Light e-bikes up to 6600 euros: How good is the entry-level class of light e-MTBs?

Specialised: 14,000 euros, Focus: 10,999 euros, Cube: 8999 Euro. We have to admit that the price tags on our test bikes in the light e-MTB segment have recently been dizzyingly high. It's clear that every gram counts, especially when it comes to lightweight speedsters - and no top weight without top equipment. Styled in this way, the bikes soared into new spheres on the trail. Light-footed, lively, agile - every biker's dream.

But what happens to the riding behaviour when the light, expensive carbon parts give way to the more modest components from the lower shelves and the dream weights grow in height? For a long time, even we in the editorial team could hardly answer this question. Until now! Because in this comparison test, we put the cheaper Light-E MTBs through their paces.

In the test: seven light e-MTBs between 5600 and 6600 euros

Click here to go directly to the detailed test article on the bike:

• Bulls Sonic Evo AM SX1
• Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8
• Conway Ryvon ST 4.0
• Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM >> e.g. available here
• Focus Jam² SL 8.7 >> e.g. available here
• Giant Trance X E+ Advanced Elite 2 V2
• Specialised Levo SL Comp Alloy

An overview of the facts about the 7 candidates can be found in the picture gallery:

Light e-MTBs - what does the fun cost?

It remains to be seen whether 5600 to 6600 euros is really "favourable". But most entry-level models in the light category are within this range. For weight reasons, a lot of the budget is spent on full carbon frames. In our test field, six of the seven main frames and rear triangles are made of carbon fibre. Only the high-end brand Specialized puts the Levo SL with aluminium chassis in the shops. This is the only way that this classic model even makes it into our price limit of 6600 euros. Brands like Santa Cruz, Mondraker, Simplon and even Haibike and Stevens offer their Light-E MTBs for even more money.

Weights in comparison

And how much "light" is left in the entry-level class? Our candidates have an average of 19.8 kilos on their ribs. Cube's AMS One44 TM is another 1.5 kilos lighter than the averagethat's a statement! The wheels of the AMS One44 are also super light, despite the robust tyres. You can feel that on the trail. Bulls, Conway and Focus remain competitive with removable batteries. Nice to see: None of the candidates suffer from nasty excess weight. Even the Levo SL can keep up despite its aluminium frame. The heavy wheels from Focus and Conway offer tuning potential for the overall weight and more lively handling.

Is the weight reduction worth it compared to classic power eMTBs?

With an average weight of just under 20 kilos, it is quite a bit lighter than the fabulous weights that manufacturers advertise. But compared to classic E-All-Mountains in the same price range, this is still really light. Our top sellers under 6000 euros weighed 24.3 kilos in our test "8 all-mountain e-bikes up to 6000 euros". That's 4.5 kilos more. Pounds that you can really feel when handling the bikes! We were surprised at how intuitively and light-footedly the lighter speedsters whizzed over the same test track that we had ridden two months earlier with the classic Power-E MTBs.

Wow, these bikes are really fun! With an average weight of just under 20 kilos, the Light-E MTBs in this test group are much more fun and easier to handle on the trail than bikes in the Power class. I was pleasantly surprised by this. If you want that light feeling, you don't have to spend a five-figure sum! - Adrian Kaether, test editor

The missing pounds are clearly noticeable on every single light bike. More agile, more lively, more light-footed - that increases the riding fun. But the difference is also massive on the climbs. Steep key sections require much more effort and precision if the motor's superiority is missing. And the battery LEDs also fade in fast motion when compared to classically equipped power bikes. Two points that can't be argued away. So the question of light or power remains a clear question of priorities and the usage scenario.

The light motors in comparison

Bosch Performance Line SX, max. 55 Nm

The small Bosch has a special characteristic: at a very high cadence it pushes hard, at a slow cadence it is rather weak on the chest. This makes it very dynamic. It runs out of breath early on long, steep climbs.

>> The detailed test of the Bosch Performance Line SX can be found here!

The Bosch SX is great fun with its lively power. But it doesn't always deliver the high peak power. It is not as powerful at a low cadence on steep climbs. And on long hills, it throttles back early in turbo mode. It can only fulfil the promise of "full power with low weight" to a limited extent. Nevertheless, its special dynamics give it an extremely good riding feel. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine

Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm

The Fazua Ride 60 is barely recognisable as an electric motor from the outside, which allows for slim frames. No other motor in this test field is so compact. The torque is significantly more powerful than that of Bosch and Specialized. Efficient, stable and quiet! However, it should accelerate more quickly and "stick to the foot" a little better.

>> The detailed test of the Fazua Ride 60 can be found here!

Giant Syncdrive Pro 2 MG, max. 85 Nm

The Giant Syncdrive is a classic power motor and slightly heavier than its light counterparts. However, it delivers a full 85 Newton metres and is noticeably more confident on the climbs than all the others in the test. Top modulation! Unfortunately, it rattles downhill.

>> The detailed test of the Giant Syncdrive Pro 2 MG can be found here!

Specialised SL 1.2, max. 50 Nm

The Specialized drivetrain is the minimalist in this test. It only delivers moderate torque and peak power (comparable to the TQ HPR 50), but pushes quite naturally and doesn't rattle annoyingly downhill. Very light and efficient, but not entirely quiet on the climbs.

>> The detailed test of the Specialized SL 1.2 can be found here!

The range height - how long the batteries of the light e-bikes last

You don't buy a light e-bike because it has a super range. This is because you can't get as far with the small batteries as you can with large power e-MTBs, even with a lower motor output. Nevertheless - or precisely because of this - the range is an important criterion for minimalists. Because with limited capacity, things can get tight faster than with a large battery. The Fazua Ride 60 once again proved to be the system with the longest range in the Focus, which really gets a lot of thrust out of its 430 battery. The Fazua Ride 60 has already impressed in previous range tests.

Does the Bosch SX have a heat problem?

We experienced a surprise in the summer temperatures with the Bosch Performance Line SX. On all four bikes, the motor significantly reduced its power after around 10 minutes and 200 metres of climbing in constant turbo mode. All the other bikes in the test completed the 400 metres of altitude without any grumbling or noticeable loss of power. On average, the SX bikes were no faster than the nominally much weaker Levo SL. If you're looking for the enormous top performance of the SX, you need to bear this fact in mind. For long climbs with the SX, we recommend selecting a slightly reduced mode early on, so that you still have full power for short steep sections.

Despite its mini battery (320 Wh), the Specialized Levo SL cracks the 1000 metres in Turbo mode. The Giant's high maximum power is its downfall. It is clearly the fastest to conquer our climb, and the 400 Wh battery is drained just as quickly. Special feature: When the battery capacity is low, the Syncdrive jumps into an emergency mode in which it only pushes minimally. This allows the rider to crank up another 300 metres in altitude.

Tops and flops - buying tips for light e-MTBs

It's often the little things that make the difference between riding enjoyment and frustration with a new bike. We noticed many details during the test. Both positive and negative. In the picture gallery here you will find the most important tips on what you should look out for when buying.

Results at a glance: These are the best E-MTBs in the test

Ranking Downhill

1. Specialised Levo SL Comp Alloy
2. Conway Ryvon ST 4.0
3. Focus Jam² SL 8.7

Ranking Trail

1. Cube AMS Hybrid One44
2. Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF
3. Giant Trance X Elite

Ranking Tour

1. Cube AMS Hybrid One44
2. Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF
3. Bulls Sonic Evo SM SX1

Price-performance tip: Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8

Lively, fun, balanced: The Canyon Neuron:On Fly CF8 is a successful trail speedster at a really fair price. With a different fork and tyres, it could be even better off-road! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB Magazine

Tip test winner - Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM

Rarely have we been so unanimous after a major comparison test: the Cube AMS Hybrid One44 TM* delivers the best performance overall! The equipment also plays a part in this. While other e-bikes give away potential due to weak brakes, tyres or suspension elements, the Cube delivers its full performance on the trail straight from the factory. - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief

The EMTB conclusion

This test makes it clear: Light-E MTBs can impress with riding fun and top handling and clearly set themselves apart from the power class. Even in the lower price categories, where most of the candidates fall short of real dream weights at around 20 kilos. The characters of the test bikes are very different: from downhill mini enduro bikes like the Specialized or Focus to lively trail speedsters like the Cube or Canyon to the moderate all-round tourer from Bulls. Nevertheless, one bike can clearly set itself apart overall: Test victory for the Cube AMS One44 TM! - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB Magazine

Not in the test - why some candidates are missing!

Delivery problems, price ranges, test cancellations: not every exciting bike made it into our comparison. An overview of other candidates in the light category can be found here.

TQ HPR 50

The TQ HPR 50 is the smallest, quietest and lightest e-MTB motor and is therefore predestined for anyone looking for an e-MTB that is as unobtrusive as possible. Unfortunately, no bike with the whisper drive made it into our test - which is also due to the high price level of the Bavarian motor. Many models only start in the higher price ranges. The discreet TQ is too weak for fans of bold e-bike power and uphill flow. But perfect for minimalists.

Orbea Rise LT H (aluminium)

The Orbea Rise is one of the most popular Light-E MTBs ever and has just been completely relaunched. It was therefore important for us to participate in this field. Unfortunately, Orbea explicitly did not want to face a direct comparison with the competition in this price range. The Spanish company clearly declined our enquiry and various follow-up questions. We can only speculate about the reasons. With the heavier aluminium frame and heavier motor, the Rise H would probably be the heaviest bike in the test in this price range - even with the smaller battery.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

The Santa Cruz Heckler SL (>> available here) is, in our opinion, definitely one of the best trail all-rounders with the successful Fazua drive. With 160/150 mm travel and strong suspension, it can easily pass as a mini enduro bike, but also cuts a fine figure on moderate terrain. Unfortunately too expensive for our comparison.

Trek Fuel EXe

The Trek Fuel EXe was the first e-bike with TQ's HPR 50. Quiet, light, discreet and unobtrusive, it has earned a place in the hearts of fans of minimalist light e-bikes. With an aluminium frame, the bike is already quite affordable, but unfortunately no suitable setup was available for our test.

Scott Voltage eRide

The integration artist with hidden damper looks very similar to its non-motorised brother Genius. This is made possible by the mini motor from TQ. The entry-level 920 model would have cost 6599 euros ( >> available here) fitted perfectly into our comparison - but was unfortunately not yet available at the time of testing.

Stevens E-Maverick ED 9.4.3

The abbreviation ED stands for Enduro on the E-Maverick. This shouldn't put you off, because the ED 9.4.3 is a great all-rounder for trails and tours and is in the same class as a Levo SL or Jam² SL. Unfortunately, this TQ bike is also well above our price limit.

Haibike Lyke CF

The Lyke CF combines low weight with a removable battery - not too many Fazua bikes offer that. With 29er wheels and 140 millimetres of travel, it clearly plays in the lively trail league and not in the enduro segment. The handling is great, but the entry-level model is not cheap. The Haibike Lyke CF is, for example available at Fahrrad XXL.