SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 on Test – The Best SUV E Bike of 2025? A Purebred Urban Explorer?

According to Swiss bike giant SCOTT, the Axis eRIDE FS 10 is the ultimate full-suspension adventure ebike. Naturally, we put this SUV e bike to the test – complete with hidden rear shock and ABS – to see whether it truly has adventure in its DNA. Here’s how it performs in everyday use, and off the beaten track.

You can find an overview of our SUV e-bike buyer’s guide here:
The Best E-SUV 2025 – 10 E-Bikes in Comparison Test

SCOTT is one of the world’s largest sporting goods and bike manufacturers, offering something for every need and riding style. So it’s no surprise that the brand – now based in Switzerland – is also active in the SUV e bike segment. That said, their product range here is relatively limited. While SCOTT list nine models under the “E-Trekking Bike” category on their website, only two of them meet our definition of an SUV e bike, which requires both front and rear suspension. Those two models are part of the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS lineup. Our test bike, the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10, is the top-spec model, priced at € 7,299. That puts it in the upper price range of our group test, alongside the Riese & Müller Delite5 and the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave. The more affordable Axis eRIDE FS 20 comes in at € 6,199. While it shares the same Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 800 Wh battery, it has a more basic overall spec – particularly when it comes to the suspension, drivetrain, and brakes. Most notably, the FS 20 lacks ABS, which we see as the biggest compromise compared to the top-tier model. Both versions feature a generous 140 mm of travel front and rear, and the bike is available in sizes S through to XL.

What Sets the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 Apart? Explore the City!

SCOTT bikes have a tradition of being packed with technology – and the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 is no exception. The SUV e bike features SCOTT’s signature hidden rear suspension and the patented NUDE shock, which can be partially or fully locked out via the handlebar remote. That said, this feature is somewhat unnecessary on an SUV e bike. The motor provides reliable support on climbs, and whether the shock is open or locked makes little difference on a nearly 29 kg bike. What you do get, however, is a rather cluttered cockpit, with two additional remotes stacked above the dropper post control.

Despite all the tech, the long-travel FOX suspension, and the supposed adventure DNA, the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 feels more like a classic city bike than a true explorer. That’s not meant as a criticism – after all, an SUV e bike should be versatile and practical above all else. In that context, features like ABS are a very welcome addition.

The sleek, sporty look of the SCOTT SUV e bike is complemented by the clean integration of the lighting system (Lezyne up front, Supernova in the rear) and the central display. SCOTT pair the large Bosch Kiox 300 display with the compact Mini Remote on the handlebar – a perfect duo for an everyday-ready bike. The display presents key information clearly, and is also suitable for navigation, provided your smartphone is connected to the Bosch system via the Flow app. The compact remote stands out for its ergonomic button layout, which virtually eliminates input errors. Another advantage of the Bosch Smart System: the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 can be upgraded with the PowerMore range extender, adding 250 Wh of extra capacity. It mounts to the bosses on the down tube using a special rail. If you’re not worried about range and don’t need the extender, you can use the space for a water bottle instead.

Tuning tip: A wider handlebar would improve control – if only the one-piece cockpit allowed for it.

Theft Protection vs. Quick Releases – Easy Come, Easy Gone?

Everyday practicality should be a top priority for any SUV e bike. And that includes not just the right features – like lights, luggage rack, and kickstand – but also a reasonable level of theft protection.

A sturdy lock – ideally a U-lock or chain – should always be part of your kit. But what good is the best lock if individual parts of the bike can be removed in seconds without tools? Exactly – not much! While quick release levers and integrated handles certainly offer a degree of convenience, they’re also an open invitation for thieves and pranksters. Especially near train stations, there are always people who seem to enjoy removing loose parts and tossing them into the nearest bush. The SCOTT Axis eRIDE features no fewer than three easily removable levers: on both wheels and on the seatpost. Sure, it makes setup easier when you don’t need tools. But honestly – how often do you remove the wheels on an SUV e bike? In our view, when it comes to quick releases, less is definitely more.

SCOTT have implemented a convenient battery removal system. A flip lever opens the battery cover, and the battery itself is unlocked with a key – without the risk of it falling out unexpectedly. The charging port is easy to access ,and well protected from dirt, positioned on the drive side near the upper shock linkage.

SCOTT position the Axis eRIDE FS as an adventure e bike. That said, we’d classify it more as a city bike – and the approved maximum system weight doesn’t quite match the bike’s adventurous ambitions – the limit including bike weight is just 130 kg. Subtract up to 15 kg of potential rack load, and you’re left with just over 85 kg for the rider. So if you’re tall or heavy, this might not be your ideal expedition partner. On the plus side, the top-spec version comes with a Racktime Snapit spring clamp as standard. SCOTT also skip trailer approval for this model – likely due to the relatively low weight limit. Due to the low maximum permissible total weight, SCOTT has also decided not to approve the use of a trailer.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top Tube	578 mm	604 mm	625 mm	655 mm
Seat Tube	405 mm	435 mm	470 mm	500 mm
Head Tube	120 mm	125 mm	135 mm	145 mm
Head Angle	65.4°	65.4°	65.3°	65.3°
Seat Angle	77.6°	77.4°	77.3°	77.3°
Chainstay	453 mm	453 mm	453 mm	453 mm
BB Drop	37 mm	37 mm	37 mm	37 mm
Wheelbase	1,218 mm	1,240 mm	1,270 mm	1,304 mm
Reach	440 mm	460 mm	485 mm	515 mm
Stack	641 mm	646 mm	654 mm	663 mm

We Rock This City! What is the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 SUV E Bike Capable Of?

The SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 isn’t a step-through bike, but its sharply sloping top tube creates a pleasantly low standover height, making it noticeably easier to mount and dismount. The seating position is comfortable, with minimal pressure on the hands – similar to the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion.

However, the Syncros one-piece cockpit is relatively narrow, which makes the front end feel twitchy, and undermines the sense of control – it takes some getting used to. While the one-piece cockpit certainly looks sleek, it severely limits handlebar and stem adjustability. This can be a real drawback for an SUV e bike that might be shared among multiple family members. The lightweight, narrow front end becomes especially noticeable when the rack is loaded, and at higher speeds, the bike tends to wobble slightly. This can feel unsettling, especially on trails or downhill sections – more so than bikes like the Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 or the Haibike ADVENTR 11 ABS. That’s a real shame, particularly since SCOTT equip the Axis eRIDE with generous suspension travel, which (at least on paper) should make it well suited for off-road adventures.

As the top model in the SCOTT Axis eRIDE series, our test bike also comes equipped with Bosch eBike ABS – a real bonus for an everyday-ready SUV e bike. Other manufacturers – including those using different motor systems – would do well to follow suit. The ABS system works flawlessly and significantly enhances safety, especially on loose or wet terrain. In urban settings with frequent, unpredictable braking situations – or on slick tram tracks – ABS can mean the difference between a close call and a crash with potentially serious consequences. Off-road, the ABS also aids confidence, and the 203 mm brake rotors provide plenty of stopping power. When it comes to riding fun, the SCOTT SUV e bike leaves a somewhat mixed impression on the trail. The FOX suspension is extremely well tuned and plush, encouraging you to push harder, but the narrow cockpit puts a bit of a damper on the excitement. For commuting, however, the bike feels stable, yet agile enough to navigate tight corners with ease. And the slight rattle from the front fender on bumpy roads? That’s something we’re happy to overlook.

Who is the SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 SUV E Bike For?

The SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 is the right bike for anyone looking for a comfortable, agile ride for city streets and the surrounding areas. It handles small shopping trips or a ride to the local lake with ease. However, you’ll want to keep an eye on the 130 kg maximum system weight – especially considering the rack is only rated for 15 kg. That’s not a lot, and it limits the bike’s versatility. Despite all the tech and long-travel suspension, the Axis doesn’t offer the best off-road riding experience, so if you’re chasing adventure, this may not be the bike for you. For urban explorers and commuters, it’s a solid and sensible choice.

Conclusion – SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10 SUV E Bike

SCOTT clearly put a lot of thought into the development of the Axis eRIDE FS 10 – and it shows: powerful motor, plush suspension, and reliable brakes with ABS – nice!
Still, it’s not quite the adventurer it aims to be, due to its limited payload capacity and somewhat nervous handling. For such a narrow use case, it’s also fairly expensive. On the other hand, the low standover height aids comfort, and in urban environments, the bike feels stable, safe, and very composed.

More information at: scott-sports.com.

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The Test Field

You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The best SUV e-bike of 2025 – The 10 hottest SUV e-bikes in comparison

All bikes in review: CENTURION Lhasa R2000, Haibike ADVENTR 11 ABS, Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2, Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave, KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave, Mondraker Chaser X, Moustache Clutch 150.7 EQ, Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion, SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10, Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0.

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Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Lars Engmann, Robin Schmitt