Skip to main content

Trail, road, or both? Ducati’s newly expanded e-bike range lets you choose

The eclectic field of companies attracted to the burgeoning e-bike segment grows on a monthly basis. Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati reaffirmed its interest in the sector by unveiling three electric bicycles during an event held in Rimini, Italy. Digital Trends was on location to check them out in person.

Recommended Videos

Ducati earned the motorcycle world’s respect through racing, so branching out into bikes sounds a little bit random at first, but the heritage is certainly there. The company got its start in 1950 by selling a motorized bicycle powered by a single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with a displacement of 48 cubic centimeters. Fast-forward to 2019, and its bicycle range runs exclusively on electricity. It now includes two mountain bikes called MIG-RR and MIG-S and one city bike named the E-Scrambler, a nameplate that echoes one of the company’s best-known motorcycles.

New for the 2020 model year, the MIG-S is a more affordable version of the MIG-RR that can nonetheless hold its own on the trail. Power comes from a Shimano Steps E8000 motor and a 504-watt-hour battery pack positioned under the down tube for increased stability. The drivetrain provides an acceleration boost while going uphill and offers three levels of assistance, but it doesn’t replace the rider’s muscles. It’s not a dirt bike; if you don’t pedal, you’re not going to get very far on it. Riders can configure how much boost the motor provides by using a purpose-designed smartphone app.

The rest of the specifications sheet reads like a high-end mountain bike’s. The MIG-S has a single chaingear and 12 speeds out back, so riders spend less time shifting. Disc brakes on both wheels handle stopping duties, while front and rear suspension systems make the MIG-S more comfortable while improving traction on loose terrain. It rolls on a huge 29-inch front tire and a slightly smaller 27.5-inch rear tire, so plan accordingly when packing spare inner tubes.

Positioned at the other end of the e-bike spectrum, the E-Scrambler (shown above) wasn’t designed for hardcore off-road riding. It can handle light off-roading, and its mudflaps will keep your clothes clean, but its 27.5-inch Pirelli Cycle-e GT tires are happier in urban environments. It has lights on both ends, and a luggage rack designed to carry side bags. It’s equipped with the same Shimano-sourced battery as the MIG-S, but it was developed to ride like a normal, muscle-powered bike.

Finally, the MIG-RR unveiled in 2018 gains a limited-edition model for the 2020 model year. Inspired by the company’s racing motorcycles, the limited-edition model receives a suspension designed by automotive company Öhlins, carbon wheels to keep weight in check, an electronic gearbox, and edition-specific graphics. It’s limited to 50 units worldwide.

Ducati’s full range of e-bikes will be available in the United States in 2020. The MIG-RR Limited Edition, the MIG-S, and the E-Scrambler will go on sale in February, while the standard MIG-RR is already available through the company’s dealerships. Pricing information for the American market hasn’t been announced yet, but keep in mind the E-Scrambler starts at 3,699 euros (about $4,100 U.S.) in its home country of Italy, and it’s the cheapest of the bunch.

Ronan Glon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
My next car must have this Carplay and Android Auto feature, here’s why
Google Maps in full screen on the driver's second display on the Chevy Equinox 2025

I’ve been driving a Chevrolet Equinox 2025 SUV rental car for the past week, and it’s reminded me exactly what my next car needs. It runs Android Automotive, which I’ve already decided is a requirement in my next car, but the more convenient feature is arguably how Chevrolet has approached its CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

CarPlay and Android Auto offer immense benefits and virtually no pitfalls to drivers. They’re designed to bring your phone and its apps into your car, and make it easier to access up-to-date maps and traffic data without relying on often-archaic solutions implemented by your carmaker.

Read more
Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution
A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. 

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Read more
Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option
ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Read more