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The German e-bike manufacturer Hepha is launching the Urban 8 Generation a new range aimed at resolving a classic trade-off in the industry: until now, buyers of city e-bikes have often had to choose between powerful motor assistance and a light, manoeuvrable ride. With the Urban 8, Hepha promises to deliver both.
A sporty look, with features suitable for everyday use
The Urban 8 is aimed at urban commuters who use their bike not only for their journey to work, but also for shopping or trips with a child seat and trailer. The manufacturer has deliberately opted for a sporty design, whilst combining this with the full range of features found on classic city e-bikes – including mudguards, lights and a luggage rack.
The new generation is powered by the company’s own P110 motor, delivering 100 Newton-metres of torque, and is powered by a 600 Wh battery. Hepha states that the Urban 8 Ultra has a total weight of 21.9 kilograms – a remarkable figure for this class of bike. A 6-amp fast charger is included as standard. This is faster than the usual 4 amps, but the Avinox fast charger, at 12 amps, is around twice as fast again.
Theft prevention as a key issue
I would particularly like to highlight Hepha’s so-called Anti-Theft System (ATS). Anti-theft protection is a perennial issue in urban cycling, and the manufacturer’s approach is certainly designed to be multi-layered: an immobiliser is integrated directly into the front wheel hub and is designed to be impossible to bypass from the outside. This is complemented by an alarm system which, unlike conventional beeps, uses a simulated human voice – an unusual but understandable approach to deterrence.
Added to this is a feature known as ‘Watch Mode’: if a bike is reported as stolen, all drive components are digitally locked and the bike is permanently marked as stolen – which is intended to make it more difficult to resell. Furthermore, the motor and battery are to be digitally deactivated, rendering them unusable. Customers can also opt to add an optional replacement service at the time of purchase, which guarantees a replacement bike within three years in the event of theft. This costs a one-off fee of 149 euros.
Two models, two price points
The Urban 8 range comprises two variants. The Top-of-the-range Urban 8 Ultra features a Gates belt drive and a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gear system, as well as the ATS anti-theft device described above. The Urban 8 Long Range does not feature the ATS system and uses a conventional chain instead of a belt drive, but is otherwise similarly equipped and is aimed at more price-conscious buyers. Both models are available with a high-step frame and are designed for a maximum permissible weight of 140 kilograms.
Urban 8 Ultra
- Price: 2,999 euros >> available here
- Motor: Hepha P110, 100 Nm / 250 W / 25 km/h
- Battery: 600 Wh (removable)
- Gear system: Shimano Nexus 5-speed, hub gears
- Drive: Gates CDX belt
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT410, hydraulic
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Overland 50-622
- Front light: Litemove RLX100 / 100 lux
- Luggage rack: ISTOS FlexCarrier MIK-HD
- Weight (size M): 21.9 kg
- Anti-theft system: ATS with 2Lock immobiliser, alarm system, Watch Mode
- Available sizes: M (47 cm), L (52 cm), Colour: Blue Grey
Urban 8 Long Range – 2,399 euros
- Price: 2,399 euros >> available here
- Motor: HEPHA P110, 100 Nm / 250 W / 25 km/h
- Battery: 600 Wh
- Gear system: Shimano Nexus 5-speed, hub gears
- Drive: KMC chain
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200, hydraulic
- Tyres: Schwalbe Big Apple 50-622
- Front light: Litemove RLX60 / 60 lux
- Luggage rack: ISTOS FlexCarrier MIK-HD
- Weight (size M): 22.2 kg
- Available sizes: M (47 cm), L (52 cm), Colour: Mid Grey
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
