Scott Solace eRide 10 Long-Term Review

Normally, Light E-Bikes are tested by editors who, due to their professional activity, have excellent fitness and bike handling skills. However, the question arises as to whether these testers can really adequately assess the weaknesses and strengths of the bikes.
Wouldn't it be better to involve someone with a handicap as a tester, since this person is more likely to correspond to the target group? If this is the case, you might be wondering why I should be particularly suitable for this.

Due to the sequelae of a serious accident, I now have the advantage of knowing both worlds. In the past, I considered E-Bikes to be inappropriate for me – only suitable for lazy people or seniors. As an enthusiastic cyclist, I could not imagine switching to a moped-like vehicle. But how quickly views can change...

The lightweight drive of the Scott Solace eRide, weighing only 3.6 kg, consists of the patented Harmonic Pin Ring Motor with 50 Nm and up to 300 W and could be completely housed in the bottom bracket. The battery integrated into the frame has a capacity of 360 Wh and can be extended by 160 Wh with a Range Extender if necessary. This is attached in place of the bottle holder with a specially developed clip mechanism in no time. The LED display recessed into the top tube bundles all essential information about battery status, torque and wattage, or range and has a button for switching on and off as well as for changing the support modes.

The three support levels of the motor can be individually adjusted via app in three parameters each, furthermore, the smartphone extension allows to configure the display. In addition, the Solace is equipped with an additional socket, which is discreetly hidden in the top tube and attached to the display. Through this, other devices such as lights, drives, etc. can be connected and powered by the internal battery of the Solace.

The focus of Light E-Bikes is on efficiency, riding dynamics, and performance. Due to their lower total weight through lighter and smaller drive systems, they are closer to conventional road bikes or gravel bikes, inviting more active cycling.
The TQ motor of the Scott supports one with up to 300 watts, as prescribed for e-bikes but only up to 25 km/h. At riding speeds above that, one has to provide the propulsion themselves. And with a road bike, depending on the topography, this is quite often the case.

On flat terrain, the e-road bike rolls very well thanks to the aero-optimized shape of the frame and the wheels, and speeds around and over 30 km/h are no problem. However, on slightly uphill routes, one quickly falls back into the support range because the extra weight of the bike becomes noticeable. Here, one is at a disadvantage compared to normal bikes and quickly loses touch with the group or training partner if they do not take this into account. In strong headwinds or steeper terrain, however, the tables are turned, and one is a welcome guest at the front of the gruppetto.

The transition between assistance and muscle power is so seamless that you don't notice it. And the noise level of the motor is so low that you actually only notice it on inclines.

The three support levels of the TQ System are controlled via a button on the top tube display. And here we are already at the biggest weakness of the Scott Solace eRide. Because on one hand, you have to take one hand off the handlebars to switch, which could be problematic off-road, on winding roads, or in traffic. On the other hand, the three support modes can only be switched sequentially in one direction. The latter means that after stage 3, you have to completely turn off the motor for a brief moment to get back to stage 1. Anticipatory shifting is an advantage here, otherwise, there is a risk of suddenly being left without motor assistance on steep inclines.

The Mahle system, which is installed in the Scott Addict eRide, proves that this can be done much better. With the help of two satellite switches, one can switch between the support modes as desired - while both hands firmly grip the handlebars.

Each of the three levels can be individually adjusted via an app (between 1-300 watts) to perfectly suit one's personal handicap or preference. This is also very helpful for training control, as the support can be optimized according to the ideal heart rate, or one does not arrive at work completely sweaty after a brisk commuter ride.
In addition to controlling the motor, the display also provides useful information such as battery status, range, and wattage. However, the latter should be taken with caution, as they are more estimated than realistic values.

What about the range - can the small 360 Wh battery manage extended road bike tours? The less I use the support, the further I can go, clearly. For sporty riders, even 100 kilometers with over 1,000 meters of elevation is no problem. It takes just about 3.5 hours to fully recharge the battery.
If more energy is needed, it is possible to mount the 160 Wh Range Extender instead of the second bottle holder. When connected, the energy of the Range Extender is used first and then that of the battery. When charging, it is the other way around.

Before the first ride, I was skeptical about the specially made, extra-wide version of the Schwalbe One Evo Super Race tire. 38 millimeters on a road bike – uh, e-road bike, seriously?
My worries were unfounded, as the tires roll quite swiftly and, thanks to the tubeless setup and lower tire pressure, they also provide good comfort on poor roads. The clever choice of tires makes the Scott a true all-rounder. Thus, the rides are not limited to asphalt alone, no, you can also move quickly on gravel roads. And so, light gravel sections soon became a fixed part of my tours.

The bike received a high level of stability through the slightly longer chainstays, the longer wheelbase, and the slacker head angle (compared to the Addict eRide) and conveys a calm and controlled riding feeling to the rider (despite its extra weight).
The wide Synchros handlebar is easy to grip and allows precise steering through the curves. And the sporty, yet relaxed riding position is also suitable for long hours in the saddle.
Unfortunately, the comfort of the frame and fork – depending on the tire width – tends to be on the harsher side.

The generous frame construction of the Solace eRide allows - by mounting tires up to 50 mm wide - an effortless transformation into a gravel bike. In my case, the Continental Terra Speed tires in 40 mm width proved to be the perfect choice, as they shine both on the road with an acceptable rolling resistance and off-road with sufficient grip. For pure road riding, however, I would prefer the 34 mm version of the Schwalbe One tire, as they roll noticeably better and significantly increase overall performance.

The 50-34 gearing at the front and the 11-34 gearing at the back on the Scott Solace eRide cover the bike's entire range of use very well. The electronic Dura Ace shifting system works perfectly with the FSA carbon crankset, which is installed due to its construction. The braking power of the well-modulated disc brakes with 160mm rotors is more than sufficient and ensures excellent deceleration.

Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly. Just about halfway through the long-term review, the motor experienced sudden dropouts at high ambient temperatures. Scott advised me to perform a software update. Unfortunately, this cannot be done by oneself via an app, but one has to take the bike to the dealer. Friesis Bikery in Gleisdorf did it promptly without an appointment and on top of that, free of charge. Thumbs up for this excellent customer service!
Nevertheless, the problem occurred again from time to time, albeit only in great heat. We will definitely stay on top of this issue!

Over the last 6 months, I had the privilege of putting the Scott Solace eRide 10 through its paces for more than 3,000 kilometers. I didn't expect that saying goodbye would be so hard. Scott has done a lot right with this bike - it offers an extremely sporty riding experience, has plenty of power or range when needed, and just looks great.

It was a true pleasure to swing into the saddle every time. Nevertheless, there are two points of criticism: Firstly, I find it a pity that the motor cannot be controlled from the handlebars, and secondly, the bike is quite uncomfortable in the saddle area. A "comfort" seat post like the one Scott uses on the Foil would also be desirable for the Solace. In my opinion, that would also better suit its alignment as an endurance bike.

I was positively surprised that the ZIPP wheels, whose bearings have not always had the best reputation in the past, ran absolutely flawlessly - the 303 Firecrest functioned just as well after a relentless 3,000 kilometers as on the first day. Additionally, I find the TQ app very successful, which allows you to adjust the motor control. It is foolproof programmed and intuitive to use, so you can easily adapt the bike to personal needs or conditions while riding.

Just before the end of the review, we also found out the reason for the drive system failing in high heat: The display was to blame. TQ organized the exchange extremely customer-friendly and free of charge at the nearest dealer.

The top model's package includes a Range Extender. This increases the battery capacity by 50% if needed. Honestly, I never needed it though. Even with the software's basic settings, 100 km and 1,000 meters of elevation gain were easily achievable. That was more than enough for daily training, and I think it should also be sufficient for the bike's target group. By mounting it, you lose the second bottle holder, which should be taken into account especially when planning tours in the peak of summer.

Anyone who decides to buy a Scott Solace eRide 10 essentially gets three bikes in one. Whether you use it as a road bike, endurance, or gravel bike, it's incredibly fun and enriches your life. Who wouldn't want that? For me, a convincing argument to buy!

The Scott Solace eRide clearly appeals to those e-bikers who prefer a particularly sporty riding style. It offers a great opportunity both for older individuals or those with impairments who lack the stamina for extended tours, as well as for athletes who want to compensate for performance differences with the support of the motor in order to keep up with partners or friends on joint training rides.

If Scott manages to improve the motor control, there are actually no more counterarguments against buying this sporty, versatile all-round light e-bike.
For pure road riders, the cheaper Scott Addict eRide with Mahle motor might be an interesting alternative.

The Scott Solace eRide 10 presents itself as the perfect all-round e-bike, feeling equally at home on the road and off-road. It is, in a way, the Swiss Army Knife among light electric road bikes.