KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave on Test – The Best SUV E Bike of 2025? Low-maintenance Range Champion?

Sporty and innovative – that’s how the aluminium pioneers KETTLER confidently describe their latest SUV e bike. The PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave combines a low step-through frame with Pinion’s low-maintenance motor-gearbox unit and a powerful 960 Wh battery. But how sporty can a step-through really be – and does the concept work? We put the bike to the test.

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

German heritage brand KETTLER once made bicycle history with their pioneering use of aluminium. As early as 1978, the company was embracing what was then a revolutionary lightweight construction method. Today, aluminium is more associated with durability and good value, while lightweight performance tends to be the domain of carbon fibre.

With its latest SUV e bike, KETTLER is going all-in on range, equipping the PINNIATO FS SPORT with a massive 960 Wh battery. If that’s not enough, a range extender can be added as an option. But instead of powering a conventional mid-drive motor with chain drivetrain, the setup feeds the German-made Pinion MGU 1.12 motor-gearbox unit, paired with a belt drive. The PINNIATO series includes both full-suspension bikes and hardtails. The COMFORT models feature Pinion’s 9-speed MGU, while our € 7,999 test bike comes with the 12-speed version. There’s also a speed-pedelec variant available.

KETTLER already offer a wide range of e-city and trekking bikes, though up to now, all of them have been based on Bosch drive systems. The brand’s only true SUV e bike so far has been the QUADRIGA DUO CX12 FS SUV, best known for its dual-battery concept. This model features two Bosch PowerTube batteries with 625 Wh each, delivering maximum range for long-distance riders.

Comfort Before Sport – What Sets the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave Apart?

At first glance, the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave looks like a typical step-through city bike – the kind you’ll see dozens of times a day in German city centres. But a closer look reveals the discreetly integrated rear suspension and the absence of a cassette. KETTLER combine Pinion’s MGU motor-gearbox unit with a belt drive to deliver low-maintenance performance, high comfort, and impressive range. With its 960 Wh battery, the PINNIATO has the largest-capacity battery in the entire field of our SUV e bike group test. That big battery also adds daily convenience: more capacity means fewer charging sessions. And if that’s not enough, a 535 Wh range extender can be added. To install it, you’ll need an adapter plate, mounting kit, battery plug, and the extender itself, totaling around € 845. One important note: the system must be activated by an authorized FIT dealer.

Even though the KETTLER PINNIATO carries the “Sport” label in its name, the step-through design doesn’t exactly scream athleticism at first glance. With its chunky tubing, the bike looks more robust and comfort-oriented – you’ll cruise to the beer garden in style. The powerful Pinion drive unit is discreetly integrated into the frame, far more subtly than on bikes like the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT pinion, where the bulky MGU is much more visually prominent. When it comes to shock placement, however, KETTLER haven’t fully embraced the “form follows function” approach. While the shock valve is accessible, the rebound adjuster is tough to reach, hidden in a recess on top of the motor – much like on the Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave. That said, most SUV e bike riders probably won’t be fiddling with rebound settings all that often anyway – set and forget.

The GATES CARBON belt is rated to last up to 30,000 km. During that time, all it needs is the occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth. And thanks to the generously sized, flex-mounted aluminium belt guard, it’s unlikely to get very dirty in the first place. The motor-gearbox unit requires an oil change every 10,000 km; beyond that, the entire drivetrain is virtually maintenance-free. That’s perfect for a bike designed to handle everyday use without fuss. What we didn’t like as much: the messy cable routing in front of the handlebars. In some spots, you can even see exposed wiring at the connectors – not what you’d expect at this price point!

Unfortunately, the mudguards don’t quite live up to the expectations set by the € 8,000 price tag. They look relatively cheap, and don’t wrap around the tire as far as those on competing models. On a more positive note, we really like the charging port: it’s positioned just below the top tube, where it’s easy to access, and protected by a spring-loaded cover. The battery can be unlocked with a key and removed from the down tube for convenient indoor charging.

Similar to SCOTT’s Axis eRIDE FS 10, KETTLER equips its SUV e bike with quick-releases – one at the front axle and another on the seatpost clamp. While this is convenient for adjusting the saddle height between different users, it also increases the risk of theft and vandalism. In our view, quick-releases – even when nicely integrated, as on the PINNIATO – are more of a liability than a benefit on an everyday bike. The adjustable stem is a different story: it meaningfully adds to the bike’s comfort and versatility. That said, it can’t completely make up for the narrow handlebars and overly long stem, which limit control and responsiveness.

The MonkeyLoad-compatible rear rack is rated for up to 20 kg of cargo, making the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave well-suited for grocery runs and longer tours with luggage. KETTLER also gives the bike trailer approval. However, the total permissible weight must always be kept in mind. While 145 kg may sound like a lot at first, once you subtract the bike’s considerable weight and 20 kg of cargo, that only leaves 92 kg for the rider and gear. For taller riders, even those with a slim build, that can be cutting it close, particularly if you want to add the hefty range extender battery too

Size	43 cm	48 cm	53 cm
Top Tube	614 mm	635 mm	660 mm
Seat Tube	–	–	–
Head Tube	130 mm	140 mm	160 mm
Head Angle	–	–	–
Seat Angle	69.5°	69.5°	69.5°
Chainstay	512 mm	512 mm	512 mm
BB Drop	50 mm	50 mm	50 mm
Wheelbase	1,236 mm	1,256 mm	1,283 mm
Reach	418 mm	435 mm	453 mm
Stack	659 mm	669 mm	687 mm

Another Pedal Strike Already? What is the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave Capable Of?

The dropper post makes getting started on the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave even easier, despite its already low step-through design – though it doesn’t exactly invite sporty riding. The seating position is very upright and ultra-comfortable, almost reminiscent of a classic Dutch bike – though one that definitely never had a drive unit as powerful as this. The Pinion MGU, especially with its effective automatic shifting, fits perfectly with the character of this comfort-focused, low-maintenance everyday bike. Activating the automatic mode is super easy: just hold down the shifter for five seconds until an “A+” appears on the display, and let the bike do the thinking. The motor always provides enough power to handle steep climbs – even with luggage – and the overall comfort doesn’t suffer under load. Thanks to the large battery and relaxed riding position, the PINNIATO FS SPORT practically earns touring bike status.

That said, we would’ve liked a bit more direct and lively handling. This hefty step-through feels somewhat sluggish and responds to steering input rather reluctantly. Still, it handles off-road riding reasonably well – as long as you stay seated. The geometry just isn’t designed for standing up. On top of that, the low bottom bracket leads to frequent and unpleasant pedal strikes; even in tighter corners, you’ll need to watch your pedal position to avoid hitting the ground unexpectedly. Riding fun on the KETTLER step-through comes mainly from taking things slow and steady. But if that’s your vibe, the PINNIATO FS SPORT is a joy to cruise – perfect for relaxed leisure rides.

One thing the KETTLER is missing: ABS! This relaxed, comfort-focused bike practically begs for the added safety of an anti-lock braking system. Here’s hoping we’ll soon see a combination of the low-maintenance Pinion drive and an ABS system. That said, even without this safety upgrade, the MAGURA MT5 eSTOP four-piston brakes deliver strong stopping power. The brake levers do take a bit of getting used to, though.

Who is the KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave For?

The KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT is ideal for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, no-fuss everyday bike. Its powerful, practical drive system and oversized battery make this step-through perfectly suited for daily errands, relaxed cruises to the beer garden, and long, leisurely tours. Riders with mobility issues might be put off by its hefty weight and sluggish handling, and sporty riders won’t find what they’re looking for here either. But for everyone else, it’s a capable and comfortable full-fledged car replacement for urban life.

Conclusion – KETTLER PINNIATO FS SPORT Wave

Innovative and well thought out – the combination of a comfortable step-through frame and a powerful, low-maintenance Pinion MGU drive unit works remarkably well. However, the somewhat sluggish handling and lack of ABS feel a little disappointing given the steep price tag. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your crank position in corners to avoid pedal strikes. That said, the KETTLER SUV e bike scores highly with its large battery, relaxed riding position, and solid everyday practicality, making it a great fit for city use and suburban cruising alike.

More information at: kettler-alu-rad.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