SCOTT Voltage eRIDE 900 Tuned – In our 2024 light eMTB comparison test

Master of integration SCOTT enters our light eMTB comparison test with the elegant Voltage eRIDE 900 Tuned, which takes on the competition with an enclosed shock, a mind-boggling level of integration, and a TQ-HPR50 motor that draws its power from a 360 Wh battery. How did our Swiss candidate fare against the hottest light eMTBs of the season?

With the SCOTT Voltage, the Swiss bike manufacturer enters the race with the electric counterpart of their trail bike, the Genius. The Voltage relies on a stylish carbon frame and rolls on 29” wheels, generating 160/155 mm of travel at the front and rear. SCOTT is the only manufacturer in this test to employ a TQ-HPR50 motor which, at 50 Nm, is the weakest in the entire test field, together with the Specialized 1.2 drive. The Swiss trail bruiser tips the scales at 19.4 kg and retails at € 10,999, which is pretty much average in this test.

Click here for an overview of this comparison test: The best light eMTB of 2024 – 9 of the most exciting bikes in direct comparison

Hidden innovation – What sets the SCOTT Voltage apart from the competition?

The SCOTT Voltage sticks out from the crowd with a clean yet striking look. Just like its smaller sibling, the SCOTT Lumen eRIDE 900 SL, or SCOTT’s analogue bikes, like the Ransom 900 RC and Genius ST 900 Tuned, it hides the shock inside the frame. American suspension colossus FOX supply the 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX FLOAT X Nude Factory shock, both of which offer countless adjustment options and deliver top performance on the trail. The shock was developed exclusively for SCOTT, and designed specifically to be integrated into the frame, with the valve and dials positioned in such a way that they’re easily accessible through the service port. However, the bike needs to be turned upside down or at least laid on its side for the setup. Thankfully, the magnetic SAG indicator on the rocker of the rear triangle makes it easier to adjust without needing a second person.

The relatively small TQ-HPR50 motor is integrated seamlessly into the bottom bracket area and delivers 50 Nm of torque and 300 Watts of peak power. It draws its power from a 360 Wh TQ battery, which is the second smallest in this test after the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL. The battery can be charged via the easily accessible charging port at the top of the down tube. For long days in the saddle, you can expand the battery with the optional 160 Wh TQ Range Extender, which can be secured to a mount on the seat tube. Two mounting points on the down tube allow you to carry a water bottle, meaning that you can use the range extender and still carry water with you on a ride. The motor system is paired with a minimalist remote on the handlebars, which is intuitive to use. The beautifully designed TQ OLED display in the top tube shows the current support level and battery charge status as well as other basic riding data.

All cables are routed internally and disappear into the carbon frame through the first spacer of the Syncros Hixon iC SL Rise one-piece cockpit. This underlines the bike’s clean look but makes it harder to service the bike.

SRAM CODE Silver Stealth four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear do stopping duties, while shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain. This relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and delivers butter-smooth shifting, even under load. SCOTT’s in-house component brand Syncros also supplies the 180 mm Duncan Dropper 1.5, which allows you to reduce the travel. This is on the short side for our size L test bike; the Orbea Rise and MERIDA eONE-SIXTY ensure significantly more freedom of movement with their 230 mm droppers. The SCOTT Voltage eRIDE 900 Tuned rolls on a 29″ Syncros Revelstoke 1.0 carbon wheelset, which comes standard with TyreWiz air pressure sensors, allowing you to keep an eye on your pressures using the SRAM AXS app. And you should, because both the ASSEGAI at the front and Dissector at the rear come in the puncture-prone EXO+ casing and hard MaxxTerra rubber compound. If you punch a hole in your tire, you can use the tubeless repair kit in the handlebar ends, which is available as a worthwhile optional accessory for an additional € 34.95.

However, if you want your carbon wheels to survive the toughest trails, we recommend upgrading to a rear tire in the robust Doubledown casing, especially if you’re heavy or like to get rowdy. While you’re at it, you should swap the front tire for one with a softer rubber compound for more traction.

Tuning tip:
– Upgrade to a more robust rear tire with tough Doubledown casing to protect the rims, and to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front for more traction.
– Retrofit the SYNCROS IS tubeless handlebar tool for € 34.95.

Efficient performance – The SCOTT Voltage on the trail

Riding uphill, the SCOTT Voltage places you in a sporty yet comfortable pedalling position. However, it has a slacker front end than the YT Decoy SN, which ensures a more front-heavy riding position and thus prevents the front wheel from lifting off the ground in steeper climbing sections. The TQ-HPR50 motor provides natural assistance and is pleasantly quiet. At 50 Nm, it’s one of the weakest motors in the entire test field and can’t keep up with the powerful Shimano EP801 and FAZUA Ride 60 drives. If you’re curious about the TQ system, we covered it in-depth in our big motor test. The rear suspension only bobs marginally when pedalling, and becomes even more efficient when activating the SCOTT’s proprietary TracLoc system on the shock. To do this, you just have to use the two levers on the handlebars to switch between the three modes: Climb, Ramp Control and Open. In Climb mode, the compression damping on the shock is closed, locking out the shock to avoid any of your pedalling input getting absorbed by the suspension. Ramp Control mode opens up the damping, but closes one of the shock’s air chambers. As a result, the suspension sits higher in its travel, allowing you to tackle technical climbs with more confidence. Open mode is for descending, and corresponds to a conventional shock’s open setting. It takes some time to get used to using the remote at first, as it’s easy to push the wrong lever. Given the Voltage’s efficient riding position and minimal suspension bob, we mainly rode the SCOTT Voltage in Open Mode, even on the climbs.

Once you’ve reached the trailhead and switched the shock to Open mode, it’s time to shred your way back down into the valley. Downhill, the SCOTT Voltage impresses with its firm suspension and offers plenty of support. On flowing trails, this allows you to generate plenty of spèed by pumping through rollers and berm, and encourages you to pop off tree stumps and natural kickers. If you get a little too excited and overshoot a jump, the suspension offers a surprising amount of reserves. On rough, demanding trails, the direct handling of the SCOTT Voltage becomes evident. While this enables quick direction changes and lively handling on flow trails, it’s not very forgiving of riding mistakes. At the same time, the Voltage’s stiff nature quickly results in arm pump on long descents. As a result, the SCOTT requires an experienced hand and vigilant riding style in challenging technical sections. In terms of composure, it’s worlds apart from the Orbea Rise and YT Decoy SN. However, if you have the skills, the SCOTT Voltage light eMTB lets you hit your line with clinical precision and blast back down into the valley at full pelt, with an active riding style.

With the SCOTT Voltage, you can build up tons of speed on flowing trails. If you overshoot a jump, you’ll be surprised by the suspension’s huge reserves.

Who should take a closer look at the SCOTT Voltage?

We recommend the SCOTT Voltage above all to experienced riders who can cope with its stiff nature and direct handling, and don’t mind working a bit harder in return for great efficiency. Beginners with a leisurely riding style will get their money’s worth too, provided they stick to flowing trails and don’t go too wild. If you’re looking for a super clean bike with a mind-boggling level of integration, you might want to take a closer look at the Voltage.

Our conclusions about the SCOTT Voltage

Scott impresses with first-class integration that will make the heart of any bike fanatic beat faster. On the trail, the SCOTT Voltage impresses with its great suspension, allowing experienced riders to reach incredible speeds with an active riding style. Nevertheless, our Swiss contestant also requires a vigilant riding style and reaches its limits on rough terrain. Uphill, it rewards you with a natural riding experience and reaches the top with great efficiency, though requiring a little more physical effort.

For more information, visit scott-sports.com

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The test field

Click here for an overview of this comparison test: The best light eMTB of 2024 – 9 of the most exciting bikes in direct comparison.

All bikes in test: Cannondale Moterra SL1 | GIANT Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0 V2 | Mondraker Dune RR | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K | Orbea Rise | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL | YT DECOY SN

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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Mike Hunger, Peter Walker