This cargo ebike uses a by-now-typical Gen 4 Bosch Cargo Line smart system, with a 250-watt motor, a 545-Wh battery, and four assist modes—five if you include walk assist, which you can toggle on by pressing the down button as you’re pushing the bike. (I can definitely feel the assist, although it’s a little less helpful than you might expect.) I got about 20 miles of moderate riding with and without cargo on one charge, but that’s fine, as there is room in the frame for a double battery. I would definitely recommend getting a double battery if you want to put serious miles and cargo on this bike, and are not just going a mile back and forth from school with giant cardboard dioramas in it.
My test unit also has the Enviolo CVT hub, which is a pretty common shifting system on ebikes where balls rotate in a hub for stepless shifting. As someone who regularly carts heavy, fragile things around, I think it’s indispensable, especially if you are often starting and stopping around cars. You just downshift at a standstill and up the assistance to get some momentum going; it supersedes the need for a throttle if you’re smart about it.
I find 250 watts to be adequate for my needs of transporting stuff and kids on mostly flat ground, and I did test it by carrying 160 pounds of human and biking it up some steep 10 to 15 percent grade hills in my neighborhood. However, it does seem worth noting that Oregon is one of several states that allows 1,000-watt motors, and many here prefer a less natural-feeling (i.e., a more powerful) ride.
Pure Biking Bliss
As befits a high-end bike, the Urban Arrow FamilyNext Pro is a pure delight to ride. I was a little scared to ride with a 160-pound adult in the box. (It’s a matter of physics; I am always a little nervous when my cargo outweighs me.) But the Bosch motor took off with enough power to make it easy. The box has enough room for both a medium-sized adult and a few backpacks.