The Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 is a full-suspension electric mountain bike designed for demanding trail riding, steep climbs and technical off-road terrain. Combining a Bosch Performance CX electric motor with a 500Wh battery, Fox suspension and wide 27.5+ tyres, the E-Genius 720 Plus was one of Scott’s capable electric mountain bikes for the 2017 model year.
Built around a lightweight 6061 aluminium frame, the E-Genius 720 Plus features 140mm of front suspension and up to 130mm of rear travel. Its wide Maxxis 2.8-inch tyres provide additional grip and stability on loose surfaces, while the TwinLoc suspension system allows the rider to adjust the suspension characteristics from the handlebar.
Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 Overview
The E-Genius 720 Plus was designed as a versatile electric mountain bike capable of tackling everything from long off-road climbs to technical descents. The combination of electric assistance, full suspension and 27.5+ wheels makes it particularly well suited to riders looking for extra traction and comfort on rough trails.
At the heart of the bike is the Bosch Performance CX 250W motor, paired with a 500Wh Bosch battery and Bosch Purion display. The Performance CX was Bosch’s high-performance e-MTB motor at the time, providing strong assistance on steep climbs while retaining the natural riding characteristics expected from a mountain bike.
The bike weighs approximately 22.9kg, depending on specification and frame size.
Full-Suspension E-MTB
One of the main attractions of the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus is its full-suspension design. The bike uses a Fox 34 Float Performance Air fork with 140mm of travel at the front and a custom Fox Nude rear shock providing up to 130mm of rear travel.
The rear suspension incorporates Scott’s TwinLoc system, allowing the rider to alter the suspension behaviour between different settings. This can be useful when switching between efficient climbing, general trail riding and more aggressive descending.
The contemporary E-MOUNTAINBIKE test praised the bike’s powerful Bosch motor and described its specification as functional, with the SRAM NX drivetrain and Shimano brakes performing well.
Bosch Performance CX Motor and 500Wh Battery
The Bosch Performance CX motor was one of the defining features of the 2017 E-Genius 720 Plus. It produces up to 250W of nominal continuous power and was designed specifically for the demands of electric mountain biking.
The motor is powered by a 500Wh Bosch lithium-ion battery, while a compact Bosch Purion display provides the rider with control over the assistance system. The period specification lists the Bosch Performance CX system together with its 500Wh battery and Purion display.
Actual riding range varies considerably according to rider weight, terrain, gradient, weather, tyre pressure, riding style and the level of electrical assistance being used. For this reason, advertised maximum range figures should be treated as estimates rather than a guaranteed distance.
27.5+ Wheels and Wide Tyres
The E-Genius 720 Plus uses 27.5-inch wheels with wide 2.8-inch tyres. This plus-size wheel and tyre combination was a popular choice for electric mountain bikes of the period because the increased tyre volume could provide additional grip, comfort and stability on uneven terrain.
The original specification uses a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.80 x 27.5 tyre at the front and a Maxxis Rekon 2.80 x 27.5 at the rear. Both were tubeless-ready.
The aggressive Minion DHF front tyre was particularly suited to steering and braking grip on loose trails, while the Rekon rear tyre offered a balance between traction and rolling performance.
Scott E-Genius 720 Plus Drivetrain
The bike is equipped with a SRAM NX1 11-speed drivetrain. The 11-42T cassette provides a useful range of gears for climbing while keeping the drivetrain relatively simple.
- SRAM NX1 11-speed rear derailleur
- SRAM NX1 trigger shifter
- SRAM PG1130 11-42T cassette
- SRAM CN-PC1110 chain
- Miranda Delta chainset
- 11-speed gearing
The wide-range cassette and electric assistance work together to make steep climbs considerably more manageable, particularly on technical off-road routes.
Fox Suspension
The suspension specification was one of the strengths of the E-Genius 720 Plus. At the front is a Fox 34 Float Performance Air Grip3 fork with 140mm travel, while the rear uses a custom Fox Nude shock developed for the Scott frame.
- Fox 34 Float Performance Air Grip3 fork
- 140mm front travel
- Fox Nude Scott custom rear shock
- Up to 130mm rear travel
- Three-position suspension adjustment
- Rebound adjustment
This suspension setup gives the E-Genius 720 Plus considerably more capability on rough terrain than a conventional hardtail electric mountain bike.
Brakes and Trail Control
Stopping power comes from Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with large 200mm rotors front and rear. The large rotors are particularly useful on an electric mountain bike because they provide strong braking performance during long descents and help manage the additional weight of the motor and battery.
Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Scott E-Genius 720 Plus |
| Model year | 2017 |
| Bike type | Full-suspension electric mountain bike |
| Frame | E-Genius 700 Plus, 6061 alloy |
| Motor | Bosch Performance CX, 250W |
| Battery | Bosch 500Wh |
| Display | Bosch Purion |
| Front suspension | Fox 34 Float Performance Air Grip3, 140mm |
| Rear suspension | Fox Nude Scott custom, up to 130mm |
| Rear derailleur | SRAM NX1, 11-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG1130, 11-42T |
| Brakes | Shimano hydraulic disc |
| Brake rotors | 200mm front and rear |
| Wheels | 27.5-inch Plus |
| Rims | Syncros X40, 40mm, tubeless ready |
| Front tyre | Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5 x 2.80 |
| Rear tyre | Maxxis Rekon 27.5 x 2.80 |
| Dropper post | Syncros Dropper 2.0 |
| Approximate weight | 22.9kg |
Specifications are based on period model information and may vary slightly by market, frame size or component availability.
Who Was the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus Designed For?
The Scott E-Genius 720 Plus was aimed at riders who wanted an electric mountain bike capable of going well beyond paved roads and gentle cycle paths. Its combination of full suspension, powerful Bosch assistance and wide tyres makes it particularly suited to:
- Mountain biking and trail riding
- Steep and technical climbs
- Rough woodland trails
- Loose and uneven surfaces
- Long-distance off-road rides
- Riders who want the comfort of full suspension
Buying a Used Scott E-Genius 720 Plus Today
Although the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus is now an older electric mountain bike, its original specification remains interesting for anyone researching used e-MTBs. The Bosch Performance CX motor, 500Wh battery, Fox suspension and 27.5+ tyres gave the bike a strong specification when it was introduced.
When buying a used 2017 electric mountain bike, however, condition is just as important as the original specification. Prospective buyers should check the battery condition, motor operation, charger, display, suspension, drivetrain, brakes, wheels and frame carefully.
On a bike of this age, it is also sensible to establish whether the suspension has been serviced and whether the battery has retained a healthy proportion of its original capacity. Replacement and servicing costs should be considered when comparing an older e-MTB with a newer model.
Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017: Verdict
The Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 was a capable and well-equipped full-suspension electric mountain bike. Its combination of a Bosch Performance CX motor, 500Wh battery, Fox 34 fork, Fox Nude rear shock and 27.5+ tyres gave it the equipment needed for demanding trail riding.
For its time, the E-Genius 720 Plus offered a particularly strong balance between electric assistance and mountain-bike capability. Today, it is best viewed as an older-generation e-MTB whose value depends heavily on battery health, motor condition and the servicing history of its suspension and mechanical components.
Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 FAQs
What motor does the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus 2017 use?
The 2017 Scott E-Genius 720 Plus uses a Bosch Performance CX electric motor rated at 250W.
What size battery does the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus have?
The bike was supplied with a 500Wh Bosch battery.
What size wheels does the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus use?
The E-Genius 720 Plus uses 27.5-inch Plus wheels with wide 2.8-inch tyres.
How much suspension travel does the E-Genius 720 Plus have?
The bike has a 140mm Fox 34 fork at the front and a Fox Nude rear shock providing up to approximately 130mm of rear travel.
How much does the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus weigh?
The published 2017 specification gives an approximate weight of 22.9kg.
Is the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus a full-suspension e-bike?
Yes. It is a full-suspension electric mountain bike with suspension at both the front and rear.
Is the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus suitable for mountain biking?
Yes. The bike was specifically designed for off-road riding and combines full suspension, wide 27.5+ tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and Bosch electric assistance for trail riding.
Is the Scott E-Genius 720 Plus still worth considering?
A used E-Genius 720 Plus can still be an interesting option for riders looking for an older full-suspension e-MTB, but its condition is crucial. Battery health, motor condition, suspension servicing and replacement-part availability should all be checked before buying.
More Information here: Scott Bikes
