E-MTB Of The Year 2024: The Specialized Levo SL wins in the Light E-MTBs category
Adrian Kaether
· 10.07.2024
A more natural riding experience uphill, more riding fun downhill. Light e-MTBs have long since gone from a niche to a major trend. Yet no other e-MTB category is as diverse as this one: Lots or little motor power, generous or short suspension travel - from minimalist down-country bikes to fat enduro bikes of every motorised variety, everything is included here. So we were all the more excited to see which bike would come out on top in our big reader survey. Almost 4000 readers voted, and here is the result: the EMTB of the Year title in the Light-E-MTB category goes to the classic: Specialized's Levo SL!
1st place: Specialized Levo SL, 36 % share of the vote
The first Levo SL is something like the forefather of lightweight trail e-bikes. The second expansion stage has grown up in every respect: a slightly more powerful motor and geometry that is more geared towards downhill riding. The focus of the bike is clearly on trail strength. In our tests of the Specialized Levo SL, the successful mix of riding strength and light-footed handling stood out above all.
With the permanently installed 320 Wh battery and rather discreet motor thrust from the in-house power unit (max. 320 watts, 50 Nm) the Levo SL is one of the minimalist light e-bikes. However, at 17.8 kilos (size S4, without pedals, EMTB measurement), the S-Works model is also one of the lightest bikes in its category. The Levo SL is available for between 6600 and 14,000 euros.
The facts about the Specialised Levo SL S-Works
- EngineSpecialised SL 1.2, 50 Nm max. torque
- Battery320 Wh (not removable)
- Frame materialCarbon
- Spring travel160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6
- Price6600 to 14.000 Euro
- Weight17.8 kg (S-Works test bike, size L, EMTB measurement)
EMTB conclusion on the Specialized Levo SL
When it comes to fun trail handling, the Levo SL is the benchmark. Riding fun is a top priority here. Whether it's a flowing trail or a rough descent, the Levo SL impressed us with its feel-good handling. The motor system belongs to the minimalist category - if you are looking for striking e-bike power, uphill strength or a full range, you are in the wrong place. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Magazine
2nd place: Santa Cruz Heckler SL, 21 % share of the vote
Santa Cruz cultivates its image as a trail and downhill-loving brand like hardly any other brand. A light e-MTB like the Heckler SL is therefore a must. With the relatively powerful Fazua Ride 60, the trail bike also has a certain e-bike punch on board. However, the 430 battery is permanently installed, so you have to use the energy sparingly.
The carbon chassis provides 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel and the bike is mounted on mixed MX wheels. Together with the extremely powerful rear suspension, the bike bridges the gap between trail and enduro use. At 19.3 kilos (model C GX AXS, size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement), the Heckler SL is not super light. But on demanding trails, the Californian is one of the EMTB editors' absolute favourites and in terms of riding safety in our test it is already clearly in the enduro league. Typical Santa Cruz: the Hecker SL is not cheap. There are five models between 7499 and 12,999 euros to choose from.
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL at a glance
- EngineFazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
- BatteryFazua, 430 Wh (not removable)
- Frame materialCarbon
- Spring travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheel size29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Price9799 Euro
- Weight19.3 kg (EMTB measurement, test bike in size L, without pedals)
EMTB conclusion on the Santa Cruz Heckler SL
The Heckler SL is extremely powerful downhill and manages a great balancing act between manoeuvrability and smoothness. The bike is far from a weight record, but it skilfully combines a light feeling with e-bike punch. An absolutely successful light e-MTB for fans of trails and challenging downhill metres! - Adrian Kaether, Editor EMTB Magazine
3rd place: Scott Lumen, 18 % share of the vote
Scott has taken the light eMTB category to a new level with the Lumen. With its consistently minimalist approach, the super-expensive top model 900 SL weighs in at an extremely light 15.9 kilos (size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement). Also ground-breaking: the combination of integrated shock and extremely compact TQ motor gives the bike a slim silhouette and a special look.
The orientation is also special in the EMTB comparison. With 130 millimetres of suspension travel and consistent lightweight equipment, the focus is on propulsion and efficiency. It was not built for extreme trails and descents, but the Lumen shines with unprecedented agility and light-footed handling. The 360 Wh battery is permanently installed in the down tube. The same applies here: minimalists will be happy, not power fans. The prices are between 6999 and 15,999 euros.
The Scott Lumen at a glance
- Motor: TQ HPR 50, max. 50 Nm torque
- Battery: TQ, 360 Wh, permanently installed
- Battery option: separate additional battery in water bottle format (160 Wh)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Suspension travel: 130 mm
- Price: 4 models from 6999 to 15,999 euros
- Weight: 15.9 kilos (test bike size L, without pedals, EMTB measurement)
EMTB conclusion on the Scott Lumen
With the Lumen, Scott has redefined the category of lightweight down-country eMTBs. The natural ride feel is inspiring, the handling is fun and the background noise is really pleasant. A coherent concept! - Christian Schleker, EMTB author
Cube, Canyon & Co.: The new generation of lightweight E-MTBs
Almost 4000 EMTB readers voted for their favourites in our big reader survey between February and May 2024. As the selection of bikes had to be finalised at the beginning of February, we were unable to include some of the latest models. This is particularly true in the light eMTB category, as there is a lot happening on the market here. Here is an overview of the latest light bikes including our tests:
Adrian Kaether
Editor
