You can't buy an eMTB test victory. Only the best e-mountainbikes that impress both in the test lab and in terms of riding characteristics on the trail and off-road can call themselves e-bike test winners. This first-class rating shows that the product managers of these brands have done a lot right with these e-MTB models and that the overall package is right. We present the eight test-winning bikes from the 2022/2023 model year in detail below and take a closer look at the e-bikes and their strengths. Click here to go directly to the individual e-bike models:
E-bike test winner 2022: Stevens E-Inception AM 6.6.1
Powerful all-rounder for a low price
Comfort or performance? At Stevens, the decision comes down to the frame material. While the E-Inception GTF with its carbon frame is designed for higher speeds downhill, Stevens has opted for an aluminium frame for the E-Inception AM 6.6.1 in a price-conscious manner. The geometry is also more comfort-orientated than that of its sportier brother. Of course, the cheaper frame material puts pressure on the weight: the scales only stop at 26.4 kilos. Nevertheless, the Stevens convinced us with its good climbing characteristics: the Stevens E-Inception AM scrambles stoically up steep climbs even in a passive sitting position. The Ergon saddle offers excellent rear support, the sensitive rear triangle doesn't sag on steps and the Bosch e-bike motor pushes powerfully and controllably.
And the E-Inception can also score points on nasty descents. The suspension offers plenty of reserves, which can be exploited to the full thanks to the tyres with puncture-proof super trail casing. This means that the Stevens E-Inception goes well beyond the touring category and offers the riding safety of an all-mountain bike. Rightly one of our test winner e-bikes. Only at low speeds and in very tight bends does the high weight slow down agility and riding enjoyment.
Facts about the Stevens E-Inception AM 6.6.1
- Price: 4599 Euro
- Weight: 26.4 kg
- Suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- Motor: Bosch Perf. CX, 85 Nm
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, 625 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Gear system: Shimano Deore (12-speed)
- Fork: Rockshox 35 Silver TK
- Wheels: Shimano MT410 hubs; Oxygen RM-E35 rims
Best value for money in the test: Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM
The Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 showed in the eMTB test that it is rightly one of the most popular full-suspension eMTBs on the market. The strength of the e-bike lies in its balance. And this is noticeable as soon as you get on the bike: With the high front, even comfort-orientated bikers will be happy on long tours. The suspension is comfortable and remains fully active even when pedalling. This means a lot of traction on difficult climbs. Here the Cube Stereo climbs in an uncomplicated and balanced manner. Only on very steep climbs do you have to actively put your weight over the handlebars to keep the front wheel on the ground.
In rough terrain and on steep steps, the cranks can bounce here and there - the bottom bracket sits quite low on the Cube. On trails and descents, the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM proved to be very good-natured in our tests, without appearing boring or sluggish. The geometry is a good mix of sporty and moderate, manoeuvrable and composed. This means that bikers of different skill levels feel comfortable on the Cube E-MTB. And on slippery terrain, the extremely grippy tyres really come into their own. We were particularly impressed by the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM with its feudal equipment - even direct mail order companies have a hard time keeping up with Cube, Germany's largest bike manufacturer. High-quality wheels, top brakes, good suspension: everything is just right with our e-bike test winner at a fair price, the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140.
Facts about the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 TM
- Price: 5399 Euro
- Weight: 24.9 kg
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Motor: Bosch Perf. CX, Smart System, 85 Nm
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, 750 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 135 kg
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle (12-speed)
- Fork: Fox 36 Performance
- Wheels: Newmen Performance 30
The easy rider among the EMTB test winners: Scott Patron eRide 920
At just under 27 kilos, the Scott Patron eRide 920 is a heavyweight in the all-mountain league. The main reason for this is the large Powertube battery and the integrated frame construction. In riding practice, however, the Scott E-MTB scores a lot of points in the eMTB test despite its fairly simple equipment. It climbs superbly, the front end climbs late despite the high cockpit, even without a lockout, and the bike remains easy to control through tight corners and over steps. Only the uncomfortable saddle is annoying. When the test turns into a downhill section, the Scott Patron eRide also performs better than you might expect due to its weight. It can be manoeuvred willingly through bends, and the rear suspension and fork are decidedly comfortable.
However, sporty riders who expect enduro qualities due to the generous suspension travel are not the right clientele. However, the e-bike with its wide and somewhat undefined 2.6-inch tyres doesn't seem to be designed for them anyway. Instead, the Scott Patron eRide shines with a comfortable riding position and the handling is one of the most uncomplicated we have ever experienced in an eMTB test, both on flat terrain and on climbs. A powerful E-Fully for touring riders who place more value on the mountain experience and arriving safely than on jumps and best times downhill. That's why it has more than earned its place among the eight e-bike test winners for 2022/2023.
Facts about the Scott Patron eRide 920
- Price: 6299 Euro
- Weight: 26.8 kg
- Suspension travel: 160/160 mm
- Motor: Motor: Bosch Perf. CX, Smart System, 85 Nm
- Battery: Bosch Powertube, 750 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 128 kg
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT (12-speed)
- Fork: Rock Shox Domain
- Wheels: Shimano MT410 hubs; Syncros MD30 rims
Trail hunter and real e-bike test winner: Scor 4060 Z ST XT e-trail bike
Attention fun guarantee! The young Swiss brand Scor focusses on trail fun, downhill quality and good handling. And the developers have absolutely succeeded with the Scor 4060 Z ST e-bike: our EMTB test favourite in terms of trail. Apart from the Light e-bike class we only had a few e-bikes on test in 2022 that were as manoeuvrable, agile and fun to ride on the trail as the Scor. It is easy to get onto the rear wheel and manoeuvre nimbly around corners. A real e-trail bike! With its 140 millimetres of travel at the rear, it feels a little firmer and more direct than some of the other candidates. But if you give the Scor 4060 a good spur, you will be rewarded with a lot of riding confidence even in enduro terrain. The excellent rear suspension works in a very defined manner and parries even rough impacts with ease. At the front, the powerful Fox 38 Factory completes the first-class chassis, and the robust tyres provide additional safety.
The low weight is also decisive for the top handling. Despite the solid fork, sturdy tyres, inexpensive wheels and 726 battery, the Swiss bike weighs in at 22.6 kilos. A strong value! We had to deduct a few points from the Scor 4060's climbing score, as the short chainstays and compact riding position mean that the front wheel climbs quite early. When it comes to the componentry, the Swiss do without glitz and glamour. Despite the downgrades on the climbs, the Scor e-mountainbike is one of the e-bike test winners for 2022!
Facts about the Scor 4060 Z ST XT
- Price: 8299 Euro
- Weight: 22.6 kg
- Suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Motor: Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm
- Battery: Darfon, 726 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT (12-speed)
- Fork: Fox 38 Factory
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 Spline 30
E-bike test winner 2022: Canyon Spectral:On CF7
Biggest battery, best range by far - and still the lightest bike in the test. With its new Spectral:On CF, Canyon has achieved a balancing act that seemed impossible for a long time. The centrepiece of the trick is a high-quality carbon frame and a specially developed battery. But it's not just the weight and range that are impressive. In the EMTB practical test, the all-mountain e-bike turned out to be a super handy, fun trail robber - and with a huge 900 watt-hour battery! This put a big grin on the faces of all EMTB test riders. With its long reach and high front, the e-bike is one of the more spacious candidates.
The Canyon Spectral:On is particularly brilliant for touring and trail use. On very steep trail climbs, the E-Spectral requires a slightly more active riding style due to its short chainstays. However, control is excellent, as the rider is positioned far forward thanks to the steep seat angle and the suspension is very active. However, the low bottom bracket caused the cranks to bob a little on rough climbs. The Canyon E-Fully also remains confident on descents thanks to its long reach and good suspension. However, the Canyon is not a stoic downhill bruiser in our eMTB test. Nevertheless, the Canyon e-bike is one of the best e-mountainbikes of 2022/2023! Good: If you don't need 900 watt hours, go for the 720 battery and save 300 euros and 900 grams of weight.
Facts about the Canyon Spectral:On CF7
- Price: 5499 Euro
- Weight: 23.7 kg
- Suspension travel: 150/155 mm
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm
- Battery: Canyon, 900 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT (12-speed)
- Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Select
- Wheels: Shimano MT400/510 hubs; Raceface AR30 rims
Lightweight e-bike test winner: Bulls Sonic Evo EN-SL 2 Carbon
With its SL series, Bulls has subordinated everything to weight. However, the battery size is not affected by the need to save money. A whopping 750 watt hours power the Shimano EP8 motor in the Bulls Sonic EVO EN-SL 2 Carbon. Despite this, the scales remain at 22.1 kilos - that's a whopping three kilos less than most competitors in the all-mountain league! This impressive weight is made possible by the super-lightweight full carbon frame of the Bulls Sonic EVO, a battery with a high capacity-to-weight ratio and a battery mount that prioritises low weight over smooth handling. The tool-free removal is a little awkward, and unfortunately the battery creaks and rattles.
But on the trail and in the test evaluation, the weight gain pays off in full. In terms of liveliness and light-footed handling, the Bulls Sonic EVO EN-SL is in a league of its own. It takes the intended line with determination and precision and scurries from one corner to the next. It is also easy to get airborne and pull onto the rear wheel. When rocks and roots line the trail, the shorter stroke and tamer geometry are noticeable. Here it doesn't quite have the full enduro character that we are used to from some other E-Enduro bikes. On the climbs, the Bulls Sonic EVO has nothing to criticise. With a central riding position, you always stay in control and steer precisely, the front wheel climbs late and the traction is excellent. For 6999 euros, the Bulls is adorned with top equipment. And now an EMTB test crown as e-bike test winner 2022/2023.
Facts about the Bulls EN-SL 2 Carbon
- Price: 6999 Euro
- Weight: 22.1 kg
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm
- Battery: Sonic V10, 750 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT (12-speed)
- Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
- Wheels: DT Swiss H 1900 Spline Hybrid
Enduro e-bike test winner: Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 Powerplay
Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 Powerplay impresses with its power in the EMTB test
Shimano, Bosch or Yamaha? No, Rocky Mountain relies on its very own drive: the Dyname 4.0. With this motor, the geometry could be adopted almost one-to-one from the non-motorised Enduro Altitude. Another special feature: the high pivot point of the rear triangle construction. This high pivot is all the rage in downhill and enduro racing, but has so far been the absolute exception on E-MTBs. The fact is: the suspension works first-class. The rear suspension combines sensitive response, plush absorption and poppy support par excellence. And that despite the rather favourable shock. The geometry also hits the sweet spot. Massive smoothness, extreme cornering pleasure, playful character - the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 is in a league of its own on demanding trails in our test.
Behind the high cockpit, the pilot is deeply integrated, which provides a lot of safety. And the best thing is that you don't have to be a brilliant enduro racer to have fun on this e-bike. The rather hefty 25 kilos of the Rocky Mountain Altitude are surprisingly unobtrusive. Are there any weaknesses? The bike needs to be ridden actively on extreme climbs. With the very short chainstays, the front wheel loses its grip early on, which is supported by the brisk motor thrust. If you ride the chainstays in the long setting, you will have fewer problems here. The motor is very powerful, but only unleashes its full power when the rider puts his foot down. Strong riding performance despite favourable components!
Facts about the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 Powerplay
- Price: 6900 Euro
- Weight: 25.1 kg
- Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
- Engine: Dyname 4.0, 108 Nm
- Battery: Rocky Mountain, 720 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT (12-speed)
- Fork: Rockshox ZEB Select
- Wheels: Shimano SLX hubs, WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims
E-bike test winner light E-Enduro: Forestal Siryon
The young company Forestal from Andorra is very self-confident: a classy website, sensational promises - so we were all the more excited about their first e-MTB, the Siryon light enduro bike. How light, quiet and efficient would the Bafang motor really be? How sophisticated would the in-house software in the giant display on the top tube be? And how good is the performance of the Virtual Pivot rear triangle with its strikingly high chainstay? In a nutshell: the developers have done a great job with the suspension and geometry! For us, the Forestal Siryon is the epitome of a good, well-balanced E-Enduro: manoeuvrable and yet safe downhill, the rear suspension is forgiving with good end progression. Not a mini downhiller that is sluggish around corners and only fun in the fall line, but an e-bike that is easy to throw through changing bends and still sits firmly on the trail at high speed. The Forestal is also absolutely quiet on descents. It could hardly be better - say the testers! However, the drive system could be better: the software takes a long time to boot up and many features don't work yet. The motor is powerful, but a little rough, quite loud and sucks so much energy from the battery that the lights go out after a good half hour at full throttle. Nevertheless: E-bike test winner in the light e-mountainbike enduro class and a fun machine for trail enthusiasts.
Facts about the Forestal Siryon
- Price: 11,799 euros
- Weight: 18.8 kg
- Suspension travel: 170/170 mm
- Motor: Forestal Neo Drive, 60 Nm
- Battery: Bafang, 360 Wh
- Permissible total weight: 138.8 kg
- Gear system: Sram X01 (12-speed)
- Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate RC2
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon E7
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
