Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 on Test – The best SUV E Bike of 2025? Jack of All Trades?

German manufacturer Hercules aims to deliver a rugged all-rounder with its latest SUV e bike. We put the € 6,000 Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 with its classic diamond frame to the test – both in everyday use and on the trail – to see just how versatile it really is.

You can find an overview of our SUV e-bike buyer’s guide here:
The Best E-SUV 2025 – 10 E-Bikes in Comparison Test

Hercules don’t hold back when describing their latest SUV e bike. The Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 is said to combine outstanding quality with innovative technology and unmatched enjoyment – quite the bold claim. While Hercules label several of their e bikes as SUVs, only five of them are fully suspended and thus, by our definition, true SUV models. All five belong to the NOS FS series.

Our test bike, the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2, comes in at € 5,999, making it the second most expensive in their lineup – but still one of the more affordable bikes in our group test. In addition to the tested diamond frame version, it’s also available as a step-through. The same goes for the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.1 € 6,499 and NOS FS SUV 4.3 € 5,499. The two NOS FS 3-series models, on the other hand, are diamond frame only.

Anyone choosing a step-through SUV from Hercules will automatically get the latest Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor, paired with the large Bosch PowerTube 800 battery – the standard setup for all bikes in the NOS FS 4-series. The two 3-series models are based on Panasonic drive systems.

What Sets the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 Apart? Its Versatility?

An SUV e bike is meant to handle just about everything. To be a true jack of all trades, it needs a wide skill set. According to the manufacturer, the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 is built to deliver exactly that. Let’s break it down. The Hercules SUV e bike features clean lines and a timeless black finish. Its classic diamond frame gives off a solid, almost muscular presence, reinforced visually by its chunky weld seams.

When it comes to the finer details, the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 reveals both strengths and weaknesses. For example, the motor cover appears somewhat roughly finished, with one corner of the plastic extending almost to the chainring. The front mudguard is also relatively short – while it keeps most dirt and water off the rider, anyone wanting to keep their shoes dry would be better served by something like the Riese & Müller Delite5. On the plus side, the cable routing through the headset is nicely executed, giving the cockpit a tidy, streamlined look. The downside? Replacing cables and hoses becomes considerably more difficult as a result. What we really like, though, is the Bosch Purion 200 display, which combines the remote and display into a single compact unit. It also frees up space on the angle-adjustable stem for an SP Connect mount, allowing you to attach a smartphone or GPS device – even alongside a power bank if needed. Hard to ask for more flexibility than that.

The easily accessible charging port is located low on the non-drive side of the seat tube, where it’s protected by a sturdy hard plastic cover. Less sturdy, however, is the twist knob that secures the battery cover – we broke it off on our very first attempt to open it. The battery itself is unlocked using a key.

The rear rack can handle up to 25 kg of load and is compatible with the MonkeyLoad system. Matching bags and baskets can be attached with a simple click – often even one-handed. To remove them, just pull a release tab on the accessory to disengage the locking mechanism. Need more cargo space? Mounting points on the head tube allow you to attach a front rack, adding another 5 kg of carrying capacity. Nice touch! With a full load, however, it’s important to keep the 150 kg total permissible weight in mind. That leaves only 90 kg for the rider and gear. If you’re pulling a trailer, things get even tighter, though Hercules officially approves trailer use.

Tuning Tip: Trim the handlebars for a more relaxed riding position.

Good Lighting, but No ABS – Why Not?

Hercules promote the NOS FS 4.2 with several highlights, including a bright front headlight boasting 100 lux, and a high beam that’s activated via a dedicated button on the right side of the handlebar: a very useful safety feature, just like Bosch’s increasingly common eBike ABS system. However, ABS is only available on the top model in the NOS FS lineup, where it’s paired with an 11-speed drivetrain and a 150 lux headlight, for an additional € 500. Could that be the better deal?

The Shimano CUES 10 speed drivetrain on our test bike is perfectly adequate for an SUV e bike, and helps keep replacement costs down. A brighter headlight is certainly nice to have, but not essential – especially considering that our test model already comes well equipped. The rear light is also well executed: styled as an LED strip, it’s easy to see from the sides, and significantly improves visibility.

That said, skipping ABS is a missed opportunity – the safety gains in daily use are substantial. Whether it’s wet leaves, gravel paths, or emergency braking in traffic, ABS helps prevent crashes and injuries. In our view, the € 500 upgrade for the Hercules NOS FS 4.1 is worth it for the ABS alone.

The Bosch ConnectModule can provide a basic level of theft protection – though it has to be retrofitted. Of course, it doesn’t replace a proper lock, but it’s still a worthwhile investment, especially if you regularly park your bike in the city. Thanks to GPS tracking via Bosch’s Flow+ app, you can keep tabs on the bike’s location at all times. The subscription costs € 4.99 per month or € 39.99 per year, with the first month free.

Size	42	44	47	50
Top Tube	605 mm	617 mm	637 mm	651 mm
Seat Tube	–	–	–	–
Head Tube	120 mm	120 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head Angle	69°	67°	69°	67°
Seat Angle	76°	75°	76°	75°
Chainstay	480 mm	517 mm	480 mm	517 mm
BB Drop	44 mm	40 mm	44 mm	40 mm
Wheelbase	1200 mm	1269 mm	1232 mm	1305 mm
Reach	443 mm	450 mm	473 mm	480 mm
Stack	652 mm	643 mm	656 mm	657 mm

What is the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 SUV E Bike Capable Of? Sticking to the Line on Tour?

The bike’s large appearance is matched by how it feels while riding – it’s definitely a big bike. However, the 150 mm dropper post keeps it fairly easy to get on and off. The relatively long reach and wide handlebars create a somewhat sporty riding position, though it’s more relaxed than on the Haibike or Mondraker. The angle-adjustable stem allows for quick adjustments to make yourself comfortable, though it doesn’t change the bike’s rather steep 69° head angle. This puts you in a forward-leaning position over the front wheel. While this offers responsive handling on flatter terrain, it limits the bike’s capability off-road, making the bike feel twitchy and nervous on otherwise fun downhill sections. In this discipline, the sportier competitors from Haibike, Specialized, Mondraker, and Moustache clearly pull ahead. But that’s not what the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 is trying to be. It’s not aiming to be a playful trail riding machine – it’s designed as a generalist, a do-it-all companion for a wide range of riding scenarios.

That matches well with the bike’s direct yet composed handling, and the firm SR Suntour suspension, which offers plenty of ground feedback. The Hercules doesn’t glide like a plush cruiser, but it stays impressively stable even when fully loaded – great for shopping trips or longer tours with gear. Overall, the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 proves to be a true all-rounder: stable and punchy for commuting, firm yet comfortable for cruising to the beer garden, and solid and reliable when hauling groceries or gear for a weekend camping trip. And when it’s time to stop, the powerful and controllable Shimano DEORE four-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors front and rear bring you to a halt quickly – just without the added safety of ABS. A pity!

Who is the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 For?

If you’re looking for a versatile SUV e bike, the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 is a solid option. It’s well suited to carrying groceries or gear, and feels at home on a wide range of surfaces. It also makes a great commuter bike, thanks in part to its relatively moderate weight. That said, very comfort-focused riders may find the firm setup and slightly sporty character a bit too much – they’d likely be happier on something like the CENTURION Lhasa R2000. On the other end of the spectrum, riders with more aggressive ambitions might lean toward the Mondraker, Specialized, Moustache, or Haibike.

Conclusion – Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 SUV E Bike

Versatility is clearly at the top of the spec sheet for the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2, and it delivers convincingly. The angle-adjustable stem, high beam light function, solid riding stability, and 30 kg of load capacity make it a dependable companion for both daily use and weekend adventures. That said, the lack of ABS is a clear downside. All in all, Hercules makes up for it with a fair and competitive price point.

More information at hercules-bikes.de.

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The Test Field

You can find an overview of this comparison test here:
The best SUV e-bike of 2025 – The 10 hottest SUV e-bikes in comparison

All bikes in review: CENTURION Lhasa R2000, Haibike ADVENTR 11 ABS, Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2, Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave, KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave, Mondraker Chaser X, Moustache Clutch 150.7 EQ, Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion, SCOTT Axis eRIDE FS 10, Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0.

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Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Lars Engmann, Robin Schmitt