Our Range Test allowed us to evaluate how far the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra could travel on a single charge of its 690 watt-hour (Wh) battery using the process described in the graphic above. We measured the bike in both PAS 1 and PAS 5 to determine a maximum and minimum bracket, which we determined to be between 41.9 and 51.2 miles.

Vanpowers advertises a range of up to 70 miles with the bike, which differs fairly significantly from our results in PAS 1. The bracket we measured does, however, line up well with the results of similar e-bikes we have tested previously.

The torque sensor on the UrbanGlide is likely a contributing factor to the difference, as it delivers more power to riders who pedal harder – thereby consuming more charge from the battery. It is entirely possible that riders who pedal lighter than our tester would be able to achieve results with greater distance.

The result we measured in PAS 5 (where the UrbanGlide was using significantly more power) was surprisingly better than on many of the similar e-bikes we have tested – some of which had batteries with greater capacity. This suggests that the UrbanGlide Ultra’s motor and battery are efficient, a thought that is further supported by our data.

As explained in our guide to e-bike batteries, there is a relationship between the nominal wattage of an e-bike’s motor and the watt-hour rating of its battery. With its 500W motor and 690Wh battery, we expected the UrbanGlide Ultra to travel for roughly an hour and a half in PAS 5 and cover roughly 26 miles. We were pleased by the bike’s ability to keep us on the move for over 40 miles as we traveled for an additional hour.

With these factors in mind, we’re ultimately quite pleased with the UrbanGlide Ultra’s range potential. Our results were respectable and it’s possible that some riders may be able to squeeze even more miles out of the battery.

We evaluated the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra’s ability to handle extreme uphill climbs using the process described in the graphic above. With no throttle, we performed just a single test in PAS 5 and achieved great results! We measured a time of 1 minute and 28 seconds from the beginning of the trail to the top of the hill, with an average speed of 12.3 miles per hour.

 

This is one of the faster times we’ve seen from an e-bike with a 500W mid-drive motor; it handled the steepest sections of our test hill with confidence and required only a casual but steady degree of pedaling. The bike felt fun and smooth when pedaling uphill despite the extreme nature of the path.

The UrbanGlide’s success at Hell Hole and its great ride feel are the results of its powerful motor; with a maximum potential peak output of 864 watts and a whopping 120 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, it’s no surprise that this motor was designed for eMTBs and cargo bikes!

Personally, I was thrilled to see such an aggressive motor on the UrbanGlide Ultra; it was a refreshing change of pace that allowed the bike’s feel to match its name. When testing this bike on less-challenging hills, pedaling was an absolute breeze, and I barely even noticed I was no longer riding on flat ground.

 

We tested the brake system on the Vanpowers UrbanGlide through the process described above. It uses a hydraulic disc brake system that we are extremely familiar with – the Tektro E350 system which is rated for e-bike use. This system uses 2-piston calipers and 180 mm rotors, and has typically performed very well.

The UrbanGlide was incredibly consistent across each of our three tests, with only about an inch of difference between each result. When we averaged our results, the bike had an average stopping distance of 22’-11”.

If we compare this result across the other commuter-style e-bikes we’ve tested, the UrbanGlide Ultra’s performance was slightly longer than average; the commuter category currently has a running average of 21’-8”.

With just over a foot of difference, we still consider the UrbanGlide’s performance to be well within our range of expected results. As a hydraulic system with 180mm rotors, the Tektro E350 model has the responsiveness and overall stopping power appropriate for a Class 2 e-bike weighing roughly 71 lbs. The goal of our Brake Test is to ensure safety, and we are happy to report that the bike’s Tektro system meets this criteria.

In terms of braking feel, the UrbanGlide maintained excellent stability with its 2.2”-wide tires. The brakes themselves had plenty of bite, and I was pleased by their ability to slow the bike quickly. This came into play on a number of occasions when lizards attempted kamikaze runs across the path during my testing! Fortunately, no animals were harmed in the testing of this bike.

I’ll cut to the chase in this section; the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra was simply a supremely comfortable and fun bike to ride!

The responsiveness and power of its motor – due to the bike’s torque sensor – were as much a highlight as the ride smoothness resulting from the Zoom suspension fork and suspension seatpost. The bike’s wide, ergonomically-swept-back handlebars provided additional comfort but also excellent control for predictable handling; I liked that these were not too extreme in their shape.

I even appreciated tiny details like the ergonomic rubber grips, which had a unique shape and the right amount of squish – and also included a textured area on the back side right where my fingertips fell. This offered extra grip and a different tactile experience.

The UrbanGlide Ultra fits its role well as a commuter, and offers many points of adjustment to ensure a proper and comfortable match with its rider. With two frame sizes, the bike accommodates riders between 5’-1” and 6’-3”. Our test bike was a Small, which I am technically 2” too tall for, but regardless, I was able to find a comfortable fit without the need to raise the stem to a completely vertical position.

In addition to adapting the bike’s fit, its adjustable stem also allows riders to change their riding position; those wanting an upright Dutch-style feel will be accommodated just as much as riders who prefer a more forward lean.

When considering our experiences on the bike – including its test performance – the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra proved to be an impressive commuter! Its speed, power, comfort level, and handling were all top-notch; those elements combined to create a surprisingly fun and capable machine.

 

Truthfully, this was one of those bikes that we found difficult to critique. The two flaws we found are minor, but they are honest and relevant for a commuter. Most of the other commuter e-bikes we’ve tested have included both brake lights and throttles; these are appreciated features that increase safety, visibility, and overall functionality. We’d like to see Vanpowers include both on the UrbanGlide Ultra in the future.

Otherwise, we think riders seeking a great all-around e-bike with daily-use potential will likely enjoy the same highlights that stood out to us. The UrbanGlide Ultra is a well-specced, solidly-performing, and good-looking e-bike with a cool and fitting name. We highly recommend it!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra.