Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra: 500W Mid-Drive eBike That’s Ready to Conquer the Streets and Trails
After being impressed by the stealthy design and unique style of the Vanpowers City Vanture, we were eager to explore its newest sibling, the Vanpowers UrbanGlide. While the UrbanGlide may not boast the same visually striking aesthetic as the shiny Vanture, it compensates by being the more capable of the two. With increased power, larger tires, front suspension, and a rear cargo rack, the UrbanGlide is designed to tackle the challenges of urban streets and even some adventurous trails.
The UrbanGlide is offered in three configurations, with Ultra, our review model, being the top-end model.
When it comes to ebikes, it’s not easy to find a bike that brings the perfect blend of power, comfort, and off-road capabilities. The Vanpowers Urban Glide is one of those rare gems that ticks all the boxes. It packs a punch with its impressive power, gives you a super comfy ride, and handles off-road adventures like a boss.
The UrbanGlide offers riders an incredibly comfortable and relaxed ride. From its upright ergonomic design to its dampened suspension combined with a very plush seat, the Glide eats up bumps and keeps you going effortlessly. Featuring a powerful 500W mid-drive motor, the UrbanGlide Ultra gives you instant power and acceleration which feels very natural, and can help you conquer even the steepest inclines with ease. It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that this does come at the expense of size and weight, making it less than ideal if you frequent public transportation or stairs during your commute.
Beyond this, Vanpowers has also included some more practical tech not seen on the Vanture. While it may not offer some advanced features like GPS tracking, the Glide offers one of the best built-in displays for monitoring your ride stats that is bright and easy to read even when in direct sunlight. You’ll also find the optional digital code feature, which adds an extra layer of security to safeguard when powered off, an automatic front headlight that turns on when it’s dark, and rear brake lights. Nothing too fancy, but it all works extremely well.
The Glide arrives mostly assembled out of the box.
The remaining steps are mostly straightforward and intuitive, particularly if you have prior experience assembling bikes. The bike has a rear fender already installed, but the front fender needs to be installed along with the front wheel and handlebars.
Additionally, the assembly process involves installing the front headlight, display, front reflector, bell, and pedals. It’s worth noting that due to the UrbanGlide’s weight, it may be helpful to have a second set of hands during assembly. Lifting the bike’s frame out of the box and flipping it over to install the front wheel and front fender can be more manageable with assistance.
Design and Style
In contrast to the City Vanture’s eye-catching retro-futuristic design, the UrbanGlide opts for a more conventional appearance. At over twice the Vanture’s weight, the Glide sacrifices lots of portability due to its increased size and weight, but its sturdier frame and enhanced components make up for it. The UrbanGlide’s larger motor, front suspension, fatter tires, and the inclusion of a rear cargo rack give it a robust and capable presence on the road.
Its frame is sleek and uniform, with minimal welding points throughout, giving it a clean and seamless aesthetic. The absence of visible welds contributes to the overall high-quality look of the bike. There is one exception to this uniformity, with the rear point of the frame, where the two bars attach to the rear wheel. This area has minor welding points visible, but it doesn’t detract from the overall premium feel of the bike. During my examination, I did notice a small chip in the paint near the battery compartment. It’s challenging to determine the exact cause of the chip, as it could have occurred during shipping or the manufacturing process.
The Vanpowers UrbanGlide offers an overall look that is both sleek and functional. Its design incorporates features that prioritize comfort and ease of use, making it a practical choice for riders. One of the standout design elements is the low 380mm step-through height, which allows for easy mounting and dismounting of the bike. This feature is particularly convenient for riders who may not want to lift their legs over a higher-top tube. The frame shape of the UrbanGlide promotes a more natural riding posture, reducing strain on the back and hips and enhancing overall comfort.
In terms of build and colors, the UrbanGlide features a 6061 Al Alloy Frame, ensuring durability and strength. It is available in two frame sizes, Large and Small, allowing riders to choose the option that best suits their height and preference. The bike has various color options, including Gray, Green, Red, and Gun Blue.
If you prefer a more understated appearance, the gray and blue colors may be the best choices, as they offer a more subtle and less attention-grabbing look. The UrbanGlide incorporates subtle branding details on its frame. On the left and right sides of the downtube, you will find the Vanpowers name, adding a touch of brand recognition. The Vanpowers logo is positioned on the front and rear of the bike, further emphasizing the bike’s identity.
Size and Weight
Compared to other e-bikes I’ve reviewed, the size of the Vanpowers UrbanGlide is definitely notable. In many ways, it looks like a skinny, yet longer version of your typical fat-tire E-bike. It falls on the larger end of the spectrum, resembling the fat-tire Velotric Nomad 1 dimensions,which I previously tested. Weighing in at 32kg (70.5lbs), it is slightly lighter than the Nomad 1, but still substantial.
The larger size of the UrbanGlide does come with its advantages. It allows for incorporating features such as a front suspension, larger tires, and a rear cargo rack, which contribute to its enhanced capabilities, power, and comfort. These features make the UrbanGlide a capable and comfortable ride, particularly for tackling urban streets and venturing off-road.
That said, for individuals who rely on public transportation or need to navigate stairs during their commute, the larger size of the UrbanGlide can pose challenges. Carrying it up and down stairs can be cumbersome due to its weight and dimensions. Similarly, the bike’s larger size makes it difficult to store in smaller spaces, which can be a limiting factor for those living in apartments or houses with limited storage options. Ultimately, while the UrbanGlide’s size may be a drawback in terms of portability and storage convenience, it’s important to weigh it against its benefits in terms of performance and comfort. It’s a trade-off that potential buyers should consider based on their specific needs and priorities.
With its rugged construction and capable components, the UrbanGlide proves to be a versatile e-bike. While it may lack the compactness of its sibling, the added cargo rack opens up possibilities for carrying groceries, backpacks, or other necessities during daily commutes or weekend adventures. The fatter tires enhance traction on various surfaces, allowing riders to explore trails and take on different terrains confidently.
Models, Performance, and Power
The UrbanGlide is available in three models, Standard, Pro, and Ultra.
Although all three share many of the same specs, including the frame and battery, there are a few key differences, notably the type of 500W motor used, the sensor, and the gearing.
The Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra is equipped with a Bafang M600 48V/500W mid-drive motor, offering a notable amount of power and acceleration. The 500W motor, combined with its 95Nm torque sensor, will deliver a smoother and more responsive riding experience compared to the other two options.
It’s worth noting that the Ultra model is the only one that does not come with a thumb throttle because it uses a mid-drive motor. However, the absence of a thumb throttle doesn’t hinder the Ultra’s performance, as it offers easier and more natural pedal assistance. That said, the thumb throttle is standard if you’re willing to downgrade to a brushless hub.
The Bafang 500W is one of the smoothest and most natural I’ve tested on an e-bike. The power assistance kicks in quickly and provides immediate responsiveness without any noticeable delays. This is a significant advantage of having a mid-drive motor, as it allows for a seamless and enjoyable riding experience.
In terms of gear shifting, the UrbanGlide Ultra utilizes a Microshift RD-M26L 9-speed rear derailleur with a 42T chain ring and a 170mm crankset. While shifting between gears was generally smooth, I noticed some minor issues when shifting into and out of the 9th gear. However, apart from that, the gear-shifting performance was satisfactory. During testing, I frequently kept the bike in its highest gear due to the strong motor assistance. Even in the thrid level of Power Assistance, shifting to lower gears felt unnecessary, as the powerful motor assistance provided ample power for most riding situations.
The UrbanGlide’s ability to reach and maintain 20mph is impressive, and it’s apparent that the bike is designed to prioritize power and comfort over achieving higher speeds. The quick acceleration and comfortable riding experience make up for any desire for greater speed, particularly during urban commuting or leisurely rides.
Comfort and Ride Quality
One of the UrbanGlide’s standout features is its exceptional comfort. The ergonomic design of the frame and handlebars, combined with the plush seat, provides a pleasant and relaxed riding experience. Whether cruising through city streets or exploring off-road trails, the UrbanGlide absorbs shocks and vibrations effectively, minimizing fatigue during long journeys. The generous seating position allows for an upright posture, reducing strain on the back and neck.
During my testing, I encountered various steep slopes and challenging terrain, and the Vanpowers UrbanGlide demonstrated its impressive performance on these inclines. Whether it was riding up grassy hills or ramps, the UrbanGlide showcased its power by effortlessly maintaining speed without requiring much additional pedal effort on my part. This highlights one of the significant advantages of a 500W e-bike over a 350W model. While both types may have the same top speed, the extra power provided by the UrbanGlide’s motor proved invaluable when tackling steeper grades.
Including a front suspension on the UrbanGlide significantly enhances the overall riding experience, especially when encountering uneven surfaces or bumps. While most of my rides were on pavement, navigating the streets of NYC, known for its potholes and obstacles, required a bike capable of handling such conditions. The suspension on the UrbanGlide proved to be a godsend. When encountering cracks, bumps, or minor road imperfections, the suspension system effectively absorbs the impact, making the ride smooth and comfortable.
Even when hitting speed bumps at higher speeds, the front suspension mitigated the impact, although it’s still advisable to stand on the pedals to further minimize the jolt. The front suspension also played a crucial role when dropping from curbs. The suspension system helped to dramatically reduce the initial impact, providing a more comfortable and controlled descent. This feature particularly benefits urban riders who frequently encounter curbs during their daily commutes.
Display and Controls
The controls found on the left handlebar offer additional functionalities.
The built-in display offers excellent visibility and readability. The 3.5'' Color TFT-LCD is clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. It provides essential information such as current speed, average speed, distance traveled, and more. However, while the display is practical, it would have been even more impressive if Vanpowers had integrated its capabilities with their app or connected smartphones.
For example, displaying turn-by-turn directions or offering media playback controls would have added extra functionality and convenience to the riding experience.
I recommend enabling the optional digital code as it adds an extra layer of security to the bike if you don’t want to remove the battery each time you leave your bike for a few moments. The four-digit lock code needs to be entered every time the bike powers on, which could help deter someone from riding off with your bike, assuming you’re not too far off.
While the optional digital code provides an additional layer of security, it is not nearly as robust as some of the more advanced security features available on other e-bikes, such as GPS monitoring, thumbprint recognition, built-in Apple Find My, or the use of alarms. These advanced security features can offer more comprehensive protection against theft. It is worth mentioning that no security measure is entirely foolproof, and determined individuals may still find ways to steal a bike, even if you use a physical lock.
A Relaxed and Capable, but Very Large Commuter eBike
While the Vanpowers UrbanGlide may not captivate with the same visually striking design as the City Vanture, it compensates with its more powerful motor, larger tires, front suspension, and built-in rear cargo rack. This e-bike offers an incredibly comfortable ride, making it a pleasure to navigate city streets or venture off-road. The UrbanGlide Ultra’s 500W mid-drive motor delivers impressive acceleration and power, allowing riders to conquer steep slopes easily. However, unfortunately, it lacks a dedicated throttle as found on its cheaper brushless motor models.
While its larger size allows for its more capable design, weighing in at 32 kg, it can be challenging to carry and store. Although this is primarily marketed towards urban riders, it may not be the most practical choice for commuters who rely on public transportation, use stairs, or have limited storage space at their final destination.
With its built-in battery, the City Vanture effectively hides the fact that it’s an ebike and is easily one of the best looking.
My iPhone does it all, but I still need my dumb phone.
I found my TV was always listening—so I shut it down.
You don’t need to fork out for expensive hardware to run an AI on your PC.
Unlock a world of entertainment possibilities with this clever TV hack.
Who asked for these upgrades?
