Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
It’s been a little while now since I rode my first e-bike and wrote an article about the experience. The heft and strength of that electrified two-wheeled vehicle was reminiscent of a moped or even a small motorcycle. It was easy to see how e-bikes can replace some driving of four-wheeled vehicles, especially if there is only one person in a car. If an individual needs to make a short local trip to do an errand or a couple of them, an e-bike might be great for that. The form factor, a folding e-bike, was at least interesting because it needs less space for storage.
The following cargo e-bikes also have intriguing form factors for different reasons.
Tina Butler, Marketing Manager at Gazelle and Urban Arrow North America, answered some questions about them for CleanTechnica..
What are the differences between the Performance Line (MSRP of $6,999) and the Cargo Line (MSRP $7,999)?
There are three main differences between the two Urban Arrow Family Smart System models: the Performance Line and Cargo Line. These include:
Motor: Both models have Bosch eBike Systems mid-drive motors and a larger than the previous generation Family 545 Wh battery. With the latest software and platform upgrade to the Bosch Smart System, the Performance Line motor gets a 10 Nm boost in torque, with a peak torque of 75 Nm. The Cargo Line has the same amount of torque as the previous Cargo generation with 85 Nm of torque,
Enhanced Display and Modes: The Cargo and Performance lines are both equipped with an added LED remote control on the steering wheel next to the display. This remote lets you toggle through various screens to get ride and fitness data and also select your desired level of motor assistance. Both model variants offer the new Auto mode, an adaptive power mode that delivers automatic and optimal adaptation of motor support to the riding situation with up to 340% power amplification. This means no manual switching of riding modes necessary on climbs or sudden headwinds, but rather a perfectly optimized ride, automatically. However, the Cargo Line variant has the added benefit of Cargo mode. Cargo mode is designed for heavy loads, optimizing start-up behavior when it would otherwise be tricky to get rolling smoothly, and amplifying power by up to 400% when you need it most. The Performance Line is specced with the Intuvia 100 display, whereas the Cargo Line features the larger Kiox display, which connects seamlessly with the eBike Connect smartphone app, helping riders navigate with ease. With a clear color display, all ride data can be seen at a glance. Plus, a separate control unit lets riders manage their bike through the eBike Connect app. The Kiox records trips and sends data via Bluetooth to the eBike Connect portal, so riders are always connected and informed.
Belts & Chains: The Cargo Line features the Gates Carbon Belt Drive, which offers a nearly maintenance-free ride and exceptional longevity. The Performance Line is specced with an extra-strong KMC chain, designed to perform under heavy loads.
How much cargo can each carry?
Both the Family Performance Line and the Family Cargo Line can carry a maximum front load of 275 pounds. The total carrying capacity of the complete bike including the rider is 551 pounds.
What is the Bosch Smart System and what does it do?
The Bosch Smart System is the latest generation of Bosch eBikes Systems technology. The essence of the Smart System is connectivity–more functionality, more compatibility, and more possibility — at your fingertips and at your pedals. In the latest system generation of Bosch eBike Systems, all components are fully connected. And, the Bosch eBike Flow app is the hub — through it, riders get data, navigation, security and, with frequent platform updates, new functions for their ebikes. Updates for components are transferred easily via Bluetooth. Some of our favorite features of the Smart System include new riding modes such as Auto Mode and Cargo Mode (explained in the answer to the first question), Hill Hold, and Range Control.
The next-generation Urban Arrow Performance and Cargo Line are both available with the Bosch Smart System. This means more torque, a bigger battery, a better display, and more connectivity. The advanced connectivity and performance optimization means safer, more efficient rides with customizable modes to match various conditions. Real-time data and seamless smartphone integration provide peace of mind.
What is the battery chemistry, range, charge time, and warranty for each?
Bosch’s lithium-ion batteries are among the most advanced on the market. The intelligent battery management system protects them against overheating, overloading, and complete discharge, guaranteeing a long battery life. The high energy density and efficient operation ensure optimum range.
Bosch batteries are tested to meet the highest consumer certification standards, more specifically, UL 2849. (UL 2849 is a standard covering the electrical system of e-bikes powered by a lithium-based, rechargeable battery.) UL 2849 has strict requirements for electrical shock, mechanical, and fire hazards. Additionally, the high-quality, lithium-ion batteries have a Battery Management System (BMS) that detects significant potential sources of error and effectively protects cells against overheating.
The individual cells of a Bosch eBike Systems e-bike battery are encased in flame-retardant plastic (mechanical separation). In addition, the battery cells are electrically separated from each other. In the event of an increased current flow, an integrated fuse ensures an electrical interruption. This protects the other cells of the battery and prevents and contains the possible spread of heat.
A common concern that arises among e-bike riders is water. Won’t water damage my battery? Not on an Urban Arrow! With Bosch PowerPack batteries, used on all Urban Arrow e-cargo bikes, the battery housing is sealed all around. These precautions keep water from entering the battery when installed, thus creating an ebike that can be ridden without hesitation, even in wet conditions.
The average range of the Family Cargo Line is 31 miles. The range depends on various factors, including battery and temperature, cadence, gear shifting, tire pressure, rider weight, and cargo weight. The Bosch Range Assistant is a useful tool to determine range estimates based on unique rider inputs, and Range Control, which gives point-to-point direction to ensure you have enough range to reach your destination.
The Bosch PowerPack 545 Wh battery takes about 1.8 hours to charge to 50% and about 4.9 hours to fully charge when using a 4A charger. When using a 2A charger, it takes about 3.8 hours to charge to 50% and about 7.7 hours to fully charge.
The Bosch 545 Wh Power Pack battery specced on both model variants has a two-year warranty.
From personal experience, I can vouch for the fact that an e-bike’s weight is one of the most important aspects because heavier e-bikes can be difficult to store and transport. What is the weight of each e-bike?
Both bikes weigh 110 pounds. Pound for pound, compared to other front loaders, the Urban Arrow Family bikes have the highest weight capacity for the front box, while being lighter than other brands in the category. The bikes are indeed not lightweight, but utter workhorses and exceptionally designed for their purpose.
What can riders do with the eBike Connect app?
With the Smart System Cargo and Performance Line models, you can connect your phone to your e-bike via the eBike Flow app and enjoy a broad range of features designed to improve and enhance the ride experience.
Security: The eBike Lock smart feature is the perfect complement to the mechanical cafe lock on the Urban Arrow Family. With the Flow app installed, your linked smartphone functions as a key via Bluetooth. When your phone disconnects from the bike as you walk away, the motor automatically locks. When you return, the motor support is reactivated. There is also an option to manually enable or disable the lock function via the app. These helpful safety features provide peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Ride Customization: Adjust your support levels and riding modes via the app to suit your preferences and terrain. Front carrier loaded up with kiddos? Give yourself some extra power for a smoother take-off by enabling Cargo mode. With an array of customizable riding modes, there are plenty of options to fit every rider’s style. In addition to the riding modes, you can also use the app to plan your ride more effectively by monitoring your battery and range.
Auto mode: The new Auto mode adjusts your assist based on pedaling cadence and terrain. Especially if you have your kids with you, you want to focus on the road and don’t think about switching between the different levels of assistance. Therefore, we say with Auto mode, you can set it and forget it
Navigation: Sync the app with your Kiox screen to display directions right at your handlebars and activate voice output and directions from the app. This feature means you can safely and easily navigate through your environment hands-free.
Activity Tracking: Monitor your rides, including distance, speed, and duration, to track your performance and progress or share your ride with friends and fellow cyclists. You can even link your data to other apps such as Strava or Apple Health.
Hill Hold: The Hill Hold function increases the ease of use for these bikes even further. When walking the bike uphill use this feature to prevent the risk of rolling backwards. Similarly, the walk assist function provides an extra boost to offset the weight of the bike.
Maintenance: Get the most out of your bike by receiving reminders for maintenance or upcoming services required. You can also easily initiate system updates, ensuring your e-bike’s optimal performance.
Are these e-bikes suitable for families?
As it says in the name, the Urban Arrow Family is designed with families in mind. The bike can hold up to 4 kids, with 3 in the front bucket and 1 in a child seat installed on the rear rack. The step-through frame, pedal-forward design, and easily adjustable seat makes the Urban Arrow Family a good fit for a broad range of riders: from 4’10” to 6’6″! The Cargo and Performance lines are built to take families with little ones wherever they want to go. Whether it’s dropping the kids at school, zig-zagging through traffic effortlessly, or taking a scenic detour along the beach, the possibilities are endless with the newly updated front loader e-cargo bikes, which places precious cargo in front for easy and safer interactions compared to the traditional long-tail cargo bike, which requires riders to look behind to interact. Plus, parents can keep a close eye on their kids since they are sitting in front of the rider.
The bikes feature a three-point seatbelt and the EPP box (more like a large inverted helmet) to keep the smallest passengers safe. Urban Arrow’s front loader also makes it easy to tailor to families’ specific needs. For example, the bike can easily be expanded with an extra bench, floor mat, or rear carrier. A car seat can even be installed so that even the youngest one can join the adventure. Custom Urban Arrow accessories, such as rain or suncovers will protect the smallest of passengers.
What is the battery life expectancy for each?
The battery life expectancy for Bosch batteries is about 15,000 full charge cycles or around 10 years. Battery treatment and storage protocols can greatly affect the lifetime of the battery. For example, storing a battery below 40° F or above 80° F can shorten the life of the battery. So can storing the battery for long periods of time when it is completely depleted or completely charged. The sweet spot is to store a battery between 30 and 70 percent charged if the battery is not going to be used regularly, e.g. winter storage. All Bosch batteries are designed to be easily removed from the bike to make indoor charging and indoor ambient temperature storage easy for riders.
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Latest CleanTechnica.TV Videos
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy
