The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra is the newest version of Urtopia’s compact carbon-frame cruiser / utility e-bike. Now, when most consumers hear ‘cruiser or utility’, of them what comes to mind is either a big beach cruiser or a bloated cargo e-bike weighing north of 60-70 pounds. While each bike style has their place in the market, the Carbon Joy Ultra takes a different approach.
At first glance you might mistake the Ultra for some sort of mashup between a smaller stature city cruiser like the Aventon Pace 500.3 mixed with a short tail utility rig similar to the iconic RadRunner. However, like most things in life, a deeper look shows there is a lot more to the Ultra than just its unique look at surface level.
The Carbon Joy Ultra starts with a carbon frame and a carbon fork, which keeps the weight at a remarkable advertised 42 pounds, coupled with 3 inch fat tires and a rear MIK rack that accommodates all sorts of gear like bags, baskets and even a child seat thanks to its stout 330 max payload. It effectively balances the day to day practicality of a playful, lightweight cruiser that happens to have enough grunt to do double-duty as your light errand hauler whenever you need it. Basically, It is built for riders who want an upright, easy-handling cruiser bike that can carry gear without feeling like a full-size cargo model.
This bike shares the same motor, battery, and basic geometry as the original Carbon Joy. The Ultra trims a few pounds by replacing the suspension fork with a rigid carbon fork. That change shifts the bike slightly toward a cruiser feel with lighter steering and a simpler overall setup while the utility capability remains intact.
Urtopia positions the Ultra as a compact bike for commuting, errands, weekend rides, and general daily use. The smaller overall footprint and the low step-through frame make it a bit less intimidating than the big 80 plus pound fat tire cargo bikes that dominate this category. Riders who want something capable but not overwhelming may appreciate this approach. The bike arrives with fenders and a rear rack, and Urtopia offers optional accessories such as a front platform rack and modular cargo bags for riders who want to expand its carrying capability.
This review focuses on how the Ultra rides, how it handles different types of loads, and how the changes from the previous model affect comfort and performance. We spent time riding it both unloaded and with cargo to see whether the lighter carbon construction provides an advantage in everyday use and how it compares to other compact utility bikes in this price range.
My Experience Riding The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra E-Bike
The first thing that stood out when I stepped over the Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra was how easy it was to get on and off. The compact geometry and the low 16 inch standover height make the bike feel approachable right away. It initially looked like a small e-bike, but once I sat down and adjusted the stem, the fit settled in quickly. I am 5 feet 11 inches and ended up using the 40 degree position on the adjustable stem, and with that change the reach felt natural.
Across the nearly 100 miles we put on the Ultra, the ride has been consistently smooth, quiet, and very controlled. The handling is nimble, the steering is light, and the motor response is predictable. It is not trying to be an off road machine, so the comfort mainly comes from the 20″x3.0″ tires. They offer enough volume to soften bumps without needing to air down, although riders who prefer an even softer feel can drop the pressure for slower neighborhood riding. For something intended as a city cruiser and weekend errand bike, the overall ride quality is better than expected.
The braking has been excellent. The Tektro hydraulic system with 180 mm rotors gives steady stopping power, and the motor cutoff sensors react the moment the levers are pulled. This helps in tighter areas or when making quick stops. The drivetrain also feels well matched to the bike’s size and purpose. The torque sensor delivers power smoothly and avoids the overly punchy feel that some hub motors have. It ramps up at a natural pace and holds speed without any surging. It will not win many hill climb tests, but it maintains speed with confidence and does not feel strained – and also still climbs hills very well.
One thing to note is the listed rider height range. Urtopia states the bike fits riders up to 6 feet 3 inches, but that number may be a little optimistic. The reach is on the shorter side, and the 152 mm crank arms emphasize that the bike is designed around a compact fit. Taller riders may still be comfortable, but they may feel more constrained compared to smaller riders.
Urtopia included a hidden AirTag mount under the saddle, which I appreciated. It keeps the tracker out of sight and out of obvious locations, and it adds some peace of mind in case the bike ends up somewhere it should not.
On the tech side, this bike doesn’t currently work with the Urtopia App. The good news is that all of the settings I wanted, including speed limits and screen brightness, were available directly on the display. The top speed settings can be adjusted between 15 mph and 25 mph. When testing the throttle at the 20 mph and 25 mph maximum settings, the Ultra held speeds about half a mile per hour below the listed limit. In my view this is close enough and falls within normal variance for many e-bikes.
After riding it daily, the Carbon Joy Ultra feels well put together. It rides quietly, the motor response stays smooth, and the bike has enough power for everyday use. It also fills a nice gap for riders who want something that looks good, feels confident in traffic, and still carries bags or small cargo without the bulk of an 80 pound fat tire utility bike. The included 4 amp charger keeps charge times reasonable, the components are appropriate for the category, and the bike is fully UL certified. There is a lot to like for riders who want an easy to handle, compact, and comfortable rig for everyday use.
Range
Estimated Range (from Urtopia):
- Up to 70 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- PAS 1 Test: 62 miles
Urtopia lists an estimated range of up to 70 miles for the Carbon Joy Ultra. As always, our real world numbers come from riding an actual course rather than a controlled lab setup. Our test loop is a paved city path with a few stops, some mild climbing, and roughly 1200 feet of elevation gain spread across the ride. The test rider weighs about 180 pounds, so the conditions are pretty typical for everyday use.
In PAS 1, we finished the ride with 62 miles on the trip meter. For a 529 watt hour battery on a compact utility bike with 20″x3.0″ tires, that is a solid result. PAS 1 felt smooth and never bogged down, and the torque sensor made the lower assist level feel more natural than what we see on many hub-driven bikes.
In PAS 5, we recorded right around 25 miles. This lines up with what we usually see when running an e-bike at full assist on a smaller battery. The bike held speed well and the motor stayed quiet the entire time, but high assist levels simply drain the battery faster, especially with repeated stops.
With both tests combined, riders can expect something in the 25 to 65 mile range depending on the assist level they prefer, how much stopping they do, rider weight, and terrain. If you stick to the lower assist settings, the Ultra stretches its battery surprisingly well. If you ride mostly in the higher modes or rely on the throttle often, the range lands closer to our PAS 5 number.
Overall, the Ultra delivers predictable results for its battery size and intended use as a daily cruiser and errand bike.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra uses a rear hub motor that is rated for 750 watts at peak output and 60 newton meters of torque. On paper this puts it in line with most Class 2 utility style e-bikes, but the Ultra stands out a bit in how smooth it feels. The torque sensor plays a big role here. Instead of a sudden jump when you start pedaling, the power comes in gradually and builds with your cadence and pressure. It feels controlled, predictable, and very natural for a hub motor.
Acceleration from a stop is on the calmer side. Some riders may want a harder launch, but the smoother startup likely helps stretch the battery a bit and keeps the bike easier to manage in tight areas or crowded paths. For everyday riding in traffic or running errands, the power feels well matched to the bike’s size and weight.
The throttle performance is consistent with what we saw in the speed tests. At both the 20 mph limit and the 25 mph unlocked setting, the bike held speeds about half a mile per hour under the listed maximum. That is pretty normal for many e-bikes and did not affect the overall riding experience. The throttle is best for getting up to speed or making short bursts through intersections rather than long high speed cruising.
The Carbon Joy Ultra uses a 529 watt hour battery with Samsung cells. It is a reasonable capacity for a compact cruiser / utility bike and pairs well with the motor’s more measured ramp-up. The battery locks securely into the frame, removes easily for charging indoors, and works with the included 4 amp charger, which keeps charge times fairly quick compared to many chargers in this category.
Overall, the motor and battery setup fits the personality of the Carbon Joy Ultra. It is smooth, quiet, and confident at everyday speeds. It has enough power for city riding, errands, and rolling terrain without feeling overpowering or twitchy. Riders who want controlled acceleration, a quieter motor, and a natural pedal feel will likely appreciate how this system behaves.
Components
The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra is equipped with components that match its goal as a compact and lightweight cruiser / utility bike. The drivetrain uses a Shimano 8 speed system with a Shimano Altus rear derailleur, a 50 tooth chainring, and a 12–32T cassette. This gearing fits typical day-to-day riding whether that be on your local bike path each weekend or stop-and-go rides in the city.
The braking system uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors that measure 2.0 mm in thickness. This is a fairly standard setup for many e-bikes and provides consistent stopping power without requiring frequent service. The brake levers include e-cutoff sensors that kill motor power the moment the brakes are pulled even slightly. This is helpful for safety when maneuvering at low speeds or when making quick stops.
The wheels use thru axles for better alignment and improved rigidity. The 20″x3.0″ Kenda tires provide a wide contact patch along with predictable traction on pavement, paths, boardwalk style surfaces, and compact dirt.
The contact points fit the upright posture of the bike. The handlebar uses an adjustable stem (0 to 60 degrees) that lets riders set a better fit when it comes to reach. The grips are lock-on meaning they don’t spin or come loose over time. The saddle has a wider shape with enough cushioning for casual or stop and go riding. The seatpost uses a two stage design, which means you can adjust both the forward and aft positioning of the saddle via the micro-adjust rails or up and down via the quick-release lever at the base of the seatpost. This helps accommodate both shorter and taller riders without requiring a long single-post extension.
The bike arrives with full coverage fenders and a rear rack that includes an integrated rear light. Urtopia also offers a front platform rack and modular cargo bags that attach directly to the mounting points on the frame and rack system. These allow the Carbon Joy Ultra to carry a variety of loads without adding excessive weight.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Carbon Joy Ultra uses a color LCD display that is simple and easy to live with. It is bright enough to see in sunlight, the layout is clean, and the buttons sit right next to the left grip so you do not have to look down much once you get used to it. You get all the basics you would expect, like speed, battery level, assist level, trip readings, and a few status icons.
All of the important settings live directly in the display menu. Screen brightness is easy to adjust, and the speed limit can be set anywhere between 15 mph and 25 mph. We did not run into anything confusing and found everything we needed within a minute or two.
Urtopia does have an app, but in our testing we were not able to pair the Ultra to it. Scanning the QR code on the bottom bracket did not connect, and manual searching in the app did not find the bike either. It is possible this will change with an update, but at the moment the Ultra’s settings are easily adjusted via the display.
If you like the idea of a bike that works on its own without needing a phone in the loop, the Ultra fits that mold nicely. For day to day riding, I found the display does the job and gets out of the way.
Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra Model Options
The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra comes in a one-size-fits most frame size with a step-through carbon frame that they say fits riders from 4’ 11” to 6’ 3”.
Urtopia sells the Ultra in several color options that include Charcoal Grey, Glacier Blue, Creme Lychee Pink, and Rose Red. The finish uses a matte coating and minimal branding, which gives the bike a clean look regardless of color.
The bike ships standard with a few included accessories like full coverage fenders, a rear rack with an integrated rear light, a front light, a kickstand, a basic set of pedals, and the color LCD display.
If you want to further rig out the Ultra you can add optional accessories such as a front platform rack, modular cargo bags that attach to the racks, and other small items like alternate saddles or baskets. The frame and racks include multiple mounting points, so the add-ons attach cleanly without improvised straps or clamps.
Urtopia provides a two year warranty on the complete bike, which includes the frame, motor, electronics, and battery. Plus, Utopia has partnered with over 750 nationwide service partners, and appears to be growing even more through their recent partnership with Pedego.
Is The Urtopia Carbon Joy Ultra Worth Buying?
The Carbon Joy Ultra makes a strong case for folks who don’t want the bulk and heft of the more common 60+ pound cruiser bikes or 80+ pound fat tire utility e-bike but like the practical idea it represents. It is a compact bike that feels comfortable right away, and the low standover and lighter carbon fiber frame make it a lot less intimidating than other e-bikes in both the cruiser or utility categories.
If you want a bike you can step over, roll around the garage, load up with a couple of bags, lift on your own, and just ride without thinking too much about it, the Ultra fits that kind of lifestyle pretty well.
The motor has a calm, steady feel, and the torque sensor makes the assist feel natural instead of jumpy. It is not aiming for power bragging rights. It is more about giving you enough help to get around town, handle smaller hills, and keep a comfortable pace on bike paths or in traffic. For everyday riding, the setup feels intentional rather than underpowered.
Urtopia includes the basics like fenders, lights, and the rear rack, which means most riders can use the bike right out of the box. The optional front rack and cargo bags expand what it can do without turning it into a bulky hauler. If you want a compact cruiser that looks good, rides quietly, and carries more than a typical lightweight e-bike, the Ultra hits a nice middle ground. It is practical, it is comfortable, and it avoids the oversized feel that keeps some riders away from utility bikes in the first place.
Pros
- A Fully Carbon Fiber frame and fork coming in at just 43lbs (50lbs with accessories and battery)
- I scored over 63 miles on my range testing showing that smaller is still capable
- Fully UL Certified to both UL 2849 and UL 2271 as well as IP65 Water Resistant
- Comes well equipped with fenders, a MIK rear rack, and front to back LED lighting.
- The low standover height of just 16” and shorter 45” wheelbase keep the Carbon Joy Ultra easy top ride and nimble in handling.
- A uniquely hidden placement for Air Tags helps add another layer of security over just the secret passcode to track your ride in the event it takes a ride without your permission.
- Very light-weight! Yes, we’ve already mentioned this, but we want to make sure our readers know how impressed we are with how light the Carbon Joy Ultra is thanks to the carbon fiber frame and fork.
Cons
- At 5’11, I found the fit to be good, but in all honesty, the advertised fit range at 6’ 3” seems a bit optimistic even with the adjustable stem and 2-stage saddle adjustments.
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