Scott Silence eRIDE EVO Speed Review | Form & Function Fused

Considering that the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed is a commuter e-bike meant to handle daily use over many miles, it was imperative that we test its range capabilities. We used the process above to find the minimum and maximum distances most riders should expect from a single charge of the bike’s 625-Wh battery.

When compared to a group of similar commuters we’ve tested, including many of the best mid-drive e-bikes on the market, the Silence straddled its peers with slightly above average results in its max-power test (38.1 miles) and slightly below average results in its low-power test (68.3 miles). Both results correspond with estimates provided by our contact at Scott.

This pool of similar e-bikes averaged 72.1 and 33.6 miles, though it also included two models with significantly above-average performance. When those outliers were removed, the group’s average range in the minimum PAS test (high power results were largely unaffected) dropped to 65 miles, boosting the Silence to above average in both portions.

The difference largely seemed to come down to battery capacity, though weight also may have played a role. While our comparison group carried batteries with an average of 565 watt hours (Wh), the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed’s greater battery capacity allowed it to ride longer distances in both tests.

Based on this difference in battery capacity, we’d expect a more noticeable gap between the Scott e-bike’s results and those of similar models. At roughly 62.5 lbs, the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed is somewhat heavier than average when looking at the models used for comparison (these averaged roughly 57.4 lbs), so this may have reduced its overall efficiency.

Looking at the number of watt-hours used per mile, there was a measurable difference in efficiency during the low-power tests. The Scott Silence used 9.2 Wh/mi, while our comparison group averaged 8.7 Wh/mi; it’s reasonable to think that this difference would have slightly reduced the advantage of a larger battery across 60-70 miles.

Regardless, the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed proved to be a competent commuter with the ability to match and potentially outperform many of its competitors. Its range should be enough to cover most commutes, fitness rides, or leisure cruises for most users, with those taking shorter or medium-length trips having the potential to get multiple rides from a single charge.

According to Bosch’s website, the included 4A charger should recharge the bike’s 625-Wh PowerTube battery in under 5.5 hours. An optional 140 Wh Range Booster battery can also be added to increase range by (the brand’s claim of) up to 40%.

We used the method explained above to test the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed’s climbing power in our Hill Test. Since the bike offers pedal-assist only, this process required just one trip; the bike’s Bosch mid-drive allowed our test rider to make relatively short work of our test hill. Justin finished his climb in 2:18.

Comparing the bike with similar models is difficult, as we recently moved our Hill Test location and have not yet tested many comparable bikes at the Devil’s Backbone. The handful of similar e-bikes we have data for averaged 2:38 in their pedal tests, making the Scott Silence 20 seconds faster by comparison.

The Silence eRIDE EVO was roughly 10 lbs heavier on average than the bikes we compared its results against, requiring more energy to counteract when moving uphill. However, its motor produced significantly more power than the other models in our comparison group, effectively making up the difference—and then some.

Case in point: the Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive produces up to 85 Newton meters (Nm) of torque and 600W of peak power. The small group of comparison bikes averaged just 73 Nm and a maximum of 500W, resulting in slower climbing times.

As with most e-bikes with 250W nominal mid-drives, pedaling the Silence uphill is an active experience. It’s similar to what I explained in the Speed Test section above: the motor amplifies the rider’s power by up to 340% while still feeling much like an analog bike. As such, our test rider put in some legwork but reached the top of the hill without feeling exhausted.

Once again, these results matched our expectations for a premium-tier commuter designed to reduce strain and enhance the rider’s natural ability. The Silence eRIDE EVO Speed proved capable of delivering effective assistance when riding uphill, though it does require active input on the pedals.

The Silence eRIDE EVO Speed’s average stopping distance in our brake test was a respectable 22’ 9”, which turned out to be somewhat longer than average when compared with the best commuter e-bikes we’ve tested, though still firmly within our normal range of results. Most importantly, we consider the bike to be well equipped and safe.

Scott smartly equipped the Silence with an excellent brake system; the bike is stopped by 4-piston Magura MT5E hydraulic disc brakes with large 203mm front and rear rotors. In our testing, this system felt powerful and modulated speed effectively even when riding downhill at relatively high velocity.

In our test, the brake system’s power seemed to be offset somewhat by the bike’s weight and tires.

As referenced above, the Silence was around 10 lbs heavier than the average of its comparison group, making it more difficult to slow down. With Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus tires, the bike often skidded for a significant distance before coming to a stop, though progressively increasing pressure on the brake levers (instead of applying force all at once) seemed to mitigate this.

All in all, the Silence felt appropriately specced and controlled, though we recommend getting some practice with braking to understand how best to control the bike while slowing down.

This section addresses more subjective aspects of the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed—primarily, how the bike feels to ride. Many factors contribute to the bike’s feel, including its geometry and sizing, motor engagement, and user interface, among others. Overall, the bike’s ride quality is excellent; it feels every bit the premium-tier commuter that it is.

While Scott’s website doesn’t clearly state the recommended height range for its four frame sizes, potential buyers can use the “Find Your Size” feature to be directed to an appropriate size based on height, arm and leg length, and preferred riding position/style.

At 5’11”, I usually find myself comfortable on large-size frames. As it happens, our test bike was the Large, and it felt appropriately sized based on my experiences with dozens of similar models.

In fact, the bike’s geometry was noticeably dialed in; its sporty, forward-leaning riding position felt more ergonomic and comfortable than the same posture when experienced on other commuters and city e-bikes.

I was able to achieve proper leg extension with the bike’s seatpost, which offers roughly 5” of adjustment length. Additionally, the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed features an adjustable stem to change the bike’s handlebar height, reach, and riding position. I kept the stem at its lowest/most forward position instead of raising it—as I am used to doing on most similar bikes.

I liked the Silence eRIDE EVO’s supportive sport saddle, ergonomically-curved handlebars, and ergonomic rubber grips. A minor point of critique, however, were the bike’s grip-tape-covered pedals; I recommend upgrading to studded platform pedals for improved grip, as my feet sometimes slipped off while pedaling.

Otherwise, the bike is exceptionally well-equipped. In addition to the commuter essentials I mentioned in the intro to this review, it features a side mirror and a color display that can be removed as a theft deterrent; the bike cannot be turned on and ridden under power unless the screen is attached.

Additionally, the combination of a mid-drive motor, Gates belt drive, and Enviolo CVT is clean and low maintenance. The belt, which requires no lubrication, is rated to last at least twice as long as a chain and covered by a guard. The CVT, which is entirely sealed and protected, experiences only minimal wear over time without the need to replace gears.

We liked the fact that the Silence also includes a cafe-style lock on its rear wheel, but the key can only be removed when the lock is engaged. The key felt securely held in place, but for peace of mind, we’d prefer a lock with a key that can be separated and put on a key ring.

Minor gripes aside, the bike’s fit, touch points, and features generally give it the feel of a luxury vehicle. It handles like one, too; its steering is responsive and its cornering is crisp. As we’ve discussed, the Silence isn’t remarkably light, but it has the nimble feel of an e-bike weighing 10 lbs less.

I attribute some of the bike’s agility to its 700x55c (28×2.15”) tires, but its carbon fiber fork is another contributing component. The fork is light, makes steering quick, and also softens the ride; the Silence has no suspension, but its fork helps to absorb small bumps and vibrations that would otherwise make the ride less comfortable.

Another great component of the ride is the Bosch eBike Connect app, which pairs with the bike’s display and can also link up with a heart rate monitor. After every trip, ride data is synced with the app and any other connected apps (Strava, Komoot, and/or Apple Health). Each ride is broken down with detailed metrics for those who keep a close watch on their performance.

As mentioned previously, the Bosch app can also be used for navigation, though I noticed that its GPS platform was somewhat dated; it did not give me the option to select recently constructed buildings opened within the last year. As such, riders needing the most up-to-date directions may need to rely on Apple or Google Maps.

One final feature that I appreciated: the bike’s battery is removable for charging. We’ve tested a number of premium-tier e-bikes with power packs sealed in their down tube, and while the battery on our test bike stuck in place at times, I liked that it could be taken out to reduce weight during transport or to simply plug it in without the need to bring the entire bike inside.

Overall, the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed is an uncommonly functional, comfortable, and well-equipped e-bike that lived up to our high expectations. Those seeking a refined e-bike with excellent ride quality will appreciate everything that it offers, from its great handling to its integrated technology and robust suite of features.

The Scott Silence eRIDE EVO Speed is an excellent example of a meticulously designed and well-executed e-bike. Its level of refinement was obvious from the moment I turned it on and took it for its maiden voyage; the Silence and similar premium-tier e-bikes often have a certain je ne sais quoi that one has to experience to understand.

As a former artist and designer, I’m a sucker for any bike that looks as good as it rides, and I was pleased to note that the Silence’s user experience matches its sleek and futuristic appearance. It pedals like a souped-up analog bike, it steers like a sports car, and its user interface is robust while also feeling intuitive and easy to use (with a slight learning curve).

Additionally, the bike’s performance in our series of standardized tests was generally excellent. Its power was well-distributed across four assist levels, and the bike reached Class 3 speeds confidently. Additionally, its range was appropriate for its intended purposes, its climbing ability rivaled some more powerful e-bikes, and its premium brake system proved safe and effective.

Our only points of critique were relatively minor: the non-removable key in the cafe wheel lock and the somewhat out-of-date navigation system through the optional Bosch eBike Connect app.

Otherwise, the Silence eRIDE EVO Speed radiates comfort, reliability, user-friendliness, and overall high performance. We consider it an ideal option for those seeking an e-bike to replace a car for the daily trip to/from the office, one that can provide a reduced-strain workout, or simply one that is suitable for long leisure rides!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Scott Silence eRIDE EVO Speed down in our comments section.