Frequently Asked Questions

You can test the bicycles at a specialist Kalkhoff dealer at any time. You can easily find your nearest dealer using the dealer search.

► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

Alternatively, you are also welcome to visit us at a “Testival”. Our promotional trucks and trailers can be found throughout Europe and showcase our latest bike models for you.

► ALL DATES & INFO

We sell our bikes exclusively through specialist retail and are unfortunately unable to offer them for sale from a factory outlet. We would therefore request that you approach your specialist Kalkhoff dealer directly. You can find out where they are located: ► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

Bicycles and e-bikes are complex products that require a lot of consultation. That is why we rely on the specialist knowledge and experience of our dealers. There, you will receive thorough advice and be able to test several bikes. After all, we want you to get your dream bike and be able to ride it happily for a long time.

Our dealer search facility allows you to easily find a specialist dealer near you.

► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

You can get spare parts for your Kalkhoff bike from your specialist dealer. He or she will get in touch with us directly and knows exactly what the right spare parts are.

► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

You will find the 9-digit article number on your invoice or on the white sticker on the down tube of your bike, marked “P/N”.

The stamped frame number is usually located near the engine mount, down tube, seat tube or under the bottom bracket. We also recommend that you also note down the serial number ("S/N"), as this is the only way to identify the bicycle later if you need to. This is also a unique number, and can be found on the white sticker on the down pipe of your frame.

No. We are proud to say that our bikes are MADE IN GERMANY or, to be even more precise, “MADE IN CLOPPENBURG”. For over 100 years, our bikes have been produced at our factory in Cloppenburg in the north of Germany and tested at our in-house test lab. Interested in having a look around our factory? Great, we look forward to welcoming you!

► BOOK FACTORY TOUR

In principle, your dealer is your first point of contact for questions and problems. In special cases, however, you are also welcome to get in touch with our customer service team. To do this, simply fill out the contact form in our service area or call us.

► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

► GO TO CONTACT FORM

You will also find useful tips and experiences from Kalkhoff fans in our huge Facebook community. Together, we will try to get to the bottom of your questions and problems.

► GO TO KALKHOFF COMMUNITY

When your dealer ceases trading or you move to a new location, this gives you the opportunity to ask or commission another authorised specialist dealer to reach an agreement with our company. You can find address details for dealers in your area on our homepage ► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

However, we would like to emphasise in this regard that the dealers listed are competitors on the open market and operate independently. A different specialist dealer is under no obligation to perform a repair or provide a service free of charge. As the manufacturers, we have no authority to instruct dealers, although any dealer is of course welcome to contact our technical customer service and ask for help with any issues that arise.

Our frame shapes

– Diamant (DI) = classic men’s frame offering the best combination of stability, low weight and sporty design.

– Trapez (TR) = sporty variant with high frame stability, low weight and a dynamic touch.

– Wave (WA) = an all-round favourite, the Wave frame combines comfort and safe handling characteristics.

– Comfort (CO) = feel even safer with the extra wide step-through frame of our Comfort bikes.

► MORE INFO

Here you will find the right frame size for your height:

Height = Seat tube length = Frame size*

• <166 cm = S = 45 cm seat tube
• 164 – 186 cm = M = 50 cm seat tube
• 184 – 191 cm = L = 55 cm seat tube
• 189 – 196 cm = XL = 60 cm seat tube
• >194 cm = XXL = 64 cm seat tube

It is best to go to one of our specialist dealers for advice and to be measured. The dealer will help you measure your height and adjust your bicycle or handlebar and saddle positions to perfectly suit you.


► GO TO FRAME SELECTION
► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

*Guide values

At Kalkhoff, you can combine different drive systems, frames, colours and many other components to create the perfect bike for you.

Our equipment level:

• EXCITE Top equipment with well-thought-out details and the best and most exclusive components
• ADVANCE Best value for money for the most demanding requirements
• MOVE Our strong baseline: always ready for a wide variety of uses

+  Special equipment:

• 45 S-Pedelecs for more speed with assistance up to 45 km/h – designed for our e-trekking line.
• XXL Extra strong frames and components for total permissible weights of up to 170 kg.
• BELT Thanks to the belt drive system, dirt, squeaking, rust and oily fingers are a thing of the past. For unadulterated cycling pleasure at all times.
• PURE The pared-down variant. Clean design and an uncluttered appearance for a confidently stylish urban look.

► MORE INFO

The total permissible weight of our bikes is 130 kg. Bikes with “XXL” and “Plus+” in their names even offer you a load capacity of up to 170 kg. The total permissible weight is calculated using the following formula: Weight of bike + weight of cyclist + weight of additional load = 130 kg or 170 kg

You can find the weights of our bicycles and e-bikes in the specifications on the respective product pages

All our user manuals, as well as service handbooks and so on, can be downloaded here: ► Downloads

The easiest way to transport your e-bike is by using a rear carrier attached to the tow bar. You need to make sure that you do not exceed the maximum load capacity. This is usually 50 or 100 kg. It is a good idea to remove batteries and on-board computers before the journey and keep them in your car.

If your car does not have a tow bar, you can use a bicycle rack mounted on the tailgate. However, due to the slightly increased weight, you should not transport your e-bike on the roof of your car.

E-bikes can be stored either indoors or outdoors over winter. The best storage places are garages, basements, sheds or carports, so that they are protected from rain and snow. However, you should remove the battery and keep it at room temperature. The optimum temperature is between 0°C and 20°C and the battery should ideally be between 30 and 60 per cent charged.

No. We do not sell any specific bikes for children or teenagers. However, you will find all sorts of bicycles with small frame sizes in our range that can be ridden by teenagers. You can find an overview of our bicycles without electric drive systems here:

► ALL BICYCLES

No, you do not need to wear a helmet on e-bikes with assistance up to 25 km/h. As a general rule, S-Pedelecs over 25 km/h require you to wear a helmet. However, you should of course be aware that wearing a helmet is still the best way of preventing head injuries in the event of an accident or fall. We can only recommend it to you, for the sake of your own safety!

Our e-bike frames are guaranteed for 10 years. You can find more information and the form for registering your warranty here:

► WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Unfortunately, we are not able to make modifications or adjustments to a bike in our factory at the request of a customer. This is something you should speak to your specialist Kalkhoff dealer about as an aftersales issue. They will be able to suggest solutions and, if necessary, carry out the modifications.

The following general guidelines apply: Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is not advisable. So, leave your bike where it is if you have been drinking alcohol. For your own safety, and the safety of others.

There is a difference in the permitted alcohol levels for e-bikes and S-Pedelecs:
for e-bikes up to 25 km/h, the same laws apply as for normal bicycles. The alcohol limit is 0.16%. However, even at levels of 0.03% and above, you can be prosecuted if you can no longer handle your e-bike safely or even have an accident. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can expect fines, points on your licence or even a driving ban. S-Pedelecs up to 45 km/h are classed as motor vehicles. They are subject to the same laws as cars. If you are caught with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or above, you should expect a fine of up to €500, 2 points on your licence and a month’s driving ban. If you have more than 0.11% in your blood, you are committing a crime. As a result, you could be punished by a custodial sentence or a fine of up to €3000, three points on your licence and a driving ban of up to six months.

There is no universal answer to this question. There are many different factors that can affect the range. These include, for example, the assistance level, your cycling behaviour, your weight, the tyre pressure and the ground conditions.

No. Most batteries contain lithium-ion cells and can be charged for as little time as you like. Interruptions will not damage the batteries either.

You can charge your battery for as little time as you like, no matter what its current charge is. Interruptions will not damage the battery either. In other words, there is no memory effect. However, you should definitely make sure that you only use the correct charging device. Otherwise, you could damage the battery and therefore invalidate your guarantee and warranty.

Yes, you can remove all batteries from the frame. 

On some of our models, the battery cover is separate and can be mounted without the battery. If this is not the case with your bike, many manufacturers offer neoprene protective covers. 
When the battery is removed from the frame, the protective cover covers the down tube. This keeps dirt and moisture away from the battery compartment and the contacts.

We recommend that you always speak to your specialist Kalkhoff dealer before purchasing and attaching a child seat. They will provide you with the latest information regarding the compatibility and suitability of products on the market. We also recommend that you do this even if you have seen a publication alleging or confirming that certain child seats are approved for use with particular bike models.

If you need a touch-up pen for your bike, speak to your specialist Kalkhoff dealer. They are available in a wide variety of colours.

The leasing works in a similar way as with a car. You pay monthly to use your e-bike and can purchase it at the end of the contract term. You have various options for leasing an e-bike. For example, you can lease it privately or via your employer.

► MORE INFO

One of the advantages of e-bike leasing is the tax benefit. The leasing instalment for your e-bike is paid entirely via your gross income. This means you have the benefit of a decreased taxable gross income. In addition, if you lease your e-bike via your employer, you can also use it privately without any problems.

► MORE INFO

You have various options for insuring your e-bike. Your home insurance will pay out if a bicycle is stolen during a break-in at your home or from the basement. There are special types of insurance that will also protect you in case of damage caused by accidents, falls or vandalism. However, before you take out any insurance, you should first check how much protection you already have from your home insurance. If you do not have any protection for e-bikes, we can recommended PROTECT A BIKE. In partnership with Allianz, we have extensive guarantee, collision protection and theft insurance cover for e-bikes.

► MORE INFO

That depends on the type of your e-bike. For e-bikes authorised up to 25 km/h, insurance is not compulsory.

However, insurance is compulsory if you have an S-Pedelec. Since these are classed as mopeds, you must have automobile third party cover or scooter insurance.

Our XXL bikes have a total permissible weight of 170 kg. The total permissible weight is calculated using the following formula: 170 kg = weight of bike + weight of cyclist + weight of additional load. You can find our current weight table here. You will recognise these bikes from the designation “XXL” or “PLUS+”.

►OUR XXL BIKES
► OUR BIKE WEIGHTS

Our “normal” bikes can withstand a total weight of 130 kg. A Kalkhoff XXL bike, by contrast, gives you a safe ride up to 170 kg. Therefore, if you weigh slightly more or would like to transport more luggage, our XXL bikes are ideal for you and your requirements.

► OUR XXL BIKES

The main difference in our XXL bikes is the reinforced frame. In addition, all components such as brakes, rims, saddle and spring support, pedals, handlebar and stem are tested in our own test laboratory to ensure that they are suitable for XXL usage.

► OUR XXL BIKES

Our XXL models have “XXL” or “PLUS+” in their names, e.g. Endeavour 5.B XXL, or you will be able to see the total weight printed on the CE sticker on the down tube.

► OUR XXL BIKES

You can try out our XXL models free of charge at our Germany-wide Testival tour. You can find all of the info on our current dates here. We would be happy to advise you!
► TOUR DATES
► DEALER SEARCH

Frame designs
– Diamant (DI) = Classic men’s frame with the best combination of stability, light weight and sporty design.
– Trapez (TR) = Sporty variant with high frame stability, light weight and dynamic design.
– Wave (WA) = Universally popular – the Wave frame combines comfort with safe riding characteristics.
Comfort (CO) = Feel even safer with the extra wide step-through frame of our comfort bikes.

Frame size (standard values)
Body size:
<166 cm = S = 45 cm seat tube
164 – 186 cm = M = 50 cm seat tube
184 – 191 cm = L = 55 cm seat tube
189 – 196 cm = XL = 60 cm seat tube
>194 cm = XXL = 64 cm seat tube

For the best result, visit your retailer to receive measurements from one of our specialists. This will help you to determine your size and to get your bike and the handlebar and saddle positions perfectly adjusted. You can find your nearest Kalkhoff retailer here.

All our frames come with a 10-year warranty. You can find further information and the warranty registration form here.

The term Testival is now firmly embedded in the minds of our fans, and has been since 2010, to be precise. It combines the two words “test ride” and “festival” or, in other words, “come by and test our e-bikes in an exciting festival atmosphere”.

At Kalkhoff, we make a distinction between truck events and trailer events. A Testival Truck always comes with a trained Kalkhoff promoter to provide you with help and advice, while with a Testival Trailer, you will only be able to receive advice from your dealer, i.e. with no Kalkhoff promoter present.

We always say that anyone who has never sat on an e-bike hasn’t experienced freedom. You should therefore never leave our Testival without going for a test ride. Our Testival Trucks and Testival Trailers offer you our latest e-bike models. Either our trained e-bike experts or the dealer at the event will help you find the e-bike that suits you and your daily needs. In order to be able to fulfil all your expectations, we generally recommend that you do not attend the Testival during peak hours.

You can find all of the information about our current line-up here:

► TESTIVAL TOUR 2022

TRUCK EVENTS

1. Speak to our e-bike expert and find out what your dream bike is.
2. Register via the disclaimer and present your valid photo identification.
3. Go to the test bike desk to be handed your dream bike for a test ride.
4. On your seat, get set, go! Test your dream bike to the full and experience 100% tail winds.
5. When you hand back the test bike, you will be given your documents in a cool Kalkhoff zipper bag.
6. Bonus: take part in our survey for the chance to win a brand-new Kalkhoff e-bike. This is completely voluntary.

TRAILER EVENTS

1. Speak to your specialist Kalkhoff dealer and find out what your dream bike is. PLEASE NOTE: there are no Kalkhoff promoters at Trailer events.
2. Obtain an overview of our bikes and find the right model to take for a test ride! GOOD NEWS: we offer an even bigger selection of bikes at our Trailer events.. 
3. On your seat, get set, go! Test your dream bike to the full and experience 100% tail winds.

You can find all of the information about our current line-up here:

► TESTIVAL TOUR 2020

You can find all of the information about our current line-up here:

► TESTIVAL TOUR 2020

Yes, this year there will once again be an e-bike with a low-maintenance, quiet belt drive system (Belt) available for testing. You can find all of the information about our current line-up here:

► TESTIVAL TOUR 2020

Due to the high demand, we have restricted our Testival portfolio to bicycles with electric motors. Luckily, our dealers usually have a large selection of pedal bikes in their retail stores. So, to answer your question – yes you can! ► GO TO DEALER SEARCH

You can attend a Testival with your on-site dealer without having to pay a penny. Simply come along to your desired location at any time and receive free advice from our trained e-bike experts or your dealer, including a test ride. For the larger exhibitions, such as VELOBerlin etc., you should expect to pay a small entry fee.

► ALL DATES

You will find an event near you via our Testival search/map.

► FIND A DATE

No problem, you can visit your specialist Kalkhoff dealer at any time for a test ride free of charge. Our specialist dealers have extensive training and many are certified as e-bike service partners. This guarantees that you will receive excellent advice. You can find more information and the quickest route to your nearest Kalkhoff dealer here.

► ZUR HÄNDLERSUCHE