Urban Arrow Family Review

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2021 Urban Arrow Family Electric Bike Review
2021 Urban Arrow Family
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Performance Line Cargo Mid Drive Motor
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Powerpack 500 Battery
2021 Urban Arrow Family Relaxed Handlebar With Adjustable Stem
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Intuvia Display Panel
2021 Urban Arrow Family 3 Point Harness For Two Kids
2021 Urban Arrow Family Optional Floor Mat And Folding Front Seat
2021 Urban Arrow Family Ergon Locking Grips Bosch Button Pad
2021 Urban Arrow Family Enviolo Twist Shifter Infographic Rotary Bell
2021 Urban Arrow Family Steel Fork Lyzene Headlight Front Wheel
2021 Urban Arrow Family Magura Hydraulic Disc Brakes Quad Piston
2021 Urban Arrow Family Front View Lezyne E115 Headlight 310 Lumens
2021 Urban Arrow Family Rear Light And Reflectors
2021 Urban Arrow Family Hebie Chainglider Plastic Chain Cover
2021 Urban Arrow Family Selle Royal Royalgel Rio Saddle 31 6 Seat Post
2021 Urban Arrow Family Sks Plastic Fenders Plastic Pedals Reflective Tires
2021 Urban Arrow Family Rolling Steel Kickstand Double Legged
2021 Urban Arrow Family Left Side
2021 Urban Arrow Family Box Cargo Bike Ebike
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch 4 Amp Battery Charger For Electric Bikes
2021 Urban Arrow Family Step Thru White
2021 Urban Arrow Family Step Thru Black
2021 Urban Arrow Family Electric Bike Review
2021 Urban Arrow Family
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Performance Line Cargo Mid Drive Motor
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Powerpack 500 Battery
2021 Urban Arrow Family Relaxed Handlebar With Adjustable Stem
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch Intuvia Display Panel
2021 Urban Arrow Family 3 Point Harness For Two Kids
2021 Urban Arrow Family Optional Floor Mat And Folding Front Seat
2021 Urban Arrow Family Ergon Locking Grips Bosch Button Pad
2021 Urban Arrow Family Enviolo Twist Shifter Infographic Rotary Bell
2021 Urban Arrow Family Steel Fork Lyzene Headlight Front Wheel
2021 Urban Arrow Family Magura Hydraulic Disc Brakes Quad Piston
2021 Urban Arrow Family Front View Lezyne E115 Headlight 310 Lumens
2021 Urban Arrow Family Rear Light And Reflectors
2021 Urban Arrow Family Hebie Chainglider Plastic Chain Cover
2021 Urban Arrow Family Selle Royal Royalgel Rio Saddle 31 6 Seat Post
2021 Urban Arrow Family Sks Plastic Fenders Plastic Pedals Reflective Tires
2021 Urban Arrow Family Rolling Steel Kickstand Double Legged
2021 Urban Arrow Family Left Side
2021 Urban Arrow Family Box Cargo Bike Ebike
2021 Urban Arrow Family Bosch 4 Amp Battery Charger For Electric Bikes
2021 Urban Arrow Family Step Thru White
2021 Urban Arrow Family Step Thru Black

Summary

  • 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 provide a wide range of fit options. The frame and tires have reflective accents for safety, along with the optional cargo covers, and premium lights let you ride comfortably at dawn or dusk. Great fenders and full-surround chain cover keep you clean.
  • The step-thru frame is approachable but very stiff, the bike doesn't flex as much as many two wheel long tail cargo bikes I've reviewed but it is heavier overall. The kickstand is very sturdy but easy to deploy and stow. Pedals, saddle, grips, and puncture-resistant balloon tires are above average for improved comfort.
  • Durable Enviolo CVT drivetrain provides shifting at standstill and ramped vs. stepped cadence adjustability but adds cost and weight. Bosch Cargo Line motor is their most powerful, but spends power more quickly. Upgraded ebike specific hydraulic disc brakes are perfect for a bike this size. Higher capacity Bosch PowerPack 500 than previous generation.

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Urban Arrow

Model:

Family

Price:

$6,999

Body Position:

Upright, Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Cargo

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

5 Year Frame, 2 Year Drive Systems, 1 Year Components Not Including Wear and Tear

Availability:

United States, Canada, Europe

Model Year:

20212022

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

110 lbs (49.89 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.7 lbs (2.58 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.39 lbs (2.89 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

19.75 in (50.16 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

19.75" Seat Tube Length, 20" Top Tube, 9" Reach, 19.25" Stand Over Height, 33.25" Minimum Saddle Height, 41.5" Max Saddle Height, 27.25" Width, 77.5" Wheelbase, 105" Length

Frame Types:

Cargo, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Satin Black, Gloss White

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Chromoly Steel, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, Horizontal Dropout, 12mm Threaded Axle with Nuts

Attachment Points:

Fenders, Rear Rack, Front Cargo Bay Covers, Optional Bottle Cage Mount, Optional Second Battery Mount

Gearing Details:

1 Speed 1x∞ Enviolo 380° Mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission

Shifter Details:

Enviolo Half-Grip Twist Shift on Right with Infographic

Cranks:

Miranda, Aluminum Alloy 170mm Length Crank Arms

Pedals:

VP-836 Plastic Resin Platform with Grip Tape Texture

Headset:

Internal Cups, Sealed, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

TranzX Adjustable Angle, 10° to 60°, 80mm Length, 25.4mm Clamp Diameter, 90mm Base Height, One 10mm Spacer

Handlebar:

Steel, Swept Back Mid-Rise, 620mm Length, 25.4mm Diameter

Brake Details:

Magura CMe 5 Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180mm Front Rotor and 203mm Back Rotor, Quad-Piston Calipers, Four-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergon, Locking

Saddle:

Selle Royal RoyalGel RIO

Seat Post:

Satori, Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

400 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

RYDE Andra 40, Double Wall, 25mm Inner Width, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge Front 13 Gauge Rear, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, 26" and 20" x 2.15" (55x559 and 55x406)

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, Performance Line GreenGuard, SnakeSkin

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Lezyne E115 Integrated Headlight (310 Lumens), Spanninga Plateo Integrated Backlight (1 LED), Oversized Rotary Bell, Hebie Chainglider Plastic Chain Cover, SKS Front and Rear Plastic Fenders with Rubber Mud Flap (65mm Width), Custom Oversized Double Leg Kickstand (Steel with Rubberized Pads), ABUS 5750 Shield Plus Cafe Lock on Rear Wheel (Keyed to Match Battery), Optional Rain Cover, Optional Sun Cover, Optional Box Cover, Optional Parka, Optional Poncho, Optional Floor Mat, Optional Rear Carrier, Optional Folding Front Bench, Optional Maxi Cozy Adapter for Baby Seat

Other:

Locking Removable Steering Tube Mounted Battery Pack with Optional Second Battery Mount Above, 1.7lb 4 Amp Charger, Total Weight Limit 250kg 550lbs (Including Rider, Box, and Bike)

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bosch Performance Line Cargo (4th Generation)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

85 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerPack 500

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.4 ah (Optional Second 13.4ah Pack)

Battery Watt Hours:

482.4 wh (Optional Second 482.4wh Pack)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

15 miles (24 km)

Estimated Max Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Intuvia, Removable, Backlit Grayscale LCD Display, 2.7" Diagonal, Buttons: Reset, Power, i, Lights, (Hold Reset and i for Settings Menu)

Readouts:

Shift Recommendation (Up, Down), Battery Indicator (5 Bars), Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Power Indicator, Range, Odometer, Gear, Trip Distance, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Walk Mode, +, i, -, 5 Volt 500mA Micro-USB Port on Right Edge of Display

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Over 1,000 Readings Per Second)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

This review was provided for free, but Reckless Shipyards supplied a temporary demo bike for me to test. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of Urban Arrow products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Urban Arrow electric bike forums.

Observations:

  • Urban Arrow has refined the Family model electric box bike quite a bit since my first test rides in 2019. The downtube was converted to a rectangle vs. a circle for improved strength, the brakes were massively upgraded to ebike specific Magura with large 180mm front and 203mm rear rotors vs. both being 180mm, the headlight is much brighter, the battery pack is 25% higher capacity (PowerPack 500 vs. 400), the optional accessories have all been refined (including a taller rain canopy design), and their dealer network in the US has been expanded.
  • While the Family model can fit either one baby seat up front (with the optional Maxi-Cosy adapter), or three small children (with the optional folding bench seat), the default configuration is for two children facing forward or a bunch of cargo. Urban Arrow has three other models, which are predominantly sold in Europe. The Cargo and Tender appear to be setup for commercial applications (with the Tender being a three wheel design) and the smaller Shorty appears to be more of a utility bike than people transporter.
  • The Pon Group is the parent company of Urban Arrow, as well as Gazelle, Focus, Kalkhoff, Faraday, and others. I trust them in terms of quality, dealer support, and parts replacement. When combined with the Bosch drive system, I believe that parts will be easy to come by and the bike should be reliable and hold its value to a greater extent than some others.

Pros:

  • Some box bikes utilize a three wheel design, which adds weight, changes the steering dynamic, and tends to be wider. The two-wheel setup that Urban Arrow provides with the Family is actually very stable, natural to ride, and very easy to steer in my experience. By putting the box element up front, the captain can easily see their cargo or small passengers which feels more natural than occasionally looking over your shoulder or into a mirror to see a rear passenger or trailer.
  • The frame on this ebike is very sturdy, now utilizing a square downtube design for improved rigidity. It’s not nearly as flexy feeling as some longtail cargo bikes I’ve ridden… though it is heavier. Note the steel fork, steel handlebar, steel kickstand and steel steering rod that were all chosen for strength vs. aluminum alloy. The main frame is aluminum alloy and the box section is EPP (expanded polypropylene foam) similar to what is used in helmets.
  • While the bike only comes in one frame size, the steep angle of the seat tube ensures that leg extension and reach are increased and decreased together. The tall adjustable angle stem and swept back handlebar also exaggerate hand placement and height to accommodate a wide range of body types.
  • The touch points were all very comfortable and natural. Note the wide soft saddle with integrated handle for easier maneuvering, the locking ergonomic grips are high quality from Ergon, and the full length crank arms and designer plastic platform pedals felt natural and are suitable to neighborhood and urban riding.
  • Putting the bike up onto the kickstand was intuitive and easier than I thought. You just push the stand down and block it with the side of your shoe, then pull back on the handlebars to deploy it. When finished, you can actually sit on the bike and then rock forward for the stand to automatically stow as you ride away.
  • I really appreciate the extra plastic reflectors, reflective stickers on the front and back of the box section, and reflective accents on the optional covers and poncho… not to mention the reflective tires and bright integrated lights. The bike feels safe and visible, I’m a fan of the white color we rode in the video review because it’s even more visible than the black.
  • The bike keeps you clean and snag free with a full wrap chainglider plastic chain cover, front and rear fenders, and internally routed cables throughout. I appreciate how anything dangerous or sharp was either hidden or kept clear of the front box area where kids might be tempted to touch.
  • The front box area was pretty comfortable, even for me, and I love how the safety belts are 3-point with an intuitive center release. I also love the many drain holes in the bottom that make cleaning easier. Urban Arrow sells an optional Floor Mat that is spongy and comfortable, but also has lots of holes to let fluids drain.
  • In addition to being reflective, the tires that were chosen offer puncture protection. The front tire would be much easier to repair or replace because of quick release, but the rear uses bolts and a sliding dropout that would be more difficult… so the puncture protection is very welcome, and I highly recommend keeping the tire pressure up between the recommended 30 to 55 PSI so you don’t get a pinch flat.
  • The wider 2.15″ size adds stability, traction, and some comfort due to higher air volume. The larger rear wheel also improves comfort with the lower attack angle of 26″ wheel vs. the front 20″ and Urban Arrow sells an optional suspension seatpost for maximum rider comfort.
  • Bosch makes some of the best motors and controllers out there, and this 4th generation Cargo Line is super powerful with up to 85 newton meters of torque. It’s also very safe feeling because the system measures wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque over 1,000 times per second!
  • I’m a big fan of the Bosch Intuivia display panel, even though Bosch has some fancier newer designs. The Intuvia is large and easy to read, has a dedicated button pad for changing assist levels without taking your hand off the left grip, it has a Micro-USB charging port, the display is even removable for reduced wear and tear if you have to park outside. If you want to use the eBike Connect smartphone app from Bosch, you can pay a shop to upgrade your display to the Bosch Kiox or Nyon, which are both compatible with this system.
  • I love that Urban Arrow thought to design an optional bottle cage mount that would positioned just above the battery pack. It’s a great place for one… but this spot could also be used for a second battery pack to double range! I love the Bosch PowerPack 500 battery for its size, shape, durability, and availability… and you could also use the PowerPack 400 in the same interface if you have one. You’re able to do many things with their mounting design and options.
  • The Bosch 4 amp ebike charger is very compact and fast. It has a proprietary plug design and can be used with the batteries on or off the bike, which is great since the bike itself is so large and might not be able to park near a plug. If you have two batteries setup on this ebike, they charge and discharge in tandem and the Bosch Intuvia display shows infographics for both including charge level! It’s one of the most advanced dual battery setups.
  • Since this ebike is so large and heavy, it’s nice to have a reliable drivetrain with a wide range of pedal cadence options. The Enviolo 380-degree CVT (continuously variable transmission) is durable, can be shifted at standstill, and is very intuitive to use. It adds some weight and cost, but works well with the mid-drive or if you’re pedaling unassisted.
  • I love the dynamic range estimate readout on the display, since the battery charge level infographic is a bit less precise (only showing 5 bars of battery capacity). As you change the assist level, the range readout automatically updates to help you plan rides without running down to zero. I also appreciate that the bike has walk-mode so you can move the bike through uneven terrain without having to do all of the work yourself.
  • If you plan to use the front box area for kids or cargo and need a spot for your own gear, Urban Arrow sells an optional rear rack that could be used with panniers, a trunk bag, and even a trunk bag with bottle holster. It costs extra, but is designed well and allows the rear light to be moved.
  • Excellent ebike rated hydraulic disc brakes ensure a smooth stop. The levers are four finger, allowing for a strong grab and pull, and they have adjustable reach to fit different hand sizes. The front rotor is 180mm and the rear is 203mm which is just huge, especially since the front wheel is only 20″ diameter. Both brake calipers are quad piston, like you’d find on a downhill mountain bike. You get excellent stopping power, brake modulation due to the larger oil reservoirs on the brake housing, and great cooling with the larger pads and discs.
  • Overall, weight is very well distributed on this electric cargo bike. It’s mostly low and center, and even the front box keeps weight low due to the smaller front wheel. The bike feels stable and has a decent turning radius, as shown in the video review above. With a 250kg 550lb max weight capacity and 125kg 275lb max rider weight, it’s very capable of hauling.
  • An ABUS cafe lock is included which secures the bike from being ridden away by a thief by threading a metal rod through the rear spokes. The bike could be picked up or dragged, but that seems unlikely given the size and weight. I believe the cafe lock would also work with a loop chain from ABUS… and I love that they matched the key for the battery to the cafe lock so you don’t need two.
  • Excellent five year frame, two year electronics, and one year component warranty against manufacturer defect… and a large network of dealers who can actually help. The Bosch charger, battery pack, and displays are all very well supported and easy to find, even when traveling!
  • I like the very large fun rotary bell that is included on the right side of the handlebar. It sounds great and is loud enough to create a friendly but effective warning as you ride.

Cons:

  • This ebike is longer than most, and the front wheel is rather small at 20″ vs. the standard sized 26″ rear. This means that the axle point is lower… and there’s also a steering arm system below the frame just behind the front wheel. You get a lower center of gravity, and strong wheel with 20″, but it also could lead to more high-center moments or frame scrapes when riding over tall objects. If the steering arm is scratched, keep in mind that it’s steel and could rust, you could touch it up with car paint or fingernail polish :)
  • Larger bikes can be difficult to transport from the bike shop to your home and don’t easily fit in most car racks. Some shops will help deliver, or you could find a local bike repair van company like VeloFix.
  • While I appreciate the sporty feel of a two wheel cargo bike, which can lean side to side, they do require more balance to start than a three wheel design. Furthermore, the front wheel is difficult to see for most captains so you turn the handlebar and the bike just turns vs. seeing it happen like on a traditional non-cargo bicycle. That said, I love how the steering is setup because it’s strong and very responsive, and I love how the headlight points where you steer.
  • The bike is very heavy at 110lbs (with no rear rack, no accessories, no second battery pack) which makes changing flats more difficult and riding with an empty battery more difficult. You can reduce weight by removing the 5.7lb battery pack, but the bike is still heavy.
  • As cool as the Enviolo CVT continuously variable transmission hub is, my opinion is that it shifts slower than a derailleur and cassette, and is heavier. The benefits are that it’s very tough, can be shifted at standstill, and can be more intuitive for the average person, especially with the infographic grip shifter.
  • I appreciate that they included a cafe lock to secure the bike during short stops, and I love that it’s keyed alike to match the battery… but I wish that the key could be removed when it is unlocked. As it stands, you basically have to leave a key in at all times when riding and then lock at EVERY stop, or risk someone tampering with the key. The downside is that the key is very close to the path of your left leg and if you have it on a keychain, it could snag or clink against your frame and rear wheel. Without a keychain, the key itself becomes easier to misplace in a purse or bag. Other cafe locks allow for key removal at all times and that is my strong preference.
  • While the bike has improved in many significant ways since 2019 when I last covered it, the price has risen by about $1,000 USD. Perhaps this is due to inflation, supply chain, or the cost of the upgraded motor, brakes, larger battery, and frame design?
  • I appreciate that the smaller front wheel is very easy to turn, especially when compared to a two-wheeled tadpole style cargo trike. However, the frame can be a little tippy side to side due to the length of it. The result is that I was less comfortable trying to ride with no hands on this ebike, it requires more focus and is best with two hands on the bar at all times.
  • Since the front and rear tires are different sizes, there’s less convenience when stocking replacement parts. I also noticed that Urban Arrow chose the basic spoke mounted rear wheel speed magnet and sensor vs. the newer more tucked in refined speed sensor that mounts to the wheel hub.

Useful Resources:

Review Updated On

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