How EMTB Magazine tests: The new EMTB test system in detail

Competent, objective and honest - these are the cornerstones of our eMTB tests. With our elaborate and multi-layered test procedures, we have been influencing the development of e-mountainbikes for years and helping our readers with their purchasing decisions. Our in-depth tests traditionally consist of an extensive Practical and laboratory part. Countless data and test impressions flow into the result. This makes our tests particularly objective and meaningful.

We leave it to your own personal taste to judge the image, appearance and sex appeal of an e-mountainbike. At EMTB, you can only score points with facts and skills.

The video shows how an EMTB test works in detail:

The new scoring system for EMTB tests

In order to make the results even easier to understand and to provide you, dear readers, with even more expertise, we have thoroughly revised the presentation of our results. Our new points table shows the Strengths and weaknesses of the bikes decidedly. Simpler, easier to understand, more informative - that was our goal. The assessment categories are more detailed and easy to understand. We have also simplified the scoring logic to make it easier to understand.

Nothing has changed: All our practical experience on the test tracks and trails of this world is backed up with extensive measurements and tests in the in-house EMTB laboratory underpinned and verified. No other magazine in the world goes to such lengths.

How to read the new points table in EMTB Magazine

Are range and motor power less important to you, all that matters is having fun on the trail? Then use our points table to quickly and easily recognise which bike might suit you. The same applies if you are focussing on relaxed touring handling, comfort and range. The logic is simple: ten points is the maximum. If you get this top score in a category, you have really done EVERYTHING right. We have also based the EMTB judgement on this Clearly understandable logic levelled. From 9.0 points, the test rating is "SUPER". A tough nut to crack!

Depending on the bike category, we weight the evaluation criteria differently. This is because hardtails, touring fullys and enduro bikes have different areas of use and have to fulfil different requirements. E-enduro bikes, for example, clearly focus on downhill performance and riding fun on trails, while all-mountain bikes have similar requirements in all categories. Uphill and touring strength and range, for example, are more important here than on a downhill-orientated E-MTB enduro bike. You can recognise the weighting by the different factors. The higher the factor, the more important this evaluation category is. The drive and quality categories have the same influence in all categories.

A high score, a good overall rating and perhaps even the test winner seal - if you buy an e-bike like this, you're definitely not wrong. However, expectations of the perfect e-mountainbike are very individual. If you take a close look at the scoring system, the test reports and the technical data that we collect for each bike and print in every eMTB test, you might find your personal favourite where you didn't expect it. Take the time to make a good purchase decision. We try to make it as easy as possible for you.

In addition to the points table and a detailed description (character, strengths, weaknesses), we print out the data from the EMTB lab for each test bike.

What is behind the individual assessment categories?

The rating for Bergauf

We divide the uphill qualities of an e-mountainbike into two subsections Uphill steep and Uphill technical. In the "steep" category, bikes that can cope with extreme ramps with ease score particularly well. Does the front wheel stay on the ground without the rider having to perform acrobatic weight shifts? Does the bike follow a controlled path on steep slopes or does the front wheel start to wobble? Is the rear suspension stable in its travel? Is there enough traction and motor power to tackle even the steepest sections?

For really Technical trail climbs however, requires even more qualities. Does the rider have a neutral position on the bike so that they can direct it optimally by skilfully shifting their weight? Is the bike manoeuvrable enough to master tight hairpin bends or lift the front wheel over obstacles? Points are deducted for bikes with too little ground clearance (pedal contact!) or rough motors. Plus points are awarded, for example, to rear triangles that generate a lot of traction through sensitive response, but are still high in their suspension travel, i.e. they don't sag.

The rating for Bergab

In the descent we distinguish between Trail flowing and Downhill rough. By trail, we mean moderate, flowing sections that don't have too many obstacles and sometimes roll along flat. Here we score manoeuvrable and agile bikesthat don't bore the rider with a stoic wheel loader feeling. The bike is easy to pull onto the rear wheel or into the bunny hop? Fast curve changes and narrow sections with ease and little effort? In flat passages it can be Accelerate quickly? Then it's a hot candidate for the coveted ten points in the Trail category. A speedster that prioritises riding fun. Also beneficial: a Low overall and wheel weight.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a bike that won't get rattled even on the most demanding descents, you should pay particular attention to the Downhill category pay attention. Smooth suspension and quiet geometries are required here. Can the bike also defuse nasty stone fields and root passages? Does it give the rider Security and self-confidence for jumps, drops and nasty key sections? Is the equipment (brakes, tyres, etc.) designed for rough and fast descents? Who is a bike that scores in this category suitable for? Firstly, riders who feel insecure on difficult descents and expect maximum support from their bike. And secondly: experienced bikers who are looking for maximum control and speed on rough trails.

Focus on touring e-bikers

Under this criterion, we evaluate not only the Reach also the Riding comfort and the "Easy-riding potential". The aim is to make the E-MTB easy to control. Keyword: uncomplicated handling. Is the steering behaviour neutral or does the steering tip over when riding slowly? Is the bike easy to control and steer on descents, even without an active riding position? Does the bike also give passive and cautious riders confidence? Bikes that score well here take a lot of work off the rider's hands and ensure a comfortable ride. Uncomplicated, relaxed driving experience. The contact points of the saddle and grips, a comfortable chassis and a comfortable riding position all play a part in riding comfort.

The evaluation of the e-bike drive

We have divided the evaluation of the motor or drive into three categories. Power, Dosing capability and details. The evaluation of the Power Our findings from regular practical and laboratory tests are incorporated into the design of the new motor. Maximum power, maximum torque, pulling power at low cadences.

At the point Dosing capability it's all about the soft skills of the engine. How can the power be controlled? How well does the motor respond to the rider's pedal pressure? Is the ride feel natural? How harmonious is the motor's behaviour when engaging and disengaging the assistance?

The details of the drive are in the controls, displays and software. Is the operation intuitive and ergonomic? Are the add-on parts well protected against damage? What information is available to the user and is it easy to call up and read? We also assess the system's connectivity and setting options. What apps are available? Which devices can the drive communicate with and what options (navigation, fine adjustment, theft protection, etc.) are available to the user?

Quality of the E-MTB

We divide this point into two criteria. Under Equipment we assess the quality and practicality of the add-on parts. Are the parts appropriate for the area of use and are they also of high quality? Each component is categorised according to its value. Shimano XTR scores more points than Shimano Deore, Fox Factory is higher than Fox Performance. Logical. Parameters such as the size of the brake discs, the stroke of the dropper post and practical extras such as bottle cage mounts, integrated tools or storage compartments are also included in the assessment.

With the Processing let's take a closer look at the frame and its details. There are plus points, for example, for a Clean integration of the motor and speed sensor, harmonised devices for Frame protection or clean cable routing. Negative factors include a high Background noise or design weaknesses. Other quality features: handling and workmanship of the charging port, switch-on button and battery cover as well as battery removal.

An overview of all processing criteria:

• Frame processing
• Frame protection
• Cable routing in the down tube
• Train guidance in the frame
• Background noise
• Speed sensor integration
• Handling and positioning of the charging port
• Handling and positioning of on/off switch
• Handling battery removal
• Handling and feel of the battery cover
• Weight release
• Guarantee
• Weight

What makes an EMTB test

Counting teeth is also part of the job. Mike Schinke keeps meticulous records in the EMTB test lab. About kilos and grams, about millimetres, centimetres and newton metres, about degrees and percentages. Mike documents equipment details, product designations and brake disc diameters. He determines stiffness values and geometry data, reach heights and efficiency levels - and yes, he even types the number of teeth on the chainring and sprocket into our test database. Why? Because that's what sets us apart. A few fluffy test rides and a perceived "super" - that's not the claim we pursue at EMTB. Only those who are able to judge e-bikes in a differentiated way will have the confidence to make clear statements in the end. For this we have the most elaborate e-mountainbike test of all time on its feet: In our laboratory and practical tests, we gather a huge amount of knowledge and data - a multi-piece puzzle that we finally put together to form a complete picture.

The practical test: Off to the trail

Each bike is ridden and assessed by at least three experienced EMTB test riders. The core of the practical test is a direct comparison on a defined test lap under comparable conditions. The test laps are based on the area of use of the bikes and always include technically demanding passages, both uphill and downhill. Bikes that want to pass the practical test must be able to take on trails and serious terrain. Because every modern e-MTB works on forest tracks. And skills that help in challenging terrain also make riding on forest trails easier.

Laboratory values such as weight, centre of gravity height and ground clearance are also included in the assessment of the driving characteristics.

The hot phase of practical testing begins for us in the middle of winter: From the end of December, the EMTB test crew sets off to chase the first test groups over the trails. Suspension elements work more slowly in the cold, the limits are reached earlier on wet terrain - to avoid these adversities, we have been testing bikes of all categories on mild Lake Garda for many years. Our test track in Arco offers a variety of off-road situations in order to get a broad picture of the riding characteristics of a bike.

All test riders have years - in some cases decades - of testing experience. Each bike is meticulously set up before every test round. Each rider adjusts the suspension, brake levers, saddle and, if necessary, handlebars and stem to their personal requirements. Only the air pressure of the tyres is standardised.

The start over a steep, tricky rock slab right at the beginning of the lap poses serious challenges for all bikes: Here we can analyse the starting behaviour, traction and climbing ability. On tarmac sections, we assess how the drivetrains switch on and off when pedalling. On different trail sections, we can then compare the riding characteristics of the models on the uphill.

Then the downhill over varied, challenging terrain. The key questions: How potent is the suspension on rough bumps and deep steps? How well does it follow fast bumps? How much grip do the tyres offer, how much power do the brakes have? The descent begins with a flowing section on grippy forest soil through hilly terrain. This shows how manoeuvrable the bikes are on flowing trails, how easily they can be lifted into the air on crests and how much fun they are on playful terrain.

At the end, each individual bike has been ridden extensively by at least three test riders. Each tester documents their impressions and findings on each individual bike model on a standardised test questionnaire. These findings are discussed within the team. If there is disagreement about a model, it's back out on the trails.

What's more, our E-MTB-enthusiastic test crew uses every free minute to put extra kilometres on the bikes. Whether it's a lunch break, after work or a bike trip at the weekend - get on your bike and soak up the experiences. New insights into the test bikes come along the way.

Measurements in the EMTB test laboratory

Reach height, geometry, weight, centre of gravity height and ground clearance: each test bike spends eight hours in the EMTB test laboratory. Our aim: to substantiate the subjective impressions from the practical test with objective laboratory values. We let the facts speak for themselves.

We determine the real Geometry data and do not rely on less comparable manufacturer specifications. These specifications are often calculated from CAD models on the computer and may deviate from reality. In addition, the measurement methods differ from case to case. We scan the geometry of each E-MTB using laser guidance, which gives us real and comparable values for the test candidates. You can find this exactly comparable data for each bike in the eMTB test.

Of course, we also measure the weight in the laboratory. We also determine the exact position of the Centre of gravity. On the one hand via the wheel load distribution (in the longitudinal direction) and via a geometric determination additionally along the vertical axis. We also measure the Ground clearancebecause some bulbous integrated engines come dangerously close to the ground on stepped terrain. The Battery weights we collect in the lab. If you want to take a second battery with you, you should pay particular attention here.

Testing technology from Zedler-Institut

The measurement technology in the EMTB test laboratory is developed in collaboration with the Zedler Institute for Bicycle Technology and Safety constantly evolving. This allows us to keep pace with product development in the bike and e-MTB industry. Zedler-Institut developed the test stand for determining the central frame stiffness and the laser-assisted geometry test stand.

The test letter for every E-MTB

The key information about each e-MTB at a glance. For model name, price, wheel size, drivetrain and suspension travel, we rely on the information provided by the manufacturer. But only there. Hard facts, on the other hand, are in the right-hand column: Weights, geometry data and other measured values are determined on the in-house EMTB laboratory test benches.

Two Particularly important measured values We have placed the following information in a small box above the respective bikes: the determined reach height and the average speed travelled in the reach test. With the red slider at the bottom right of the profile, we assess the character of a bike: sporty or more comfortable - you should decide which character suits you better depending on the area of use and your riding style. The assessment of handling and riding position also provides you with information about the general character of a bike. The overall score and the test judgement conclude the profile. However, points and measured values can only ever tell half the story. Only the descriptive text for each bike provides a final overall picture. Here we not only explain strengths, weaknesses and practical impressions, but also point out where tuning potential may lie dormant.