Urtopia is a relatively new player in the e-bike market, but it has already made a strong impression with its innovative features and unique designs. The company’s first bike, the Carbon 1, garnered attention for its high-tech features, including 4G connectivity, GPS, mmWave sensors, and light projection turn indicators. However, its exotic design and focus on road-bike performance made it a niche offering.
Now, Urtopia is back with its second bike, the Chord, which offers a more practical and versatile option for urban riders. Priced at $1,799, the Chord features a sleek and stylish design that is reminiscent of other popular city bikes like the Cowboy or VanMoof. The black and white colorway and musical notes that play when you switch between power modes were inspired by pianos, adding a touch of elegance to the bike’s aesthetics.
Weighing in at 46 pounds (21 kilograms), the Chord is slightly heavier than the Carbon 1 but still falls within the average weight range for e-bikes in its category. It is equipped with a 350W hub motor powered by a removable 360Wh battery. The bike offers four assistance modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Turbo, with a top assisted speed of 20MPH. The estimated maximum range is 75 miles, depending on the level of assistance used.
One standout feature of Urtopia bikes is their connectivity. The Chord comes with WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 4G capabilities, along with an accelerometer and a gyroscope for enhanced situational awareness. Riders can use the bike’s dot-matrix screen and “smart box” bike computer to receive visual directions and change settings. The Chord also has a companion app that offers ride tracking, navigation, and additional settings.
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Despite its slightly heavier weight, the Chord offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride, thanks to its upright riding position. While it is not designed for off-road adventures, it can handle uneven pavement and short dirt trails with ease. The torque sensor-based motor delivers power smoothly and efficiently, allowing riders to cruise along at a maximum speed of 20MPH without exerting too much effort.
One area where Urtopia has shown improvement with the Chord is its software and app integration. The app now feels more polished, with rides being recorded accurately and instantly. The built-in GPS and 4G connectivity offer added security features, allowing riders to track their bike’s location and receive notifications if it is moved without their knowledge. The battery can last for a good amount of time in standby mode, but it is recommended to remove it if the bike won’t be used for an extended period to preserve power.
While the estimated range of 75 miles may be slightly exaggerated, the Chord still delivers respectable battery life on shorter rides. The 4G connectivity comes at no additional cost for the first year, with an annual fee of $29 after that, which seems reasonable considering the functionality it provides, especially for theft prevention.
In terms of entertainment features, the Chord offers the ability to play music through its built-in speaker, although the sound quality may not be the best. Voice control is also available, but it may not be a practical alternative to using the app’s controls.
Overall, the Urtopia Chord offers a compelling package for urban riders seeking a stylish and connected e-bike. With its practical features, versatile ride, and affordable price, it is a worthy competitor to other popular city bikes on the market. Urtopia’s focus on connectivity and innovative technology sets it apart from the competition and makes it an exciting brand to watch in the e-bike industry.
