Scott Patron eRide 900 Long-Term Review

Actually, this long-term test is about the completely redesigned Scott Patron eRide 900 for 2025, a full-suspension e-mountain bike with 150 mm of travel, clearly aimed at ambitious trail riders and touring enthusiasts with its sporty character and modern features.
This is because, following the press launch in France—where I was already able to briefly test the Super Trail version of this fully (same frame, but with more downhill-oriented equipment and 170 mm travel up front)—Scott sent it to me for extensive long-term testing on my home trails.

However, the Swiss didn't hold back and sent over the top version of the All Mountain series, costing 8,799 euros. And for that reason, much of the following also focuses on Bosch's ABS system. This is installed on the 900 model and—there’s no other way to put it—has fascinated me quite a bit.
But one thing at a time and first things first: Anyone who wants to read all the details about the comprehensive update of this successful model should click on the First Ride report from November.
For all those who are less inclined to read or are only interested in the Patron eRide 900, we’ll still provide a minimum of context and summarize briefly:

Since its most recent development, the Patron has two family branches: the Patron ST series, designed primarily for full-throttle downhill rides, and the more versatile Patron 900 series. Both are based on the same frame with 150 mm of rear travel, which is fundamentally produced in three variants: full carbon (reserved for the ST series), aluminum, or carbon in the front and metal in the rear.
A defining feature of both equipment categories is the shock integrated into the seat tube above the motor, although the one in the three ST models cannot be completely hidden due to its piggyback design being too bulky.

Painted, the bike, which is alternatively available in pure carbon black, came in "Cumulus White/Carbon Black" – a color designation that leaves room for interpretation. Cumulus sounds like lightness, like floating, perhaps like the promise of gliding through the forest on cloud nine.
Whether these remain unfulfilled associations or actually feel that way is revealed in this review.

It was a cold day at the end of January when I was able to receive the Scott Patron eRide 900 for the long-term test.
The first ride took me directly over the snowy Sophienalpe back towards Vienna – in sub-zero temperatures, in the dark, and completely alone. Not a soul in sight. Understandably – who voluntarily rides in such conditions?

But with 750 watts of assistance, a solid suspension system, and an ABS system on board, even such a scenario didn’t seem daunting. On the contrary: the Patron conveyed an almost exaggerated level of confidence from the very first moment.
The combination of Bosch ABS Pro and the grippy Maxxis Forekaster tires ensured that you had to actively try to be clumsy to lose grip.

Particularly impressive was the braking performance: the powerful Magura MT7 brakes decelerate extremely strongly, and what can otherwise turn into a precarious balancing act on slippery surfaces is reliably managed by the ABS - at least it feels that way.
In any case, the Patron safely brought me back over the idyllic, snow-covered hamlet to the city.

Once home and still slightly exhilarated from this successful debut, I set about fine-tuning the suspension - which was made easy thanks to the sag indicator mounted on the rocker.
Then I happily plugged the bike into the power outlet. The anticipation for the next rides was sparked.

Let’s stay on the topic of ABS systems – one of the most exciting features of the Patron (see also the comprehensive Bosch review from autumn). Compared to the original model, which still caused frowns with its bulky box on the handlebar, the current system is almost invisible. Discreetly mounted on the fork and no larger than a cigarette pack, it is hardly noticeable at first glance. Only a closer look at the special brake discs with their position sensors reveals: modern technology is at work here in the background.
Acoustically, the ABS is somewhat more noticeable – especially during emergency braking. A slight stuttering sound can be heard, which comes from the rhythmic opening and closing of the brake. Personally, this doesn’t bother me – on the contrary: the safety advantage far outweighs it.

Because the ABS works impressively well. During the entire test period, my front wheel did not slip even once, even on loose or wet surfaces. However, if you still want to intentionally block the front wheel – for example, to shift the rear wheel – you can do so by selecting the appropriate mode (see below). The regulation noticeably decreases during a braking process, so full control is maintained.
In short: The ABS Pro is not a superfluous gimmick but a real safety feature, providing a clear advantage, especially in slippery conditions.

I would say: all e-mountain bikers who value safety. It is especially useful for riders who have less riding or braking experience. Here, the system can actively help to prevent dangerous situations - such as a locking front wheel or an unintended lifting of the rear wheel.

Especially in the tourism sector, where less experienced people are increasingly venturing off paved paths due to the e-bike boom, the ABS seems to me to be a real asset. It can help to avoid being overwhelmed and provides a good feeling - even on unfamiliar terrain.

A distinctive technical feature of the first generation Scott Patron eRide was the shock absorber position integrated into the frame. The shock was completely concealed horizontally in the top tube area, which created an especially clean look and visually set the bike apart from the competition. This design approach was bold and innovative, protecting the shock from dirt and stone impacts, but it also had the disadvantage of making suspension adjustments and service access more cumbersome.
With the new Patron, Scott has stuck to this concept – however, the system has been further developed.
The shock is still integrated into the frame, but access has been significantly improved. It can now be reached more easily via a service hatch, simplifying setup and maintenance. Additionally, the shock has been relocated to the seat tube area and now sits vertically within the frame.

Conclusion on the shock comparison: Visually and conceptually, Scott remains committed to the integrated design, which gives the Patron a distinctive, streamlined silhouette. In terms of handling and serviceability, the new model has seen noticeable improvements.
The geometry and kinematics have also been revised, allowing the shock to harmonize better with the suspension and making the bike overall more agile and lively compared to the first generation, which was more geared towards maximum comfort and stability.
In short: The shock integration remains a unique technical feature of the Patron series, but it is now implemented in a more practical and user-friendly way.

As a real highlight during my test rides, the Scott TracLoc system proved itself – especially on technical, rocky uphills where things can quickly become tedious.
In the Traction Control position, not only does the damping become firmer, but the suspension travel is also reduced, causing the bike to sit noticeably higher in its travel and the rear suspension to bob less. Combined with the grippy Maxxis Forekaster tires, this ensures that you retain an astonishing amount of traction even in rocky, steep terrain. Whether roots, loose stones, or sharp rock steps – the Patron climbs over almost everything in Traction mode, as long as your own strength holds up.
In sections where you would probably have to dismount without system assistance, you stay in the saddle longer here. For me, this is a real plus on challenging trails around Vienna, where short, steep ramps and technical climbing sections are not uncommon.
And when it's time to head downhill: one click, and the full suspension travel is available again in Descend mode.

Geometry

As far as the overall riding behavior is concerned: In direct comparison to its predecessor, which, with its massive appearance and almost tank-like riding behavior, smoothed out every bump uncompromisingly, the new Patron feels like a consistent evolution towards greater versatility.
With its 150 mm of travel, the Patron retains its downhill-oriented genes, but in the All Mountain version, it is noticeably more agile, balanced, and sporty than before.
The entire bike feels more compact, more precise in handling, and at the same time more responsive when accelerating. It reacts more directly to steering inputs, delivering a finely-tuned riding experience—particularly noticeable in tight corners or technical sections.

What impression remains after numerous tours with the Scott Patron eRide 900? For the Vienna region with its comparatively short but varied trails, the Patron 900 is almost ideal. It combines confidence on fast downhills with enough playfulness for tight hairpin trails or more technical sections.
Scott has succeeded in creating a superbly balanced e-MTB with the Patron 900 - both for shredding on flowy tracks and for controlled riding on twisty terrain.

However, those who frequently ride in particularly demanding terrain or simply seek more reserves for steep descents will be better served with one of the three ST versions. These offer 170 mm of travel at the front and even more robust components - providing even greater potential downhill.