Scott Voltage eRide [Ride Review]

For all intents and purposes, the SCOTT Voltage eRide could have easily been called the Genius eRide as it’s most closely aligned acoustic bike in the SCOTT line-up.The bigger suspension (160f/155r), slacker geometry and significantly more tire of the Voltage lines up nicely against the SCOTT Genius. Just add 50Nm of torque and 300W of peak power, the compact motor is fuelled by a slim 360Wh battery.

The Voltage comes in four to five pounds lighter than the most comparably priced “mid-powered/lighter weight electric mountain bikes”. This enables the platform to remain very agile and maneuverable. However, having the motor, battery and rear shock all inside the frame makes for a fairly "chunky" looking frame. On the positive end, the hatches for the rear shock and the battery allow for much better access. Plus, the rear shock and battery can be removed without dropping the motor.

The Voltage is a great bike for the person who wants to ride an ebike that still requires some effort from the rider. In return, they get a bike that handles just as well as some of the best acoustic bikes out there, with the main battery being smaller so the rider isn't lugging around a ton of extra battery. The extender is available for when you need it, plus a second extender in another cage or in a pack can be carried for mega rides.

At Contender, we've been lucky enough to get to test several of the mid-powered electric mountain bikes. The two comparable bikes to the Voltage that we have been able to ride a bunch are the Orbea Rise LT and the Santa Cruz Heckler SL. While all three are super fun bikes, there are some differences to consider.

The TQ motor featured on the Voltage is the quietest motor of this crew and also comes in the smallest form. The 360Wh battery is great for the shorter, early morning or after work rides and can be paired with the 180Wh extender for the longer adventures on the weekends. The newest Orbea Rise's battery probably is a more ideal set up as it comes in two battery sizes with the optional extender, giving a range of battery options from 420Wh, clear up to 840Wh. The Fazua motor featured on Santa Cruz's Heckler SL has a 420Wh battery and a range extender option hopefully coming before the end of the year. The Voltage's TQ motor only offers 50Nm of maximum torque and that may be an issue for some who want to keep up with full-powered e-bikes or for those who just like to "boost" all the climbs. In testing, we have found the TQ motor great for those rides where the rider still wants to push themselves physically, just going further and faster.

As all three of these bikes are basically electric versions of an acoustic bike in each brands' lineup, they all are built on a proven platform. The Voltage is basically an electric Genius. The Voltage has a lower front end and a stiffer suspension that also features SCOTT's infamous Twinloc lockout. This bike stands out as a climber because of the easy lockout and is incredibly stable, allowing the rider to push even more when the bike is wide-open. Being the lightest of the bunch, the bike remains fairly agile but is eclipsed by the Heckler SL(think E-Bronson), with its MX (mullet) wheel setup. The Heckler's smaller rear wheel provides quickness and superior traction. The Rise LT shares the kinematics from an Orbea Occam LT behaving similarly to the SCOTT in stability but features a more active rear suspension and a slightly taller front end.

We can definitely see a place where each bike is the "cycle du jour". For those who only ride uphill to let loose on the downhill, the Hecker SL will impress. With the Extender, the Hecker SL should provide several laps of fun at your local park.

The SCOTT Voltage eRide blurs the experience of the ride between an electric bike and an analog bike. While the ride will likely be longer and faster, the rider has to make a more serious contribution to the day.

Finally, the Orbea Rise LT is probably a bit better at doing it all. The ability to run the motor at 85Nm of torque and the various battery options, makes this a bike that the rider can "fine-tune" for each ride.

Want more information about the SCOTT Voltage eRide or any of our electric mountain bike options at the shop? Contact us or visit in store if you have any questions.