Award
Back to the magazine overview

Design & Innovation Award 2023: RAPCON :eTQ

01.03.2023 |Bikes & Tests

The RAPCON :eTQ is the only enduro bike with e-power to receive the coveted Design & Innovation Award in the E-MTB category. Read more!

Please note

We have renamed our RAPCON PMAX TQ to RAPCON :eTQ as of model year 2025. The Design & Innovation Award 2023 has been published before the name change.

The Design & Innovation Award 2023 goes to the SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ

An enduro bike with motor assistance: The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ has established itself as a true pioneer in this regard. From handling to looks, the bike impresses MTB enthusiasts across the board. The expert jury of the Design & Innovation Award was equally enthused and chose the Rapcon Pmax TQ as the winner in the e-mountain bike category.

What winning bikes look like: modern frame geometry & agile handling


In 2022, it was the non-electric brother that won the Design & Innovation Award. But the award is not the only thing that the two mountain bike models have in common. The Rapcon Pmax TQ also scores points with its nimble and agile handling. When riding uphill, the natural support of the TQ motor ensures even more riding pleasure. 


What’s more, the members of the Rapcon family look confusingly similar. Only on very close inspection do the motor cover and the charging port reveal that the Pmax TQ is an e-mountain bike.
 

The SIMPLON Rapcon Pmax TQ in detail


The Rapcon Pmax TQ is the first enduro bike with an e-drive unit. Despite motor support, the silhouette is slim – a look that’s reinforced by the extremely thin down tube. Thanks to the firmly integrated battery, the frame is also super stiff.
The natural support, which is especially appreciated on demanding passages, comes from the HPR50 TQ drive unit. Another advantage is that the motor weighs only 1,850 grams. 


As unique as you: In the configurator, you can configure the Rapcon Pmax TQ according to your personal preferences.
 

What is the Design & Innovation Award?


The Design & Innovation Award is a very special recognition – it’s more or less the Oscar of the bike industry: Over a period of two weeks, the products are scrutinised from a holistic point of view and under real conditions. 
The bike tests are carried out by an independent international award team. Journalists, test riders and experts from the industry make up the jury – and they all share a common passion for cycling.
 

Christin H.
All articles

Recommendations

First ride on the SIMPLON Rapcon | SIMPLON

Our colleague Jörg has been eagerly waiting for the day when he could finally test the SIMPLON Rapcon. Now you can find out why it was worth the wait!
Read more

SIMPLON PRIDE – still the world’s fastest road bike

To date, the SIMPLON PRIDE is the only UCI compliant road bike with competition-ready equipment to break the 200-watt mark in the TOUR wind tunnel test. Our aero racer also came out on top in the latest wind tunnel comparison test conducted by...
Read more
© Chris Gollhofer

Gravel e-bike: a multi-talent for all roads | simplon.com

Does gravel riding on an e-bike go against the idea of cycling as a sport? There are several arguments that speak for tours on an electric hybrid. Learn more!
Read more
© Simplon Fahrrad GmbH

Tested: the Rapcon Pmax | A mountain biker reviewed the E-MTB

Jörg Bilger, a seasoned mountain biker and member of the assembly staff at Simplon, tested the Rapcon Pmax E-MTB for an entire weekend. Read what he says about it! 
Read more