New Propain Ekano 3 AL on test: aluminium eMTB with Avinox drive at a fair price?

Propain are jumping onto the rapidly growing Avinox bandwagon. With the new Ekano 3 AL, the German direct-to-consumer brand isn’t launching a carbon bike, but a configurable aluminium eMTB with the Avinox M2S motor, generous travel and a compelling entry price. On paper, that sounds like a bike that will appeal to a wide range of riders. But how does the new Ekano 3 AL actually perform on the trail?

A motor in search of a frame. The Avinox system has become the platform of the moment, with brands lining up to build around it. Propain now enter the fold with the Ekano 3 AL Enduro, the latest evolution of their full-power e-MTB offering. As anyone familiar with the Ravensburg brand would expect, however, the motor is not the whole story. Extensive customisation through their configurator remains as central to the Propain proposition as ever.

That’s exactly where the new Ekano 3 AL gets interesting. You’re not only free to choose between different components, suspension setups and spec options, but you also get plenty of flexibility when it comes to the drive system and battery. You can pick between the Avinox M2 and M2S motors, 600 Wh or 800 Wh batteries, different chargers, and even internal or external cable routing. On top of that, Propain also offer a shorter-travel trail version. The result is a highly versatile bike that can be tailored to suit very different riding styles.

Our test bike comes equipped with an Avinox M2S motor, an 800 Wh battery, and 170/160 mm of travel (f/r), tipping the scales at a hefty 25.48 kg in size L. That clearly puts it on the heavier side among Avinox bikes, though that’s hardly surprising given the aluminium frame and FOX Podium fork.

At €10,220, the spec variant we tested sits towards the upper end of the range, though prices start at €5,199 for the Ekano 3 AL ENDURO and €4,999 for the Trail model. That alone is enough to grab plenty of riders’ attention. Which raises the key question: could the new Propain Ekano 3 AL be the most compelling Avinox eMTB for riders on a budget?

The new Propain Ekano 3 AL in Detail

An aluminium frame, and for many riders that alone will be enough. The welds are not smoothed over, but they are neatly executed and sit well with the bike’s rugged, purposeful character. Protective details are equally considered: the chainstay protector covers a generous portion of the stay, a long seatstay guard keeps chain slap firmly in check, and a sturdy chain guide completes the picture. The motor cover, meanwhile, proved its worth over the course of our testing.

You also get mounting points for a bottle cage, along with mounts beneath the top tube for all your trail essentials. On top of that, Propain include a RideWrap frame protection kit as standard, giving the aluminium frame an extra layer of defence – a nice touch.

The only real drawback is the head tube badge, which . It doesn’t feel particularly premium and, is simply glued on – on our test bike it , and has already shown a tendency to come loose over time and after a few washes on previous test bikes.

Cable routing is another particularly interesting detail. Propain give you the choice between classic internal routing or, which will tick a big box for home mechanics, external routing behind the head tube, feeding into the frame via cable ports. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference when it comes to maintenance and servicing.

What’s the new Avinox M2S of the Propain Ekano 3 AL capable of?

The new M2S doesn’t just deliver huge power figures, it also integrates seamlessly into the bike’s overall concept. In Boost mode, which lasts up to 60 seconds, the motor puts out an impressive 150 Nm of torque and up to 1,300 W peak power. In all other modes, you still have a hefty 130 Nm at your disposal.

The permanently integrated 800 Wh battery sits low in the frame, which benefits weight distribution and handling. Our test bike uses the 12 A fast charger with 508 W charging power, bringing the battery to full charge in around 2 hours and 20 minutes. As you’d expect from Propain, you get a choice here too, with either a 4 A or 12 A charger available at the point of purchase.

The system is controlled via a high-resolution OLED touchscreen neatly integrated into the top tube, paired with the familiar dual remotes. The Avinox Ride app remains a standout feature, offering a wide range of tuning options and ranking among the best systems currently on the market. The charging port is positioned just above the motor and protected by a cover that may not feel particularly premium, but proved reliable throughout testing.

In summary: key facts about the Avinox M2S motor system

• maximum power: 1,300 W
• maximum torque in Boost mode: 150 Nm
• maximum torque in other modes: 130 Nm
• battery: 800 Wh
• drive unit weight: 2.63 kg

What about the spec of the new Propain Ekano 3 AL?

Customisation. That has always been one of Propain’s calling cards, and the Ekano is no exception. As usual, the Ekano 3 AL can be tailored very freely through the configurator to match your preferences, riding style and budget.

Our test bike comes fitted with a FOX Podium Factory upside-down fork offering 170 mm of travel up front, while a FOX Float X2 Factory shock controls 160 mm at the rear. Both suspension units offer a huge range of adjustment and deliver an impressively high level of performance on the trail. Matching the premium setup, the bike also uses a FOX Transfer Factory dropper post with the signature Kashima coating and 210 mm travel.

A real highlight are the Trickstuff DIRETTISSIMA brakes, which are paired with a huge 223 mm rotor at the front. It doesn’t just look the part and keep weight low, it also impresses above all with huge stopping power and excellent modulation. Shifting is handled by an electronic SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission derailleur, which is wired directly to the main battery. This also enables features such as Smooth Shift, which briefly reduces motor power during gear changes for seamless transitions.

The Propain Ekano 3 AL rolls on a new DT Swiss HX 1700 Spline aluminium wheelset in mullet configuration, with a big 29” front wheel and a smaller 27.5” wheel at the rear. The tires are well chosen too, with a Schwalbe Magic Mary in Ultra Soft up front and, at least on our test bike, a Tacky Chan in Soft at the rear, both using the tough Gravity Pro casing. It’s a spot-on match.

Rounding off the package is the cockpit consisting of a SIXPACK Millenium ICR stem and OneUp V2 carbon handlebars.

Tuning-tip: spend some time with the configurator so you can dial in your bike to suit you before it even arrives.

The Geometry of the new Propain Ekano 3 AL

The Propain Ekano 3 AL is available in sizes S to XL. The trail version can be run either as a mullet or a full 29er, while the Enduro model we tested is available exclusively with mixed wheel sizes.

In size L, the 475 mm reach is fairly average, while the 15 mm and 25 mm reach increments between sizes make good sense. More interesting are the different dropout options, which allow for varying chainstay lengths. That gives you either 447 mm in the short setting or 452 mm in the long setting. The 63.5° head angle is bang on trend, while the 78° seat angle is pleasantly steep.

Other spec options for the eMTB

The Propain Ekano 3 AL is available in two concept variants: Trail and Enduro. Both use the same frame, but differ in components and therefore also in travel. While the Trail bike comes with 160/150 mm, the Enduro offers 170/160 mm of travel. On top of that, there’s a wide range of colour options, from dark blue and understated black to bolder finishes such as lavender purple and mustard yellow.

Listing every possible build option in detail would hardly make sense with a Propain. The builds shown in the pictures are ultimately just suggestions. Using the configurator, you can customise the bike extensively and also choose from the latest suspension options from RockShox, FOX and Öhlins.

The new Propain Ekano 3 AL on the trail

We had the chance to ride the new Propain Ekano 3 AL not only during the press camp on the trails around Molini, but also to put it through its paces over the course of a full week on the fast, rough tracks of Finale Ligure.

How does it climb?

On the way up, the relatively low front end stands out, putting you in a sporty riding position. That keeps good pressure on the front wheel, which works well on technical climbs, yet remains comfortable even on longer days in the saddle.

In technical uphill sections, the Ekano 3 AL is a solid climber, though not quite a specialist for the most demanding tech climbs. That’s less down to the powerful Avinox M2S system, which delivers its usual punch with excellent modulation and impressively quiet support, and more to the bike’s overall character. The suspension tends to sit a little deeper in its travel on technical ascents, which takes away some of the precision and directness you might want in tricky sections. Even so, the Propain remains more than capable on the climbs, handling demanding terrain well thanks to plenty of traction and strong motor support.

How does the new Propain Ekano 3 AL descend?

Point it downhill and you’re nicely centred within the bike, which inspires confidence and gives a familiar, composed ride feel. Overall, the balance is reminiscent of the Spindrift, just with a motor added into the mix. As speeds pick up, the Ekano 3 AL makes its strengths clear. The plush suspension sits fairly deep in its travel, allowing the bike to plough through even the roughest, fastest tracks with impressive composure. It feels glued to the trail, generates loads of grip and delivers a high level of confidence. Even on steep terrain, it remains easy to control and predict at all times.

Handling is one of the Ekano AL’s standout strengths, making it easy for less experienced riders to feel at ease from the get go. It’s intuitive and forgiving, requiring little time to adapt while quickly building trust. In rough sections in particular, it feels reassuringly planted, holding its line calmly and delivering exactly the kind of stability you’d expect from a capable eMTB. That said, it’s clearly tuned more towards stability and straight-line speed than outright playfulness.

This is most apparent in tighter corners and with a more dynamic riding style, where the bike’s weight makes its presence felt. The Ekano 3 AL is not a machine you can flick onto the rear wheel or snap from edge to edge with minimal effort. It prefers a different kind of conversation with the trail: staying low, building grip and expressing itself through traction and composure.

The suspension reflects that character. At 30% sag, the rear end doesn’t feel particularly lively and could do with a bit more support. Adding some air pressure and a few clicks of compression improves things noticeably, though it never quite transforms into a super poppy, highly dynamic ride. Its identity remains clear: grip, stability and confidence.

One point of criticism from our test: the rear linkage bearings came loose after just two days. It’s something worth keeping an eye on and checking regularly.

Who is the new Propain Ekano 3 AL for?

The Propain Ekano 3 AL is aimed primarily at riders looking for a capable, tough and highly customisable eMTB that delivers plenty of confidence on rough trails, while coming in at a significantly more accessible price than many carbon competitors. This isn’t a delicate lightweight machine, but a bike for riders who want to charge through rock gardens at speed and feel fully in control.

Conclusions about the new Propain Ekano 3 AL

The Propain Ekano 3 AL brings a compelling combination to the table: extensive configurability, a robust aluminium frame, the potent Avinox M2S motor and an attractive entry price. On trail, it is at its best when things get fast, rough and committed downhill, generating grip in abundance, inspiring confidence and feeling intuitive from the first ride. Climbing performance is solid, if not class-leading. The trade-offs are weight and a suspension character that lacks a certain liveliness. On balance, the Ekano 3 AL is an accessible, highly configurable aluminium e-MTB that will resonate most with riders who prefer to carve through demanding terrain with composure and authority rather than dance their way down it.

Tops

• excellent grip and confidence on descents
• impressive composure in rough terrain
• intuitive and predictable handling
• highly customisable
• attractive entry price

Flops

• rear linkage bearings loosened early during testing

For more information about the Propain Ekano 3 AL, head over to Propain.

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Lars Engmann