Review of the Kalkhoff Entice 3: A Versatile All-Road Hybrid Bike
The Kalkhoff Entice 3 is, first and foremost, a confusing name. “Entice 3” doesn’t refer to a single model but to a family of bikes: the old 3.B Move from 2023 has little in common with the current 3 Advance other than the logo on the frame. Different motor, different battery, different riding experience. Anyone buying a used one without realizing this risks a nasty surprise. Broadly speaking, the Entice 3 is an all-road bike: designed for commuting, recreational riding, rough pavement, and light trail riding. It’s neither a city bike nor MTB, but rather a sturdy hybrid between the two categories. Here’s what it is, what it isn’t, and why this distinction matters especially when buying a refurbished model.
Key points
- The Entice 3 is an all-road hybrid bike designed for city riding, commuting, and light trails—not an MTB .
- The current Advance model is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX (Smart System) and a built-in 600 Wh battery; the older 3.B Move models often have a less powerful motor and a smaller battery.
- Weighing about 28 kg, it is stable when ridden but difficult to carry or store in tight spaces.
Entice 3 Specifications at a Glance
| Component | Entice 3 Advance | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Allroad Hybrid Bike | City, Commute, Leisure |
| Engine | Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System | Coasts, bridges, headwinds |
| Battery | Integrated Bosch PowerTube 600 Wh | Everyday use, long rides |
| Display | Bosch Purion 200 | For those who want something compact and simple |
| Speeds | Shimano 9-Speed Cues | Commuters, recreational outings |
| Brakes | 180 mm hydraulic discs | High-power, all-purpose outputs |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM32, 100 mm of travel | Cobblestones, tree roots, poor pavement |
| tires | Schwalbe Smart Sam, 57 mm | Asphalt and mixed-surface roads |
| Weight | About 28 kg | Less suitable for stairs |
| Gross vehicle weight | 150 kg | Heavier cyclists, luggage, child seat |
What exactly is the Kalkhoff Entice 3?
Kalkhoff positions the Entice line as the versatile option: a single bike for both city riding and day trips. The wide tires Smart Sam tires , suspension fork, and sturdy frame give it the look of a MTB but it isn’t one. The geometry is comfort-oriented yet sporty, not trail-oriented, and the 100-mm Suntour fork is a comfort fork, not a true trail fork.
Kalkhoff is part of the Pon Group and has its own testing center where frames, forks, and brakes are subjected to strict standards. This is evident in the finish. The Entice 3 is primarily aimed at riders who find a standard used e-bike too tame, but who don’t necessarily want a true off-road bike. It’s the bike for the commuter who rides on rough bike paths, the touring cyclist who occasionally takes a gravel trail, and the undecided rider who doesn’t want to choose between three categories.
Important note: There isn't just one Entice 3 model. The Advance is the current, well-equipped version. The older 3.B Move model often came with a 75 Nm Bosch Performance Line motor and a 500 Wh battery—a substantial difference that matters when buying used.
Motor and battery: the heart of Bosch
The current Entice 3 Advance is powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX with Smart System, a motor typically found on bikes that cost a few hundred euros more. It’s powerful enough for bridges, levees, and strong headwinds, with the usual four modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo). It’s controlled via the compact Purion 200 display.
The built-in 600 Wh PowerTube battery is generously sized. But don’t let that number fool you: actual range depends on the assist mode, the rider’s weight, tires pressure, temperature, and the battery’s condition. On Belgian roads, with a bit of wind and some luggage, expect a range that’s a bit shorter than what’s advertised in the brochure—but still more than enough for most commutes and day trips.
One point that really deserves attention when it comes to older models: the 3.B Move versions often came with the Performance Line (75 Nm) instead of the CX, and a smaller battery. This isn’t just a minor detail. It means less torque on climbs and a shorter range. If you’re deciding between a hybrid bike and a city bike, our article on the difference between city bikes and hybrid bikes can help you narrow down your choice.
How does it handle on asphalt, cobblestones, and forest trails?
On asphalt, the Entice 3 is stable and reassuring. The wide tires Sam tires grip well on wet surfaces, and the Bosch mid-drive motor makes for perfectly smooth starts at traffic lights. On cobblestones and dolomite, the front fork does its job: it absorbs even the harshest bumps without making the bike feel spongy.
It handles gravel paths and easy forest trails very well. That’s precisely where its limits lie: it’s a bike capable of riding off-road, not one that’s designed for it. For roots, steep descents, and technical trails, the suspension is insufficient and the geometry unsuitable. If you’re torn between the two categories, our review of the Kalkhoff Entice 5 provides a good point of comparison with the more rugged model in the lineup.
The weight is the one real downside. At around 28 kg, you hardly notice it when riding with power assist, but it becomes much more noticeable when maneuvering through a narrow hallway, hoisting it onto a bike rack, or bringing it inside with a dead battery. For me, this is the deciding factor: if you have storage on the ground floor, the weight isn’t a problem at all; if you live on the third floor without an elevator, it’s a daily chore.
What should you look out for when buying a refurbished Entice 3 refurbished
That's where the Entice 3 really gets interesting. new, it's expensive; refurbished, you get a Bosch-powered all-terrain e-bike for significantly less, often with better technology than a new model in the same price range. At Upway, every bike undergoes a thorough inspection process where worn parts are replaced—so the most critical wear points have already been addressed.
Here are some things to consider before making your decision:
- Exact model year: 3.B Move or Advance? This determines the engine, the battery, and the actual value.
- Battery status: 600 Wh doesn't mean anything if the remaining capacity has degraded. Request a health check.
- Engine software: The Bosch Smart System must be readable without any error codes.
- Fork, brakes, and drivetrain: Suntour forks can develop play; the torque from an e-bike causes the chain and brake pads to wear out faster.
- Genuine accessories: The Bosch charger and battery wrenches must be included.
Helpful Tip
A refurbished Entice 3 Advance refurbished few charge cycles and a healthy battery often offers better performance than a new entry-level bike in the same price range. To compare it with another Kalkhoff model that’s very popular in the city, check out our review of the Kalkhoff Image 3.
FAQ
Is the Kalkhoff Entice 3 an MTB
No. It's an all-road e-bike designed for everyday use, recreation, and light off-road riding. Despite its tires and sporty look, neither the suspension nor the geometry match the capabilities of a true MTB .
What motor and battery are used in the Entice 3?
The current Entice 3 Advance uses a Bosch Performance Line CX with Smart System and a built-in 600 Wh PowerTube battery. Older 3.B Move models often have a 75 Nm Performance Line and a smaller battery—a noticeable difference in real-world use.
How much does the Kalkhoff Entice 3 weigh?
The current model weighs about 28 kg. It’s a stable bike that feels secure to ride, but it’s difficult to carry or store. Having a storage space at ground level is a real advantage in everyday life.
Is the Entice 3 suitable for commuting?
Yes, that's exactly what it's designed for. The combination of a comfortable riding position, tires , a rack, lights, and a powerful mid-drive motor makes it an ideal bike for daily commutes on a variety of road surfaces. Check out other suitable models in our selection of refurbished e-bikes.
Why buy a refurbished Entice 3 refurbished
Because you can get a used all-road e-bike with Bosch motor for less than a new and often with better technology than a new model. Be sure to check the model year, battery condition, and motor status before making any decision.
Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: June 26, 2026 | 5-minute read
About the Author: Jos Mans
Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.