Although it has dabbled in other materials, Urtopia is finest recognized for its carbon fiber bikes. Now the younger maker has added a fat-tire utility ebike to its secure, which is being pitched as a “head-turning, cargo-carrying, joy-spreading machine.”
Based by engineers (and eager cyclists) from MIT, the College of Minnesota, Cornell College and Carnegie Mellon College, Urtopia launched an Indiegogo in 2021 for a putting highway bike. That crowdfunder for the carbon fiber magnificence proved profitable, and we got to try one the next yr.
The Hong Kong firm went a bit extra conventional for its subsequent, cheaper, mannequin, constructing the Chord ebike round an aluminum body. GPT made a play for a job as co-pilot that very same yr, earlier than being included within the low-step Fusion GT “eSUV” that rolled into CES 2024. A folding carbon commuter joined the household in October final yr, and that now brings us to the Pleasure Carbon.
Urtopia
This utility ebike includes a low-step carbon fiber body customary from materials stated to be favored in System 1 design, which helps get the bare weight right down to 50 lb (22.6 kg), together with the detachable battery. Urtopia notes that this design alternative alone brings it in 30% lighter than if the corporate had gone for aluminum because the construct materials.
Nevertheless it’s no light-weight within the cargo division. Whether or not taking residence the weekly store, carrying tenting gear off on a weekend jaunt and even strapping in a mini human to an non-compulsory youngster seat on the rear, the Pleasure is rated to haul a complete of 330 lb (~150 kg) – which might be break up between a rear rack (60 lb/27 kg) and non-compulsory entrance basket (33 lb/15 kg) plus the rider.
Powering the journey is a 500-W rear-hub motor that peaks at 750 watts for pedal-assist over 4 ranges. This makes for a comparatively low 33 Nm (24 lb.ft) of torque and default high PAS velocity of 20 mph (32 km/h), however the Class 2 ebike might be unlocked to 25 mph (40 km/h) the place laws enable. A torque sensor is onboard for a extra responsive trip, and there is a thumb throttle too, for pedal-free motion as much as 20 mph.
The chunky downtube is residence to a 529.2-Wh battery that is made up of Samsung Li-ion cells which are security licensed to UL 2271 requirements. Urtopia reckons that per-charge vary in eco mode might get you so far as 70 miles (112.6 km) per 3.5-hour fast-charge.
Urtopia
The Pleasure Carbon sports activities heavy responsibility 20-inch wheels sporting 3-inch Kenda tires for rolling by way of metropolis streets and past into the wild. A suspension fork with 50 mm of journey plus a cushioned saddle are included for rider consolation, and stopping energy is offered by hydraulic disc brakes with motor cutoff.
Rounding out the important thing specs are Shimano 8-speed shifting that caters for versatile trip decisions, a coloration show positioned mid-handlebar for at-a-glance standing checks, and a 30-lux headlight in addition to a braking tail-light to assist with daytime visibility and after-dark journey.
Urtopia’s newest carbon ebike is out there now for US$1,999 – although a countdown clock working on the product web page at time of writing means that this launch worth shall be restricted. The recommended retail worth runs to $2,999. The video beneath has extra.
Introducing the Pleasure Carbon eBike – Mild as Air, Daring by Design. 🚲✨
Product web page: Urtopia Joy Carbon
