What if you could build your own ebike? For $1300, the Vanpowers City Vanture offers excellent value, though it's best suited for flat roads with minimal inclines and smooth terrain. It's one of the best-looking ebikes you can buy in 2023, mainly due to its hidden battery and mix of retro and modern design. Provided you have a mostly flat commute, its impressive range and quick charging make it a great way to get around town.
- Completely hidden downtime battery
- DIY building experience (if you want)
- Carbon Drive
- 350W pedal-assist rear hub motor
- Brand: Vanpowers
- Battery: 36V 7Ah/252Wh LG Cell Lithium-Ion
- Weight: 34lbs/15.5kg
- Maximum Speed: 25 mph (US) 15 mph (EU)
- Brake Style: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Motor (W): US 350W; EU 250W
- Range: 50 - 80 Miles (With extended battery)
- Electronic Power Assist: 5 levels
- Charging: 2 Hours
- Connectivity: IP66 Waterproof TFT Color LCD Display
- Rider Height: 5'8"-6'3"
- Tires: 700C × 28C Kenda
- Impressive range
- Very lightweight
- Quick charging time
- Doesn't look like an ebike
- Beautiful design
- Unique building experience
- Assembly can be difficult
- Lacks gearing
- Motor power does not immediately kick in
- Struggles with inclines and rougher terrain
The Vanpowers City Vanture is an electric bike with a very sleek design, impressive specifications, and a relatively competitive price. Starting out as a crowdfunding project, this is the company's first road bike. This is an ebike that stands out, not just because of its styling, but because you choose whether to have it shipped pre-assembled or completely unassembled if you want a DIY experience.
When on sale, the bike is priced at $1299 if you purchase it unassembled or $1390 for it shipped assembled. The City Vanture offers excellent value for its features, though there are a few considerations before buying one.
The Vanpowers City Vanture is ideal for riders between 5'8"–6'3" heights. The bike weighs 34.17 lbs and is powered by a 350W (US)/ 250W (EU) motor, capable of reaching a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) in the US or up to 15 mph (25 km/h) for the EU model. The City Vanture's 36-volt 7-amp-hour battery is discretely built into its Aluminum frame, providing a clean and streamlined appearance, effectively hiding the fact that it's an ebike.
The City Vanture can achieve an estimated range of about 40–50 miles with its built-in battery, which can be nearly doubled to about 70–80 miles with the addition of an optional water-bottle style battery, sold separately for $300.
I found that it's best suited for smooth, flat stretches of road. Ride comfort and power can quickly become a concern when introducing bumps and hills. With the lack of gearing, its carbon drive belt offers lower maintenance in the long run but requires significantly more effort to accelerate from a stop and tackle steeper terrain.
Provided you have a mostly relaxed commute, the City Vanture provides excellent range, styling, and performance, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers.
Customization and Accessories
The Vanpowers City Vanture is available in five colors: Infinite Silver, Shining Black, Chalk Blue, Ruby, and Neon Purple. Aside from Shining Black and the Infinite Silver (as reviewed), the other three colors are dual-tone, making the Vanture look more exciting than most other ebikes. The silver certainly stands out with its complementary light brown seats and wheels.
The bike has a mix of modern and retro styling. The reflective aluminum frame makes the bike look futuristic, while the dual-tone brown tires give it a hint of vintage. The City Vanture is a great choice for those looking for an electric bike that stands out from the crowd. The Infinite Silver is a head-turner for sure. On my very first ride alone, I had at least three people come up to me at various red lights, and when I reached my destination, ask me about the bike as they thought it looked unique. They were shocked to learn that this was an ebike, and each of them asked me where the battery was. This goes to show how well the City Vanture conceals its battery.
Most Popular
- VanPowers UrbanGlide Pro Ebike review
- A New E-Bike That’s Well Worth Considering
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra: 500W Mid-Drive eBike That's Ready to Conquer the Streets and Trails
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide-Pro E-Bike Review: Outstanding Comfort and Range
- Vanpowers UrbanGlide Ultra Review, 2023
- Vanpowers Urban Glide – Sleek and Sexy Step Thru Commuter