While many manufacturers are pushing the limits of suspension travel on their e-mountain bikes, Scott is presenting a shorter-travel version with the E-Spark Plus. Based on the Spark Plus presented in summer 2016, the E-Spark comes with 120 and 130 millimetres of travel at the rear and front and almost identical dimensions. At 445 millimetres, the chainstays, for example, are slightly longer than on the non-motorized Spark Plus. In this way, Scott wants to ensure that the bike remains as agile as possible despite the motor and is therefore easy to maneuver. At the same time, the E-Spark Plus should also be smooth-running thanks to its flat steering angle of 67.5 degrees. As the geometry is identical to the Spark Plus, the handling of the E-Spark Plus should also feel almost the same - just with a little more weight.

Thick tires, fine suspension

The E-Spark models all roll on Plus tires. The Maxxis 27.5x2.8-inch tires have become an integral part of e-mountainbikes, providing additional comfort, grip and therefore safety, as well as balanced handling. Scott opted for a single-pivot system to ensure that the suspension also meets the requirements of the additional weight of the motor and battery. This is low-maintenance, reliable and offers a sensitive ride feel, while at the same time allowing a torsionally rigid rear triangle construction.

Scott offers practically the same progressive suspension characteristic on the E-Spark as on the Spark Plus. This means that the suspension responds finely in the upper suspension travel range, which makes for comfort. After that, the progression - the hardening of the suspension elements - increasingly sets in. This gives the rider enough counter-pressure from the suspension in hollows, bends or terrain where a lot of physical effort is required, so that the bike does not collapse in on itself, sapping energy.

Furthermore, the suspension fork and shock can be simultaneously hardened, locked or opened with Scott's tried-and-tested three-stage Twin-Lock lever.

System integration is a top priority

The E-Spark is powered by the E8000 Steps motor from Shimano. Although its performance data does not set it apart from the rest of the market, it is well known that the Shimano system is currently one of the best - from power delivery to connectivity with Di2 gears.

The battery and motor fit perfectly into the aluminum frame. The latter is also protected by a three-part cover. The left-hand cover is equipped with external cooling channels, integrates various cables and is combined with the right-hand cover, which is also equipped with cooling channels. The third part, the sliding plate on the underside, protects the motor from external influences, for example when placed on stones and steps.

In addition to cables and wires, the speed sensor is also integrated into the "E-Spark". Its cable is routed through the left strut to the dropout, where the sensor is well protected. The magnet for pulse generation is located in the mounting ring of the brake disk. This means that everything stays in place, even if the rider and bike take a trip into the bushes. On the top-of-the-range "E-Spark 700 Plus Tuned" model, which comes with Shimano's electronic Di2 drivetrain, the fine cables are routed through the FL1.0 carbon handlebars from Syncros. There, the cables are optimally protected and the look of the bike is calmer as a result.

One frame - four models

Scott offers three men's models of the E-Spark plus a Contessa model for women. The top-of-the-range "E-Spark 700 Plus Tuned" model comes with Shimano's XT Di2 drivetrain and XT brakes. The suspension elements come from Fox's Factory series, as does the Transfer Vario seatpost with 150 millimetres of travel (100mm for frame size S). Especially here, the Syncros handlebars "FL1.0 Di2 Carbon mini Riser" prepared for the internal cable routing of the electronic shifting system.

The E-Spark 710 Plus is also equipped with brakes and gears from Shimano's XT range, although the gears on this model are mechanical. The suspension fork and Nude shock with special Trunnion mount come from Fox's Performance series, while the cheapest version, the E-Spark 720 Plus, is equipped with Nude shocks from X-Fusion and a Rock Shox Sector RL suspension fork.

The Contessa version is identical to the E-Spark 710 Plus. Only the saddle, color and narrower handlebar width distinguish the women's model from the men's model.