The Pro uses a flat bar and Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain. The Ultra uses drop bars, Shimano GRX 11-speed, and adds a TBOX smart module with GPS tracking and crash detection.
VanPowers UrbanCross E-Bike Review
Written by: Tom Fortune | August 26, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
A gravel bike with a torque sensor, a carbon fork, and anti-theft tracking built in. VanPowers is aiming this one at riders who want more than a basic commuter.
More about the Author: Tom Fortune
Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.
VanPowers debuted the UrbanCross at CES 2024 alongside a hardtail e-MTB, showing a move toward more performance-oriented bikes instead of just commuters. Let’s get into the details.
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VanPowers UrbanCross Pro Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 250W rear hub, 520W peak, torque sensor |
| Battery | 345.6Wh, internal, UL certified |
| Drivetrain | Shimano CUES, 9-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors |
| Tires | CST, 700x40c gravel |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum, 6-year structural warranty |
| Charging | Fast charger, 60% in 1.5 hours |
How It Rides
The VanPowers UrbanCross has a torque sensor that gives more power the harder you pedal. This makes the bike easier to control when you go from pavement to gravel.
It doesn’t have a suspension fork, but the carbon bar and fork take some of the edge off small bumps. Bigger stuff like potholes or rutted gravel still comes straight through.
The Pro’s wide-range cassette works fine for both flat commuting and gravel climbs. If you’d rather have drop bars and Shimano GRX, get the Ultra instead.
Motor and Battery
This 250W rear hub motor puts out around 40-42Nm of torque, and peaks at 520W. Being a hub motor instead of a mid-drive keeps the drivetrain simpler and maintenance lower, though it doesn’t deliver quite the same natural power feel through the pedals as a mid-drive does.
The battery has 345.6Wh and sits internally in the frame, uses LG cells, and carries UL certification. VanPowers claims up to 75 miles of range, though everyday numbers will fall well short of that, depending on assist level and terrain, as with any e-Bike.
On the Ultra, a TBOX smart module adds GPS tracking, an auto-unlock feature, and crash detection with an SOS alert, on top of a motor lock that engages automatically when the bike’s parked.
Things to Know Before You Buy
On the Pro version, the battery is sealed inside the down tube and isn’t removable, so you have to charge it while it’s still in the bike using the included fast charger.
Who Should Buy the VanPowers UrbanCross?
- Riders who split time between paved commuting and gravel routes should find the torque sensor and gravel tires suit that mixed use well.
- Anyone who wants smart theft-deterrent features like GPS tracking and an auto-unlock function should look at the Ultra specifically, since those extras aren’t part of the Pro.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The VanPowers UrbanGlide has a step-through frame and a considerably more powerful mid-drive motor. This is worth a look if you do more city commuting than mixed-terrain riding.
Find a VanPowers UrbanCross on Upway
If you’re thinking about buying a used UrbanCross, it is worth having it properly checked. But every e-Bike on Upway goes through a 50-point inspection before it’s listed, covering the motor, battery, and electrical system.
Browse the current electric bikes selection, the Class 1 range, the gravel electric bikes collection, or check the sale collection to compare current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the UrbanCross Pro and Ultra?
How fast does the VanPowers UrbanCross go?
It ships as a Class 1 e-Bike with a 20mph top assisted speed and no throttle, despite other speed figures appearing on some VanPowers marketing pages.
Does the UrbanCross have a removable battery?
No. The 345.6Wh battery is built into the frame rather than mounted externally, so it isn’t designed to be removed for charging separately.
Key Takeaways
- The UrbanCross runs a 250W rear hub motor with a torque sensor, delivering a natural-feeling power mix of pavement and gravel.
- The Pro and Ultra share the same core hardware but vary in drivetrain, handlebar style, and smart features, with the Ultra adding GPS tracking and crash detection.
- VanPowers’ own listed specs for this bike, torque and top speed included, are inconsistent across its marketing pages, so it’s worth confirming the actual numbers on whatever listing you’re buying from.
