Vanpowers UrbanCross

The Vanpowers UrbanCross Pro is a hybrid e-bike with a 250W hub motor and 9-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain. This bike is also available with drop bars and an 11-speed drivetrain. Vanpowers markets the UrbanCross as a gravel e-bike, and we aim to put that claim to the test.

In this review, we will provide an overview of Vanpowers and the UrbanCross, the bike’s key pros and cons, and the results of our standardized testing. To finish, we will discuss the ride experience and offer our verdict on its value, performance, and overall capability.

About Vanpowers

Vanpowers was founded in 2021 through a partnership between Sailvan Times Technology Co., Ltd. and Juln Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. In 2022, they launched what they claimed was the world’s first electric bicycle to use assembled-frame technology, the City Vanture, via crowdfunding on Indiegogo.

Since then, Vanpowers has expanded its lineup to include a range of e-bikes: urban commuters with narrow or fat tires, an electric folder, gravel bikes, and an all-terrain option.

What Is the UrbanCross Pro?

The Vanpowers UrbanCross Pro is a sleek, performance-oriented e-bike designed for both urban commuting and gravel adventures. It’s powered by a 250W hub motor that delivers 40Nm of torque. Pedal assist is managed by a torque sensor, and Vanpowers states the integrated 36V, 346Wh battery provides a range of up to 60 miles.

Vanpowers’ website lists two different top speeds for this bike: 25mph and 28mph. To make things more confusing, the Quick Start Guide says 20mph. As shipped, the bike reaches 20mph, making it a Class 1 e-bike.

Vanpowers also provides different torque figures for this bike in different places (40Nm and 42Nm). Additionally, they say the bike weighs 38.8lb, but on my scales, the large frame comes in at 42lb.

The 6061 aluminum-alloy frame is partnered with an aluminum fork, and a carbon-fiber one-piece bar and stem with semi-integrated cabling. The UrbanCross Pro has a 9-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors, and 40mm CST gravel tires with tan sidewalls.

The integrated, 1.45″ color TFT-LCD display offers Bluetooth connectivity and app control. The drop-bar UrbanCross Ultra also includes anti-theft features such as GPS tracking with geofencing, SOS alerts, proximity unlocking, and vibration alarms, along with an 11-speed Shimano GRX drivetrain.

The UrbanCross and its battery pack are certified to UL 2849 and UL 2271 standards by SGS, with IPX5 weather protection on the bike and IP65 on the battery pack. This means the bike is protected against rain and daily rinsing, but not immersion.

Overall, the UrbanCross Pro combines thoughtful design with quality components, making it a capable choice for both urban rides and weekend adventures. Now, let’s explore how these features come together in our pros and cons.

Pros

Agile Handling

Thanks to its sporty geometry, the UrbanCross is nimble, corners at speed, and is a pleasure to pedal. The 250W motor easily gets the bike up to 20mph, and the 9-speed drivetrain makes it easy to find a comfortable cadence at any speed.

The 700x40c wheelset rolls efficiently and strikes a great balance between being wide enough to handle gravel roads with confidence, but narrow enough to minimize rolling resistance on pavement. The UrbanCross was a great ride on pavement, light gravel, and wide-open roads, as well as in busy urban environments.

Discreet and Attractive

The UrbanCross does a great job of hiding the fact that it’s an e-bike. The frame has a sleek, eye-catching design. The battery is neatly hidden in the down tube, the cables are fully internally routed, the display is seamlessly integrated into the cockpit, and the control pad is a compact three-button unit.

The bike is also impressively quiet, the rear hub motor delivering a smooth, hushed performance free from the high-pitched whine characteristic of many e-bikes.

Drivetrain

The 42t chainring and 9-speed, 11–41t cassette provide a practical range of gears. The CUES shifter has a window showing the selected gear and delivers crisp, reliable shifts. The gearing made it easy to maintain a comfortable cadence up to the Class 1 top speed of 20mph. Combined with that gearing, the 250W motor provides climbing ability that’s far superior to many competitors we’ve tested recently.

Cons

Confusing Top Speed

It’s a shame that Vanpowers doesn’t provide accurate and consistent performance figures for this bike. Anyone who purchases the UrbanCross Pro thinking it’ll reach 28mph will be sorely disappointed. Even those who are happy with the lower quoted figure of 25mph won’t get what they expect, as the bike doesn’t exceed 23mph.

If Vanpowers simply called the UrbanCross a Class 1 e-bike with a 20mph top speed, the bike would still be a good option, and nobody would end up disappointed.

No Fenders or Rack

The UrbanCross doesn’t come with a rack, fenders, or a kickstand, but it does have triple mounts on the fork legs and seat tube, mounts for a bottle cage on the down tube, and what appear to be fender mounts at both ends of the bike.

Vanpowers told us that they may offer fenders or a rack for this bike in the future, but gave no timeline for when these might be available. This significantly limits the bike’s practicality as a commuter.

Non-Integrated Lights

The UrbanCross comes with bright front and rear lights, but they’re not integrated with the battery, meaning they have to be manually switched on and off, and you have to take them off the bike to charge them. Lights powered by the bike’s battery would be much more practical, as users don’t need to remember to charge them. Also, the lights are currently included as part of a special offer, so there’s no certainty they’ll always be free.

The UrbanCross Pro in Detail

The UrbanCross Pro is a flat-bar gravel or urban hybrid e-bike designed to deliver both on-road efficiency and off-road stability. Vanpowers markets the UrbanCross to riders seeking a lightweight e-bike that provides motor assistance without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Frame and Fit

Again, the UrbanCross comes in two builds, the flat-bar Pro we’re testing, and the drop-bar Ultra. Both are available in three sizes, with the Pro claimed to suit riders between 5’1” and 6’7”. Our test bike is a size Large, which allegedly fits riders from 5’11” to 6’7″.

The payload capacity is rated at 265lb. The aluminum alloy frame has smooth welds and fully internal cable routing, giving it a premium look and clean silhouette. However, it must be noted that the internal cable routing makes servicing more difficult.

There is no suspension fork or seatpost damping as this is a fully rigid platform designed to maximize pedaling efficiency and keep weight low.

E-Bike System and Classification

The UrbanCross Pro has a Vanpowers-branded rear hub motor with 250W nominal power output and 40Nm of torque. The 346Wh, 36V battery is hidden inside the down tube and non-removable, but it’s good to see Vanpowers include a 4A fast charger that reduces charging times.

The motor and torque sensor do a great job of providing smooth, natural pedal assist. The motor’s quiet, steady assistance suits this bike well. As a Class 1 e-bike, the UrbanCross provides pedal assist up to 20mph and has no throttle, giving it good compliance with e-bike rules in most states.

Riders can switch between eco, sport, and boost PAS modes with the discreet 3-button controller mounted on the left side. The compact, 1.45-inch TFT display is integrated into the one-piece cockpit and shows key stats such as speed, battery level, distance, and assist mode. There is none of the clutter found with regular bar-mounted displays and their nest of wires, just a streamlined cockpit providing easy access to the information you need.

Safety Certification and Weatherproofing

SGS has certified the battery for compliance with UL 2271, and the full e-bike system’s compliance with UL 2849. Importantly, the battery is IP65-rated for weatherproofing, and the bike is IPX5-rated, so it’s protected against rain, splashes, and road spray, ideal for commuting and bikepacking.

Wheelset

The UrbanCross Pro rolls on 700c alloy rims wearing CST 40mm gravel tires with stylish tan sidewalls. The tires have puncture protection and a light tread pattern suitable for both pavement and dirt. The front wheel’s 12x100mm thru-axle increases rigidity for better control over rough terrain and when braking. The wheels and tires combine low rolling resistance with plentiful grip on gravel and other loose surfaces. The rims and tires are tubeless-ready.

Drivetrain and Brakes

At the heart of the UrbanCross Pro’s drivetrain is Shimano’s CUES U4000 9-speed system, based on the LINKGLIDE platform designed specifically for e-bike durability. This setup includes a Shimano CN-LG500 chain, a 42t chainring, and an 11-41t cassette.

The bike has 170mm alloy cranks with an integrated plastic chain guard. Braking is handled by Tektro 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors.

Cockpit and Touchpoints

The UrbanCross Pro’s integrated, one-piece cockpit is both lighter than traditional bar/stem combos and looks incredibly clean. The handlebar is a good fit for gravel and commuting. At 680mm, it’s wide enough to provide good control of the bike over bumpy terrain but narrow enough for urban traffic. The lock-on grips are ergonomically shaped.

The saddle is a neutral-profile endurance model in line with the bike’s dual-purpose nature. It’s mounted on a 30.9mm alloy seatpost. The plastic platform-style pedals should be adequate for most riders.

Testing the UrbanCross Pro

Hill Climb Tests

The UrbanCross Pro delivered impressive results in our hill climb tests, the 250W motor outperforming bikes with 350W motors and providing good assistance on hills.

This bike ascended the small-elevation hill in a respectable 3:08, at an average speed of 18.2mph. Only the Tenways CGO600 did better, at 2 seconds faster. The UrbanCross easily beat the Urtopia Carbon 1, which took 3:21, the Fiido Air, which took 3:53, and the Velotric T1 ST+, which needed 4:03 to climb this hill.

The UrbanCross achieved a similar standing in the medium-elevation hill climb, where it was again beaten only by the CGO600, which laid down a time of 2:40 seconds, versus the UrbanCross’s 2:58. The Urtopia Carbon 1 set the same time as the UrbanCross, but the Fiido Air and Velotric T1 ST+ were both much slower.

Acceleration Tests

In the acceleration test, the UrbanCross, Velotric T1ST+, and Tenways CGO600 Pro all set an 8-second 0-20 time using PAS. The Fiido Air was slightly slower with a time of 9 seconds, and the Urtopia Carbon 1 was a hair faster at 7.5 seconds.

Range Tests

Range testing produced similar results, the UrbanCross landing smack in the middle of the group, with 27.11 miles covered and 981 feet of elevation gained in the max PAS range test. This handily exceeded the capabilities of the Fiido Air and Velotric T1 ST+ but fell slightly short of the Tenways CGO600 Pro at 27.98 miles and Urtopia Carbon 1, which managed 31.41 miles.

I was pleasantly surprised by the UrbanCross’s performance in the PAS Sport test. The bike’s middle assist level boosted its range by almost 35%, as it covered 36.52 miles and gained 1,109 feet of elevation.

Braking Tests

The brake test was slightly disappointing, with the UrbanCross Pro needing 26.5 feet to stop from 20mph. This was the worst result in this group, with the Tenways CGO600 taking 26 feet, the Urtopia Carbon 1 21 feet, and the Fiido Air and Velotric T1 ST+ both stopping in 18 feet.

Riding the UrbanCross Pro

As expected with its sporty geometry and athletic riding position, the UrbanCross proved agile and responsive, and it performed well in both urban and rural environments. The frame does a decent job of damping smaller vibrations and shocks. I rode on Cat. 3 and 4 gravel without much discomfort. I wouldn’t choose the UrbanCross for an all-day ride on surfaces like this, but I was pleasantly surprised by its off-road capability. The frame displayed no noticeable flex or speed wobbles, even when bombing downhill at over 35mph.

With the 42t chainring and 11-41t cassette, the Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain is a nice match for the bike’s 20mph top speed, offering gearing suited to both high-speed cruising and moderate climbs. Even without motor assistance, I had no trouble pedaling the bike over flat terrain and up mild inclines.

Normally, we criticize off-road bikes without clutches on their rear derailleurs, but Shimano has engineered the CUES U4000 to perform well without a clutch. Indeed, it provided crisp shifts and minimal chain slap while keeping the chain secure, even over rough and rocky terrain.

The 40mm gravel tires provided a good combination of efficiency on pavement and grip on gravel, but they underperformed in braking tests. The light tread and fast-rolling compound reduce rolling resistance, but they also lead to longer stopping distances.

Combined with the effective gearing, the motor provides quick acceleration. Climbing hills can require fair effort in Eco or Sport mode, but Boost mode provides solid assistance and respectable climbing performance. Power delivery is almost as smooth and natural as a mid-drive motor. The impressively quiet motor produces only a low hum when worked hard, and it was easy to forget I was riding an e-bike. The rest of the bike was similarly noise-free, with no rattles or chain slap in most situations.

The three PAS levels (Eco, Sport, and Boost) provide a good range of assistance. Eco provides a pleasant workout, while Boost delivers good power for relaxed cruising. Sport mode is powerful enough to maintain 18–20mph in most conditions, extending range without sacrificing performance. Hill climbs were manageable in Sport mode, though they required more effort than with Boost.

The UrbanCross has a unique security measure. When powered off, the rear hub is locked, so the back wheel doesn’t roll. This and the optional PIN code for locking the display make it difficult for someone to ride off on the bike.

Lastly, I found the saddle hard and uncomfortable. After just a few miles, I constantly had to shift my weight or stand on the pedals, and I had to use padded shorts to get through longer rides.

Conclusion

The Vanpowers UrbanCross Pro is a sleek and capable electric gravel bike aimed at riders who value torque-sensing pedal assist, refined design, and ride versatility. It’s particularly appealing for cyclists who want a fast, efficient, and understated e-bike that easily handles pavement and light trails.

The UrbanCross Pro’s UL-certified electrical system, integrated carbon cockpit, and quality Shimano drivetrain make it a refined offering at this price point.

It’s a shame that the lights are externally powered and Vanpowers doesn’t offer fenders or a rack for this bike. Problems with the VanLife app, inconsistent product information, and an exaggerated top speed add to frustrations.

Despite these complaints, the agile handling, strong test results, quality components, and stylish looks make the UrbanCross Pro good value as a Class 1 urban runabout with decent gravel chops.

There are similar bikes from other brands that weigh less, or are faster or cheaper, but it’s hard to find a competitor that offers this bike’s combination of smoothness, range, hill-climbing ability, comfort, component quality, and price.

Score Breakdown

• Build quality: 80
• Performance / Innovation: 80
• Design: 85
• Ride quality: 90
• Price / Value: 80

Overall: 83

Detailed Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 1
Warranty: Limited 1-6 year warranty
UL Certification: UL 2849 – UL 2271
IP Rating: Bike IPX5, battery IP65
Total Weight: Claimed: 38.8lb – Actual: 42lb
Motor Brand: Vanpowers
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 250W
Max Torque: 40Nm
Battery: 36V 9.6Ah (345.6Wh)
Range Claimed: 75 miles
Range Tested (PAS 3): 36.52 mi – 1,109 ft. – 14.8mph avg.
Range Tested (PAS 5): 27.11 mi – 981 ft. – 17.1mph avg.
Max Speed: Claimed: 28mph Tested: 23mph
Throttle: No
Pedal Assist: 3 levels
Charger: 42V 4A
Charge Time: 3 hours
Display: Integrated 1.45” round TFT-LCD
Frame: 6061 aluminum
Fork: Aluminum w/ 12x100mm thru-axle
Brake Levers: Tektro hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Tektro 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 160mm
Chain: Shimano CN-LG500
Crankset: 170mm 42t
Derailleur: Shimano CUES RD-U4000 9-speed
Shifter: Shimano CUES U-4000-9R
Cassette: Shimano CS LG-300 11-41t 9-speed
Rims: Aluminum spoked, double-wall
Tires: CST 700c x 40mm gravel tire
Fenders: Not included
Lights: 50 lux, 3-level rechargeable headlight, rechargeable taillight
Grips: Velo VLG-1859D3
Saddle: Sport-style
Pedals: Plastic platform
Handlebar: 680mm carbon fiber flat bar, 100mm integrated stem
Kickstand: None
Payload Capacity: 358lb
Rack Capacity: N/A

Geometry Details

Seat Tube: 19.68“ (500mm)
Reach: 17.08” (434mm)
Stack: 23.58” (599mm)
Stand Over Height: 31.57” (802mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 23.26” (591mm)
Min Saddle Height: 22.95” (583mm)
Max Saddle Height: 32.20” (818mm)
Wheelbase: 42.63” (1083mm)

I’m a big fan of it, and I definitely think you will be too if you decide to get one.

I love gravel road bikes, so to marry the electric power with the road or gravel road bike style, this is where electric road biking should be.