e-bike Nicolai S18 SWIFT eMTB 2025: The Ultimate Enduro Electric Bike for Downhill and Self-Shuttle

If you dream of a downhill bike that pedals miraculously well and packs a powerful motor, the new Nicolai S18 SWIFT eMTB might just be your next obsession. Nicolai states this e-bike excels on climbs and traverses, but with a whopping 180mm of suspension travel, it's clear it's built to dominate the most extreme descents. It's the super enduro eMTB designed for riders who demand maximum travel, motor power, and downhill performance.
Nicolai S18 SWIFT: Bosch CX Power and Robust Frame for Extreme Performance

Nicolai brands their S18 SWIFT as a "super enduro eMTB," developed to satisfy bikers seeking the ultimate in every situation. It's constructed with a hydroformed 7020-T6 aluminum frame, a material Nicolai claims offers 30% greater tensile strength and 20% more elasticity than conventional 6061 aluminum. This robustness is backed by a five-year warranty against manufacturing or material defects.

At the heart of the S18 SWIFT beats the latest and most powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor, recently updated to deliver 750W peak power and 100Nm of torque. All future Nicolai Swift series eMTBs will feature Bosch drive systems, underscoring the brand's confidence in the German powerhouse.
Key Features of the Nicolai S18 SWIFT: Travel and Versatility

This enduro eMTB offers an impressive 180mm of rear travel, managed by a Horst Link 4-bar suspension linkage with double-sealed Enduro bearings. Stock S18 SWIFT builds come with 180mm forks, but the frame is compatible with 190mm forks for those looking to go bigger (supporting stanchions up to 40mm, hinting at dual-crown fork compatibility).

The S18 SWIFT's suspension has been refined by Nicolai to optimize anti-squat, maximizing traction and efficiency on climbs. However, the linkage design ensures fully active suspension on descents, with a variable progression rate offering initial sensitivity, supportive mid-stroke, and strong bottom-out resistance. This eMTB is literally engineered to fly downhill.
Versatile Geometry: Mullet or Full 29er?

The S18 SWIFT is offered as standard with a "mullet" (MX) wheel setup – 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear. However, it can also be configured with full 29-inch wheels, though the geometry will slightly change between the two configurations.

The frame is designed with a full-length straight seattube for compatibility with long-travel 30.9mm dropper posts (up to 160mm for S sizes, and up to 250mm for L and XL). Other features include a Boost 148mm rear axle, SRAM UDH dropouts, and ample clearance for tires up to 2.5 inches (for both 27.5 and 29-inch wheels). Internal cable routing and water bottle/accessory mounts on the downtube and underside of the toptube complete the package.
Boosted Bosch CX Drive System: Technology and Range

The S18 SWIFT is assisted by the latest and most powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor, now offering 750W peak power and 100Nm of torque. The eMTB comes set up with four assist modes: ECO+, TOUR+, EMTB+, and TURBO.

Power is supplied by an internal Bosch PowerTube 600Wh battery. To keep the frame leaner, Nicolai opted for an enclosed battery without an easy removal mechanism, meaning it needs to be charged while inside the bike. For more range, the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender is also available from Nicolai or the aftermarket.

The new Bosch KIOX 400C display unit is integrated directly into the S18's top tube, showing all key ride info in vivid full color. A mini remote on the handlebar provides compact, ergonomic controls. As is standard for Bosch, their eBike Flow app can be used for fine-tuning or customization of the drive system.
"Geolution Trail" Geometry: Tailored to Every Size

Thanks to Nicolai's Geolution Trail design, the S18 SWIFT's geometry features slight variations between different frame sizes. This ensures that rider weight distribution, handling, and bike response remain consistent across the entire size range. Nicolai has also optimized the ratio between reach and stack numbers to help ensure a proportionally tuned ride for everyone. Frames are available in five sizes (S-XXL), covering riders from approximately 5'3" to 6'11".

Steering is slack, varying from 63.5° to 64.5° on the complete MX bikes and coming in a tad steeper on 29er setups. Seat mast angles range from 77.8° to 78.8° across all possible sizes and configurations. Reach numbers are on the lengthy side (e.g., 475mm for a medium MX build). Nicolai offers four different chainstay lengths (ranging from 440mm to 462mm on MX models) across five frame sizes.
Build Kit and Pricing: Top-Tier Performance

Nicolai offers one stock build of the S18 SWIFT. The complete version features a Fox Factory suspension package, with a 38 Grip X2 fork and a custom-tuned Fox Float X2 two-position rear shock. The drivetrain is SRAM GX AXS Eagle with 160mm GX crankarms.

Magura MT7 Pro HC brakes with 220/203mm rotors handle stopping duties, allowing for an optional Bosch ABS Pro upgrade for anti-lock braking suitable for a performance gravity e-bike like this. The S18 SWIFT rolls on a DT Swiss HX1501 mullet wheelset, wrapped with 2.4" wide Continental Kryptotal tires. BikeYoke provides their Divine dropper posts.

A size medium complete bike weighs 23.7kg (52.24lb). The MSRP starts at 11,000€ for the stock build with no optional add-ons.
Customization and Finishes: Nicolai Exclusivity

At no extra charge, frames are available in Factory Raw or Texture Black. For an additional 400€, you can request a custom powder-coated color from over 50 available options, and Nicolai even allows for a separate color for each welded frame component! Buyers can also choose different anodized colors for their rocker arms and other milled frame components (e.g., bearing caps and cable clips). Custom component options or even complete custom builds are also apparently available (info available upon direct inquiry with Nicolai).

Nicolai also mentions offering an S18 SWIFT frame kit, but it's not currently shown online. Pricing and included parts are unavailable, so you'll need to ask. It will likely be in a similar range to the 6300€ S14 Swift framekit with a Bosch SX motor.