E-Bike Urtopia Fusion – Bauhaus look with carbon frame

Urtopia’s latest bike, the Fusion, takes a completely different direction than the first models. The smart electronics have been retained, but the bike is a completely different type. The Chord and Carbon 1 models are avant-garde designed “cafe racer” bikes – intended for a young urban audience. The Fusion also stands out visually, but it is a low step-through bike. The frame forms a “V” – this makes getting on and off easier. Typical for city bikes, but the Fusion does not look like an “older generation”. The design can be called a work of art. The carbon frame is partly round, partly angular. In the test version, the upper part of the bike is painted in an iridescent orange, the lower part and the wheels are black. Visually, the Fusion gets a “10 out of 10”. No wonder, the design comes from the legendary Apple and Sony designer Hartmut Esslinger, among others.

The downside: There is no carrier as standard, but a bike like this is also made for carrying a bag. You can retrofit a suitable carrier. A lot of effort has been put into this one too, but the carrier and especially a shopping basket break up the clear Bauhaus look. Although a lot of emphasis is placed on the appearance, the Fusion does not have handlebars integrated into the tube. The lamp and the command center of the display are mounted on a normal head tube. In principle, you can remove the handlebars and replace them with another handlebar if you don’t like the position on the bike.

On the Fusion you sit very upright, with your weight on your bottom. There is only a little pressure on the front wheel via your shoulders and hands. The standard saddle is almost too sporty for this comfortable position. The bike itself is surprisingly agile and can be steered precisely. This is due to the steep angle of the front fork. The bike rolls on moderate balloon tires. These are also the only suspension at the rear, and the fork provides a full 100 millimeters of travel at the front. On this model, add-on parts such as brakes are of high quality – the Urtopia Carbon impressed with its carbon frame, but some savings had to be made in other areas.

Fusion with Bafang mid-engine

The Fusion’s motor also comes from a different class. A mid-engine from Bafang was chosen here. It delivers a powerful 80 Newton meters of torque. The support is sensitive and intuitive. It is in no way inferior to the top dogs such as Bosch and Yamaha. No comparison to the Chinese hub motors that get a bike moving reliably – but often feel more like a moped than a bicycle. The motor is combined with a chain and the Shimano CUES rear derailleur with ten gears. The Fusion can also be bought with a duo battery. The integrated standard battery holds 540 watt hours and can be extended with a range extender of 360 watt hours. The company then states a combined range of 240 kilometers (140 plus 100). However, these maximum values ​​can only be achieved with little support – as is the case with all the other motors. The second battery is located in the V of the frame and can be removed when not needed.

Urtopia advertises the bike as an all-terrain beast and SUV bike. SUV is fine, a car like that only drives on dirt roads and not on difficult terrain. The Fusion cuts a very good figure on a covered road and doesn’t have to be suitable for dirt roads with the occasional muddy passage. But it’s not a real mountain bike with a city look. The whole comfortable sitting position is not suitable for steep inclines and difficult trails that require quick and controlled steering. Cycling? Yes. Downhill? Not really. That’s hardly a flaw, when you see the bike you don’t think of such adventures.

E-bike with extensive smart functions

In addition to the bike as a bike, there is the smart side of Urtopia. The Fusion is a mobile computer. It can navigate and shows the direction on the handlebar display. If it is carried away, it sounds an alarm. Thanks to an integrated SIM card, you always know where the bike is. There is also a fitness coach and the option to save and compare your tours.

The value of these gimmicks can only be judged by the individual Beetle. Being able to locate the vehicle in the event of theft is certainly an advantage for everyone. The feature of being able to stream music from a cell phone to the built-in speaker via Bluetooth may not be of real value to everyone. The same applies to route storage, navigation and fitness monitoring. If you use these functions, they are fun. But if you mainly cycle to go shopping or to work, you don’t need them.

Fusion is affordable – but not cheap

Like the previous Urtopia bikes, the Fusion is not cheap. There are numerous Chinese manufacturers who want to conquer the market with very affordable but still solid e-bikes. Urtopia is in the upper price segment. The Fusion costs 3999 euros. That’s not a lot considering what it offers, but it’s still almost 4000 euros. And yet the Fusion is cheaper than established competitors, the lightweight carbon frames are significantly more expensive than an aluminum frame. Our opinion: The Fusion’s outstanding feature is the design combined with the special feel of the frame. If that “clicks”, the bike is a great buy. Interested parties should keep an eye on the prices. Urtopia occasionally launches major discount campaigns.