Why an e-assist cargo bike?

Several reasons! First, you might carry a lot of weight up in the box, or second, you commute longer distances or have to deal with hills. When buying a cargo bike we recommend not only thinking about the short-distance errands that constitute most urban life, but also its use for all-day weekend adventures.

Why a mid-drive versus a front or rear drive?

Great question! The e-assist market started with front wheel drives about a decade ago. They weren’t great. On a wet day as you slowed down into a corner the computer might sense (wrongly) that you need a boost and suddenly you’re slipping off the bike while executing a turn. The rear-drive is better, but is dominated by many unknown players. But, the big problem with rear-drives is that you are forced to use a derailleur system whereas a mid-drive allows for a low maintenance internal gear hub.  

How does this compare to other two-wheeled cargo bikes?

The Urban Arrow is the most evolved two-wheeled cargo bike and represents an intelligent re-think when it comes to materials. The frame is aluminum, which is 30% lighter than steel (and noticeable stiffer). Instead of using a heavy wood box, Urban Arrow uses an EPS foam box – the same high-impact stuff a certified bicycle helmet is made of.

What is this “Enviolo” system?

Enviolo is an American company that makes a super wide-range internal gear hub that is ‘infinitely variable,’ meaning you can roll the shifter forwards and backwards and there are no ‘clicks’ for gears. That means you can find the perfect gear for any terrain by twisting the shifter to exactly where you want it. It’s a low maintenance and sealed system, awesome. 

Can I use this bike for a business? 

Absolutely! The Urban Arrow is great for business. The e-assist is especially great if time is money. Email aaron@curbsidecycle.com if you’re interested in discussing a business solution. 

Can I store it outside?

You bet! All Urban Arrow bikes are built for perpetual outdoor storage. The aluminum frames are non-ferrous and therefore can’t rust. Moreover, they are coated with a super-tough and chip-resistant powder-coat. The gears are sealed in the rear hub and the powerful disc brakes use hydraulic fluid that won’t freeze (like many cables do) in the winter.

What is the maintenance like?

Very low! Because the Urban Arrow uses internal gears and low maintenance disc brakes the intervals between tune-ups are increased. We recommend air in the tires every three weeks. 

Can I put a car seat inside?

You sure can. Urban Arrow makes a great Maxi Cosi adaptor that bolts to the bottom of the box (which features suspension to reduce strain) and is compatible with many car seats.

Urban Arrow also makes a clever adapter to fit a YEPP Mini childseat once the kid is 8 months and up.  

Can I add more seats?

You sure can! Urban Arrow makes an extra bench that installs easily, bringing the kid count from two to four!

Does the battery lock to the bike?

Yep. That’s one expensive chunk of Lithium Ion. It locks on to the frame and only you can remove it with the key provided. 

How long does it take to charge the battery?

It takes up to five hours to charge the battery from flat to full, and there is no problem if you only charge the battery a little bit, halfway, or whatever. Bosch themselves suggest you should get 1500 complete charge cycles with the battery, which is typically 5+ years of use before a replacement is required.  

Why Bosch for the motor/battery system?

Bosch has been supplying the automotive industry for over 100 years and when they entered the e-bike market in the early 2000s they did so with a commitment to carrying over their extensive experience and focus on high standards of quality and reliability. As evidence of this Bosch was the first e-bike brand to ensure all of its motors, batteries and chargers meet UL 2849, an international e-bike safety standard. 

Bosch also draws on its automotive experience to create and maintain a massive network of highly trained dealers and service centres. This means you won’t struggle to find service for your bike whether that's with us or in another city around the world. 

Due to the high quality of the motor/battery systems and the massive network of service centres, investing in a Bosch system will save you time and money on maintenance and repairs over the life of the bike. Bosch also offers a spare parts guarantee, meaning they are committed to producing replacement parts, even for their discontinued systems, which means a longer life for your bike! 

What’s the rear wheel lock good for?

The rear-wheel lock is a clever design built for short in-and-out errands where finding a locking-pole may take longer than the errand. The rear-wheel lock lets you momentarily lock the bike to itself. It’s great if you need to quickly dash in and out to grab a coffee or at the park having a picnic.  

This is expensive! Will it get stolen?

Estimates are that over 90% of bicycle theft is tied to cash-for-drugs and this (unfortunately) makes every bike a target. Make sure you buy a good U-lock or a chain and your bike will be safe.

What’s the warranty?

Five year warranty for manufacturer defects on frame and fork, Two-year on Bosch e-assist, Two-year on parts. Does not include wear and tear.