After the Olympic successes of Nino Schurter and Jenny Rissveds, the Scott Spark has won everyone over. Now the Swiss have modified the MTB frame for e-mountain biking. The frame has been reinforced and the rear triangle adapted. The Plus bike delivers 130 millimetres at the front and 120 at the rear. The rear suspension travel can be reduced to 85 millimetres using the familiar Twin Lock lever. A lockout function is also available.
All four models - the E-Contessa Spark is especially for women - are powered by the Shimano Steps motor with a 500 Wh battery. The battery is elegantly integrated into the down tube - there is even room for a large water bottle. The Steps unit impresses with its low weight and small installation space combined with powerful performance. The operation also leaves nothing to be desired: The modes can be changed with a Di2 trigger and the information appears on the unobtrusive but easy-to-read Di2 display.
The geometry is modern: The moderate head angle (67.5 degrees) in combination with the short chainstays (447 millimetres) promises playful handling. The long reach (461 millimetres in L) should ensure a sufficiently smooth ride.
Scott E-Spark 700 Tuned Plus
The Top model for 7,000 euros comes with premium Fox Factory suspension with Kashima coating. The built-in Float 34 fork is labelled by Fox as suitable for E-MTBs. The gears are changed by an electronic Shimano XT drivetrain, which harmonises perfectly with the drive. The Maxxis tyres are fitted to high-quality Syncros rims. These rotate around DT Swiss hubs. 200 mm discs rotate through the XT brake system and ensure good deceleration. The weight is 21.9 kilos.
Scott E-Spark 710 Plus
The 710s has Fox Performance Elite suspension and a Fox Transfer seatpost. The gears are shifted with a mechanical Shimano XT and the brakes are also XT. This model weighs 22.2 kilos and is available from dealers for 5800 euros.
Scott E-Spark 720 Plus
Entry into the electrified Spark world costs 4600 euros. The Most favourable model A Rock Shox Sektor fork and an X-Fusion shock absorber provide the damping. A Shimano SLX drivetrain changes the ten gears and the 22.4-kilogram e-MTB is stopped by a Shimano Deore brake.
Scott E-Contessa Spark 710 Plus
The Ladies bike has the same frame as the other models, but Scott has replaced the relevant add-on parts with parts that are adapted to the female anatomy. The suspension, dropper post and gears are identical to the unisex 710 bike.
Ride report Scott E-Spark 700 Tuned Plus
With its modern trail geometry, the E-Spark is refreshingly playful for an e-MTB. No trail is too narrow, no bend too tight. Whether slow or at Vmax, the steering is easy to control and precise. The riding position is sporty, but not too stretched out. Thanks to the low bottom bracket, you stand in the bike and not on top of it. The suspension works as sensitively as a seismograph, is excellently tuned and utilises the suspension travel well.
Details such as the speed sensor integrated into the hub and the cables of the electric Di2 drivetrain routed internally from the handlebars (!) are rare attributes and clearly position the bike in the top league. There is little criticism: Only the tyres have tuning potential in bad weather.
Test summary
Top riding characteristics, great details, aesthetic looks - the E-Spark is a lively trail bike in the premier league.
