Everything is possible: the ZEMO SU-E FS 11 is equipped for all eventualities. The full-suspension off-road step-through bike for € 6,999 with a Bosch Smart System motor and a large 750 Wh battery is full of features. Can it come out on top in our off-road step-through bike comparison test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best full-suspension off-road step-through bike 2023 – 4 ebikes in review

Zemo SU-E FS11 | Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System/750 Wh | 100/80 mm (f/r)
31.4 kg in size M/L | € 6,999 | Manufacturer’s website

The ZEMO SU-E FS 11 is a versatile step-through bike with top priority given to functionality and safety, which is noticeable in countless well-thought-out details. ZEMO stands for “zero emission mobility” and, like BULLS for example, is a ZEG own brand that positions itself in the portfolio as a premium ebike brand for trekking bikes. Although the initialism ZEG may sound unfamiliar, it’s the largest bicycle trade association in Europe. More than 1,000 specialist dealers sell the cooperative’s many exclusive bike brands, which means that almost everyone is likely to find a ZEG dealer near them. ZEMO offer two model ranges. The ZE series is aimed at bikers who ride on well-paved paths or asphalt roads and prefer a relaxed posture on the bike. For this purpose, ZEMO equip the ZE bikes with narrow 28″ tires, an adjustable stem and suspension fork with 80 mm travel. Our test bike, on the other hand, comes from the SU-E series (Sports Utility E-Bike) and has stronger off-road genes. It comes with 100 mm travel at the front, beefier 27.5″ tires and an adjustable stem, so you are well equipped for tours on country and gravel roads (with an odd pothole or two) or for nature trails away from the main traffic routes.

The shock is hidden behind the seat tube and the rear triangle provides 80 mm travel.

The smart features of the ZEMO SU-E FS 11

The ZEMO SU-E FS 11 is packed with high-quality, practical components that provide a level of functionality, safety and comfort rarely found on a bike. It starts with the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor, which is popular with sporty eMTBs thanks to its high performance. It provides powerful support yet is well controlled, making relaxed cruising on the flats as well as on steeper inclines easy. In the comparison test, only the ZEMO uses the large 750 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery, which can be easily removed with the handle from the side. In addition, the bike is already prepared for the upcoming DualBattery option, which offers the potential for a really long range. The charging port has been cleverly placed on the rocker link of the shock for easy access from both sides. It is also protected from dirt and not placed too high so that the charger can lie on the ground next to the bike and doesn’t dangle in the air when charging.

The powerful Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor is the motor of choice for many eMTB manufacturers and also propels the ZEMO over every climb.
The rocker link fulfils two functions at the same time: it is part of the chassis and provides space for the easily accessible charging port, which is thus protected from dirt and mud.
The ZEMO comes with trend-setting features such as the DualBattery option and the crash and GPS sensor.
Removing the battery is uncomplicated thanks to the lateral opening and the handle.
More action than at rush hour: the many remotes of high beam, seatpost, and motor make for a cluttered handlebar and a tangle of cables in front of the cockpit, which is supposedly contained by spiral hose guards.

The rocker link not only serves as a practical place for the charging port but is also part of the chassis, and controls the shock hidden behind the seat tube. This makes for a clean look, but the initial setup requires some fiddling. With 80 mm rear suspension travel, the ZEMO has the least travel in the comparison test and is also set up firmer than the CONWAY or Malaguti. However, this doesn’t mean that it is any less potent or comfortable than the other step-through bikes. Thanks to the widest tires in the test, the voluminous 2.6″ Schwalbe Johnny Watts knobby tires and the responsive SR Suntour AION35 EVO suspension fork with 100 mm travel, bumps in the road are absorbed well and the tires also reliably engage with the ground. Even off the beaten track, a high level of comfort and riding stability is always guaranteed. The additional 40 mm travel of the seatpost ensures that you won’t fly out of the saddle even when riding through deep potholes or at kerbs.

The brake light of the stylish Supernova M99 TL2 rear light ensures good visibility from behind.
The standard equipment also includes the solid aluminium mudguards that keep the trouser legs clean and dry when riding through puddles.

With the ZEMO, safety does not stop at the rock-solid riding characteristics, many other possible eventualities have been carefully considered too. The MAGURA MT eSTOP5/eSTOP4 brakes (f/r) with four pistons not only provide powerful deceleration and good controllability at the front but also illuminate a highly visible brake light on the stylish Supernova M99 TL2 at the rear. That said, heavy riders or bikers with a lot of luggage who are travelling in hilly terrain would benefit from large 200 mm brake discs, rather than the 180 mm. Another desirable option would be an ABS system, which could offer an additional advantage in safety on slippery gravel roads. Visibility is ensured by the Litemove HKSe 90/130 daytime running light, which is always on. It is also the only one in the test that can be switched to a strong high beam via a handlebar remote when riding at night.

An inevitable downside is that the many remotes for high beam, seatpost and motor add clutter to the handlebar and a tangle of cables in front of the cockpit, which is supposedly contained by spiral hose guards, which look rather nasty, reminding us of a rotary phone cord. An unique and extremely useful safety highlight in the test is the GPS and crash sensor, which is installed as standard on the ZEMO. It can be activated via the ZEMO Smart App but comes with an additional subscription cost, just like some other functions such as theft protection and tracking, notifications in the case of an attempted theft, and emergency alerts in the event of a fall. In addition, ZEMO includes an ABUS BORDO folding lock with every bike so that thieves don’t even think about stealing it.

The bottle cage is attached to the head tube, so the step-through is very low.

Through thick and thin – the ZEMO SU-E FS 11 in the test

The ZEMO is a super balanced all-rounder that fits almost every type of MTBer.
Whether you’re an active biker who likes to discover new trails or a pleasure rider who appreciates comfort and ergonomics, both on short rides and long weekend tours you’ll find the best overall package with the ZEMO in comparison to other step-through bikes on test.
The comprehensive safety concept is particularly appealing to beginners but also makes sense for all city commuters thanks to the anti-theft protection and useful everyday equipment. The luggage carrier has pre-mounted holders for bags with Ortlieb and MonkeyLoad quick-release systems. With a total maximum permissible weight of 150 kg, this step-through bike is designed for heavy riders or riding with luggage and an additional bike trailer. The ZEMO continues to remain stable with bags at the rear, only at very high speeds, and with a heavy load does the handlebar start to slightly wobble on uneven roads if you let go of the handlebar. Thanks to the sturdy aluminium mudguards, your trouser legs don’t get tire spray when you commute to work in foul weather, they also provide rattle-free riding comfort. Once you arrive at your destination, the solid kickstand ensures that the 31 kg bike is securely parked.

Sitting on the saddle, you are slightly stretched forward, which distributes the centre of gravity evenly between the two tires and thus is not too tail-heavy. Those who value an upright riding position can pull the adjustable stem upwards and bring it closer to them. The wide step-through and the dropper post ensure ergonomics when getting on and off the bike. The bottle cage is placed on the side of the head tube to avoid blocking the passage.
Cruising through hilly terrain, the 11-speed Shimano LINKGLIDE drivetrain with a wide gear ratio and smooth shifting ensures that even with a heavy load you can shift easily into a low gear, so you won’t come to a complete stop even on the steepest climbs. On the other hand, aesthetes who value stylish design over high functionality will find the ZEMO less appealing.

Zemo SU-E FS11

€ 6,999

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Kiox 300
Fork SR Suntour Aion 35 100 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select+ 80 mm
Seatpost by.Schulz D1 100 mm
Brakes Magura MT eSTOP5/eSTOP4 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT LinkGlide 1x11
Stem by.Schulz Alpha Pro SD 80 mm
Handlebar by.Schulz Sport Super Strong 680 mm
Wheelset RODi 27.5"
Tires Schwalbe Johnny Watts 2.6"

Technical Data

Size S M/L XL
Weight 31.4 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 118 kg
Trailer approval ja
Kickstand mount ja

Specific Features

Crash- and GPS-sensor
ABUS Bordo lock
Dual-battery option
Litemove/Supernova lights

Sizes S M/L XL
Top tube 622 mm 630 mm 640 mm
Seat tube 430 mm 480 mm 530 mm
Head tube 165 mm 170 mm 1180 mm
Head angle 69° 69° 69°
Seat angle 73.5° 73.5° 73.5°
Chainstays 477 mm 477 mm 477 mm
Wheelbase 1,185 mm 1,190 mm 1,200 mm

The ZEMO SU-E FS 11 scores with a comprehensive package that leaves little to be desired and covers almost all types of riders, and a wide range of uses. Many detailed solutions – although with little attention to aesthetics but with extensive safety aspects instead – are paired with convincing riding comfort. The step-through bike also offers trend-setting features such as DualBattery compatibility, ZEMO Smart App 2.0, and a crash/GPS sensor. The ZEMO thus deservedly wins our test!

Tops

  • wide range of uses
  • high-quality equipment
  • crash/GPS sensor
  • DualBattery option

Flops

  • poor aesthetics

Fore more information visit zemo.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best full-suspension off-road step-through bike 2023 – 4 ebikes in review

All bikes in test: CONWAY CAIRON SUV FS 5.7 | Malaguti Collina FW6.0 | Victoria Parcours 5 | ZEMO SU-E FS11


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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger, Julian Lemme

About the author

Mike Hunger

From slopestyle and landscape photography to enduro and action shots. Mike enjoys trying new things and loves action. He also loves craftsmanship, regularly going on road trips with his VW Syncro van, which he restored and converted himself. Of course, his bike and his camera are always with him so that he can ride the finest trails from Italy to the Alps and capture the most beautiful moments. Thanks to his training as an industrial mechanic, his experience in cycling and his photographic skills, he can apply his know-how perfectly as a bike journalist, testing the latest bikes and components and documenting his findings. As a photography nerd, he also captures the reviews with his camera and ensures that the magazine features only the best images.