We believe that you can’t judge a product simply by its look and feel. At the Design & Innovation Award 2017 we spent 16 days in St. Vigil/Kronplatz, testing and analyzing the best products, greatest innovations and most exciting trends of the upcoming season.

Design Innovation Award 2017 SideShots MTB CB 115 von 169 1140x760

Serious, competitive, and performance-orientated E-MTBs are still in their infancy, but their evolution is on a steep upward tangent. The many global players who want a piece of the pie have invested a ton of their resources into development, leading to drastic advancements in the performance of E-MTBs. The fundamental aspect of motor function has now been eclipsed by stringent technical (and often visual) issues of integration when considering the bike’s entire concept. All of the components should work in harmony, forming one unit with the frame – and together, their aim is to transform your ride into unrestricted fun with ultimate safety and stability.

Design Innovation Award 2017 SideShots MTB CB 120 von 169 580x387 Design Innovation Award 2017 SideShots MTB CB 140 von 169 580x387

Manufacturers have looked to new materials to meet these aims, and carbon’s role is getting bigger. Then there are intelligent approaches to the battery integration, the advent of plus-size tires, and the development of E-MTB-specific parts. As E-MTBs get smarter and the world gets more connected, we’re starting to see indications of their true potential, exploring how they’re able to link with the digital world.

Design Innovation Award 2017 SideShots MTB CB 123 von 169 1140x760

Even today, the most advanced bikes sport a blend of technologies that allow them to tackle almost limitless demands. These latest models refuse to be confined to conventional mountain bike categories – and given the complexities surrounding their technologies (not to mention blurry legal grounds), uniform standards and consistency are more important than ever. This is why the industry need to step up and respond; there’s a need for cooperation, a need to work together on a sustainable future for E-MTBs. We need a future that is understandable, accessible, and sustainable for consumers. After originating as part of the Design & Innovation Award, this vision for the future is exactly what the E-MOUNTAINBIKE THINK TANK aims to explore.

FOCUS JAM² Plus Pro

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – FOCUS JAM² Plus Pro

Haibike SDURO Nduro 8.0 + eConnect

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – Haibike SDURO Nduro 8.0 + eConnect

Lapierre Overvolt AM Carbon 900+

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – Lapierre Overvolt AM Carbon 900+

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E

Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – Moustache Samedi 27 Race 9

Riese & Müller Delite Mountain

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – Riese & Müller Delite Mountain

Thömus Lightrider E1

Studio DI
DI.A 2017 Winner – Thömus Lightrider E1