SUV e-bikes: The best all-rounders for asphalt and dirt roads
SUV E-Bikes or E-SUB? What is that again? Maybe just an attempt to set yourself apart from a somewhat discredited motor vehicle, namely the SUV - and anyway, an electric bike is not a vehicle, but an e-bike, and so the sporty utility bikes are now called SUB: Sport Utility Bikes. What stands behind it is basically nothing but the further development of the trekking bike. When it was invented around three decades ago, that brought mountain bike technology to everyday and touring bikes, and at a time when a suspension fork with 80 mm travel was the norm on MTBs, 60 mm seemed a lot in everyday life. But mountain bike technology is extremely advanced, and SUV e-bikes are now rapidly catching up on conventional e-trekking bikes. More suspension travel, wider tires with a stronger profile and, last but not least, more powerful engines - this makes the SUB the significantly more off-road evolutionary stage of the E-Trekker. And while some manufacturers have taken that as a starting point, others are coming from the opposite direction, so to speak, and simply equip their e-MTBs with lights, mudguards and luggage racks - and the everyday mountain bike is ready, which is of course also quite practical as an off-road tourer.
These different approaches make E-SUBs quite a diverse affair. Some are closer to trekking bikes, others are much more sporty, with more spring travel and off-road tires that are more suited to the terrain. What they all have in common, however, is great flexibility when it comes to choosing a route, because field and forest paths through to mountain bike trails can be used with pretty much all models. And so an SUV e-bike is particularly interesting for people who want to disconnect from the road network - in rural areas, for example, where the traffic is too fast for relaxed cycling, but a network of more or less well paved farm roads lures. And the ten bikes on this Velomotion leaderboard are well equipped for this.
Bull's Landscape EVO
Off-road trekking bike at a fair price
With the new Landscape, Bulls is presenting a very affordable SUV e-bike that lacks nothing that characterizes the segment. The sports brand from Cologne specifies a 100 mm suspension fork, which already clearly sets the bike apart from typical trekking models; the 28-inch tires are a whopping 57 mm wide and have enough grip even on natural paths. With a Bosch Performance motor and 400 Wh battery, the Landscape is hardly any less lively and powerful than bikes with the CX motor, which is actually intended for e-MTB use. It is only by doing without the most powerful Bosch unit that it is possible to offer an E-SUB in this price range.
Strong with Bosch Performance
With a nine-speed derailleur (11-36 teeth), the Bulls is also equipped for steeper climbs. The mechanical disc brakes are a little less easy to dose than the hydraulic version, but ultimately just as snappy and functionally reliable. A positive feature of an e-bike in this price range is the bright headlight, which comes into its own on cross-country trips at night. The Purion display of the Bosch drive, which is located on the left handlebar grip, is functional and unobtrusive; System components can be easily attached to the MonkeyLoad luggage carrier.
Conclusion
Bulls has created an unusually inexpensive E-SUB that hardly requires any compromises. The Bosch Performance motor in particular is a good choice and powerful enough for pretty much all areas of use - even for touring on unpaved paths.
Price: 3.099 euros / bulls.de
Pegasus Savino Evo 12
E-SUB in its purest form
What makes the E-SUB genre so fascinating is shown in its purest form by the Pegasus Savino. With an upright posture and curved handlebars, it looks like a typical touring bike, but the technology is tough: Pegasus specifies the current Bosch CX motor with a 750 Wh battery and Smart System, which stands for an app and connectivity functions; with 85 Nm of torque, the unit is also exceptionally quick and powerful on the mountain. E-mountain bike technology, for which the extremely wide 10-speed derailleur gear (51-100 teeth) fits, with which you can tackle steep sections with a relaxed step, as well as the XNUMX mm spring fork, which offers large reserves.
Spring-loaded and lowerable
2,4 inch = 62 mm wide tires bring the power to the road; the large volume allows the air pressure to be reduced somewhat, which improves grip, especially on loose surfaces. Such measures are not necessary to increase riding comfort - the seat post can not only be lowered (which makes it easier to get on and off), but also spring-loaded, which is particularly positive in view of the upright posture. In everyday life as well as on tours, features such as the extremely bright 100 lux headlight and the system luggage rack are pleasantly noticeable, and so the Savino is perfect all round, be it in the city or in rural areas - although the two cannot be separated when a bike tour pending.
Conclusion
The Pegasus pleases with a powerful engine and high-quality equipment, as an everyday bike as well as a touring bike it can cope with pretty much any surface and is therefore a good choice for those who value versatility.
Price: 4.449 euros / pegasus-bikes.de
Kettler Quadriga Town & Country Pro 750
Competent in the city and in the country
Kettler has received a lot of praise for its Quadriga series. Especially the design of the frame is unique; The asymmetrical chain stays are striking, with the screwed-on chain guard visually complementing the right strut. The thin top tube of the diamond frame, on the other hand, indicates that the "men's bike" has had its day, at least from a static point of view - the single-tube frame is by far stable enough and much more comfortable when it comes to getting on and off. In this respect, the lowerable and spring-loaded seat post also proves its worth. A plus of the Kettler frame is the battery compartment that can be opened to the side - this makes it much easier to remove the large 750 watt hour battery.
The battery is easily removable
The T&C is well equipped for its price: The new Bosch CX drive with Smart System is installed, which also includes the "LED Remote" control unit on the handlebar grip. An air suspension fork with a travel of 100 mm is used, which can be fine-tuned to the rider's weight and the purpose of use, and the broadly tuned twelve-speed gearbox should not be missing either. A special feature that brings the Kettler closer to a mountain bike are the 27,5 inch wheels, which provide a bit more handiness. The additional grips at the ends of the handlebars, which allow a different grip position, are pleasant; the super-bright 100 lux spotlight and a MonkeyLink system luggage rack round off the high-quality features of this E-SUB.
Conclusion
The Kettler Town & Country is optically independent and convincingly equipped. With its 27,5-inch wheels, the E-MTB is closer than many other E-SUBs, and is also very comfortable to ride in everyday life.
Price: 4.799 euros / kettler-alu-rad.de
Yours sincerely, Amo Eko Terra
Monotube frame with harmonious motor
The supplier from the Vulkaneifel sets trends with the bikes of the Amo series: Only one frame shape is available, the step-through - a unisex model available in three sizes that makes no compromises in terms of stability. The monotube frame is not unsportsmanlike anyway; one or the other mountain biker has already noticed that the freedom of movement is significantly greater on a bike without a top tube.
SUB with street tires
What is special about the SUV e-bike from Hoheacht? Typical are features such as the 27,5-inch wheels, which are of course fitted with street tires with only a light profile – if you drive off-road more often, you need larger tires. The suspension fork has the typical 100 mm travel; the sitting position is pleasantly upright, which is also typical of E-SUB. The twelve-speed derailleur consists of components from Shimano and Sram, which harmonize perfectly. The bike is powered by the "Shimano Steps E6100" motor, which, with its compact design, can be easily integrated into the frame design and, with 60 Nm of torque, acts more harmoniously than brutely - particularly pleasant on tours where there are no extreme inclines. The 630 Wh battery is lifted up out of the frame; the cables and lines integrated from the head tube ensure a smooth-surfaced appearance.
Conclusion
The monotube frame of the Hoheacht is consistently practical, and the equipment is solid all round. This makes the Amo Eko Terra a successful all-rounder, which is not suitable for every purpose because of the weakly profiled tires.
Price: 3.699 euros / hochacht-bikes.de
Runtec Life CX7 12S 12S
"Heavy duty" with comfort
Things are always unusual at the southern Bavarian sports brand - independent frame shapes and concepts are part of the company's DNA, so it's no wonder that Corratec was also happy to take on the E-SUB. Old habits were cut short in Raubling and the top tube and the diamond frame ended up in the moth box: The Life CX may be a "heavy duty" bike with a double down tube for around 150 kilos of payload, but the classic "bar" is gone, so that the frame also allows men to climb comfortably. The bike, which is available in five sizes, is designed for a comfortable, upright sitting position, with an adjustable stem providing flexibility in the position of the handlebars, as is the case almost everywhere.
Smart system and strong brake
In terms of drive technology, the Corratec has a lot to offer: the new Bosch Smart System is on board with the powerful CX motor, 750 Wh battery and refinements such as the "LED Remote" control unit on the handlebars. The motor and battery complement each other perfectly when it comes to long tours on demanding terrain – even when a portly pilot is pedaling. 27,5 inch wheels with 55 mm wide tires ensure optimal traction and improved handling, the air suspension fork with 100 mm travel can be fine-tuned. The broadly graded 203-speed gearbox comes from the MTB sector, as does the brake system with a XNUMX mm disc and four-piston brake calliper at the front - even when touring with luggage, you can come to a safe stop with it.
Conclusion
The Corratec Life CX7 is highly resilient and very solid, and well equipped. With details such as the large brake system, the bike is well suited for trips with heavy luggage.
Price: 4.499 euros / corratec.com
Flyer Goroc2 2.10
Pioneer with Panasonic
At Flyer, it's not far from SUV bikes to mountain bikes. The Swiss e-bike pioneer started out with city and touring bikes and back then relied on a mid-mounted motor from Panasonic, and like this, the brand has developed strongly in the “off-road” direction. With the completely new GX Ultimate Pro FIT, an extremely powerful MTB motor is now available that delivers its 95 Nm of torque over a large pedaling frequency range and thus offers power in every situation. The four support levels can be individualized via app; the boost mode for a short-term extra boost can be activated in any mode.
Customizable drive
The pleasantly slim unit with a 750 Wh battery also allows difficult off-road tours on a crossover bike, and you can see right away that this is one of the strengths of the Flyer. The air-sprung fork is tuned for rough terrain with 120mm of travel, and the wide 29er tires are pretty chunky. This bike is therefore more at home off-road or on nature trails. Details such as the bright lighting system and the solid luggage rack prove their worth in everyday life; the somewhat coarser graded ten-speed circuit is fine. At around 30 kilos, the Goroc is of course rather heavy - it's not a real E-MTB after all...
Conclusion
The Goroc2 is much more off-road than typical SUV e-bikes and therefore ideal for country dwellers or as an off-road touring bike for all occasions. The bike, which is available in two frame shapes, is very powerfully motorized, so that the weight disadvantage is not that serious.
Price: 5.349 euros / flyer-bikes.com
Orbea Ceramic SUV 20
“Cargo light” off-road
What makes the touring MTB an SUV is beautifully highlighted by Orbea: A striking carrier system transforms the Keram into a heavy-duty transporter that is completely suitable for everyday use with a light, mudguards and side stand. Strongly profiled tires and 100 mm air suspension fork as well as a twelve-speed gearbox and the frame geometry with an extremely flat steering angle speak a clear language when it comes to off-road riding.
So what to do with this bike? With a load capacity of 15 kilos on the front carrier and a full 25 kilos at the rear, the Keram SUV is predestined for long tours with a lot of luggage. The good directional stability suits this purpose just as well as the high-torque Bosch CX motor, and only the rather small battery with 500 watt hours could stand in the way of long daily journeys. However, there is an adapter solution for a second battery for a surcharge; in any case, you could carry another power storage device with you in your luggage.
High beam and alarm folding lock
But the ceramic has even more to offer. An extremely bright front light with switchable high beam is installed, which even has a button on the handlebar grip; an "Abus Bordo Alarm" folding lock is also supplied. And last but not least, a variant that is a whopping 1.000 euros cheaper is interesting, the Keram SUV 30 - with a 400 Wh battery and gently pushing Bosch Active motor, it is definitely good as an urban cargo bike.
Conclusion
Orbea turns the E-MTB into an all-terrain touring bike with a lot of potential and very good equipment. Equally interesting is the inexpensive variant, which is more tailored to everyday use.
Price: 3.799 euros / orbea.com
Zemo SU-E 12 Supreme
Premium SUV e-bike with a lot of comfort
The premium brand from Cologne was one of the first to recognize the potential of MTB technology in touring e-bikers. "Sport Utility" is already in the name and can be recognized by numerous features. The company installs the proven Bosch CX motor with a 625 watt hour battery in the down tube; Long-distance riders can mount a second battery on the tube. The bike rolls on wide 27,5-inch wheels that are ideal for this purpose; the high-quality Shimano XT gears serve twelve widely spaced gears. A sensitive, responsive air suspension fork with 100 mm travel should not be missing; the lowerable suspension seat post ensures comfort in two ways. The Supernova lighting system with automatic brake lights and high beams that can be switched on at the push of a button comes into its own in everyday life and on tours. On closer inspection, the Zemo surprises with clever details: the charging socket for the battery is easily accessible at the top of the rear triangle; There is a magnetic drinking bottle holder on the head tube and a built-in GPS module can be used to determine your position in the event of theft or an accident.
Sports tourer with a powerful engine
Despite all the comfort, the SU-E is blessed with a thoroughly sporty seating position. It is less of a powerful city bike and more of a comfortable tourer for longer distances and with luggage, and will delight discerning frequent riders.
Conclusion
With high-quality technology, SUB pioneer Zemo shows what a sporty all-rounder for everyday use, touring and off-road can look like. And the bike is also optimally equipped in detail.
Price: 5.399 euros / zemo.com
Storck Urban CTS Crossover 1×10
Lightweight with a smooth motor
Anyone who equates SUB with sportiness in everyday life will certainly find the Storck interesting. The innovative brand interprets the topic from a different angle and places as little weight as possible at the center of its efforts. That fits, since Storck has decades of experience with racing machines and mountain bikes made of carbon fiber, and so the light material also comes into its own in crossovers. After all, a mountain bike not only has to be strong, but also light and handy, and the Storck is definitely that with a total weight of around 19 kilos. And where a bike weighs eight to ten kilos less than the average, the motor power doesn't have to be brutal either: The Shimano E60, which at 6100 Nm is not quite as high in torque, is designed for trekking and urban bikes, but is also powerful enough for demanding tours and thanks to the 540 Wh battery it is definitely suitable for long journeys.
Comfort despite rigid fork
Of course, a rigid fork is at a disadvantage in terms of comfort and shock absorption, but the fiber material has a certain self-damping effect, and Storck also specifies 60 mm wide tires, which also have a vibration-reducing effect. With a strong profile, they are ideal for loose surfaces, so that the Urban CTS is by no means dependent on slippery roads. Only the somewhat narrow gear ratio range of the 11-34 cassette could weigh heavily on demanding tours on steep sections.
With a spring seat post for additional comfort and a bright lighting system from Busch & Müller, as well as an elegant carrier for side bags, the Storck is all-round competent in everyday life; the side stand is not missing either. And if you use the bike in the city, you will be happy about the low weight every day when you go up the stairs in the morning and down to the bike cellar in the evening.
Conclusion
With carbon instead of a suspension fork, Storck relies on lightweight construction. This promises versatility and riding fun, even if the black bike could lose out on very steep climbs due to the slightly less high-torque motor and the short gear ratio.
Price: 4.499 euros / storck-bikes.com
Haibike Trekking 8 Low
The turning of the E-MTB
Haibike is one of the "inventors" of the E-MTB - more than ten years ago, the developers turned the Bosch engine block upside down and thus provided the necessary ground clearance for off-road rides. In the meantime, the supplier's motors have developed significantly, but Haibike has remained true to its construction principle on the trekking model and can achieve a slightly shorter wheelbase with the drive unit rotated upwards. In any case, the bike has its own design language with the steep central tube that houses the 750 Wh battery of the new Bosch CX system, which includes the LED remote on the handlebar grip and the compact Kiox display.
Perfectly soled with crossover tires
You can't go wrong with one of the most modern and powerful drive systems on the market, and neither can you with the other features of the Haibike. A 100 mm steel suspension fork is fitted – a bit heavier but requires less maintenance than an air suspension fork – there is also a wide range of eleven gears, and of course there are also a luggage rack and side stand fitted. An extremely bright headlight is mounted on the stem, just the way you want it on tours that last into the dark. Haibike also relies on 27,5-inch wheels and thus remains true to its MTB roots; the 60 mm wide Schwalbe Al Grounder are described by the manufacturer as "crossover tires for e-SUV and touring bikes" - so they fit perfectly.
Conclusion
The Haibike, which is available in three frame shapes, cannot deny its MTB roots in terms of equipment and character. The technology is high-quality, the look striking - this makes the bike the perfect SUV e-bike.
Price: 4.299 euros / haibike.com
More information about E-SUV bikes:

SUV e-bikes: The all-rounders among the bikes?
They are a current trend topic on the bicycle market: SUV e-bikes. Almost every major manufacturer has at least one trekking model with wide tires on offer for 2022. What characterizes the bikes and why are they currently in such high demand? Similar to the sport utility vehicles (SUV) in the car sector, the abbreviation for e-bikes stands for an off-road, sporty […]
To the list of top gravel bikes with full equipment:

Ten touring athletes for every purpose: List of the best gravel bikes with full equipment
From gravel bike to all-rounder: Wide tyres, racing handlebars and full equipment result in a coherent concept in the area of tension between sporty driving pleasure and practical everyday use. This Velomotion leaderboard shows the ten best gravel bikes with full equipment for commuters, touring cyclists and bikepackers. The triumph of the gravel bike has brought a type of bike that had almost been forgotten back into focus: the touring bike, […]