Electric Bike Reviews T-U

Ultra Motors A2B
4.0 Stars - Has filed for Bankruptcy. Check before purchase.

Ultra Motors produces the A2B, a distinctively styled eBike/scooter. The rig is not your traditional bike, and that is what makes it interesting.

Specs for the bike, however, are similar to many eBikes on the market today. The A2B is driven by a 500 Watt motor powered by a 36 volt Li-ion battery pack mounted on a fixed rear rack. It is a neat package. Extra packs may be plugged in for extended range.

Top powered speed is 20 mph. Gears are a 7-speed rear cluster shifted through a Shimano derailleur. Brakes are disc, front and rear. You may not want to pedal the bike too far since it tips the scale at 72 pounds.

The A2B is one interesting eBike. We like it and know others who feel the same. However, some reviewers have had a few problems. Still, even at $2,699 US, we can recommend it.

Urban Mover
4.0 Stars

Urban Mover has been making eBikes for some years. The current line includes 7 models. Urban Movers are pretty light weight in the world of eBikes. The models below are similar, with variations in power package (24 or 36 volts) and frame styles. All are driven by 200-250 Watt hub motors.

Urban Mover customers like their bikes, but most mention some kind of defects in the electronics or accessories. Prices on the Urban Mover line are quite reasonable, and over the build quality seems to be good.

UM26S Terrain: This is the Urban Mover Folding eBike. It is powered by a front hub motor, and rear 5-speed hub for pedaling. The bike is a very light alloy frame for an eBike at 43 pounds. The pedals also fold, and the whole rig pops into a storage bag...pretty neat. Price is $950 US.

UM33X Umotion: This is the entry level eBike. It is a MTB frame driven by a 200 - 250 Watt rear hub motor. The motor is powered by a 24 volt 9AH Li-ion pack. The alloy frame bike weighs in at a relatively low 22.3 kg or 49 pounds and has telescoping front forks. Maximum range is given as 30 km or 18.7 miles with a top end limited to 15 mph under motor power.

UM36SX Premium: This mountain bike based eBike is similar to the UM33X, but is upgraded to a 36 volt (9 amp hour) system. Weight is kept to 49 pounds, but range is increased to 50km or 31miles. Reviews of the UM36 are good, but mention minor issues with brakes, cables and the like. Price is about $1,400 US.

UM44S USPRITE: Very similar to the 36SX, the 44S is powered the same and keeps the same weight. The main difference is the frame type. The 44S frame is described as an "Advanced City hybrid alloy step through or crossbar frame design". Price is about $1,200 US.

UM44SL USPRITE Step-through: This is the step through version of the 44S above. Price is about $1,000 US.

UM44 USPRITE: This is the basic version of the 44S. It is powered by a 24 volt system versus the 36 volt system of the 44S.

UM55 UCRUISER: A shorter person's ride. This bike features 24 inch wheels and a 24 volt system. Weight is about 22.8 kg or 50 pounds. The frame is a step through design.

Next are eBikes from W-Z.