I would recommend the ezesty over pretty much all the other mountain bikes

Another positive development is that those clever people at Fazua have designed a simpler and more robust locking mechanism for the power pack, the Locker pX. They even sent me a replacement under warranty, which was easy to fit. It is to be expected that new models will have this fitted.
I also managed, after many uncomfortable rides, to get the saddle position sorted. As far forward as possible, and with the nose tilted slightly down.
However, the most significant development, and this is a real game-changer, is the new software for the motor control and accompanying toolbox. With the Black Pepper 2.0 software Fazua have boosted the motor power, increased the cadence range for power delivery, and boosted the power uptake from a standing start. I can only say that the increase in power was dramatic, and that was with the default mid-power setting. By using the accompanying toolbox software, you can boost the power to a max of 300w, and create an infinitely variable range of power curves. The bike now feels like a full-power model, with the ability to really power up steep inclines. Presumably all new models will have the updated software.
I now have a lightweight, full suspension, drop dead gorgeous powerful e-mtb, with absolutely no negative features. And with the spare battery, I can do the most challenging trails, with no fear of running out of power.
And on a final note - if you already own one of these great machines and you have not yet downloaded and installed the new software, do it...Now!

The first thing to note is that this is a high spec, full suspension MTB, that also happens to be an e-bike. It is also very good looking, without the usual lumps and bumps that signify an e-bike. It is also relatively light in weight, due to the neat battery and motor unit, and carbon frame. My 34cm framed bike weighs 18kg with the battery and motor fitted, and 15kg without. This was a very important selling point for me, as I have to carry the bike up 3 flights of external stairs to get to my flat. I have also purchased the optional frame cover for riding the bike without the battery and motor, which is also a very good selling point as it rides like a normal MTB without the power pack.

The light weight of the battery and motor obviously has an impact on the power assist performance. The first impression when using the power assist is that you do not get the boost that you get from a Shimano or Bosch unit, and you won't be pulling wheelies uphill, which you can almost do in turbo mode on other models. However, the power delivery of the Fasua unit is perfectly suited to this light weight bike, and although subtle, is more than adequate for the most challenging of climbs. The important factor is being in the correct gear to get the cadence right for the conditions. This will give the perfect amount of assist for any condition. For example, I managed to climb one of the steepest off-road hills on the Isle of Wight in the lowest power assistance mode, by dropping down a couple of gears. I have used the medium assist on a steep climb into a strong headwind, which again produced the perfect amount of assistance. On this ride, in total I covered approximately 40 miles of mixed road and off-road with one charge of the battery, with at least one/two bars of charge remaining. It is also worth noting that if I had done this ride on my old Whyte hardtail, I would have been very tired at the end, but with the subtle assist, I felt fine.

There are a couple of slight negatives to note. The remote control for the Fazua unit is very basic. The only display is for the number of bars of battery charge remaining. So no MPH, distance covered, distance left in battery etc. If you need this level of information, or additional ride stats, you need to use a smart phone with the Bluetooth connected Fazua app. Also, the catch mechanism that secures the battery and motor to the frame can be a bit temperamental, and can take a few goes to fully engage. It remains to be seen how robust this proves to be in the long run.

My overall rating for the Lapierre eZesty AM 9.0 Ultimate 2020 Fazua is that it is an excellent, high spec MTB, that also happens to have a very well integrated battery and motor. It handles well, with and without the battery and motor, and looks great. It's early days, but I am delighted with the performance so far, and I'm looking forward to many more off-road rides.