Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion on Test – The Best SUV E Bike of 2025? A Fully Equipped Street Cruiser?

“It doesn’t get more e bike than this” – that’s how German manufacturer Riese & Müller describe their Delite5 GT Pinion. With a suspended luggage rack, integrated lock, and Pinion MGU, this SUV e bike tips the scales at around 36 kg. And they’re not wrong – more really isn’t possible. But can this feature-loaded heavyweight make up for the extra kilos with everyday practicality? We put it 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

Riese & Müller have earned their reputation as a premium manufacturer over the decades – and the Delite series of SUV e bikes has played a key role in that success in recent years. Unlike the brand’s latest generation of SUV e bikes, the older Delite4 models come with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and traditional derailleur drivetrain. For an extra € 400, Bosch ABS 2.0 can be added as an option. The Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion, however, doesn’t offer ABS – neither as standard nor as an upgrade. That’s because R&M equips its newest SUV e bike with the Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU) from fellow German manufacturer Pinion. The goal? To build a rugged, worry-free street cruiser that blends off-road capability with high payload capacity and minimal maintenance. Riese & Müller also promise maximum comfort through what it calls “Control Technology”. That’s a fancy way of saying that the Delite5 is a full-suspension SUV e bike with a luggage rack that’s part of the suspended frame – a feature kids in child seats will definitely appreciate.

In addition to the 25 km/h version we tested, Riese & Müller also offer the Delite5 as a “HS” model for € 400 more – a license-required S-pedelec that provides motor support up to 45 km/h. Both versions are available in Amber and Stone Grey. Due to local regulations, the Riese & Müller Delite5 is not currently available in countries like Canada, the USA, New Zealand, or Australia. Riese & Müller have not provided any information on when this might change.

What Sets the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion Apart? A Fully Thought-Through Concept

Low-maintenance Pinion drivetrain, a suspended luggage rack that’s child seat compatible, an integrated frame lock with additional chain, and off-road kit with grippier tires – Riese & Müller take the SUV e bike concept seriously and follow it through without compromise. That includes the high-quality finish of the Delite5 GT Pinion. It’s an imposing presence, with refined styling around the casing of the big, robust-looking MGU.
Naturally, that raises the question of weight for this all-terrain street cruiser. Our fully equipped test bike weighs in at a hefty 36.3 kg in size 51, making it the heaviest model in the group test. Close behind is the step-through Kalkhoff Entice 7+ Excite ABS Wave at 35.6 kg – though it lacks both child seat approval and the bulky Pinion MGU. And it’s precisely the Pinion MGU that makes the R&M Delite5 GT Pinion so special. With no chain or cassette, drivetrain maintenance and wear are significantly reduced. The gearbox requires an oil change only every 10,000 km, and the belt is rated for around 30,000 km. On top of that, you can shift while stationary or under load – and the German-made motor-gearbox unit even offers an automatic shifting mode. Sounds perfect, right? In principle, yes. However, if something does go wrong unexpectedly – like a snapped belt, despite the long-life claim – a trip to the workshop becomes unavoidable.

Centrally positioned above the stem, the large and highly legible FIT Display Comfort shows all of the key data in a clear, well-organized layout. There’s even a USB-C charging port for your smartphone. Combined with the intuitively designed FIT Remote Basic, operating the Riese & Müller Delite5 SUV e bike is simple and convenient. Basic settings can be changed directly on the bike with ease. For more advanced adjustments – such as configuring the automatic shifting – we prefer using the FIT E-Bike Control app. Speaking of automatic shifting: Auto.Shift performed very well in our test, and fits perfectly with the character of a low-maintenance, everyday bike. Once you’ve adjusted parameters like cadence and start gear to your personal preferences, you’ll almost always find yourself in the right gear. And if not, you can override the automatic mode at any time via the shift lever. You’ll find more on this in our in-depth e bike motor test.

High Weight = High-End?

Granted, the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion checks all the boxes of what we expect from a modern, all-purpose SUV e bike. Still, its considerable weight – over 36 kg – can’t be ignored. Does a fully equipped bike really have to be this heavy? Or shouldn’t “premium” also mean finding the best possible balance between weight and stability? That’s exactly what we asked the manufacturer. Here’s what Julia Werling, Communication Expert at Riese & Müller, had to say:

A fully equipped premium bike like the Delite is naturally heavier – but for good reasons that are directly tied to the model’s intended use. The focus here isn’t on maximum agility, like with a mountain bike designed for downhill riding, but rather on comfort, stability, and range over long distances. That’s exactly how bikes like the Delite are typically used. It starts with a stable riding position that enables a relaxed, ergonomic posture even over many hours. To achieve that, you need a thoughtfully designed frame – often with slightly thicker material that also increases robustness and allows for higher payloads. The large tires contribute to the overall weight as well, but they offer improved grip and a high level of comfort, especially on mixed terrain. Paired with a suspension kit, the bike becomes long-distance-ready and helps protect the rider from fatigue – but again, this adds weight. Another factor is range: riders who go on extended tours need a powerful motor and a large battery – both of which add weight. But that’s a conscious trade-off for greater independence and safety on the road. In short: yes, the bike is heavier – but that’s the result of a deliberate focus on touring capability, comfort, and durability. It’s not about reducing weight at all costs, but about providing the most sensible setup for the intended purpose.

There’s no sign of cost-cutting on the R&M Delite5 – everything feels cohesive, solid, and thoughtfully selected. That goes for the mudguards, integrated lighting, rack, and especially the battery cover. To remove it, you’ll first need a FIDLOCK magnetic key, followed by a mechanical key. It’s a secure system, but also a bit complex, since you always need to carry both keys with you.

The large, sturdy luggage rack is part of the suspended frame, so it doesn’t get shaken around as much as racks mounted directly to the rear triangle. The MIK HD-compatible rack – with “HD” standing for Heavy Duty – can carry loads of up to 27 kg. That includes a child seat and passenger, who will especially benefit from the rack’s suspension. This makes the Riese & Müller Delite5 the only SUV e bike in our test field that is officially approved to carry a child. With trailer approval for up to 80 kg, you can even bring along a sibling – as long as the total system weight of 160 kg isn’t exceeded.

Safety First!

If theft protection means “Build a bike that weighs over 36 kg, because no one’s going to run off with it,” then Riese & Müller nailed it with the Delite5 GT Pinion. Herniated disc included!
Joking aside, the folks from Hesse take theft protection seriously. The bike features a heavy-duty mechanical lock, which can be combined with an optional ABUS frame lock chain, and a digital anti-theft system complete with motion alarm on your smartphone. The lighting system even includes a “Disco” mode – a strobe-style flashing light that activates when the bike is moved without authorization – plus GPS tracking.

Safety while riding is also a priority: the Delite5 is equipped with the Supernova TL3 PRO rear light, which includes an integrated brake light – a safety feature we’d love to see on every SUV e bike.
Rounding out the all-in-one security package are Riese & Müller’s RX Services. These include theft and damage insurance, a digital lock with motion detection, and location-based recovery via GPS if your bike gets stolen. The first year is free, after which the service costs between € 9 and € 14 per month, depending on the coverage level.

Size	47	51	56
Top Tube	575 mm	621 mm	666 mm
Seat Tube	–	–	–
Head Tube	153 mm	174 mm	186 mm
Head Angle	67°	67°	67°
Seat Angle	75°	75°	75°
Chainstay	495 mm	495 mm	495 mm
BB Drop	–	–	–
Wheelbase	1205 mm	1255 mm	1305 mm
Reach	400 mm	440 mm	480 mm
Stack	655 mm	675 mm	695 mm

One Bike to Rule Them All? What the R&M Delite5 GT Pinion Really Delivers

Once you’ve got the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion rolling, you settle in comfortably on this imposing SUV e bike. Thanks to the relatively low step-through and the 125 mm dropper post, mounting and dismounting is easy – though with a bike this massive, it feels more like getting into it than onto it. The cockpit impresses with solid ergonomics, and can be further tailored to your needs via the angle-adjustable stem. Once underway, the Delite5 steers willingly and tracks with excellent stability, giving off real cruiser vibes. At the same time, it’s more agile than its weight would suggest. Tight corners or narrow alleyways? No problem. It’s definitely sportier to ride than the SUV e bikes from KETTLER or Kalkhoff. Just be mindful when dismounting: don’t lean the bike too far to the side. That’s when its considerable weight becomes noticeable – particularly if you’re carrying cargo. Bikes like the CENTURION Lhasa R2000 or the Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 are easier to handle in that regard. Oh, and one more thing: our test bike came equipped with a frame-mounted front rack. It’s practical, no doubt, but takes some getting used to – front-mounted racks don’t turn with the handlebar, so you’ll want a bit of practice before diving into city traffic.

When the terrain gets rough or the trail points steeply downhill, the R&M Delite5 remains composed and inspires confidence – even with its relatively short dropper post. That confidence stems from the plush and capable FOX suspension, as well as the bike’s sheer weight, which helps it stay firmly planted on the trail. Even in hectic situations, this heavyweight SUV e bike remains easy to control. And when things get tight, the TEKTRO brakes deliver strong stopping power with a good level of control. One downside: the Delite5 lacks an ABS system – and on a bike this heavy, that would be a clear safety benefit.

The real strength of the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion lies in its high payload capacity and everyday practicality. Even when fully loaded, the bike remains stable and composed – ideal for grocery runs or daily commuting. A practical bonus: the frame lock comes pre-installed, so if you just want to hop on and head out to meet friends in the city, you’re good to go. And thanks to the suspended rear rack, even bumpy paths are no problem when riding with a child on board – a true standout feature in our test field.

Who Is the Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion For?

The Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion is a versatile car replacement for families who want to use their bike not only as a means of transportation, but also for carrying kids and cargo – even on rougher terrain, if needed. It’s a great match for anyone seeking a comfortable, urban-friendly companion with solid theft protection. However, in environments with obstacles like stairs (for example, at train stations) this heavy SUV e bike isn’t ideal. Even for young and strong riders, it’s hardly portable. Climbing hills, on the other hand, is no challenge at all thanks to the powerful motor and stable handling.

Conclusion – Riese & Müller Delite5 GT Pinion SUV E Bike

Riese & Müller take the SUV e bike concept to its logical conclusion, combining all the strengths of this category in a low-maintenance package. The Pinion MGU is a perfect match for this heavy but responsive cruiser – powerful, controllable, and extremely comfortable thanks to its automatic shifting. The brand’s extensive in-house RX Services round out an already impressive overall package. That said, the Delite5’s substantial weight makes it less suitable for everyone and every use case – and ultimately costs it the top spot in our test. Still, it shines within its own cargo-SUV niche, which is why it earns our Editors’ Choice.

More information at: R&M.com.

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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