Who doesn’t dream of a lightweight e-ike? Additional power from the motor combined with a weight that is as close as possible to that of a regular bike. For some time now, this dream has been getting closer every year. KTM is one of the manufacturers that offers a few particularly lightweight ebikes. In addition to light e-MTBs, these include trekking ebikes, urban ebikes, e-gravel bikes, and ebikes for kids. Here you can find out exactly which model series these are, what they have in common, and how they differ from each other.
1. Lightweight ebikes at KTM: One product family based on two motors
2. How much does a lightweight ebike weigh?
3. Why is a weight of 20 kilograms considered an indicator of a lightweight ebike?
4. Which KTM ebikes weigh less than 20 kg?
5. How much does a lightweight ebike cost?
6. Which components have a significant influence on the weight of an ebike?
7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a lightweight ebike?
1. Lightweight ebikes at KTM: one product family based on two motors
KTM introduced an e-road bike weighing just over 13 kilograms back in the 2019 season. The KTM Macina Mezzo at that time was still equipped with a Fazua Evation 1.0. The ball really started rolling in 2023 when Bosch introduced its lightest mid-drive motor to date, the Bosch Performance Line SX. This received a significant upgrade for the 2027 season. As part of the Performance Upgrade 2.0, Bosch significantly boosted its key performance parameters. Thanks to new firmware, it now delivers a peak power output of 600 watts, generates a torque of 60 Newton-metres and quadruples the force you apply to the pedals. A total of nine model ranges now feature an SX motor.
Since the summer of 2026, Bosch has offered a second motor that can serve as the basis for a fairly lightweight ebike weighing less than 20 kilograms. However, the new Bosch Hub Line takes a different approach to the Bosch Performance Line SX. As a hub motor, it is integrated into the rear wheel. This does not, at first, have a major impact on the overall weight. Weighing 2.3 kilograms, it is 300 grams heavier than an SX motor. Its advantages lie more in the fact that it is virtually invisible within the rear wheel and in the sleek frame geometries resulting from the absence of a motor at the bottom bracket. In terms of performance, it holds its own well against mid-drive motors thanks to a peak power output of 400 watts and a torque of 45 Newton-metres, which is applied directly to the rear axle.
2. How much does a lightweight ebike weigh?
How much can an ebike weigh to be considered “lightweight”? Well, there are no set rules, so it’s a matter of opinion. It would also be impractical to set a standard for all types of ebikes. Depending on the intended use and the ebike, very different weights can be considered lightweight. A three-wheeled e-cargo bike like the Sblocs Calderas, weighing 38 kilograms, is considered a lightweight representative of its kind. Even for a full-suspension enduro e-MTB, however, this weight would be far too much. At just under 20 kilograms, the Amflow PX Carbon is a striking example of the standards the cycling industry has now reached. If this were an e-road bike, however, we would throw our hands up in horror. And we could carry on with this little game for a while longer. I’m sure you know what we’re getting at.
3. Why is a weight of 20 kilograms considered an indicator of a lightweight ebike?
Once again, this cannot be answered by referring to regulatory or technical provisions. It’s much more a question of psychology coming into play. The limit seems particularly relevant to us because it changes not only the value for the ones but also for the tens. In addition, it took several years of ebike development before this mark could be broken for the first time. In most cases, it should not matter whether the model weighs 19.5 kilograms, 20 kilograms, or 20.5 kilograms when actually riding the ebike. From our point of view, you therefore do not need to pay too much attention to this limit.
4. Which KTM ebikes weigh less than 20 kg?
Nevertheless, the weight of an ebike is often relevant for a manufacturer’s marketing department and development team. Staying below the 20-kilogram barrier is still considered a special achievement. KTM has succeeded in doing so in the trekking, e-mountain bike, city ebike, e-gravel bike, and kids ebikes segments.
4.1 Lightweight KTM trekking ebikes
4.2 Lightweight KTM e-mountain bikes
4.3 Lightweight KTM city ebikes
4.4 KTM Macina Gravelator SX – the lightweight e-gravel bike from KTM
4.5 KTM Macina Mini Me SX – the lightweight ebike for chidren from KTM
4.1 Lightweight KTM trekking ebikes
KTM Macina Sport SX
Weight: from 18.5 kilograms
A lightweight, slim ebike that still has everything you need in a trekking ebike. That’s the KTM Macina Sport SX in a nutshell. Suspension fork, mudguards, rear rack, lighting system, side stand, wide-range gears, high-quality brakes – it’s all there. The slim frame gives you an idea that the weight won’t be too much. This applies to the entire model range, by the way. However, the cheaper versions with aluminum instead of carbon frames weigh just over 20 kilograms. One thing they all have in common is that versatility is one of the great strengths of the KTM Macina Sport SX. It is not only a reliable companion on sporty tours, but also makes a great everyday bike.
KTM Macina Sport SX 2027 at a glance
- Models: KTM Macina Sport SX Master Di2, KTM Macina Sport SX Elite Di2, KTM Macina Sport SX Pro, KTM Macina Sport SX 10 Di2, KTM Macina Sport SX 20
- Frame: Carbon, aluminium
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NRX32IL-E Air 2CR, SR Suntour NCX32-D Sport Air
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Display: Bosch Purion 400, Bosch Purion 200
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore Di2, Shimano Cues U6000, Shimano Cues Di2 U8050
- Brakes: Shimano Cues U8000, Shimano MT420, Shimano MT200
- Weight: from 18.5 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 129 kg
- Prices: from 3.299 Euro
KTM Macina Cross SX
Weight: 17 kilograms
If you’re looking for a trekking ebike in its purest form, the KTM Macina Cross SX is the perfect choice. It’s most fun when the sun is shining and your luggage fits in the pockets of your jersey or a backpack. The absence of road-ready equipment results in agile handling. Both the suspension travel of just over 60 millimetres on the suspension fork and the tyres – the incredibly versatile Schwalbe G-One Overland – are the same as those fitted by KTM on the Macina Sport SX. For the 2027 season, there’s a change of colour scheme here. The previous matt blue, known as Royal Teal, is being replaced by a matt olive.
KTM Macina Cross SX Elite 2027 at a glance
- Frame: carbon
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Paragon Gold RL Air
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Shimano MT420
- Weight: 17 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 129 kg
- Price: 3.299 Euro
4.2 Lightweight KTM e-mountain bikes
KTM Macina Scarp SX
Weight: 19.9 kilograms
Looking at the current KTM Macina Scarp SX, we can’t help but feel a touch of wistfulness. In light of recent market developments – with competition from very powerful yet relatively lightweight mid-drive motors, particularly those from Avinox – this model range has taken significant pressure. A high-quality full-suspension e-mountain bike with such a full-power motor can now weigh just as much as the 2027 KTM Macina Scarp SX Elite. It is therefore hardly surprising that KTM has made cutbacks here, reducing the model range from five specifications to just one.
What we find somewhat baffling is the manufacturer’s decision to phase out the lightest models entirely. Their combination of a weight of around 17 kilograms, together with the trail bike’s 140-millimetre suspension travel and the Bosch Performance Line SX, would have been able to offer the strongest alternative to the e-MTBs from Amflow, Crussis, Forbidden, Unno and whatever else they’re called.
So at least the KTM Macina Scarp SX Elite remains an option for fans of the Bosch Performance Line SX who are looking for an agile, fun-to-ride off-road companion. It’s a real joy to ride uphill and is, at the same time, robust enough that you can throw yourself straight into the descent even on more technically demanding terrain.
KTM Macina Scarp SX Elite 2027 at a glance
- Frame: carbon
- Suspension fork: RockShox Recon Gold RL
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Control unit: Bosch Mini Remote + Bosch System Controller
- Display: Purion 400
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT
- Brakes: Shimano MT420
- Weight: 19.9 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 135 kg
- Price: 4.899 Euro
KTM Macina Race SX
Weight: 17.3 kilograms
The KTM Macina Race SX shares a similar fate to the KTM Macina Scarp SX. After all, what applies to full-suspension e-mountain bikes is even more evident when it comes to hardtails. Demand for this category is clearly falling sharply. KTM seems to have come to the same conclusion and is reducing the range to a single model – the KTM Macina Race SX 10.
With its aluminium frame, it’s ideal for those who want to get into mountain biking and aren’t immediately looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. This sporty model, with 100 millimetres of suspension travel and high-quality mechanical Shimano gears, is also highly recommended for anyone who doesn’t see the point of an urban ebike, even in the city.
KTM Macina Race SX 2027 at a glance
- Frame: aluminium
- Suspension fork: RockShox Judy Slv TK
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT
- Brakes: Shimano MT420
- Weight: 17.3 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 136 kg
- Price: 3.299 Euro
4.3 Lightweight KTM city ebikes
KTM Macina Urbanator SX
Weight: 18.3 kilograms
Since its founding, KTM has seen itself as a sporty brand with a penchant for professional cycling. The manufacturer equips teams in the racing circuit with its own models and also transfers this enthusiasm to parts of its product range. The KTM Macina Urbanator SX underscores this approach. This ebike offers a riding experience similar to that of a road bike or gravel bike. At the same time, you benefit from the advantages of a conventional straight handlebar, with the brakes within easy reach as usual.
KTM keeps the city equipment as minimalist as possible here. Sure, this saves a few important grams in the end. But especially when it comes to the rear rack, you should consider beforehand whether it will meet your everyday needs. If so, you can look forward to the lightest ebike that KTM offers for an urban setting.
KTM Macina Urbanator SX 2027 at a glance
- Frame: aluminium
- Fork: X-Strada Gravel Performance Carbon
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Control unit: Bosch Mini Remote + Bosch System Controller
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U4000
- Brakes: Tektro HD-R280
- Weight: 18.3 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 108 kg
- Price: 3.699 Euro
KTM Macina Joy
Weight: 23.6 kilograms
We’re adding the KTM Macina Joy to this category for the first time. Admittedly, given its weight, strictly speaking it shouldn’t really be included amongst the lightweight ebikes weighing less than 20 kilograms. But its sleek appearance simply won us over. 😉
In fact, despite its ‘excess weight’ of around 23.6 kilograms, it might well be of interest to some of you. Firstly, because at around 2,300 euros, it costs far less than many other urban ebikes of comparable quality and specification. And secondly, because thanks to its Bosch Hub Line hub motor, it elegantly conceals its identity as an ebike and looks sleeker than an ebike with a mid-drive motor.
Regardless of this, a decent range of over 80 kilometres, along with a rear rack approved for a payload of 30 kilograms and the fitting of a child seat, make the KTM Macina Joy a capable everyday city bike.
KTM Macina Joy 2027 at a glance
- Frame: aluminium
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NX1 coil
- Motor: Bosch Hub Line
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Control unit: Bosch LED Controller
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U4000
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Weight: 23.6 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 142 kg
- Price: 2,299 euros
KTM Macina Superbelt SX
Weight: from 22 kilograms
Before the arrival of a model like the KTM Macina Joy, urban ebikes were seen as something of a mixed bag within KTM’s range. The focus was either on high levels of comfort – which is why the KTM Macina City and the KTM Macina Central were among the heaviest models in the entire range. Or a low weight went hand in hand with a fairly sporty riding position, which is definitely the case with the KTM Macina Urbanator SX. For the past year now, the KTM Macina Superbelt SX has been filling this gap. Designed to be slightly more conventional than the Urbanator, it weighs a few more kilograms but allows you to sit in a much more relaxed position.
It borrows its comfortable riding position – along with the frame responsible for it – from the KTM Macina Sport SX. Consistently designed as a lightweight city ebike, it replaces the derailleur with a low-maintenance combination of an 8-speed hub gear and a belt drive. And with a choice of three frame shapes – diamond, low-step and mid-step – it offers the versatility you’d expect from a modern ebike for city riding.
KTM Macina Superbelt SX 2027 at a glance
- Models: KTM Macina Superbelt SX 10 Di2, KTM Macina Superbelt SX 20
- Frame: aluminium
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour NCX32-D Sport Air
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Drivetrain: Shimano Alfine Di2 SG-S7051-8, Shimano Alfine SG-S7001-8
- Brakes: Shimano MT410, Shimano MT200
- Weight: from 22 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 140 kg
- Prices: from 3,499 euros
4.4 KTM Macina Gravelator SX – the lightweight e-gravel bike from KTM
Weight: from 14.9 kilograms
The KTM Macina Gravelator SX has been part of KTM’s range since 2024. The two models available at the time have expanded to three for the 2027 season. Alongside the top-of-the-range model with a carbon frame, weighing less than 15 kilograms, there are two models with aluminium frames.
However, frame material, gear system, brakes and wheelset aren’t the biggest differences within the trio. What matters more is the type of motor each model uses. Alongside the Bosch Performance Line SX, you now have the option of a rear hub motor for the first time. In the KTM Macina Gravelator HX, the Bosch Hub Line helps to bring the entry-level price into the e-gravel bike segment down to 2,500 euros. For an extra 900 euros, you get a version that’s around 600 grams lighter, featuring a mid-drive motor, a carbon frame and a drivetrain with a wider range and more gears. The top-of-the-range model weighs just 14.9 kilograms and uses Shimano’s GRX groupset for gravel bikes. Overall, KTM is now providing a very well-developed range here, which is even more varied than in previous years.
KTM Macina Gravelator SX 2027 at a glance
- Models: KTM Macina Gravelator SX Elite, KTM Macina Gravelator SX 10, KTM Macina Gravelator HX
- Frame: carbon, aluminium
- Fork: carbon
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX
- Battery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Control unit: Bosch Mini Remote Dropbar + Bosch System Controller
- Drivetrain: Shimano GRX RX822, Shimano Cues U6000, Shimano Cues U4000
- Brakes: Shimano GRX RX410, Shimano Cues U6030
- Weight: from 14.9 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 115 kg
- Prices: from 2,499 euros
4.5 KTM Macina Mini Me SX – KTM’s lightweight ebike for children
Weight: from 16.9 kilograms
What works for adults is sometimes a good idea for the younger generation too. The Bosch Performance Line SX strikes this balance. All the more so as its performance can be adjusted to suit children. KTM has long offered two ebikes for children that are tailored to their height – and thus often reflect their age and stage of development quite well.
The KTM Macina Mini Me SX 24 is based on 24-inch wheels and a limited-output version of the motor. Its assistance cuts out at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour.
On the KTM Macina Mini Me SX 26, however, the manufacturer has fitted the larger 26-inch wheels. Here, as on any typical pedelec, the motor provides assistance up to a speed of 25 kilometres per hour. A suspension fork with 80 millimetres of travel, a nine-speed derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes round off these two e-mountain bikes designed for younger riders. The Mini Me SX 24 weighs 16.9 kilograms and the Mini Me SX 26 weighs 17.2 kilograms.
KTM Macina Mini Me SX 2027 at a glance
- Models: KTM Macina Mini Me SX 26, KTM Macina Mini Me SX 24
- Frame: aluminium
- Suspension fork: RockShox Judy Gold RL, SR Suntour XCR32-JR Air
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SXBattery: Bosch CompactTube 400
- Display: Bosch Intuvia 200
- Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U4000
- Brakes: Shimano MT410
- Weight: from 16.9 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: from 68 kg
- Prices: from 2,999 euros
5. How much does a lightweight ebike cost?
Particularly lightweight components often mean more work is involved in their manufacture and, consequently, higher costs. As a result, a lightweight ebike tends to be more expensive than a heavier model. What is striking about KTM is that almost all of the ebikes mentioned here cost less than 4,000 euros and therefore do not stand out from the rest of the price range. The only exception for the 2027 season is the KTM Macina Scarp SX Elite. For all other model ranges, the entry-level model starts at the aforementioned price point. Even the top-of-the-range KTM Macina Gravelator SX, with its carbon frame, is priced at under 4,000 euros.
6. Which components have a significant influence on the weight of an ebike?
When equipping an ebike with a specific ebike system, the ebike manufacturer has a significant influence on how light the final ebike will be. The battery and motor for the ebike are particularly important in this regard.
The ebike battery: balance between weight and range
Depending on the number of integrated cells, an ebike battery weighs more or less. KTM exclusively uses the Bosch CompactTube 400 for its lightweight ebikes. Weighing around two kilograms, this battery offers a capacity of 400 watt hours. A PowerTube 800 from Bosch provides twice the capacity. However, at around 3.9 kilograms, it also weighs almost twice as much. Both batteries are comparable in terms of type, as they can be completely installed in the down tube as intube batteries. With a shorter range, the battery can therefore save a considerable amount of weight.
The ebike motor: How much power do you need?
The same applies to the motor. With the ‘SX’ suffix, KTM indicates which of its lightweight ebikes are fitted with the Bosch Performance Line SX. The ‘HX’ suffix denotes models featuring the Bosch Hub Line. The mid-drive motor weighs around two kilograms, whilst the rear-hub motor weighs 2.3 kilograms. Given these low figures, their performance is surprisingly high. Bosch’s most widely used motor, the Performance Line CX, naturally outperforms them by a considerable margin. Its torque of 120 Newton-metres, maximum power of 750 watts and 600 per cent assistance are in a league of their own. However, the CX motor pays for this extra power with additional weight.
Does a lightweight ebike with a smaller battery and a less powerful motor ultimately offer only half the range? Not at all. In practice, the difference is often much smaller. On the one hand, the smaller motor requires less power. On the other hand, it has less mass to move on the lighter ebike.
The bike frame: a question of material
Carbon and aluminum. KTM currently works with these two frame materials. Carbon is slightly lighter than aluminum, promotes efficient power transmission due to its stiffness, and can now also create a certain amount of flex with a mix of different structures and fibers. Aluminum cannot quite keep up in these respects, but is cheaper to produce. On a conventional bicycle frame, the weight difference between the two is a few hundred grams – but far from a kilogram. A lightweight ebike can save a few more grams by using carbon forks, handlebars, stems, seat posts, and rims.
The fork: rigid or suspension?
Many of you will know that the difference between a rigid fork and a suspension fork in particular has a massive impact on the scales. A weight difference of 500 grams or more is typical. With rigid forks, it depends on whether they are made of carbon or aluminum. And with suspension forks, the suspension travel plays a role. The greater the suspension travel, the greater the load the fork has to withstand, which inevitably increases the weight.
There are also other components that determine how light an ebike can be.
- gearing type: difference between heavy hub gears and lighter derailleur gears; for derailleur gears, the weight varies depending on the quality of the groupset – weight savings: a few hundred grams
- tires: narrower tires without solid puncture protection are significantly lighter than wider tires with multiple safety features – weight savings: several hundred grams
- seat post: rigid carbon seat post is significantly lighter than suspension or dropper seat posts – weight savings: in the double or triple-digit gram range
7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a lightweight ebike?
It may seem a little strange, but one of the key arguments in favor of a lightweight ebike becomes apparent when the bike is stationary. And that’s usually the case before and after every ride. That’s when you have to fetch it from somewhere and take it somewhere else. This somewhere may involve several steps or stairs that you may have to carry your ebike up. And this is undoubtedly easier the less the ebike weighs. Not to mention maneuvering the bike into the trunk of a car, onto a bike rack on the car, or onto a bus or train.
Don’t worry, an ebike with a lower weight can also score points when it comes to riding. It usually feels livelier, is more fun to ride, is easier to steer around corners, and simply feels more responsive overall. Fans of a more sporty riding style in particular are likely to appreciate this.
Lightweight ebikes are less robust
If there were only advantages, manufacturers would probably only produce lightweight ebikes. However, this is not the case. This is partly due to the significantly lower maximum permitted total weight of such models. This is often between 105 kilograms and 130 kilograms. Of course, there is more leeway because the ebike itself weighs less. Nevertheless, these limits do not meet the requirements of every ebike or every ebike rider.
The compromises in terms of battery and motor have already been mentioned. Less range and less powerful assistance may be factors that rule out lightweight ebikes for some of you. With a range extender such as the Bosch PowerMore 250, at least the range problem can be solved quite conveniently.
