E-hardtails from € 2999 to € 3799: A colourful bunch - 9 e-hardtails in the test
Josh Welz
· 22.10.2023
We have tested these e-hardtails:
Click to go to the individual rating
The topics in this test:
The test bikes at a glance
There is a wide range of equipment and characters in the most favourable price range of those E-MTBs that are at least a little bit sporty. This is not least due to the price corridor. We had set € 3800 as the upper limit - which the most expensive bike, the Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8, maxed out at € 3799. The cheapest candidate, the HoheAcht Sento Eko Rokito, is a whopping 800 euros cheaper at 2999 euros.
Different motors and batteries for the E-MTB hardtails in the test
There is a corresponding amount of variety in the e-drive alone: six different units can be found on the nine candidates. The clear top dog is the Bosch Performance Line CX in Bionicon, Canyon, Radon and Stevens. In terms of performance, the Brose Drive S Mag with its powerful torque is in no way inferior to its Bosch competitor. However, the Bosch system also scores points with its high riding dynamics, special trail functions and the networking options of the Smart System. In combination with the 750 watt-hour Powertube battery, it also offers the longest range. The Yamaha PW-X2 in the R Raymon and the Shimano EP6 in the BESV also deliver strong performance data. However, as the cadence increases, both units can no longer keep up with the Bosch. The cheaper drives in the field are significantly weaker: the Shimano E7000 in the HoheAcht delivers 60 Nm of torque, the Bosch Active Line Plus in the Trek only 50 Nm.
The Trek Marlin+ 8 is not only an outsider in this respect. With the small, permanently installed 400 Wh battery, the Americans are focussing entirely on weight and sportiness. The 750 Wh battery is also permanently installed in the Canyon. Thanks to its long range, there should be no problems even on long tours. All others rely on removable batteries.
Variety: between sporty and suitable for everyday use
In terms of geometry and equipment, it is clear to see which manufacturers believe their affordable hardtail e-bikes are also real trail fun. Trek and Stevens are the extreme opposites: with its very stretched geometry, sporty cockpit and trail-ready equipment, the Trek is a real downhill specialist. With its very compact dimensions, the Stevens is clearly aimed at comfort, everyday use and moderate touring. This is also supported by the economical equipment, with which you are quickly overwhelmed off-road.
Canyon and Radon delivered the most well-rounded package. All in all, the Canyon impressed us the most with its balanced handling characteristics. However, it is also the most expensive bike in the test. The Radon earns our price-performance tip with good equipment at a favourable price.
Conclusion Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief EMTB:
Below 4000 euros, manufacturers have to look at euros and cents. The motor and battery alone swallow up most of the budget. The Canyon and Radon mail order companies have made the most skilful use of their leeway: they combine pleasing geometries with powerful drives and sensible components. Trek has gone its own way with the Marlin. The lightweight bike has advantages for everyday and trail use, but has a limited target group thanks to its permanently installed battery.
System comparison: skinny or curvy?
Light e-hardtails are still an exotic rarity. What are the advantages of this species over classic e-hardtails? In the same place as their full-suspension relatives: better handling on the trail and in everyday use due to their weight. The eight classic e-hardtails in our test weigh an average of 24.3 kilos. At 21.84, the Trek is around 2.5 kilos lighter. The manufacturer achieves this mainly thanks to the permanently installed 400-cell Bosch Powertube battery and the slim frame design.
In everyday use, the theoretical weight advantage has a catch: if you want to lift the bike onto the bike rack or carry it to the flat for charging, you have to do so with the battery included. With conventional systems, the battery can be removed for this purpose. The fact that the weight advantage is not even greater is due to the fact that the Americans have dispensed with a special lightweight drive. Instead, they rely on the Bosch Active Line Plus, which at 50 Nm is as weak as a light motor, but at 3.2 kilos is as heavy as a power motor. The calculation: the weaker motor sucks up less energy, which means that even with a small battery, you can achieve decent altitudes. In principle, this is not wrong. However, the truth is that if you were to call up a comparable motor power with a Bosch CX at a low support level, you would get almost twice as far with a 750 battery. After all, you can top up the Marlin+'s energy reservoir with a 250 Wh range extender.
The motors of the hardtail e-bikes
Prices are tumbling
At around € 3500, the e-hardtails in our test field are the cheapest entry-level e-mountainbikes - at least for riders who want to get off the beaten track. That's still a lot of money, and if you were to look for a non-motorised MTB with this budget, you would get a fully with decent equipment. It's obvious why e-MTBs are more expensive: the motor, battery and display have to be bought in from the bike manufacturers at a high price. The good news is that the market situation is currently playing into the hands of the end consumer. This is because the warehouses are full of latecomers from the coronavirus era and demand is still restrained. To boost sales, manufacturers, specialist retailers and mail order companies are offering generous discounts in some cases.
Examples from our test field: The list price of the Bionicon Earp 2 was once 3949 euros. When we requested the bike for testing, it still cost €3499, shortly before the editorial deadline it was down to €3399. The same applies to Hoheacht and Radon: the price of the Sento Eko Rokito fell from €3499 to €2999, while the Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0 750 once cost €3599 and now only €3199.
You can find our price observations here:
Everyday equipment
E-hardtails are practical all-round vehicles. Most models are prepared for the installation of a pannier rack, mudguards and kickstand.
E-bike equipment
Based on the equipment details, you can recognise which manufacturer is really serious about the off-road suitability of their hardtails. Positive and negative examples.
Facts, figures and data
Top 3
Specialist or all-rounder: The Canyon Grand Canyon:On makes it into our top ranking in three disciplines.
Top 3 Trail
- Trek Marlin+ 8
- Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8
- Bionicon Earp 2
Top 3 Equipment
- Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8
- Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0
- Trek Marlin+ 8
Top 3 ride comfort
- Stevens E-Tremalzo 29"
- Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8
- Hercules Nos 1.1
Top 3 weight
- Trek Marlin+ 8
- Hoheacht Sento Eko Rokito
- Stevens E-Tremalzo 29"
The e-hardtails from our test at a glance
E-drives, equipment, strengths and weaknesses of the nine candidates.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
