Take Urban Mobility to Another Level With the Cool Retro-looking UNI MK Electric Moped

Urban Drivepilots UNI MK Barebone E-Bike Red45

E-bike companies are popping up all over the world, trying to create products that cater to the current electric trend we’re experiencing.  Today I’m looking at a city-dedicated e-bike series made in Germany, the UNI MK.

Urban Drivestyle is a fast growing German e-mobility startup.  It aims to provide maximum utility and flexibility in e-bikes and e-scooters while making them cool, versatile and affordable.  Its product range is designed to deliver driving pleasure and practicality.

The startup consists of a small team of e-bike enthusiasts based in Berlin.  Having local production means that it can quickly adapt to any new, emerging trends and increase its connection with its customers to see and hear their feedback and implement it as fast as possible.

Following this pragmatic approach to building e-bikes and identifying a need in the market, the Urban Drivestyle team discovered that a 70’s style moped design could be the solution.  They found that this type of frame can withstand the effects of city riding and is strong enough to withstand the stress of an electric engine.

Urban Drivestyle UNI MK Barebone E\-Bike

After starting and successfully completing a crowdfunding campaign in 2017, UNI Mock (later renamed UNI MK) was born.  And the model we discuss today is the inspiration for the rest of their range of products.  One look at the UNI MK instantly gives off a cool retro moped vibe.

Let’s see what it is.  The UNI MK series has five versions, each slightly modified to offer different uses: Barebone, Courier, Street Tracker, STX and Urban.  I won’t go into detail about each one, instead I’ll talk about MK as a whole.

The MK electric moped is an e-fatbike.  With a chromoly steel frame, it weighs around 34 kg (75 pounds), including the battery, so it’s quite heavy.  20″ (fifty one cm) balloon tires are made to take in maximum of the surprise of regular town riding.

Urban Drivestyle UNI MK Urban E-Bike

A 250 W brushless rear hub motor powers the wheels.  An electric pedal assist sensor on the bottom bracket ensures that the pedalling motion is assisted with optimal support by using nine-speed steps.  With the help of the torque sensor, you will have no problem going uphill on asphalt or off-road.

Power is stored in a Samsung 920 Wh lithium-ion battery and provides a range of 100 km (about 62 miles), with a charge lasting a few hours.  However, if you’re going at a top speed of 25 kph (15.5 mph), you probably won’t reach the maximum range they’re claiming.  The Urban Drivestyle has also added a 7-speed mechanical gearbox to ease the riding experience.

The manufacturer claims that the bike is suitable for tall riders with a seat height of 84 centimetres (33 inches).  The classic seat is 102 cm (40 inches) long, so it is comfortable for one person.  You also have the option of upgrading for €300 ($301) to an XL Comfort seat with a height difference of 4 centimetres (1.6 inches) or additional seat extension, so you don’t have to be cramped to fit another person.

Urban Drivestyle UNI MK STX E\-Bike Battery

So, what are you able to do with this e-bike? Besides looking cool while travelling, it has some practical uses.  You can carry plenty of gear and equipment with a maximum payload of 150 kg (331 lbs.).  You can also opt for additional accessories like front, back and side racks, child seat and advertising panels so that you can promote your business.

Urban Drivestyle also sells a bunch of mechanical parts for their e-bikes, so you’re covered on that side as well.  There are also some design extras;  I go for a nice retro white wall for the tires.  I believe this adds an aesthetic touch to the bike, giving it an even more vintage look.

Prices for the UNI MK series vary between €3,600 ($3,617) and €4,100 ($4,120), but they can add up quickly if you start adding upgrades.  You can choose three colours for the models: olive, red and black.  Whether you’re an avid city dweller or just want to take it off-roading on the weekends, you’ll probably find this e-bike a lot of fun.  Not only will you provide plenty of energy to get around, but you’ll also turn a few heads while doing so.