E-bikes are just standardised? Not at all. It is true that stricter standards apply to the design of bikes with a battery than for bikes without a motor, and this inhibits uncontrolled growth. However, there are still plenty of unusual e-bikes from smaller and less well-known brands and unconventional ideas. We have collected the most exciting candidates and in this article we show a wide variety of bikes that have one thing in common: they are all truly independent. Would you like us to test these or other bikes? Then take part in our survey below!
These are the bikes in this article:
Mediterranean connection: Berria Mako with Polini engine
Berria was one of the first manufacturers to come out of the woodwork with the new Polini E-P3+ motor. The Spanish brand is fairly unknown in German-speaking countries and has so far only been familiar to racing cyclists and cross-country bikers. With the Mako Hybrid GT, Berria now wants to step on the gas in the e-MTB segment. The most important key points: 29-inch wheels, 150 millimetres of rear suspension travel and a classic removable battery. The battery itself comes from Samsung and offers 720 watt hours, while the Polini motor with 90 Newton metres is one of the more powerful e-drives. The chassis of the Mako is made of carbon on all models and is said to be really light, but with a starting price from 6899 euros, the bike is not exactly a bargain.
Bianchi E-Vertic: form or function?
A few years ago, Bianchi already created a real eye-catcher with the E-SUV. In contrast, the E-Vertic from the traditional Italian brand appears almost tame, but sets its very own accents. The strongly curved shape of the frame in particular is unusual to say the least. The geometry is rather old-school, but touring cyclists might like Bianchi's E-Vertic for precisely this reason. When it comes to the drive, Bianchi relies on tried-and-tested Bosch technology. Only the top model FX Type Pro has 160 millimetres of travel, the normal E-Vertic FX Type models have to make do with 140 millimetres of travel.
Crossworx Trip 290: Concept bike "Made in Germany"
When the Thuringian bike manufacturer Crossworx tackles something, it's something very special. This also applies to the first e-bike from Crossworx. Although the Trip 290 cannot yet lay claim to this title: Because so far, the hand-welded aluminium e-bike, which was on display at Eurobike, is just a concept. But a really exciting one. With Bosch's SX light motor the Crossworx focuses on moderate power in favour of weight and handling. The aluminium frame alone is a rarity among light e-MTBs. Toothed belts and a two-speed hub from Classified as the only gear system are really special. We are curious to see how many of these ideas will ultimately make it into the production bike.
Heritage Altitude: Low maintenance, brachial, retro
With the new MGU from Pinion the concept of motor and gearbox in one unit really made waves. However, Pinion is not the first supplier with this idea on the market. The French manufacturer Valeo has been offering such a drive system for some time, but it has so far found few takers due to its size and weight. One of these is the small-series brand Ateliers HeritageBike, which Valeo's 7-speed engine with a whopping 130 Newton metres in their E-MTB Altitude. Wherever possible, the French also use parts from French production, even the carbon frame comes from France. Incidentally, the styling is inspired by classic motorbikes, which cannot be overlooked. At 11990 euros, the price for the only model is exclusive, but the equipment with exotic BOS chassis and geared engine fits in well with this.
Kelly's Theos R: Slovenian with Panasonic motor
The Slovenian manufacturer Kellys recently caused a stir with the new TheosWith Shimano's EP801 motor and 825 watt hours at 20.6 kilograms, the bike is said to be the lightest e-MTB in its class. No less exotic, however, is the brand new model from Kellys: the Theos R comes with the powerful Panasonic GX Ultimate motor (95 Nm)which is otherwise mainly used by Flyer. Unlike the exclusive Theos with Shiamno motor and carbon frame, the Theos R comes with a more affordable aluminium chassis, which is manufactured by robots in the EU. However, the kinematics with two rockers in the rear triangle and the shock routed past the seat tube are just as extravagant as on its expensive carbon brother. It starts at 4599 euros.
Megamo Native: Lightweight Spaniard with TQ motor
Like Berria (see above), the Spanish manufacturer Megamo has a long history in cross-country sport, but has never really gained a foothold in German-speaking countries. However, this could change with their e-bikes. Megamo is launching two exciting models: the full-power e-MTB Crave with Shimano drive and the super-light Native, a trail bike with a TQ motor. The lightweight full carbon frame and the permanently installed battery promise a low weight, TQs HPR 50 a riding experience close to that of a non-motorised bike and a pleasant background noise. The lines of the Native are clear and modern, the geometry with a steering angle of 65.5 degrees suggests playful handling and touring qualities. For fast descents, however, the bike can be flattened slightly using a flip-chip. The Native is available in five models from mid-range to high-end, starting at 6649 euros.
Olympia E-Hammer: Simply the hammer?
Powerful motor, short chainstays, lightweight carbon frame, plenty of battery power: Italian manufacturer Olympia clearly has exotic status in Germany, but the E-Hammer could score a few points on the wish list of many bikers. Incidentally, it's not just the brand itself that is exotic, the 90 Newton metre electric motor from Oli with a 900 watt hour battery is also a truly special solution that only Olympia uses. The bike has 170 millimetres of suspension travel and comes with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels, with prices starting at around 7500 euros.
Orange Patriot EPO: God save the King
There are brands that are cult in their own country but have little relevance beyond that. Orange is just such a brand. Instead of carbon, they use aluminium with eye-catching welds, and instead of complex rear suspension systems, Orange bikes always come with a supposedly simple single-pivot suspension system. With the Patriot, the brand is now reviving one of the most iconic names in the company's history. Originally, the Patriot was the racing team's downhill bike. The new Patriot EPO now offers a generous 170 millimetres of suspension travel and comes with a mullet wheel mix and proven Bosch CX drive system. The only equipment variant costs a sporty 9500 euros in Germany.
Pole Sonni: Milling art from Finland
Already The Voima from Pole really blew us away in the test. Milled from the solid, it attracted attention in the bike park and delivered a downhill performance with brute suspension travel and extreme geometry that we had never seen before from an E-MTB. The new Sonni goes one better: even more suspension travel on request, even more extreme geometry. The logical consequence can only be Even more downhill power than the Voima. If you've got the guts, you'll probably only need the brakes before the bend, even on the toughest downhill trails in the world.
Unno Mith: Just looking or also driving?
Even the first bikes built many years ago by Unno founder and chassis pope Cesar Rojo were real works of art. Elaborately woven visible carbon fibre, garnished with exotic Öhlins parts and a limited number of units. Almost too good for off-road use. Downhill designer Rojo remains true to his line with the latest bikes from Unno. The most exclusive model from Barcelona is the Mith e-bike. The high seat dome and the rear triangle design with the seemingly one-piece swingarm are typical of Unno bikes without a motor. The Bosch system with CX Race and 750 watt hours is proven technology and should get the Mith up the mountain quickly. 160 millimetres of rear suspension travel and an aggressive geometry guarantee downhill fun. Cost point: Considering the exclusivity, a surprisingly fair 9195 euros. At 14895 euros, the top model costs about as much as the top models from Specialized, Santa Cruz, Trek and others.
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Adrian Kaether
Editor
