Liv Amiti E+ for 2023: Taking the Trekking Ebike into Town

It usually takes two years for Liv to thoroughly revise its flagship trekking ebike, the Amiti E+. In fact, it’s that time again. It feels like the previous model hasn’t been on the roads for all that long. But neither time nor technical development stand still. This is particularly noticeable in the new model for the 2023 season when looking at the drive and the riding character.

The slimming diet continues

Even the outer appearance reveals that something has changed. And that doesn’t just mean new paint jobs. The Amiti E+ shown for the 2021 model year already looked much sportier, because the frame was much slimmer than its predecessor. Liv is continuing this trend with the latest versions that have just been presented – even if the differences are somewhat smaller. The top tube is much more curved than before, which in our view emphasises the feminine touch of the ebike more strongly. At the same time, both the area around the motor and the down tube have lost volume. People who pass by the bike are less likely to recognise it immediately as an ebike than before. This is what quite a few bicycle manufacturers are trying to do at the moment, at least with this type of ebike, which seems to be suitable for many purposes, from touring to occasional short trips.

Liv Amiti E+ top model through the ages

Happily one product for all

The manufacturer itself has developed the new model from a sporty trekking bike more in the direction of an everyday bike. Thanks to a suspension fork with now 100 millimetres of travel, the stem reaches a little higher. It is also set at a steeper angle, which leads to a more upright position on the bike. Since the handlebars are flared upwards and backwards as well, this effect is even more pronounced. In other words, you lose a certain amount of streamlining and gain relaxation and a better overview in return.

Comprehensive technical update

It feels like the Amiti E+ has been somewhat neglected in the past when it comes to the distribution of the motors. For a long time, the best drives were reserved for e-mountain bikes. This has come to an end for the current season at the latest. The top model of the series, the Amiti E+ Pro, has the SyncDrive Pro2 motor with its impressive 85 Newton metres of torque. The Amiti E+ 1 and the Amiti E+ 2 with the SyncDrive Sport2 are hardly inferior. The latter’s power unit produces 75 Newton metres.

Liv also passes on further developments in battery technology directly to the Amiti E+. The bar for the largest EnergyPak now reaches up to 800 watt hours. Thanks to new cells, the down tube and battery compartment are not bursting at the seams. However, the full power is only available for the top model. On the other two you have to be content with 625 watt hours. However, if you want, you can switch to the largest battery later. Or you can buy the 250 watt hours range extender later. Provided you ride a model with frame size S or larger. The XS lacks the necessary space for the additional battery. Ideally, you will get a total of 1050 watt-hours. Under optimal conditions, this might be sufficient for a range of around 200 kilometres.

The ebike system on the Amiti E+ 1 and Amiti E+ 2 can be operated via the RideControl Dash 2in1, a combination of control unit and small display on the left of the handlebar. Instead, Liv has integrated the RideDash EVO in the stem of the Amiti E+ Pro, which you control from the handlebar with the RideControl Ergo 2.

Not high-end but still ok

Perhaps for the price of the new models not to rise unduly, the rest of the equipment remains at a level that can best be described as solid. Common derailleurs from Shimano with nine and ten gears are joined by equally widespread hydraulic disc brakes – sometimes from the same manufacturer, sometimes from Tektro. Tyres, kickstand, mudguards and lighting come from Giant. The rear carrier is compatible with the MIK HD system, has side bars for attaching panniers and can carry a load of 27 kilograms.

Similar to the revised Explore E+ from Giant, Liv’s cheapest model in the range pales noticeably in comparison to the other bikes. The frame and ebike system are at the level of the 2020 model year. However, there is also a gap of 1,600 euros between it and the top model.

Liv Amiti E+ for the 2023 season at a glance

• Variants: Amitit E+ Pro, Amiti E+ 1, Amiti E+ 2, Amiti E+ 3
• Motor: SyncDrive Pro2, SyncDrive Sport2, SyncDrive Sport
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart 800 Wh, EnergyPak Smart 625 Wh, EnergyPak Side-Release 500 Wh
• Display / control unit: RideDash Evo + RideControl Ergo 2, RideControl Dash 2in1, RideControl Dash
• Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR 34 Air LO-R, SR Suntour XCM34 Coil LO, SR Suntour NEX E25 Coil DS
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, Shimano Alivio
• Brakes: Shimano MT410, Shimano MT200, Tektro HD-M276
• Colours: Silver Pine, Estoril Blue, Copper Coin, Soap Suds
• Weight: approx. 27 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 156 kg
• Price: from 2,899 euros

 

Pictures: Giant Germany GmbH