Electric cargo bike specifically designed to transport children with EPP foam box and seat belts, low-step design improves stability for mounting and holding at rest
Uses a reliable, well balanced centerdrive motor from Bosch, offers three levels of pedal assist, no throttle
Great accessories and optional upgrades include SKS fenders, LED lights, Hebie chain guard, bell and hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power
5 Year Frame, 2 Year Drive System, 1 Year Components
Availability:
United States, Europe
Model Year:
2014
Bicycle Details
Total Weight:
94.8 lbs (43 kg)
Battery Weight:
5 lbs (2.26 kg)
Frame Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Geometry Measurements:
Dimensions: 244 cm x 63 cm x 110 cm
Frame Types:
Step-Thru, Cargo
Frame Colors:
Black, White
Frame Fork Details:
Rigid, Steel
Attachment Points:
Fender Bosses, Front Rack Bosses
Shifter Details:
NuVinci Grip Shifter on Right Handlebar
Pedals:
Aluminum Alloy Platform
Stem:
Adjustable Angle
Handlebar:
Swept Back
Brake Details:
Standard Shimano Rollers, Optional Shimano Hydraulic Disc with 203 mm Rotors
Grips:
Ergonomic
Saddle:
Comfort with Built in Handle
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Big Apple
Wheel Sizes:
20 in (50.8cm)26 in (66.04cm)
Tire Details:
Reflective Sidewall
Accessories:
Custom Oversized Double Leg Kickstand, Cafe Lock on Rear Wheel, Oversized Bell, Front and Rear LED Lights, Hebie Enclosed Chain Guard, Front and Rear SKS Fenders with Mud Flaps, 85 Watt +/- 5 Uur charger, Optional Accessories: Rain Cockpit €265, Box Cover €95, Bike Parka €95, Maxi-Cosi Carrier €145, Yepp Child Seat Adapter €85, Extra Front Seat €145, Rear Carrier €75, Luggage Net €75, Extra Battery €550, Extra Charger €150
Other:
Available in One Frame Size, 242.5 lb (110 kg) Maximum Cargo Capacity, Design by Wytze Van Mansum
Urban Arrow is a Dutch bicycle brand that introduced a non-electrified version of this cargo bike in 2010 (which received a Eurobike award and a ISPO award in 2013). The non-electric version retails for €2,150 but for €3,250 you can get the version shown here which features a 250 watt Bosch centerdrive offering three levels of assist. This unique electric cargo bike can be setup as a Family (shown here), Shorty (more traditional looking) or Cargo (sturdier covered box area). The Family design is meant to transport and protect small children and features an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam sidewall structure, folding seat, optional covers and optional Yepp child seat adapter. It’s easy to maneuver and ride thanks to a built in seat handle, sturdy double legged kickstand and low center of gravity (with mid-drive motor and battery pack kept low and center). It’s also relatively easy to mount thanks to the low-step frame and the adjustable stem and swept-back handlebars keep your head up and back relaxed when riding.
The motor driving the Urban arrow delivers 250 watts of power which is the maximum allowable in many European nations. It’s mounted at the center of the bike and performs as a bottom bracket, actually pulling the same chain as the rider when pedaling. This configuration offers efficiency because it leverages the same gearing systems for climbing or accelerating. In this case, a NuVinci N360 continuously variable transmission (CVT) is used in place of a rear cassette. The benefit is that gears can be changed at rest (making starting on a hill much easier if you forgot to downshift) and also eliminating gear mashing. It’s a wonderful system that is quiet, clean and durable though a bit heavier and more expensive than traditional gears.
The battery pack powering this bike is mounted just below the folding seat in the main cargo area. It offers 36 volts of power and 8 amp hours of capacity which is just below average (for most US ebikes). The cells contain Lithium-ion chemistry which is known for being light weight and durable (estimated 1,000+ charge cycles if cared for). The pack is removable so you can charge it inside after each ride and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. This is a great feature considering the overall size and weight of the bike itself. For an extra €550 you can purchase an additional battery but the one included should go between 25 to 30 miles (40 to 50 kilometers) depending on the load you’re carrying and which level of assist you choose.
The LCD control panel used on this bike was developed by Daum and is well placed and easy to use. Unlike some other Bosch control systems it does not have a break out box for each reach when riding. You actually have to take your hand off the handlebar and press one of two plastic buttons to change assist levels. It’s not the end of the world and franky, the unit works fine (showing speed, assist level, light activation, distance and battery capacity remaining). The cockpit on this bike works well with the NuVinci shifter on the right grip and an oversized bell on the left. One of the neat parts about the overall design of the bike is that the front light is mounted on the front wheel so it actually turns as you turn the bike (helping to light the way forward more effectively).
The Urban Arrow Family electric cargo bike is a unique creation meant to empower parents transporting kids and their friends. It’s beautifully designed with all the right extras (from fenders to lights and adjustable bars). Kids will enjoy being exposed to the fresh air and friendly faces around town but still remain safe in the walled cargo box thanks to the EPP foam and seatbelt systems. The low and stable motor position works well with the low-step frame design and smaller 20″ front wheel. I love that this bike is also offered in non-electric but given the weight one might expect to transport the Bosch system and NuVinci are the perfect pair here. While it’s not the most affordable option for carrying your kids around, it’s certainly one of the most enjoyable and for a bit extra the accessories help to solve nearly any type of weather or transport challenge you might encounter.
Pros:
Cargo area is kept low to the ground which improves balance, Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam is durable and absorbs shocks
The mid-drive motor also keeps weight low to the ground and the low-step frame is easy to mount
NuVinci continuously variable transmission (CVT) compliments the mid-drive very well. It’s clean, quiet, can be shifted at standstill and won’t grind like traditional gears
Medium sized tires add comfort when riding over bumps and cracks, reflective sidewalls add visibility
Hebie chainguard completely encloses the chain to avoid any snags or finger pinches and also stay clean
Optional rolling cover, rain tent, second bench seat and luggage net add versitility
Yepp child seat adapter can transform part of the cargo box area for use with very young children
The Urban Arrow can be converted from the Family setup shown here to a “Shorty” or “Cargo” configuration for different uses
Front cargo area is easy to clean, the bottom panel has holes in it so dirt will pass through when washed
Smaller front wheel stays out of the way (won’t block your view) and keeps the frame low to the ground
Battery pack is removable for convenient charging on or off the bike
Steel fork helps to absorb some road vibration (along with the tires and saddle)
Cons:
Despite the light weight aluminum frame, this (and most) cargo bikes tend to be heavier, the lower center of gravity and low-step frame help
This is a fairly expensive electric bike, especially when you begin adding accessories, a small electric car may be more affordable and practical for some
This electric bike is not easy to find for sale in the USA, the review bike I tested was available through Rolling Orange Bikes in New York City
Top speed is limited to 15 miles per hour (25 kpm) per European standards vs. 20mph which is legal in the USA, this might be fine given the intended use as a cargo transporter
LCD display panel does not feature a break-out button pad so you have to move your hand to adjust assist levels
A family oriented box bike that lets you see your precious cargo, up to three small children in the front, and maneuver like a traditional bicycle on two wheels. Bike weight and cargo weight is kept low and center for stability. Thoughtfully designed rain cover, poncho, baby seat adapter, rear rack, and double battery options expand the possibilities.. Available in black or white, the seat tube angle and highly adjustable stem and handlebar…...
A front box cargo bike with a low center of gravity, made especially friendly for families with easy side loading, safety features, and an ecosystem of practical accessories. Upgraded this year with a Bosch Performance Line Cruise mid-drive and a Enviolo by NuVinci…...
The rear hydraulic brake has a leak in the center of bleeding nipple. The type of this hydraulic brake is one with fixed integrated nipple. Because of the diffucult transport of the Urban Arrow we just want to change the brake to get an new one. We bought the bike in Geleen by Zermat fietsen.
Hi Karel! Sorry to hear that your bike has a leak in the brake? I’m not sure how to help you as I just review ebikes… I am not a trained mechanic but would recommend speaking with the shop that you purchased the Urban Arrow from to get help. Alternatively, you may be able to contact the company directly for help at http://www.urbanarrow.com/en/contact
karel
9 years agoThe rear hydraulic brake has a leak in the center of bleeding nipple. The type of this hydraulic brake is one with fixed integrated nipple. Because of the diffucult transport of the Urban Arrow we just want to change the brake to get an new one. We bought the bike in Geleen by Zermat fietsen.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Karel! Sorry to hear that your bike has a leak in the brake? I’m not sure how to help you as I just review ebikes… I am not a trained mechanic but would recommend speaking with the shop that you purchased the Urban Arrow from to get help. Alternatively, you may be able to contact the company directly for help at http://www.urbanarrow.com/en/contact
Replyalberto
8 years agoA great bike, I have had it for almost 9 months now, read my thoughts here.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoCool! Thanks for sharing your story Alberto, I hope the Urban Arrow holds up for you and appreciate the time you spent making that post :)
Reply