With almost the same dimensions, the E-Spark is intended to provide a riding experience that comes close to the non-motorized Spark. Visually, the e-mountainbike is clearly recognizable as one of this platform - from the main frame to the rear triangle - except that the down tube is significantly thicker. The battery is perfectly integrated here. The motor, on the other hand, is visible, but is relatively unobtrusive thanks to the smooth transition.

Component selection

While the top version of the E-Spark comes with Shimano's XT Di2 drivetrain, the 710 is equipped with the mechanical XT. However, the brakes are the same. For the suspension elements, Scott has also chosen the "second" guard from the Fox portfolio. A Float Nude rear shock and a Float 34 suspension fork at the front, both from the Performance series, as well as the Transfer Varios seatpost are used.

The Strom-Spark is mobile thanks to wheels consisting of Syncros X35 rims, Formula CL hubs and Maxxis Rekon tires measuring 27.5x2.8 inches. The saddle, stem and handlebars again come from Syncros.

Up the hill

After a few position adjustments, we set off on a leisurely ride uphill. Let's leave the motor to one side, as it is already well proven. The basic position of the E-Spark can be described as quite comfortable with a pinch of sportiness - actually like that of the Spark Plus. The power transmission is also good here, allowing you to pedal up the mountain with plenty of propulsion even at the lowest support power. The climbing test with the motor switched off produces the same result, except that the additional weight is noticeable.

However, it only gets interesting off-road, where its non-motorized brother proved to be agile and a strong climber. The E-Spark is in no way inferior to this - on the contrary - thanks to the natural E-thrust, it also masters difficult and rough climbs. If you use the vehicle and the power of the motor correctly, you can master uphill hairpin bends on the rear wheel and play around with this bike. Only on really steep terrain does the climb become a balancing act between jacking up and losing grip.

Careful, not too brash!

What goes up, must come down, and the anticipation is great. It's no different with an e-mountainbike, even if the e-assisted ascent is a slightly different kind of fun.
The E-Spark sits firmly on the trail and feels safe on gravel, even at slightly higher speeds. The suspension is tuned for the additional weight and does an excellent job - from the response to the damping.

The fun then begins with the bends, where it is surprisingly nimble to maneuver around. The additional weight of the motor and battery - and of course some of the frame - has less influence on the handling than expected. Fast direction changes are just as little a problem as winding and blocked passages. We like to let it rip over ledges, stones and roots. The fact that the bike has "only" 120 millimeters of travel at the rear is forgotten. It responds to the rough riding style in a very linear and controlled manner.

The fact that the 120 millimetres of travel feel like more is also partly due to the plus-size tires, as the additional volume is a little more forgiving than usual. However, this can also be their downfall - as in our case, when they ran out of air. A brisk riding style and sharp stones are not friends, as we all know. The Maxxis Rekon tires are relatively stable, but those who like to let it rip in rough terrain are well advised to go for slightly tougher rubber. However, if you don't want to push yourself off-road or in terms of riding technique, you can leave the standard tires as they are.

Conclusion

Scott has managed to transfer the ride feel of the Spark Plus to a considerable extent to the E-Spark. The result is a very sporty and fun e-bike that is very easy to maneuver despite weighing around 22 kilograms and also scores points with its equipment. There were no weaknesses to be found on this one, albeit extensive, test ride.