Testing the Kalkhoff Image 3 E-bike: a family of bikes
Kalkhoff does not manufacture e-bikes for the indecisive. But the name "Image 3" actually covers five quite different machines: Move, Move BLX, Advance, Excite, and Excite BLX, each with its own motor, battery, and distinct total permissible weight. Ignoring these differences means running the risk of buying the wrong model.
Written by: Jos Mans | February 27, 2026 | Reading time: 5minutes
About the author: Jos Mans
Jos is a writer and cyclist, most often both at the same time. With thousands of miles under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the move and telling stories.
Key findings
- Image 3 is not a single bike, but a complete range. The gap between the entry-level model (Move, 50 Nm) and the top-of-the-range model (Excite BLX, 85 Nm) is greater than you might think.
- The total permissible weight increases from 130 kg on Move versions to 150 kg on Advance and Excite versions. For heavier cyclists or families with luggage, this is a decisive factor.
- Refurbished Image 3 models are particularly attractive: Bosch Smart System hardware changes very little from year to year, unlike the price.
The five variants at a glance
| Version | Engine | Couple | Battery | Transmission | Training | Luggage rack | Gross vehicle weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Move | Bosch Active Line Plus Smart | 50 Nm | 500 Wh | Shimano Nexus 8 | Channel | MIK 25 kg | 130 kg |
| Move BLX | Bosch Active Line Plus Smart | 50 Nm | 500 Wh | Shimano Nexus 8 | Gates CDX belt | MIK 25 kg | 130 kg |
| Advance | Bosch Performance Line Smart | 75 Nm | 540 Wh | Shimano Nexus 5 | Channel | MIK HD 27 kg | 150 kg |
| Excite | Bosch Performance Line Smart | 75 Nm | 600 Wh | Shimano Nexus 5 | Gates CDC belt | MIK HD 27 kg | 150 kg |
| Excite BLX | Bosch Performance Line PX Smart | 85 Nm | 600 Wh | Enviolo Trekking | Gates CDX belt | MIK HD 27 kg | 150 kg |
Two things immediately stand out: the total permissible weight increases from 130 to 150 kg as soon as you move beyond the Move, and the Advance has a more powerful motor while reverting to a Nexus 5 instead of a Nexus 8. This is something to bear in mind when reading the technical specifications.
Not just one bike, but a whole range
Last month, I spoke with Thijs, a 47-year-old construction worker in Utrecht who travels 22 km a day to get to his job sites. He had bought a used Image 3 Advance (2022, chain, Performance Line 75 Nm).
"I didn't even know there were several versions," he told me. "The salesperson said 'Image 3' and I thought, perfect."
Thijs is satisfied. But when he learned that there was also an 85 Nm version with an Enviolo Trekking continuously variable hub and Gates CDX belt drive, he paused for a moment:
"I might have saved up a little longer."
That's the whole problem with the Image 3 family: the entry-level model looks very similar to the most exclusive version. Same frame, very similar aesthetics. But under the hood, the differences are significant.
The Move is powered by a Bosch Active Line Plus Smart motor: 50 Nm, 500 Wh battery, Shimano Nexus 8. A quiet motor that's great for city riding. It provides assistance without being intrusive, but shows its limitations in strong headwinds or on steep bridges.
The ANWB tested the Move BLX (belt version) in 2022 and measured a real-world range of 62 km in favorable conditions and 43 km in more demanding use.
The Advance and Excite models are in a league of their own, featuring a Bosch Performance Line Smart motor with 75 Nm of torque. You can feel the difference from the very first few meters. Bosch claims up to 340% assistance and 600 watts of peak power. These are marketing figures, of course, but they are close to reality on the road.
What the industry rarely says about internal gear hubs
The Image 3 is equipped with an integrated gear hub: Shimano Nexus on most versions, Enviolo on the Excite BLX. This is a deliberate and understandable choice by Kalkhoff.
Integrated hubs require little maintenance, allow you to change gears while stationary, and can last for decades under normal use. But there is a downside: shifting gears under heavy load accelerates wear and tear. On an e-bike, this is a common occurrence.
The Enviolo Trekking hub on the Excite BLX largely solves this problem: continuous variation, gear changes possible under load, robustness suited to everyday use with luggage. The difference in comfort between a Nexus 5 (Advance/Excite) and the Enviolo is clear, especially in urban traffic with frequent stops.
Luggage racks
The Move and Move BLX models are equipped with a MIK luggage rack (max. 25 kg). The Advance and Excite models feature the 27 kg MIK HD (Heavy Duty) rack, which is compatible with child seats.
If you are considering installing a child seat, be sure to check the version. The extra 2 kg and HD construction are not marketing details, but technical requirements for safe use.
One thing bothers me: the Advance combines a more powerful motor with a Nexus 5 instead of a Nexus 8. A superior motor, but a more limited speed range. A choice probably dictated by weight and cost. Personally, I would have opted differently.
Which Image 3 should you choose?
The Move is suitable for those who ride exclusively in the city, on flat terrain. Sturdy, relatively lightweight, especially in the BLX belt-drive version.
The Advance is the real workhorse of the range: 75 Nm, MIK HD luggage rack, and often (in refurbished) a highly effective Purion 200 display.
The Excite BLX is the best of the five: 85 Nm Performance Line PX, Enviolo Trekking, Gates CDX belt, Kiox 300 display. This combination is no coincidence at Kalkhoff: it is the configuration designed for those who use their bike intensively on a daily basis and want to minimize maintenance. In its reconditioned version, it is probably the most attractive purchase in the entire range.
Always check the number of battery cycles and the type of transmission on a refurbished model. A 2022 Image 3 Excite with few cycles outperforms a new Move on almost every essential criterion.
Conclusion
The Kalkhoff Image 3 is a sturdy, well-designed city bike with a well-deserved reputation. But it's not a single model: it's a whole family. And each version has its own logic.
- The Move is suitable for quiet commutes.
- The Advance represents the rational compromise.
- The Excite BLX is the model you'll still be riding in ten years' time without hesitation.
Know exactly what you are buying. Check the motor, the type of luggage rack, and the total permissible weight. Ask how many cycles the battery has. The name is on the frame, but the real difference is in the specifications.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Kalkhoff Image 3 Move and the Excite BLX?
The Move is equipped with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor (50 Nm) with a 500 Wh battery. The Excite BLX features a Bosch Performance Line PX (85 Nm), 600 Wh battery, Enviolo Trekking continuously variable hub, and Gates CDX belt drive.The differences in terms of assistance, range, and riding comfort are significant.
Is the Kalkhoff Image 3 compatible with a child seat?
Only the Advance, Excite, and Excite BLX versions have a MIK HD luggage rack (27 kg max.) compatible with child seats.The Move and Move BLX have a standard MIK luggage rack with a 25 kg capacity. Always check the exact model before installation.
What range does the Kalkhoff Image 3 offer with a full charge?
It depends greatly on the version and usage profile. The ANWB measured a range of between 43 and 62 km on the Move BLX (500 Wh). The Excite with a 600 Wh battery generally achieves between 60 and 90 km, depending on the level of assistance, wind conditions, and weight carried.
Why refurbished a refurbished model attractive?
Because Bosch Smart System equipment changes very little from year to year. A 2022 Image 3 Excite is based on the same basic technology as a new model, but often costs significantly less when refurbished.