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
35.56 kg in size M | € 6,999 | Manufacturer website
With over 100 years of history, Kalkhoff have been producing bikes in Germany since 1919. In an era of globalised production, with manufacturing and assembly scattered across the world, Kalkhoff have stuck to their roots. They’re not just a German brand; the frames are still manufactured in Cloppenburg, in north-western Germany. But is there more to this than just historical nostalgia?
Five years after launching the first Entice series SUV e bike, Kalkhoff is now introducing the new Entice 7+ Excite ABS. The name says it all, hoping to entice new riders with its appealing combination of everyday practicality, digital connectivity, and off-road capability. Whether it’s theft protection, ride data logging or GPS tracking, the specially developed Kalkhoff app positions this e-SUV firmly in the digital age. Powering the bike is the proven Bosch Performance Line CX motor, providing 85 Nm of torque and up to 600 W peak power. Meanwhile, Bosch’s ABS system reliably slows down the considerable weight of this 35.56 kg aluminum bike, even under sudden panic braking. You get a lot of bike for your money – only the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT pinion surpasses the Entice 7+ in weight, tipping the scales at 36.28 kg. Yet heavier bikes aren’t automatically inferior.
Featuring 27.5” wheels, a low-step frame design, and a total permissible weight of 170 kg (max rider weight 120 kg), the Entice 7+ clearly targets comfort-oriented commuters, touring riders, and anyone needing to carry luggage regularly. Sportier riders haven’t been forgotten either: there’s also a conventional diamond frame option available, with 29” wheels. Both frame styles are available in three sizes.
What Sets the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV Apart?
Visually, the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV e bike impresses with a sleek, almost sculptural appearance: the mudguard and luggage rack merge seamlessly into the frame, forming a coherent unit. Between the chainstays, there’s a robust aluminium strip which follows the curve of the rear wheel, acting as a short mudguard to protect the shock, while also enhancing the stiffness of the rear triangle. The low-step design of the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave clearly prioritizes comfort over sportiness – it’s a true heavyweight: robust and built to last.
Kalkhoff deliberately chose not to equip the luggage rack with the MIK-HD system, and for good reason: as part of the unsprung mass, a child seat would be harshly jolted when riding off-road. Instead, you get a classic carrier with a spring clamp, elastic strap, and standard MIK system – visually old-school, but functionally excellent. Your baguette will stay securely stowed on a quick bakery run. With a 25 kg payload and official trailer approval, nothing stands in the way of a family outing – provided the total permissible weight of 170 kg is not exceeded.
Smart solution: The kickstand is positioned further forward on the chainstay, reducing rattling off-road. Additionally, two cleverly placed mounting points on the head tube ensure compatibility with a bottle cage or tool mount, without getting in the way.
The charging port of the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV ebike is ergonomically placed, high up on the down tube. The aluminum battery cover feels sturdy and secures easily with a click fastener. On top – literally – there are additional mounting points for a bottle cage or tool mount.
Pre-Flight Checks: The Bosch ABS System and Cockpit Check
Is the Bosch ABS system really worth it? That depends heavily on how you intend to use it. Touring mode shines in urban settings, while Allroad mode engages earlier and reliably prevents skidding when riding with low-profile SUV tires – a real safety bonus, especially on gravel. Some ABS-equipped bikes feature a Trail mode, which intervenes even later; this is not included on the Entice 7+, nor is it necessary.
On the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV e bike, only the Allroad mode of the Bosch ABS is pre-installed. Control is handled via the LED remote and the well-integrated Kiox 500 display. In real-world use, the ABS concept proves effective, but the cockpit leaves a mixed impression. While the display is neatly integrated, the cable routing feels cluttered.
Kalkhoff App – Worth Using?
It’s 8:30 in the morning. Your Kalkhoff is securely locked outside the office. The day stretches ahead, one meeting after another. While you stay focused at work, the Kalkhoff app quietly keeps watch in the background. Suddenly, your smartphone buzzes: an alarm! Inside the bike, an integrated IoT module has been triggered by suspicious movement. This is exactly the kind of scenario Kalkhoff aims to tackle. The brand’s dedicated app offers digital theft protection that goes far beyond a standard lock – and it’s included free for two years. After that, GPS tracking can be renewed for € 39.95 per year.
Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave
€ 6,999
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 500
Fork SR Sountour MOBIE36 130 mm
Shock SR Suntour EDGE Plus 120 mm
Seatpost TranzX 125 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT C ABS 203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT LINKGLIDE 1×11
Stem Cockpit 2.0, adjustable 65 mm
Handlebar Allroad Riser 730 mm
Wheels Mach1 Trucky 32 27.5″
Tires Schwalbe Jonhny Watts 2.3
Technical Data
Sizes S M L
Weight 35.56 kg
Perm. total weight 170 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 120 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes
Specific Features
adjustable stem
integrated Bosch ConnectModule
integrated IoT module
ABS
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tube | – | – | – |
| Seat Tube | – | – | – |
| Head Tube | 140 mm | 140 mm | 140 mm |
| Head Angle | 68° | 68° | 68° |
| Seat Angle | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay | – | – | – |
| BB Drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,235 mm | 1,235 mm | 1,242 mm |
| Reach | 411 mm | 411 mm | 415 mm |
| Stack | 631 mm | 631 mm | 641 mm |
What Can the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV E Bike Do – And Do You Really Ride a Step-Through Standing Up?
From the very first swing through the deep step-through frame, it’s clear: the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS SUV e bike is built for comfort. The riding position is compact, with your arms close to your body, and the curved handlebars immediately create a sense of connection with the bike. However, compared to sportier competitors like the Hercules NOS FS SUV 4.2 or the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion, the steering feels a bit more sluggish – though this doesn’t take away from the bike’s overall comfort.
What you do notice, however, is the hefty weight of 35.56 kg: despite sharing the same Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Entice 7+ feels a bit less lively on climbs compared to lighter bikes in the test. That said, these differences are only really noticeable when riding the bikes back-to-back. The Shimano DEORE XT LINKGLIDE 11-speed drivetrain offers plenty of gear range to tackle steep climbs – even in our hilly home city of Stuttgart.
On cobblestones or when rolling over high curbs, the bike’s 120 mm of rear travel really comes into its own, delivering a smooth, comfortable ride with more stability than you’d expect from a step-through design. Off the tarmac, the Kalkhoff surprised us on the test trail with a calm, composed character – at least, while in the saddle. The suspension easily absorbs small hits from roots and rocks. Mountain bikers might want to sit this one out, however: once you stand up, the bike feels noticeably less stable. Experienced riders will need to adjust their riding style accordingly. Even though the 125 mm TranzX dropper post offers a bit of extra room to move, our recommendation is clear – stay seated and let the suspension do the work!
Especially valuable, whether in the city or on rough dirt tracks is the Bosch ABS on the front wheel. The system engages reliably and reassuringly, offering a noticeable boost in safety. It’s particularly useful for less experienced riders, but even seasoned cyclists will benefit from the added confidence it provides.
And in everyday use? Whether you’re commuting to the office or doing your weekly grocery run, the bike stays pleasantly composed, even when fully loaded with ORTLIEB panniers – no wobble, no shake. The Supernova MINI 3 PRO light with high beam, activated via a dedicated handlebar button, delivers powerful illumination. Only the low-mounted rear light is somewhat poorly positioned. The removable battery is a practical feature for anyone without access to a charging socket at their parking spot.
That leaves the question of fun: can a step-through e bike actually be fun and engaging to ride? We were skeptical – after all, our testers usually gravitate toward sportier performance bikes. But the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ pleasantly surprised us. It doesn’t deliver aggressive sportiness, but instead offers a relaxed, intuitive ride that invites you to just cruise along and enjoy the journey.
Who is the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave For?
The Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV ebike is ideal for everyday riders looking to leave the car behind more often. It’s built for urban use, daily commutes, and weekend shopping trips – stable, comfortable, and offering plenty of load capacity. Thanks to its robust build, composed handling, and included GPS tracking, it delivers exactly the sense of security that you want in city traffic. However, all that comfort comes at a cost: weighing in at over 35 kg, the Kalkhoff isn’t ideal for those who frequently need to carry their bike up stairs or onto trains. While the saddle includes an ergonomic grip function that helps with manoeuvring, it doesn’t make the bike any lighter. But if you’re after a thoughtfully designed, well-built SUV ebike for everyday urban use – and aren’t afraid to load it up – the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave will be a reliable companion.
If you’d like to take a closer look at the Kalkhoff Entice 5+ with belt drive, head over to our sister magazine DOWNTOWN – in the test of the Advance Belt-Drive you’ll find out whether the combination of Bosch motor and Gates belt really delivers the ultimate carefree e-bike experience in everyday life.
Conclusion – Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave SUV E Bike
The overall concept works: the Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave is a well-designed, solidly built step-through SUV e bike tailored for everyday use – even if it’s a bit more laid-back in terms of power and handling compared to the sportier models in its class. A major highlight is the Kalkhoff app with GPS tracking, included for two years. Minor drawbacks include the somewhat messy cable routing at the cockpit. Bottom line: a practical step-through bike with added safety and smart features.
Tops
- Very stable ride
- App connectivity
- Solid frame and battery cover build quality
Flops
- Heavy overall weight
- Cluttered cockpit
- Less lively, somewhat sluggish handling
More information at: kalkhoff-bikes.com.
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.
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Lars Engmann, Robin Schmitt
