E-mountain bikes: electricity on the mountain

E-mountain bikes: electricity on the mountain

The trend towards electric bikes is unbroken and does not stop at off-road mountain bikes. The ÖAMTC and its partner organizations have therefore tested eight current models, with consistently satisfactory results, as ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl explains: "Six of the bikes were assessed as 'good', two as 'satisfactory'. However, the differences have little to do with the driving characteristics, but rather are explained by nuances in the design and the electric drive." Only full-suspension e-mountain bikes that were available for less than 5,000 euros at the time of the test purchases (in November 2022) were examined.

The test winner is an all-rounder from the Cube brand. The Stereo Hybrid impresses with, among other things, very good brakes, a variety of useful displays and a seating position that makes it comfortable to drive even on flat roads. Criticisms: The limited handlebar angle and the battery removal, which is relatively complicated. The remaining five bikes rated “good” are also recommended and have different strengths and weaknesses. Two bikes were rated “satisfactory”: The Scott Strike eRide 940 has pleasant ergonomics and a responsive motor. “Unfortunately, the seat post is not optimal to use and the battery capacity is relatively limited at only 500 Wh,” explains Kerbl. A safety-related problem that other models in the test also had: the installation of brake levers that require two fingers to operate. Kerbl: “When driving downhill, it is essential that you can hold the handlebars as stably as possible, even when braking.” Also just “satisfactory”: The Canyon Neuron:On 8, which scores with agile handling and very good brakes. "Unfortunately, the motor is not only a little too weak, but at the same time very loud. And: The charging time - an adapter for charging the removed battery has to be purchased separately - is extremely long at nine hours," says the ÖAMTC expert.

An important part of the ÖAMTC test was the properties and performance of the battery and drive. "On less demanding forest, field and cycle paths, the differences were still small. It was different on the sometimes steep trails: Here, advantages for the bikes equipped with Bosch drives emerged, with which difficult passages could be overcome much more easily," summarizes Kerbl. The range depends on both the size of the battery and the efficiency of the drive: Depending on the model, 70 to 110 kilometers are possible - but on the flat. With an average gradient of ten percent, there was an altitude difference of 1,370 to 2,180 meters. No matter which model you ultimately choose, a test drive before buying is mandatory. And: Anyone considering purchasing an e-mountain bike should be aware that their area of ​​use requires a minimum level of fitness and riding skills. “The electric support certainly makes it easier to conquer steeper and more impassable terrain uphill - but the descent is and often remains extremely challenging,” explains Kerbl.