We put 9 of the hottest light eMTBs through the wringer to find out how they fare in the most diverse riding situations. What do you need to know before buying? Do light eMTBs even have a future? We’ve collected 6 of the most interesting findings from our 2024 light eMTB comparison test for you!
Light eMTBs are one of the hottest trends of recent years. While the variety of different eMTB and motor concepts is truly impressive, it can also be confusing. That’s why we decided to pack 9 exciting light eMTBs, each with different concepts, into the back of our van and put them through the wringer on the trails of the Paganella Bike Park, Trentino, to find out how they compare with each other. Not only did we find the best light eMTB of 2024, but we also gained some very interesting insights. Spoiler alert! Dedicated light eMTBs may soon be history, but the new generation of lightweight eMTBs will be cooler, more fun and more powerful than ever! However, there are also some risks that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Light eMTBs are dead: Long live lightweight eMTBs
Light eMTBs with weak motors and small batteries are facing more and more competition from the latest generation of full-power eMTBs. That’s because powerful full-fat motors are getting smaller, lighter and more efficient – just like the batteries! Needless to say, this allows manufacturers to design lighter full-power eMTBs. For example, the Orbea Rise, which relies on a powerful 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor and 420 Wh battery, tips the scales at just 19.3 kg, while the SCOTT Voltage, which comes equipped with the compact 50 Nm TQ-HPR50 motor and smaller 360 Wh battery, is only slightly lighter at 19.14 kg.
One major drawback of light eMTBs is that the lightest models are usually the most expensive flagship models. If you reach down a shelf or two and choose a cheaper spec variant, you’ll get a bike that weighs at least 21 kg, because the spec isn’t trimmed towards weight savings. Weight is important, but not necessarily a deal breaker, while the right weight distribution and suspension setup are crucial to a bike’s performance. True to our motto: it’s about a harmonious overall concept, not individual components.
Light eMTBs are also under pressure when it comes to price. Given the significantly higher quantities of full-power motors and batteries produced and purchased by bike manufacturers, as well as the lower development and production costs, full-power eMTBs are often much more affordable than light models with comparable specs. Despite becoming increasingly trendy, the number of light eMTBs currently produced doesn’t even come close to the high quantities of full-power eMTBs.
A good service network is more important than ever!
The variety of eMTB and motor concepts is impressive, but developments are moving so fast that manufacturers are often releasing products that aren’t fully ready for the market yet. As a result, speccing new ebike motors also has its risks. One example is the FAZUA Ride 60 motor system, which has had several problems since its launch back in 2022. Although the latest software update has addressed many of its problems, we can’t blindly recommend the system, or bikes which rely on one. That’s despite the fact that bikes like the YT DECOY SN and the Santa Cruz Heckler SL delivered a tremendous performance on the trail in this comparison test. A decisive factor when buying an ebike is the reliability of the motor and the service network behind it. There’s no point in rocking the latest motor system if you can’t get hold of spares quickly and easily. The larger and more widespread a motor manufacturer is, the greater the chances of getting help with problems at home or on the road.
Performance beats user-friendliness
All bikes in this test rely on a permanently integrated battery. While many bikes in our big eMTB group test still had removable batteries, with lightweight eMTBs, the trend is towards permanently integrated batteries – regardless of whether they rely on a full-power or light motor system.
Permanently integrated batteries enable slimmer frame designs and can be seamlessly integrated into the frame. This allows developers to optimise the position of the battery, and thus the bike’s overall weight distribution. On the other hand, the cut-out in the frame that allows you to remove the battery is a constant challenge for frame designers. The permanently integrated battery increases frame stiffness, and removes the need for complex battery mounts and covers, which increase the failure rate and development effort.
Of course, permanently integrated batteries also have their drawbacks. While they make it easier for manufacturers to design their bikes, they have a few disadvantages for end users. For example, to charge the battery, you need to have a socket in your garage or bike cave, otherwise you’ll have to schlepp your muddy bike into your house, or up the stairs into your apartment. Replacing a faulty battery is more difficult too.
Less is more – Connectivity and light eMTBs
Four out of the nine bikes in this test renounce a display altogether, with most of the competitors relying on compact, minimalist solutions that only show the most crucial riding data, like the battery charge status and support mode. This approach clearly shows that the general focus is on minimalism and performance. If you need more information, you can use additional connectivity features via the apps of the respective motor systems, such as post-ride data analysis, customisation of riding modes and navigation functions.
However, with the Turbo Levo SL, Specialized show that a high level of connectivity and a stylish, subtle integration of the motor system aren’t mutually exclusive with light eMTBs. The display of the Turbo Levo SL is seamlessly integrated into the top tube and offers a clear user interface, despite providing a large amount of information. TQ take a similar approach, enabling super clean integration of the entire motor system on the SCOTT Voltage. On the other side is the Mondraker Dune RR, which comes equipped with the largest display in the entire test field: the Bosch Kiox 500 display, which doesn’t quite match the sporty orientation of the eMTB, and sits in a vulnerable position at the front of the stem.
Carbon vs. aluminium with light eMTBs
While some of the full-fat competitors in our big eMTB group test still relied on an alloy frame, all of the bikes in our light eMTB group test employ a carbon frame. There are virtually no light eMTBs with aluminium frames – you don’t go to the ballet wearing a suit of armour. Jokes aside, the first reason is obvious: carbon is lighter than aluminium, which means a lower overall system weight with the same degree of stiffness and strength. However, you have to bear in mind that the carbon frame is only one part of the overall system. The motor system and other components have at least as much influence on the bike’s weight. Carbon also offers more freedom in terms of design and integration. This gives bike designers plenty of freedom with designs and allows them to create more complex frame shapes. Bikes like the SCOTT Voltage eRIDE, with its integrated shock and clean, futuristic look, showcase the possibilities clearly. Of course, carbon also has its drawbacks, like higher manufacturing costs and more complex repair options in case of damage. If you want to delve deeper into the subject, you should take a closer look at the Carbon Myths article from our sister magazine ENDURO.
Our conclusions about the 2024 light eMTB comparison test
Light eMTBs have made impressive progress in recent years and have significantly advanced eMTB development. Unfortunately, however, some motor systems are still prone to failure, so a good service network is key. In addition, competition from lighter full-power eMTBs is constantly growing, threatening the end of light assistance eMTBs. However, this doesn’t mean that there will be no more lightweight eMTBs in the future. On the contrary: the future promises even lighter e-mountainbikes, with full-power motors.
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger, Peter Walker
