If you’re in the market for a city e-bike that’s powerful but not overpowering, smooth but not sluggish, and budget-friendly without sacrificing quality—you’re probably wondering…
How far can it really go on a charge?
Is the motor strong enough for hills?
And is it actually comfortable to ride every day—or is it just another ebike that “looks great”?
I’m Lisa at E-Biking Today, and we’re looking at why the Vanpowers Urban Glide might be your perfect city e-bike—It’s been tested and reviewed to help you decide if it’s the right fit, and price, for your riding style.
What Sets This Electric Bike Apart
The UrbanGlide Standard is a 500W/725W peak hub motor e-bike that’s clearly designed for urban living—but don’t let the name fool you. With 65 Newton-meters of torque, this bike isn’t just for flat pavement. It can absolutely handle inclines, city hills, and uneven neighborhood routes. Its tall 27.5 by 2.2-inch tires give it road versatility while decreasing rolling resistance.
At just under 69 pounds (or 31 kilograms), it’s not the lightest e-bike on the market. But it makes up for that with stable handling and a surprisingly nimble ride feel—especially thanks to the Zoom hydraulic suspension fork with 80 millimeters of travel and lockout.
Performance
Motor & Power
This e-bike is powered by a 500-watt brushless rear hub motor. That gives it enough push to get off the line fast, especially when using the thumb throttle, and a top speed of 20 miles per hour with pedal assist.
It uses a speed sensor rather than a torque sensor, which means the motor responds based on your pedaling cadence rather than force. That translates to a slightly more relaxed ride style, so it’s perfect for city cruising, quick errands, or riding just for pleasure.
Size & Fit
And its low-step design makes it accessible for almost anyone. Being 5’1”, I’m already on the lowest end of the size range, but I wish it fit riders under 5 feet.
Check the website for detailed size and fit information.
Battery
Now here’s something special… the 692 watt-hour removable lithium-ion battery is IP65 waterproof. It’s also designed with a smart Battery Management System using LG cells for longer life.
Charging time? Expect around 5 hours with the included smart charger. Not lightning fast, but also not bad for a battery this size. One important note here: you need to push the “wake-up” button on the battery in order for the display to turn on. Consider it an anti-theft feature… no one will know it’s there.
Range
Vanpowers claims it’ll get up to 62 miles of range. After riding my first 12 miles under a variety of power conditions, I had 79% battery life remaining. So this range seems to hold up under real conditions. Of course, actual range depends on pedal assistance used, rider weight, terrain, and how much throttle you’re using.
DriveTrain & Mechanics
The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly and gets the job done. You’re not getting pro-level gearing here—but it’s reliable, simple, and more than enough for varied city terrain.
It’s paired with mechanical disc brakes and 180-millimeter rotors, which provide solid stopping power. Not as effortless as hydraulics, but for this price range—very reasonable.
Build
The Urban Cruiser handlebar has a 25-degree back sweep. Add in the ergonomic grips, Zoom seat post, and 90-millimeter adjustable Zoom stem, and you’ll get a comfortable upright ride.
Intelligent Riding
A cool new feature that the Vanpowers UrbanGlide offers is an intelligent riding experience. You can easily connect to the VanLife Smart App, which lets you track ride data by month, battery level, and get real-time stats from your phone.
A nice bonus is the ability to connect with the Vanpowers community or online service and support. It’s easy to download the app by holding the + and – buttons down. Then use the down arrow to scroll to “Bluetooth” and scan the QR code.
Vanpowers Assembly & Support
And Vanpowers isn’t skimping on support either: Most components offer a 1-2 year warranty while the frame is up to 6-years! That’s a pretty solid safety net, especially for riders trying e-bikes for the first time.
Another thing to appreciate is the “tools and extras” packaging. Everything you need to put it together is included in one large box. The tools are neatly laid out. Underneath you’ll find the headlight, display, pedals, and keys. The charger is protected inside another box.
And, unlike many e-bikes, it comes with a full manual, so you don’t have to find it all online. Each component was easy to put on the bike and you’ll find everything you need to know about the menu inside.
Price
The current price is $1,099, impressive for this sleek urban ride with a 500-watt/725-watt peak motor, 65Nm torque and long-range battery. Compare that to other city e-bikes with similar specs—and you’re looking at $1,400 or more easily.
So if budget matters but you still want gears, throttle, headlight, and a rear rack, the UrbanGlide Standard really hits that sweet spot. Before deciding, you might want to compare the cost and value of this version to the UrbanGlide Pro and Ultra versions.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
- Weight Capacity – the payload capacity of 260 pounds is a bit lower than some, so this bike is not for extra large riders. The rear rack is slated to hold up to a sturdy 100 pounds, but this is included in the total weight capacity.
- Speed sensor – this sensor gives the ride an easy feel, unlike a torque sensor bike that’s based on how hard you pedal.
- Thumb throttle and pedal assist combo gives you flexibility – but keep an eye on how much you rely on it if you want to extend your range.
- Seat comfort – I was happy to find it pretty comfortable but you can always upgrade the saddle if you’re a long-distance rider.
- Colors available – Lava Red, Iron Gray, and Remy Green—each with a sleek matte finish.
Who Is the UrbanGlide Standard Best For?
It’s ideal for casual commuters, first-time e-bike buyers, weekend explorers, or anyone who wants an efficient and comfortable ride at a reasonable cost. However, Vanpowers gives you options. You can spend a few hundred more for a torque sensor version, the UrbanGlide Pro, or just over $2000 for the UrbanGlide Ultra, a premium mid-drive e-bike.
But if you’re looking for a solid, affordable, and stylish electric city bike that combines powerful motor assist, smooth acceleration, and long range, all wrapped up in a comfortable step-through frame—then the Vanpowers UrbanGlide Standard, is absolutely worth considering.
Watch the review video and drop a comment below it if you have questions about the Vanpowers UrbanGlide or to share your city e-bike experience.
Enjoy your ride!
