Urban Mover Sprite Men’s Electric Hybrid Bike (26-Inch Wheels)
Posted by Ryan in Hybrid Bikes
Urban Mover Sprite Men’s Electric Hybrid Bike (26-Inch Wheels) The most popular form of transportation in the world is the bicycle, but few Americans take it seriously as a car alternative. Enter the Urban Mover men’s Sprite electric hybrid bike, a battery-powered bicycle that can go farther and faster than a conventional bike with little effort. The Sprite is outfitted with such traditional bike features as a lightweight, double heat-treated alloy frame, a Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter, and 26-inch alloy wheel rims with stainless-steel spokes. It’s the advanced Panasonic lithium battery and powerful UM brushless hub motor that really steal the show, however. The electric assistance makes it easy to pop into town for groceries or commute across the city, because the bike’s sensor detects how hard you’re riding and instantly matches the effort. Even a casual peddler can maintain speeds of 12 to 18 miles per hour with a minimum of effort. And when you stop peddling, the power is interrupted immediately so that you’re always in total control. It’s the perfect bike for commuters tired of facing traffic jams day in and day out or dealing with the spiraling costs of car ownership.
The Sprite offers a real alternative to the social and fiscal costs of driving. Maintenance and fuel costs are minimal, with the electricity for charging the fuel checking in at about 10 cents for every 12 to 18 miles (the charger works in standard outlets and charges in less than six hours). In addition, the bike effectively flattens hills by increasing your average speed on the approach, making it simple to climb hills of up to 12 percent without collapsing in exhaustion. And although it won’t keep you as fit as a conventional bike, the Sprite will get you outdoors and moving. Perhaps the most popular feature, however, is the emission-free design, which is far cleaner and greener than carbon-based transportation. And if you charge the bike using power from a wind generator or solar panels, you’ll be even greener. All that plus it doesn’t smell or rattle, is completely silent, and is easy to maintain.
The Sprite electric bike goes farther and faster than conventional bikes. |
The electric bike’s sensor detects how hard you’re riding and matches the effort. |
Bike Features:
- Lightweight, double heat-treated aluminum alloy hybrid frame
- Fully sealed bearing system
- 26-inch alloy wheels with stainless-steel spokes
- Shimano Tourney 6-speed derailleur gears
- Shimano Tourney thumb shift gear change
- Kenda K series puncture-resistant tires
- Kenda self-sealing inner tubes
- Suspension seat post
- Sealed headset and crank bearings
- Variable pedal assist control
- Tektro V-type front and rear brakes
- Patented locking side release battery mechanism
- Handlebar mounted charge indicator
- UM-V sprung gel comfort saddle with quick-release mechanism
- Rear alloy parcel rack
- Metallic royal blue finish
- 5-year frame warranty; 1-year warranty on components and battery
Specifications:
- System voltage: 26 volts
- Battery pack: Panasonic lithium ion 26-volt, 9 Ah
- Digital battery charger: 110 to 240 volts, (50 to 60 Hz)
- USA motor rating: 250 watts, 26 volts
- Motor type: Brushless with single-stage planetary gearing
- Motor controller type: Digital VPAC
- Gradient capability: Up to 12 percent
- Maximum range (VPAC motor assisted): 21 miles
- Maximum speed: 15 miles per hour
- Wheel size: 26 inches
- Rims/spokes: Alloy/stainless steel
- Brake: V-brake front and rear
- Rear gear set: Shimano Tourney 6 speed
- Rear parcel rack and carrier: Yes
- Full-chromed ABS mud-guard set: Yes
- Bottom crank size: 48T
- Saddle model and type: UM-V comfort sprung gel
- Frame size: 21 inches
- Frame length: 72 inches
- Wheel base: 45.5 inches
- Weight: 43.5 pounds
Customer Review: The best way to get around!
As a citizen of the environmentally-minded mecca of Seattle, having a zero-emission means of transportation is a plus. Since my place of business is too far to walk to, too close to drive to, and a little difficult to take the bus to, I started looking into a bike. Then I thought about those early mornings when I might not be awake enough to pedal my way to work, so I looked into an electric scooter. But those are a little too much for my needs (and I don’t have a garage to put it in). After some more research, I stumbled upon this baby.
This bike is perfectly tailored to fit my needs. It looks and functions a lot like a normal bike, but when you begin to pedal, the motor kicks in (if turned on) and allows you to pedal with ease. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it’s addictive. And, when you actually want to propel yourself by your own strength, a simple flick of a switch puts you back on human-power. It’s really quite ingenious.
For specs, I find this bike to be very well equipped. The first thing that caught my eye was the lithium-ion batteries. These batteries–as you probably know–are the same batteries they put in your cellphones and laptops. While they offer long runtimes, their best quality is that they have no memory effect. I used to race RC cars in my youth, and was always annoyed with the nickel-cadmium batteries that have to be fully-charged and fully-drained if you don’t want them to lose their ability to hold a charge. These batteries don’t do that, which is a major plus.
As for the other details, this bike is rated for 21 miles, but I find I can get more. I work about five miles from home, and I tend to use the pedal-assist motor to get there and pedal myself on the way back. My route is relatively flat with a few light slopes. I’ve been able to go a full work-week without recharging. (And, when you do have to recharge, it’s very quick.)
Assembly is super-easy. You just insert the seat and handlebars, attach the pedals, front tire, and brakes, and you are ready to go. All the tools necessary are included. I’m no master of machinery, and I had this assembled in minutes.
I really can’t say anything bad about this bike. It is fast, runs for a long time, is easy to assemble, and has a cool, futuristic aesthetic. I’m still not ready to ditch my car, but for local transportation, this can’t be beat.
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