This bike is part of our huge group test, „The best e-mountainbike of 2026 with 30 of the most exciting eMTBs of the season” – click here for the intro, our key take aways and all the bikes.
17.5 kg in size M | € 12,450 | Manufacturer’s website
The lightest bike in the test field, the least travel and the smallest battery capacity – the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX clearly stands out on paper. Visually, too, it looks far closer to a classic analogue mountain bike. Instead of following the typical full-power eMTB formula, the Swiss brand takes a different route: less weight, more efficiency and a ride feel that’s much closer to a traditional mountain bike than a motorised bruiser. They also go their own way with the motor. The maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S, also developed in Switzerland, weighs just 2.0 kg and fits perfectly into the bike’s lightweight overall concept.
The result is an unusually light e-mountain bike built around a compact 400 Wh battery. In Trail Light spec, our test bike tipped the scales at just 17.5 kg and carries a price tag of around € 12,450, placing the Lightrider E_MAX among the more expensive bikes in the field. But can this lightweight, almost purist machine hold its own against 29 rivals on rough Spanish terrain, or is the Thömus destined to remain the outlier in this group test?
The Thömus Lightrider E_MAX in detail
The Lightrider E_MAX is built around a full carbon frame with a notably slim downtube. On our test bike, the understated silhouette comes dressed in the eye-catching “Team Red” matte finish, one of three standard colour options. Those after something more personal can choose from over 20 custom paint finishes through the online configurator for an additional 750 CHF (around € 815). Practical too: even in size M, there’s enough space in the frame of the Lightrider E_MAX for a large water bottle, which fits neatly in a maxon bottle cage. Alternatively, you can use it to store the optional 250 Wh range extender. The main frame is rounded off by a handy tool mount on the top tube, which gives you quick access to your trail essentials.
A neat touch is the integrated rear light positioned near the rear axle. It blends seamlessly into the overall design, shines brightly and can be controlled directly via the power button on the maxon display. This is neatly integrated into the top tube, though it’s rather basic in terms of information, showing only battery charge status and support mode. It’s functional, but compared to other systems a bit rudimental – though a more advanced display with greater customisation options is expected to follow in the future. Internal cable routing through the head tube keeps the cockpit area clean and uncluttered, with the option to run cables through ports behind the head tube for those who prefer more straightforward maintenance. Protection in day-to-day use is well considered too — a soft chainstay protector does a good job of dampening noise, while rubberised elements on the seatstay and down tube take care of the rest.
Not every detail hits the mark, though. The charging port cover feels a bit cheap and is fiddly to operate. The SAG indicator on the rear shock also falls short of its potential – while the idea makes sense, the execution lacks precision and is difficult to read from the rider’s position.
The spec of the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX
At the heart of the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX sits a maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR S drive unit, which is neatly integrated into the bottom bracket. Despite its low system weight and discreet appearance, the Swiss motor really packs a punch, delivering up to 90 Nm of torque, 620 watts of peak power and support of up to 400%. The motor draws its power from a 400 Wh battery, which is the only option, though it can be boosted to 650 Wh with the optional range extender. The Lightrider E_MAX comes standard with an extremely compact, lightweight 2 A charger. However, despite having the smallest battery in the test field, it’s the slowest to recharge in this test.
A major plus point for the Lightrider E_MAX is Thömus’ in-house configurator. Alongside the paint finish, you can choose from a range of components including the suspension, wheels, brakes and drivetrain to suit your preferences within a certain range.
If you’re interested in buying or booking a test ride, you can do so at one of Thömus’ 13 Bike World locations across Switzerland. These aren’t your typical bike shops, but are designed as all-encompassing brand experience centres. Alongside personalised advice, they also offer bike fitting, performance diagnostics and even workshop courses. A real highlight is Thömus’ home base in Oberried near Bern. Right next door, you’ll find the Swiss Bike Park, with a wide range of trails that provide the perfect setting to test the bikes in real-world conditions. From beginner courses to advanced skills training and events, it’s all on offer – an approach that fits perfectly with the community-driven ethos behind Thömus. This is further strengthened by the so-called „Riders Collective”, a platform that connects riders, encourages group rides and events, and fosters direct interaction with the brand.
Back to the Lightrider E_MAX’s spec. For the suspension, Thömus rely on high-end FOX Factory components. Up front, the FOX 36 SL Factory fork with GRIP X damper allows for separate compression adjustments and impressed in testing with a firm yet very capable performance. At the rear, a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock is in charge, working in harmony with the fork and boosting efficiency on the climbs thanks to its effective lockout.
The XTR Di2 derailleur ensures lightning-fast shifting, though it feels a touch harsher and less precise than the latest SRAM Transmission systems and on descents, the audible snap-back under compression is hard to ignore. The XTR four-piston brakes deliver powerful, well-modulated stopping power with excellent ergonomics to match. One minor drawback: the front brake hose runs quite close to the handlebars, which can lead to unwanted noise and occasional scuffing. For the crankset and cockpit, Thömus rely on Race Face components. The Turbine SL stem paired with the Era handlebars makes for a well-matched setup. This is complemented by the unusual choice of lightweight ESI grips. These foam grips offer excellent damping, but are relatively prone to wear and damage.
A distinctive feature of the Lightrider E_MAX is the EightPins H01 dropper post, which mounts directly into the frame without a separate seat clamp and allows you to adjust the travel via a lever on the post head. In practice, however, the high stack height is a drawback. Combined with the long seat tube, it limits freedom of movement slightly, especially on steep terrain and jumps. The post also shows a noticeable amount of play. The Thömus rolls on a robust DT Swiss EXC 1200 carbon wheelset. The Schwalbe Wicked Will tires in Super Race casing roll impressively fast, but quickly reach their limits off-road. Grip is adequate in the dry yet leaves something to be desired in the wet, and the casing itself is simply too delicate for serious trail use. The tougher Super Trail casing would have been a far more sensible choice.
The fast-rolling tires underline the bike’s character, but clearly limit its capabilities in rough terrain.
Thömus Lightrider E-MAX
€ 12,450
Specifications
Motor maxon AIR DRIVE S 90 Nm
Battery maxon 400 Wh
Display Maxon
Fork FOX 36 SL Factory GRIP X 140 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 130 mm
Seatpost EightPins H01 212 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR Di2 1x12
Stem Turbine SL 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face ERA Carbon 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss EXC 1200 29"
Tires Schwalbe Wicked Will, Super Race, ADDIX Soft/ Schwalbe Wicked Will, Super Race, ADDIX Soft 2,4"
Technical Data
Size S, M, L, XL
Weight 17,5 kg
Tuning tip: upgrade to a more robust tire casing.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 416 mm | 458 mm | 488 mm | 524 mm |
| Top tube | 564 mm | 594 mm | 623 mm | 656 mm |
| Head tube | 90 mm | 110 mm | 125 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° |
| Seat angle | 76.7° | 76.6° | 76.6° | 76.6° |
| Chainstay | 437 mm | 437 mm | 437 mm | 437 mm |
| BB Drop | 31 mm | 31 mm | 31 mm | 31 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,169 mm | 1,207 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,274 mm |
| Reach | 424 mm | 454 mm | 479 mm | 509 mm |
| Stack | 600 mm | 619 mm | 632 mm | 646 mm |
Pants Leatt Ride Kit MTB 1.0 | Knee pads Leatt Knee Guard 6.0 Evo Lite | Shoes Five Ten Hellcat
The Thömus Lightrider E_MAX on the trail
Thömus Lightrider E_MAX uphill performance
On the climbs, the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX proves surprisingly capable and, above all, extremely efficient. The low weight combined with the fast-rolling tires and sporty riding position make it eager to accelerate and almost pull itself uphill. The position is clearly geared towards performance: the steep seat angle and low front end put plenty of pressure on the front wheel and ensure direct power transfer, even if it feels a little less comfortable on longer rides.
The Lightrider really comes into its own on technical climbs. Here, it impresses with an agile character and pleasantly precise handling – steps are easy to lift over, and tight sections can be navigated with confidence. The maxon motor delivers support in a very smooth and controlled manner. While it doesn’t offer the brute force of some full-power systems, it still provides impressive drive considering its size and weight. It also stands out for its excellent modulation and very natural ride feel.
Traction is also surprisingly good, even with the lightweight tires and relatively modest travel. In very steep and rough terrain, however, the bike starts to show its limits. The lack of motor overrun can make it feel a touch short on composure in certain situations, while the less aggressive tire choice further limits traction. One real highlight, though, is the noise level: the maxon AIR S runs exceptionally quietly and is among the most discreet systems currently on the market. At the same time, the bike remains pleasantly efficient to pedal above the 25 km/h cut-off, feeling almost like a conventional mountain bike. All in all, the Lightrider E_MAX isn’t a traditional mountain goat, but a fast, highly efficient climber that stands out with its light-footed feel, natural motor response and agile handling on technical ascents.
Thömus Lightrider E_MAX downhill performance
Riding downhill, the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX is a real surprise. Despite its relatively conservative travel, it delivers a level of composure we simply didn’t expect. Within the first few metres, it inspires a strong sense of confidence across all testers.
Why is that? The suspension is on the firmer side, yet remains sensitive off the top, uses its travel efficiently and offers enough progression without harsh bottom-outs. At the same time, the bike stays composed and impressively quiet, even on rougher trails. The handling is intuitive and easy to get to grips with, despite the relatively low front end. That, in turn, contributes to its agility and direct steering, traits that define the bike as a whole: fast, precise and rich in trail feedback, without ever feeling overwhelming. In that respect, it bears a strong resemblance to the Specialized Levo SL.
Thanks to the Schwalbe Wicked Will tires, the Lightrider feels incredibly light on its feet, carries speed with ease and almost encourages you to stay off the brakes. On flowing trails, it really plays to its strengths, feeling agile, lively and hugely fun to ride. Direction changes come effortlessly, and you can adjust your line on the fly – the ride feel is closer to a lightweight trail bike than a typical e-MTB. Once the terrain gets seriously rough, it does reach its limits earlier than longer-travel rivals like Atherton or YETI, and demands a more active riding style. That said, this is criticism at a high level, as the Lightrider still handles rough sections with impressive composure overall. However, there is one clear drawback: on our test bike, the shock bushings developed play after a short period of use. Even after replacement, the issue reappeared in under 300 km. This is an area where Thömus clearly need to improve.
All in all, the Lightrider E_MAX is far more capable on the descents than its numbers might suggest. It blends high speed with playful handling and really shines when the trail is fast, flowing and precise – yet it doesn’t shy away from rougher sections either. The fun is only held back by the puncture-prone tyres, which gave up after just a few descents in very rough terrain. Aside from that, though, the Lightrider E_MAX is a highly cohesive concept, where motor, handling and weight come together in perfect harmony.
Red miracle goes against the grain: despite its travel, the Thömus delivers impressive descending performance.
Who is the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX the right eMTB for?
The Thömus Lightrider E_MAX is built for riders who want e-assist without the weight penalty: agile, precise and fast on flowing singletrack, with a ride feel that owes more to a capable trail bike than a full-power e-MTB. The maxon motor is a key part of that impression, finely tuned and near-silent, contributing to an efficiency and naturalness that holds up across varied terrain. Technical climbs reinforce the point, where the bike’s light-footed handling proves its worth. Where the Lightrider E_MAX is less convincing is at the rougher, faster end of the spectrum. Committed bike park riders or those tackling sustained technical terrain will bump against the limits of its travel and tire setup over time. But for riders who prioritise a light, fast and characterful e-MTB, with trail performance and fun at the core, it delivers with some conviction.
The right bike for:
Cross-country enthusiasts
The Thömus ticks all the boxes for XC fans: a sporty riding position, low weight, fast-rolling tyres, a shock lockout and firm suspension. The powerful motor takes the pace up another notch.
Weight weenies
If every gram counts, but you still want natural handling and a smooth, intuitive motor feel, the Lightrider E_MAX will be right up your street.
Not the right bike for:
Long-distance tourers
Even though the maxon motor is impressively efficient, it can’t fully make up for the small 400 Wh battery. Long rides aren’t the Lightrider E_MAX’s strong suit – unless you’re happy to put in a fair bit of effort yourself, which is certainly manageable.
Conclusion about the Thömus Lightrider E_MAX – a different approach done right
The Thömus Lightrider E_MAX takes a fundamentally different approach to the rest of the test field. Instead of chasing maximum power and travel, it focuses on low weight, high efficiency, and an exceptionally natural ride feel. On the climbs, it impresses with its light-footed character and the excellent maxon motor, while downhill it delivers far more performance than you’d expect. It really shines on fast, flowing trails, combining agility, speed, and plenty of fun. A bold, distinctive concept that fully delivers in this test – and rightfully earns our Editor’s Choice award.
Tops
- extremely light-footed, fast handling
- very natural maxon drive system
- surprisingly strong downhill performance
- playful handling with a high fun factor
Flops
- tyres too lightweight
- fiddly charging port cover
- shock bushings wear out quickly
For more information on the Lightrider E_MAX, head over to Thömus.
The test field
For an overview of this group test, click here:
The best e-mountainbike of 2026 – The 30 most exciting bikes in the big group test
All bikes in test: AMFLOW PX Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon Pro, AMFLOW PR Carbon, Centurion No Pogo R7000, Thömus Lightrider E-MAX, Aventon Current EXP, Atherton S.170E, Haibike AllMtn CF 11 TRN/IQ 2025, Abums Model One, MEGAMO Reason CRB 01, Santa Cruz Vala AL 70, Specialized Levo R, Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Comp Alloy, Yeti LTE T4.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker, Lars Engmann
About the Author
Lars Engmann
Lars Engmann is an editor at 41 Publishing. His work is strongly influenced by his background as an engineer and technical writer, with his experience of driving resistance determination giving him sharp analytical skills. He is responsible for operative individual and comparison tests for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and ENDURO, with a focus on range analysis and efficiency measurements. As a specialist in optimisation and system weight, he brings his passion for precision to product evaluation. He combines technical documentation with applied performance analysis in the E-Performance segment.
