44: Cube’s first lightweight e-MTB

Industry giant Cube has taken its time with its first lightweight e-MTB. That’s because the Upper Palatinate-based company initially focused on, with the One55 to put a lightweight bike with full engine power on the tyres. But the wait for the Hybrid One44 has been worth it. The result is a bike offering excellent value for money and first-class handling. We found it to be manoeuvrable, precise and responsive our first impressions of the new Cube. The key specifications: 140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29-inch wheels and, of course, a Bosch SX motor with a 400 battery, which is permanently mounted inside the down tube to save weight.

The new Cube, whose full name is AMS Hybrid One44 C:68X, is available in two different versions and a total of four model variants. Behind the bikes bearing the initials TM (for ‘Tame the Mountain’) lie two models geared more towards downhill riding, featuring 36mm Fox forks, shock absorbers with reservoir tanks and high-grip, robust tyres, priced at 6,499 and 8,999 euros. The two SL models, featuring 34mm forks and lightweight tyres, are designed to be as light as possible and cost 5,999 and 7,999 euros. Great news: even the most affordable SLX model, priced at 5,999 euros, is genuinely light at 17.4 kilos according to the scales in our test lab; the SLT weighs just 16.2 kilos according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In this respect, as well as in terms of handling, Cube’s first Light bike is setting the bar very high. The competition will have to pull out all the stops to keep up.

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 inches
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Four models priced between 5,999 and 8,999 euros >> available here
• Weight: 17.8 kg (Super TM test bike, size L, EMTB measurement, excluding pedals)
• Maximum permissible weight: 135 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

>> Read all about the new Cube AMS Hybrid One44 here in our in-depth review!

Lightweight and packed with power: the Orbea Rise and Cannondale Moterra SL

The facts about the Cannondale Moterra SL

• Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm maximum torque
• Battery: Darfon, 600 Wh (permanently fitted)
• Frame material: carbon
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm with Flexpivot rear suspension
• Wheel size: Mullet (29 / 27.5 inches)
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Three models priced between 7,999 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 in-depth review of the new Cannondale Moterra SL

Lightweight motors and small batteries have once again pushed the weight of e-MTBs below the 20-kilo mark in recent years. This is great for handling on descents, but the limited range and motor power are by no means to everyone’s taste. But what if you could have full power and plenty of range, yet the bike weighed just 20 kilos? Cannondale and Orbea, amongst others, have asked themselves this very question and, with the new Rise and Moterra SL, are delivering exactly that sort of bike.

Weighing in at around 20 kilos, both e-bikes are only slightly heavier than most lightweight e-MTBs; both bikes deliver a full 85 Newton-metres of torque and, with a battery capacity of a good 600 watt-hours, also offer a strong range for longer rides. At least, as long as you don’t keep the throttle wide open all the time. The key differences: whilst the Cannondale Moterra SL, with its very flat head angle, demanding handling and truly unrestricted motor power, is more geared towards extreme riding, the Orbea Rise remains a little more user-friendly. It also delivers plenty of torque at low revs, though the peak power is slightly restricted. What’s more, you can extend the range even further using a range extender. That’s not possible with the Cannondale. Nevertheless: two expensive but impressively light bikes that manage to combine the advantages of lightness and power almost outrageously well.

The facts about the Orbea Rise

• Motor: Shimano EP801 RS Gen2 MC, max. 85 Nm torque
• Battery: a choice of 420 or 630 watt-hours (both permanently fitted), with an optional 210 Wh additional battery
• Full-carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29 inches
• Two versions: SL with 140 mm travel, LT with 160/150 mm travel
• Four models to start with (2x SL, 2x LT) from 7,999 euros
• Frame weight: 2.2 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
• Weight: SL from 16.2 kg, LT from 18 kg (manufacturer’s specification, size M)
• Weight of test bike: 20.02 kg (measured in the EMTB laboratory, 630 Wh battery, size M)

>> Read all about the new Orbea Rise, including our first impressions of riding it, here

Propain Ekano 2 – E-freerider for bike parks and enduro trails

With the Ekano 2, Propain is relaunching its e-mountain bike after a long hiatus. Unusually, the gravity specialists from Lake Constance have opted neither for a massive battery nor a lightweight drive unit. Instead, the Ekano 2 is the brand’s first e-bike to feature Propain’s signature Pro-10 rear triangle with a vertical shock. And what else? Judging by the specs alone, the Ekano looks like a real beast: 180/170 millimetres of suspension travel, slack geometry – the aluminium Ekano is even available with a massive 190mm fork.

We were all the more surprised when we had the chance to test the Propain Ekano 2 for the first time: Contrary to what its suspension travel and geometry might suggest, the Ekano 2 is a surprisingly user-friendly and manoeuvrable bike. Hardly any of the testers could resist being impressed by its light-footed character and lively handling, particularly in the bike park. Yet this machine can, of course, also take a real beating, striking a fantastic balance between riding enjoyment and pure downhill prowess. An e-MTB for true freeriders!

The Ekano 2 is available in two versions. Depending on the individual configuration within Propain’s extensive customisation programme, the aluminium bike costs from 5,000 euros; it features shorter chainstays, a particularly supple and rather linear suspension, and comes exclusively with a mullet wheel set and Shimano’s new and more powerful EP801 motor. With the Ekano 2 CF In contrast, the new one SRAM Eagle Powertrain drivetrain in use. The bike has longer chainstays and can therefore be ordered as a 29er or a mullet bike. The rear triangle has a slightly more progressive design. Prices start at around 8,000 euros due to the correspondingly high-quality standard specification.

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 kilograms (CF, EMTB measurement)
• Maximum permissible total weight: 130 kg (bike, rider and equipment)
• Certified to ASTM Category 5 (downhill, full bike park approval)

>> You can read all about the Propain Ekano 2 in our in-depth review of the aluminium model

>> And in our new product launch, including a test drive report on the Ekano 2 CF

Santa Cruz Heckler SL – a lightweight e-bike for exhilarating downhill rides

Hardly any other brand emphasises the trail capabilities of its bikes as effectively as Santa Cruz. So it’s almost surprising that the Californian firm is entering the market with a relatively lightweight e-MTB. The choice of the Fazua motor (Read the review of the Fazua Ride 60) comes as less of a surprise, however. After all, the PON Group, to which Santa Cruz belongs, is also linked to Porsche, Fazua’s parent company (You can read about the background to the corporate network here). The Heckler SL’s design is just as logical. With 160/150 mm of suspension travel and mullet wheels, it’s set to impress on all kinds of descents. Just like its ‘bigger’ brother, the Heckler with a Shimano motor (Read the review of the Santa Cruz Heckler), the SL also straddles the line between trail bike and enduro.

Weighing in at 19.3 kilos with a fixed battery and a full-carbon frame, the Check doesn’t exactly inspire enthusiasm when it hits the scales. On the other hand, the Heckler SL features rear suspension with the popular VPP kinematics. Thanks to the compact motor, the engineers were able to position the pivot points on the SL even lower than on the Heckler with Shimano drivetrain. This brings the kinematics even closer to the ideal found on the Californian brand’s non-motorised bikes. Top: The Heckler SL is available in five sizes from S to XXL, and the weight limit of 156 kg is also impressive.

Facts about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS

• Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm maximum torque
• Battery: Fazua, 430 Wh (non-removable)
• Frame material: carbon
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inches
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Price: 9,799 euros
• Weight: 19.3 kg (EMTB measurement, test bike in size L, excluding pedals)
• Maximum permissible weight: 156 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

>> Read the full review and find out all about the Santa Cruz Heckler SL C GX AXS here! <<

Summary of the new e-MTB models for 2024

E-mountain bikes are heading in a great direction. There have been significant developments in 2023, particularly when it comes to riding enjoyment. Lightweight e-MTBs have long since become more than just a niche interest, but there are also exciting trends in the world of high-performance bikes, and short chainstays and low bottom brackets – designed to improve trail handling – are no longer a rarity. So there’s something for everyone: from minimalist, fast bikes like Cube’s first Light Bike, the AMS Hybrid, to freeriders with plenty of suspension travel and plenty of motor power, such as the new Ekano. My personal favourite: the happy medium – full of power, yet really light – as seen in Cannondale’s new Moterra SL or the Orbea Rise. – Adrian Kaether, Editor, EMTB