Immensely useful, heaps of thoughtful details, and plenty of smart accessories make this my favorite bike Ive ever owned. Granted, this is an Abus thing and not something exclusive to Urban Arrow, but its a smart design nonetheless and Im glad to see it featured as standard equipment here. A set of four-piston Magura brakes will bring those heavy loads to a stop quickly, and are some of the most premium hydraulic disc brakes that you can find on an electric bicycle these days. Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries, DIY Solar Power,The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guideand The Electric Bike Manifesto. Its a good thing this step-through frame has such a low standover height, because I guarantee any Urban Arrow owner spends a decent amount of time straddling this thing as they slowly roll it back and forth in a multi-point turn. The Family Cargo is obviously aimed at accommodating families, and as such, the cargo area is tailored toward hauling the kiddos. Those were the words cheerily directed my way as I dropped my kiddo off at school one morning. When activated, walk mode uses the motor to slowly drive the bike forward as you walk next to it. Its not cheap by any means, but its less expensive than some high-zoot competitors like Riese and Mullers Load 75, which starts at more than $9,000. Just, uh maybe dont try that on a turn. I regularly shuttle my kid back and forth to school in it (and never have to deal with the chaotic melee of other parents in cars in the pick-up/drop-off lane). You can also configure your cargo bike on the Urban Arrow website. But while I understand this is a limitation of some European regulations, neither the front nor rear lights can operate in flashing mode to enhance daytime safety, so I still run with a supplemental Bontrager Flare R out back. Just like human family members, this Urban Arrow Family has its pros, cons, quirks, and things that drive me crazy. Dan Cavallari Aside from that, its been pennies in recharge costs, and of course, no other fees typically associated with automobiles like registration and insurance. Most streets in Amsterdam will have at least 2-4 parked outside at night, with many more tucked away inside in gardens or sheds. Despite the wide range of cargo sizes and weights, the Urban Arrow has taken it all in stride. If Europeans can do it, maybe Americans one day can too. However, the twist shifters dual cable arrangement feels vague, and if youre running the Bosch motor at one of the higher assist settings, its very difficult to shift gears while pedaling unless you really back off the power. I installed a Cane Creek Viscoset headset damper a few months into this test, and while it has helped, it hasnt gotten rid of the problem entirely. The range on e-bikes is notoriously variable, but Urban Arrows claim of 50 km of average range feels about right. You can of course also charge the battery while its mounted on the bike. Chinese motors that dont have to play by the same power-limiting rules. The Family Cargo features all the adjustability youd expect at the seatpost and cockpit; the former can be adjusted using a quick-release lever, and the latter adjusts by loosening some bolts. Its absolutely as goofy as it sounds, but its far sketchier to run without it. Other improvements to the new Urban Arrow Family Line of cargo e-bikes include a redesigned steering tube to improve stability and control at high speeds with heavy loads in the front cargo box. At about two full meters, the wheelbase is twice as long as a regular bike, which makes the Urban Arrow unflappably stable (with one exception, which Ill get to in a bit). The Urban Arrow Family Cargo bike rises to the top of the crop in the e-cargo bike category. Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. The new 2022 Urban Arrow Family Cargo line includes a front loading cargo e-bike (the kind with the big bucket up front) that features a number of updates such as Boschs latest Kiox display and a new Gates Carbon Drive belt included as standard equipment that is designed to replace the chain with a quiet and maintenance-free drivetrain. Ive lugged full-size bike boxes to UPS and FedEx. When its not in use, the key locks into place so you dont lose it. If youll regularly be hauling cargo rather than kids, consider some of Urban Arrows other offerings, like the Cargo or Shorty Business. The Urban Arrow Family Cargo is one of the best e-cargo bikes for families who will spend most of the time hauling the kids around town. The belt connects the Enviolo Heavy Duty continuously variable transmission to Boschs Cargo Line Gen 4 motor. Yes, are you nice and cold out there? she replies with a naughty grin. I then rode the bike back down and then clear across town to pick up my kid from school. While at times it felt too bouncy, I prefer this over an overly jarring ride quality. Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast. The cargo box interior dimensions measure 28 inches at bottom front to back. The e-bikes that make up Micahs current daily drivers are the $999 Lectric XP 2.0, the $1,095 Ride1Up Roadster V2, the $1,199 Rad Power Bikes RadMission, and the $3,299 Priority Current. low-cost long tail electric cargo e-bikes. That said, the Family Cargo offers a comfortable, safe cargo space for hauling your kids, and the bike is stable and fun to ride. A second linkage rod on the other side of the bike would obviously add some cost, but itd also provide some peace of mind. That said, everything else about the Family Cargo feels well-refined. But the full-length chain cover has kept drivetrain wear at an impressive minimum since its always shielded from dirt and debris (and the belt-drive kit I have at the ready now comes standard). Granted, such a thing would be tricky for Urban Arrow to tune given the huge variation in loads and wacky weight distribution, but Id like to see the company figure something out here. They put your wrists in an awkward position, and consequently your upper body. I love that I can shift the Enviolo continuously variable rear hub transmission at a standstill since its not always practical to downshift before coming to a stop. There are rain covers, baby seat adapters, extra benches to accommodate more kid passengers, a rear rack, and more. Steering inputs almost seem to happen in slow motion which is usually a good thing for a bike like this and because the whole thing is so long, if one wheel slides out a little, rarely does it result in an actual change in direction. Its a handy feature that makes it easy to leave the house without wrangling other external accessories. Id have to count our street, but Im guessing theres 6-8..
They take a bicycles narrow and convenient form factor and turn it into a heavy-hauling tool that can actually carry your family around or drag home a weeks worth of groceries. Im not talking about from serious cyclists, either, but rather from everyday folks like the construction worker I mentioned at the beginning of this review. The cutouts at the front corners of the box are a nice touch as they provide a handy foothold that make it easier for smaller passengers to get in and out. Its easy to engage with your foot, though youll need to take some care when disengaging it before riding to make sure its tucked entirely up near the cargo area. The built-in frame lock is brilliant. Charge time from nearly zero is about 4 1/2 hours. Its not a big deal in most riding situations, but mid-corner bumps tend to flex and then unload that rod. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, But while the heavy-duty wheels havent given me any problems at all, I wish there was at least the option to run this tubeless. At an eye-opening $7,999, this isnt going to be the most affordable electric cargo e-bike on the block. Yubas SuperCargo, by comparison, advertises up to 60 miles on a single charge. I should mention that it didnt take long for me to decide that this bike wasnt just going to be a long-term loaner. Read the rest of our Urban Arrow Family review to see if its one of the best electric bikes for you and your children. Its clear that the Family Cargo is designed specifically for hauling kids rather than cargo. The Magura brakes include an e-bike ABS system that reduces the chances of the rear wheel lifting up during quick front braking, allowing riders to lean harder on the front brake. Component-wise, the utility-minded spec sheet is certainly very different from what you might be accustomed to seeing on a high-end road, gravel, or mountain bike. Perhaps related to that linkage flex is the bikes well documented speed wobble issue. Ive comfortably packed four kids in the box for play dates at parks. The Bosch Performance 500 battery mounts in front of the rider. Standard issue is a monstrous two-legged kickstand, front and rear fenders, and front and rear LED lights powered by the Bosch battery. For you, these bars might be just the thing.
At a lower setting, it seems entirely plausible to get far more miles out of a single charge. Its stable, comfortable, and packed with some key safety features for your kids. Im finishing up my review of Terns second-generation GSD cargo bike, and one of the most dramatic improvements over the first version is the newly added suspension, not just in terms of rider (and passenger) comfort, but also how it makes the bike so much easier to manage on the road. Motor: Bosch Cargo Line You can buy the Urban Arrow Family Cargo at select bike shops. Operating costs have been very low, too. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). More. A post shared by James Huang (@angryasian). Thats not to say you cant carry just cargo in here, but if youll routinely be hauling cargo rather than kids, consider a different option. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Cargo bikes are one of the coolest inventions on two wheels. Seriously? In fact, once youre moving, it isnt even always obvious that youve got a lot of weight in the box. Theres also the issue of service. After 9 miles I had used one bar of battery life out of five. The EPP foam can get dinged up easily from hard or odd-shaped cargo, and the EPP foam shell also does cut down on usable space within the cargo box.
Both Triobike options are less adept at stability and handling than the Urban Arrow and the Yuba SuperCargo. And can I remind you how much attention this thing draws? get home from a physical therapy appointment, Eurobike: Cargo bikes trust us, you're going to buy one, Tern updates 2021 GSD e-cargo bike: same compact package, now with more cargo, Yuba Electric Supermarche e-cargo bike review: The smile machine, Waving at strangers: The bike that changed how I see cycling. Just turn the shifter until you find the right resistance for you. When you want to park, just press the lever down, turn the key, pull it out, and stow it in your pocket. They fall into a class of cargo bikes called bakfiets, or box bike in Dutch. Twice-daily school trips and regular in-town errands typically add up to about 50 km, so the typical schedule is to just plug the thing in on weekends. If youre hauling kids frequently, consider the rain and sun covers, or the very cool Urban Arrow Poncho ($170) that covers both the rider and the passengers during inclement weather. The Load 75 from Riese and Muller offers suspension for a comfortable ride, but it costs significantly more than the Urban Arrow. However, that also applies to how its lopsided weight distribution affects the laden-vs.-unladen handling. It is removable. Life hasnt gotten much easier for the Urban Arrow in the 2+ years since then. Almost without fail, the usual reaction is that they couldnt believe the things Im doing by bike but now theyve seen it being done, and heard face-to-face how feasible it is. Ive learned to think of the Urban Arrow as being akin to a two-wheeled pickup truck in terms of its capabilities and usefulness. Max rider weight: 275 pounds
Kudos to Urban Arrow for upgrading the front light on this bike relative to what I got. You can send Micah tips at Micah@electrek.co, or find him on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. The lack of redundancy in the steering system gives me some pause, too. Even with my 7-year-old daughter riding up front, the ride quality and ease of use didnt seem to change much from an unloaded configuration. Its assist tops out at 20 mph; after that, youre on your own. This puts it most closely in competition with the also-excellent Yuba SuperCargo. In fact, these sorts of bikes are practically standard-issue for two-wheeled transportation in the companys home base of the Netherlands. You will sacrifice some cargo space to the EPP foam that comprises the cargo box, and that same EPP foam can get damaged easily from hard objects and sharp corners you might be toting. So far, Ive come close but not exceeded, I think the official maximum box capacity of 125 kg (276 lb). Few cycling disciplines are better suited to the self-repairing nature of tubeless than utility bikes, and the one flat Ive gotten on this bike was a small puncture that would have sealed itself with the benefit of some liquid latex sloshing around inside. I replaced the rear brake pads after about 18 months, and the rear tire made it about the same amount of time. It isnt a common occurrence, according to Urban Arrow representatives. The Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes dont have enough power to rein this thing in, especially when heavily loaded (something Urban Arrow has thankfully since rectified with a switch to more powerful four-piston brakes). But when you consider that the Urban Arrow can potentially replace an automobile for many buyers, those figures become a touch easier to swallow. The true wattage is almost certainly higher. I eventually installed a Cane Creek Thudbuster suspension seatpost, and its been a godsend, particularly given how the laid-back seat tube angle and short chainstays practically put you directly over the rear wheel. Basically, this just means the cargo portion of the bike is situated in front of the rider instead of behind. There was a problem. That motor puts out 85 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful European mid-drive motors (even if it cant hold a candle to the Chinese motors that dont have to play by the same power-limiting rules). I rode from home to the start of the climb at the base of Flagstaff Mountain here in Boulder, and escorted the crew all the way up to the top (the real top, mind you, not the halfway point that many locals consider to be the top). Ive gone on ice cream runs with my kiddo and then we used the box as our personal seating area. Nearly everywhere you look on the Urban Arrow, there are small touches indicating the brands long history in the category. City dwellers are the best candidates for true car replacement e-bikes like these, or at least replacing a second car to turn a family into a one car and one e-bike household. However, the linkage rod itself is more prone to flex than Id prefer, especially when the bike is loaded. And second, it lowers the center of gravity, which translates into more stability and better handling. And yes, I maybe had some help with the decision. Urban Arrow has opted for the latter, and its generally well done with smooth operation and minimal slop thanks in part to the beefy industrial-strength ball-ends. The stock Schwalbe tires have been great: theyre smooth-rolling, theyve got good grip, and theyre remarkably puncture-resistant. It may not be as efficient as a conventional e-bike or my regular townie, but Ive also never worried that I wouldnt be able to get something home if I decided to spontaneously drop into a store for something. Last, but not least, the sheer size of the Urban Arrow presents some interesting challenges in terms of storage (its 2.74 m / 9 ft long!). I love good cup-and-cone hubs, and the old mechanic in me appreciates the Shimano front hub specified here. Despite the comical dimensions, the Urban Arrow has proven to be fun to ride, too. The Yuba SuperCargo is also stable and handles well, and both of these bikes are similarly priced. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. published 2 February 22. Current retail price for the Urban Arrow is a substantial US$7,000 / 6,690 already, and the company offers a long list of available (and very useful) accessories that further hike up the final total. Enviolos Heavy Duty transmission offers some seriously quiet operation. I brought this bike in for review way back in late November 2019, and I wasted little time putting it through its paces. Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos. Otherwise, you can also plug in a heavy-duty chain for more security. Otherwise, the stand can drag when you ride around sharp corners. You can stow up to 275 pounds in the cargo area. One of the very first rides I did on it was in a support capacity for former CyclingTips editor-in-chief Neal Rogers MAMIL battle with Jonathan Vaughters. Short, sharp inclines were easy to tackle too. After approximately 15 miles of riding on this setting, I lost another bar. Perfect for maneuvering this thing fully loaded up my modestly sloped driveway . The Bosch Cargo Line motor provides ample power with up to 85Nm of torque, even when the bike is loaded down with kids or cargo. And it costs the same as one of its closest competitors in size and function, the Yuba SuperCargo, which also starts at $6,000. By my estimation, its that roughly 120 kink in the rod thats the source of the issue here, since the rest of the rod sections are straight and there are no other obvious flex points elsewhere in the system (notably, German cargo bike brand Riese & Mller adds a welded gusset to the steering linkage on its front-loader models). In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. You can of course haul groceries and other items in there, but the expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam sides meant to add protection for the kids does cut down on cargo space a bit. When you hit larger bumps, the rear of the bike feels almost spring-loaded. And the bike itself is one of the more stable e-cargo bikes Ive tested, bested perhaps only by the Yuba SuperCargo. Second, the handlebars sweep far too dramatically back toward the rider. Its generally easy to handle and fun to ride. Ive never worried much about range for everyday tasks, and only once did I run out of juice for real (and yes, it was a major bummer). Theres an optional dual-battery kit, too. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. The EPP foam is susceptible to slight damage from dings and scratches. Whether its an Urban Arrow or a much, much more affordable model, there are plenty of great cargo e-bikes out there that can get the kids to school without employing a 5,000-pound death machine to do it. When that happens on milder corners, theres just a bit of steering correction required. But the fact of the matter is that around 80% of the US population lives in areas classified as urban, while only 20% of the population lives in rural areas. By pushing that front wheel so far out front, the load floor of the cargo box can be situated just barely above the ground to keep the center of gravity nice and low. But its a pretty evolving list these days.
But then again, it features premium components from a European company and is built using a more complicated front-loading design than typical low-cost long tail electric cargo e-bikes. Going along with the function-over-form theme is a basic aluminum handlebar with lots of backsweep, an adjustable stem, and a big, puffy Velo saddle mounted to a basic aluminum seatpost. Bath Those stable manners and the optional rain cover even make the Urban Arrow quite the all-weather workhorse. Today's best Urban Arrow Family Cargo deals, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 will come in a crazy number of colors, F1 live stream 2022 how to watch free online, Hungarian GP race, standings, schedule and more, F1 Hungarian Grand Prix live stream how to watch the race free and online, Amazon Prime just took a hit Amazon Drive is getting killed, HBO Max just canceled Gordita Chronicles after only one month, The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. The foam is quite thick and would therefore take a large impact to truly damage the foam to the point that replacement would be necessary. Of course, it takes more than an effective electric bike to make that a possibility. Ive now spent more than two years with the Urban Arrow Family, and I agree wholeheartedly that it is mega cool. And when the box is heavily loaded, you can stand on the end of the L-shaped leg and use your own body weight to set the kickstand into place. Colorado has quite an arid climate, and while the rain cover isnt insulated, it still blocks cold air and windchill, and as Caley puts it, acts like a little greenhouse in the winter. Combined with the little down blanket we keep in the box, my kid has never been chilly on the way back and forth to school. Again, just like a pickup truck, youre lugging around a bunch of empty space much of the time, but theres no substitute when you need it. The center stand is excellent and is rivaled in stability and usability only by the stand on Yubas SuperCargo. At the front, the box measures approximately 17 inches wide and 21 inches wide at the rear. The rider position is very upright and notably laid-back and the bike is offered in a single one-size-fits-most format. If youre looking for an e-cargo bike to safely haul around your kids, you cant do much better than the Urban Arrow Family Cargo. And there will always be that but what about my 30-mile commute on an 84 mph highway at a 37% grade with cantaloup-size hail person who says the whole idea of e-bikes as car replacers is cockamamie. So it seems reasonable that Urban Arrows claim of approximately 31 miles per charge makes sense. Are you nice and warm in there? I always ask. As unusual as the Urban Arrow might look, its actually not that uncommon at all. Once its all configured, Urban Arrow provides a dealer locator button so you can find the dealer nearest you. The ones on newer Urban Arrows are thankfully brighter, but I appreciate theyre there, and its nice that theyre hardwired into the main Bosch battery (again, not something exclusive to Urban Arrow, but good to see regardless). Two things became immediately clear as I started riding. Many other parents can attest to how difficult it can sometimes be to get your kids into the car, but my kid never objects to getting into the bucket bike.. I served as a taxi driver for associate editor Abby Mickey one day when she needed to get somewhere downtown, and for Beta contributor Kristin Butcher, whod broken her ankle and needed to get home from a physical therapy appointment. I love how you can stand on the end of the kickstand leg to get it to engage, but Urban Arrow doesnt plug the tube before installing the rubber feet, and it doesnt take long before it punches through the end (Ive since replaced one foot with a new one, but installed a handlebar plug first). They get you all the cargo space you need, but make the pedaling much more manageable and even fun! More people than ever are switching from cars to electric bicycles, though we still often hear the tired argument that families with kids need an SUV in the garage. With bikes like the Urban Arrow Family Cargo line, such high-capacity and high-quality family-oriented cargo e-bikes can actually replace household vehicles used to carry multiple riders or plenty of cargo. If youre in the market for a pure cargo bike instead of a kid hauler, you might look elsewhere. Throughout it all, the Bosch motor provides more than enough oomph to get this thing up to its 32 km/h (19.8 mph) maximum assisted speed. Ive done multiple-family Costco runs covering 32 km (20 miles) and 240 m (800 ft) of climbing round-trip, with the cargo box and my Ortlieb panniers filled to the brim. At $7,000 as tested, the Urban Arrow Family Cargo bike is priced on a par with other bikes of similar build quality and function. But if youll spend most of your time with your kids in the cargo area, the Family Cargo is tough to beat. Its only very recently that I finally had to replace the rear, which is impressive given how hard it has to work on this bike. Ive lost count of how many conversations Ive had with other parents at school during drop-off/pick-up, other customers at the grocery store, when dropping off boxes, and so on. Battery: Bosch Powerpack 500 Wheel size: 26-inch rear; 20-inch front. Max assist speed: 20mph Which EVs still qualify for US federal tax credit? The Family Cargo bikes price is also competitive, starting at $6,000.
Theres 250 W of sustained power driving the 26 rear wheel (current Urban Arrow models now get updated Bosch motor units), all fed by a single 500 W-h lithium-ion Bosch PowerPack 500 battery. It offers a streamlined experience with a specific focus on safety and functionality for small passengers in the cargo area. The 20-diameter front wheel is placed way out in front of the cargo box, and theres a long linkage connecting the steering column to the fork. Aided in no small part by the comparatively excellent cycling infrastructure here, the Urban Arrow quickly became my daily driver for any and all trips in town. All rights reserved. There are no issues at lower speeds, but let me tell you, if you dont have the steerer damper adjusted properly and this beast of a bike starts violently shaking side to side at 30 km/h (with your kid in the box, no less), it sure wakes you up in a hurry. In my head, flex in a structural system goes hand in hand with fatigue, and while Im accustomed to periodically inspecting all of my bikes from head to toe, that wont be the case for most Urban Arrow owners. The Urban Arrow rises to the top of this list when it comes to handling and stability. Urban Arrow offers several options, but my sample is outfitted with an Enviolo stepless internal rear hub transmission, Shimano Deore single-piston hydraulic front and rear disc brakes, and sturdy tube-type aluminum clincher wheels built with 40-hole Ryde Andra rims, a Shimano M525 front hub (with adjustable cup-and-cone bearings), and burly 13-gauge stainless steel spokes, all wrapped with 55 mm-wide Schwalbe Big Ben Plus tires. Heres why you can trust us. Blown away by its immense utility, I bought this Urban Arrow a few months after bringing it on board. To further supplement the bikes inherent utility, I added a cargo box cover, a rain cover, a rear rack to mount panniers, a front bench (for even more passengers! Prices for accessories range from around $10 up to $470, with most key accessories falling into the $230 range. Caley has installed studded tires for his Urban Arrow, but says its less about really bad conditions and more about not worrying about little ice patches in the morning. Its less consistently snowy here in Boulder as compared to Caleys new digs in Durango, Colorado, so Ive never bothered with studs since its so easy to manage those little slides as is.
For massive loads, the three-wheeled Tender would do the trick. A proper garage or some other form of truly secure ground-level storage is strongly suggested since youre not getting this up even a handful of stairs, and it cant perform the neat trick of standing up on end like the Tern GSD. First, it means more protection from the higher sides. Since September, Caley has tallied more than 930 km (580 miles) on his. A stout aluminum frame allows lots of carrying capacity up to 551 total pounds, passengers included. Urban Arrows line of Family e-cargo bikes are an inspiring, forward-looking, and award-winning alternative to automobiles for individuals and families looking for a singular, sophisticated solution, and these new updates make the choice even clearer. After all, thats where the main bench is located, and if the rain cover is installed, those front cutouts are useless since the cover opens at the rear. Total maximum weight capacity: 551 pounds Max number of passengers: 4 On that note, it also helped me put off purchasing a car for more than two years, and by Caleys estimates, itll save about 2,400 km (1,500 miles) of fuel and wear-and-tear on his truck. Its not an indexed shifter, so there are no clicks or set positions to contend with. On bikes like this, there are two commonly accepted solutions for connecting the steering column to the front fork: a set of cables and housings (like what Yuba uses on its Electric Supermarch), or a rigid linkage. Urban Arrow incorporates a small plastic pad that presses directly on to the front of the fork steerer tube to damp oscillations. Sorry, apartment dwellers, but this probably isnt the cargo bike for you.
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