VM Driving Report Scott Silence: Reinventing the Wheel - or the Commuter E-Bike

The US bicycle manufacturer Scott aims to reinvent the commuter bike with the Silence eRide. Naturally, this involves "tooting one's own horn." The recipe for success is simple yet challenging to execute. Based on a proven and high-end gravel carbon frame from the Solace, the engineering team created a bike that, in combination with an exceptionally lightweight TQ motor, weighs just 14.5 kilograms — comparable to some urban bikes without an electric motor and battery. Small everyday obstacles, like a short staircase in the city or the elevator ride to the office, should not pose any hindrance, making commuting in a "multimodal" manner with train & bike easy.

Another advantage of its lightness — which has been highlighted in marketing with the grace of a ballerina — is the very agile and secure riding experience it offers. Scott describes it as almost "weightless," certainly seamless and effortless. And it’s always fun, too, thanks to the successful balance between frame stiffness and comfort on Munich's not always smooth asphalt bike paths. The carbon frame easily handles manhole covers and curbs, even without a suspension fork.

Clean Aesthetics, Agile Handling

The not-too-wide, specially developed handlebar with internally routed cables contributes to the bike's excellent agility, as does the compact seating position, which strikes a balance between upright and sporty. This positioning helps riders maintain a clear view in chaotic traffic. The crisply shifting, naturally electronic, Rival 12-speed drivetrain supports the sporty intent with direct power transfer, though a belt drive and an enclosed hub would likely require less maintenance.

Visibility is enhanced by a powerful front light and an integrated rear light. Everyday practicality is ensured by a minimalist, though not particularly high-capacity, front luggage rack, robust and lightweight fenders, and ergonomic comfort grips. And of course, powerful yet well-modulated disc brakes from the trusted SRAM Rival group. Naturally, other high-quality components come from Synchros.

Additionally, the 250-watt motor from the German supplier TQ is very quiet and provides discreet but effective support, which can be finely tuned as usual. This small unit is a technical marvel on the bike: it offers a top weight-to-power ratio of 1.8 kg at 50 Nm, more than enough.

Seamless and Effortless Mobility

Coupled with the natural pedaling sensation, traversing the city truly feels like riding a regular bicycle – only it's easier, thanks to the assistance, and can cover greater distances. For suburban commuters, distances up to 25 kilometers or more are no longer a problem. While the motor, as per regulations, offers support only up to speeds of 25 km/h, the system exhibits minimal pedaling resistance, allowing the bike to cruise up to the 30 km/h range. This is beneficial when one aims to cover significant distances. Additionally practical: if you want to take a more athletic approach for training purposes in the evening, you can simply turn off the assistance completely.

The integrated 360-Wh battery is subtly built into the downtube and charges to 80 percent within two hours. For those commuting longer distances, a 160-Wh range extender can be added, ingeniously designed to dock in the shape of a water bottle, using a Scott-specific quick-release system that doesn't require tools, replacing the bottle holder.

With an app, the Silence can be connected to a smartphone. This allows for easy adjustment and control of the bike. A preset motor tuning can be modified in favor of longer battery life or maximized performance. For example, the motor response time can be extended or reduced to enable a customized riding feel. Moreover, the display can be adjusted, or control sounds can be turned on and off. For those who like or need it...

Connected on the Move

The manufacturer TQ places emphasis on device connectivity and offers a minimalist display in the top tube. The LED display provides all important information at a glance, such as battery status in percent, range in kilometers, and mode. Thanks to the integrated power meter, cadence and wattage can also be read. For secure navigation, the Silence is also equipped with a smartphone holder on the stem, which is compatible with SP Connect phone cases. The integrated ANT+ also enables a connection with a bike computer from brands like Garmin, Hammerhead, or Wahoo. This way, you are mobile in a contemporary, agile, and comfortable way without a car. And for the manufacturer Scott, the Silence is also a symbol of new mobility.

“The next society is mobile – and we are on the brink of the next e-bike mobility. We must shape the transition to it through new products, services, perspectives, and approaches. The bicycle and the e-bike will become the epitome of a flexible mobility culture,” explains renowned future and mobility researcher Stefan Carsten, a convinced urban cyclist himself, because it is the fastest and most convenient, on the occasion of the launch.