This new range offers models designed to meet the needs of this type of bike, where the tires are subjected to higher loads on average than traditional mountain bike tires due to the addition of the motor drive.

Building on more than 120 years of experience in the production of tires for motorized vehicles, Pirelli has invested all its know-how and its portfolio of patents and other solutions developed over time in the development of this new e-mountain bike tire. Sustainability, which has been a core value for Pirelli since its return to the cycling segment, has also been taken into account.

The new "Scorpion E-MTB" tires are tubeless ready and are aimed at e-bikers in the trail and enduro disciplines. The basic concept adopts the characteristics already introduced with the "Scorpion MTB" series (XC, Trail and Enduro), where the variety and consistency of the surfaces, from compact to compliant, make the tread design challenging.
With this new product range, Pirelli is one of the few manufacturers in the world to offer a complete range of tires for e-mountain bikes with three different tread patterns, and therefore for almost all disciplines. The new Scorpion E-MTB range is available with the following three tread patterns:

- M (Mixed Terrain) is perfect for Trail and All Mountain and is also ideal for mixed terrain, which can change unpredictably or frequently, from hard-pack to loose, from rocks to roots. The tire offers outstanding grip without compromising on smoothness.
- R (Rear Specific) increases traction on the rear wheel. As a natural complement to the M, it proves particularly effective when accelerating and braking, guaranteeing grip in all conditions, good traction and more durability for the rear wheel.
- S (Soft Terrain) is best suited to enduro bikes and is ideal on soft, compliant surfaces. Its aggressive tread elements with wider spacing guarantee perfect grip when cornering and braking, also ideal for an aggressive riding style in bike parks.

SmartGRIP+: Resistant and durable

The new SmartGRIP+ compound is a further development of the material that Pirelli used for its "Scorpion MTB". It is produced in Pirelli's racing factories, where the compounds for the famous Formula 1 tires are also developed. The innovative feature of this new formula is the addition of lignin to the base compound. This chemical substance has a natural origin that comes from the waste paper recovery process. It is an additive with a low environmental impact that improves the performance of the rubber, particularly in terms of the speed and torque characteristics of modern e-mountain bikes. Furthermore, this performance enhancement does not compromise any of the other typical properties, such as chemical grip, of the original SmartGRIP compound.
The result is a version of SmartGRIP that offers superior performance and grip on wet or dry surfaces. All this combined with Pirelli's recognized excellence in tire manufacturing.

The cyclist benefits from the excellent performance of the new "Scorpion E-MTB" tires, even at higher speeds and higher torques, which is typical of e-off-road riding. This mix of characteristics was developed by Pirelli with the aim of offering advantages in terms of smoothness and grip on uneven terrain with overall improved handling. Riding an e-mountain bike has never been so much fun.

HyperWALL technology: protection and handling for e-mountainbikes

The bead and sidewall of the new "Scorpion E-MTB" tires have been reinforced with HyperWALL technology (patent pending by Pirelli), which also comes from motorsport. The new construction of the bead and sidewall area increases the performance of the tires in terms of stability and deformation resistance. This is a very important aspect for off-road disciplines, especially for the most demanding gravity and e-mountain bikes.

The tread of the tires must be able to rely on bead and sidewall stability and integrity to best adapt to the terrain. HyperWALL by Pirelli consolidates the bead and sidewall deformation resistance thanks to a textile loop. This special design ensures that the bead and the entire sidewall react to loads as a single unit. HyperWALL increases the stability of the bead (+10 percent*), provides better protection against punctures (+50 percent*) and improves steerability (+25 percent**).
(*Internal laboratory tests by Pirelli - **Outdoor blind tests by Field Testing Pirelli testers in Sicily).

Uniquely light and reliable for e-mountainbikes
The new "Scorpion E-MTB" tires from Pirelli are among the lightest currently available on the market, with a comparable level of protection: despite the high technology content, these tires guarantee the same reliability and puncture resistance as a classic DH tire, with around 20 percent less weight. They also offer excellent grip and great riding fun. The new tires weigh between 1,200 grams for the 27.5x2.6 inch model and 1,330 grams for the 29x2.6 inch version.

The "Scorpion E-MTB" from Pirelli should be available from specialist dealers from June 30, 2020.

www.velo.pirelli.com