Take Urban Mobility to the Next Level With the Cool Retro-Looking UNI MK Electric Moped

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

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

While following this pragmatic approach to building e-bikes and identifying a need in the market, the Urban Drivestyle team found that the 70s-style moped design might be the solution. They found out that this type of frame can withstand the impacts of city-riding and is also sturdy enough to resist the stress of an electric engine.

After starting a crowdfunding action in 2017 and completing it successfully, the UNI Moke (later renamed UNI MK) was born. And this is the model we'll discuss today that inspired the rest of their range of products. One look at the UNI MK instantly gives off that cool retro moped vibe.

Let's see what it's all about. The UNI MK series has five versions, each slightly modified to offer various utilities: BareBone, Courier, Street Tracker, STX, and Urban. I won't go into detail about each, instead I'll talk about the MK as a whole.

The MK is an electric moped e-fatbike. With a Chromoly steel frame, it weighs around 34 kg (75 pounds), battery included, so it's pretty heavy. What makes it fat are the 20" (51 centimeters) balloon tires that are made to absorb most of the shock of everyday city riding.

A 250 W brushless rear hub motor powers the wheels. The Electric Pedal Assist Sensor in the bottom bracket ensures that the pedaling motion is aided with optimum support by using nine-speed levels. With the help of the torque sensor, you won't have any problem going up slopes, be it on asphalt or off-road.

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

The makers claim the bike is suitable for taller riders, with a seat height of 84 centimeters (33 inches). The Classic seat has 102 cm (40 inches) in length, so it's a snug fit for a single person. You also have the possibility of a €300 ($301) upgrade to the XL Comfort Seat, with a 4 centimeter (1.6 inches) height difference or an extra seat extension, so you won't have to stay cramped to fit another person.

So, what can you do with this e-bike? Besides looking cool while commuting, it has some practical uses. You can carry lots of gear and equipment with a max 150 kg (331 lbs.) payload. You can also opt for extra accessories such as front, rear and side racks, a child seat, and even ad panels so 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, too. There are some design extras as well; the one I would go for is the beautiful retro white wall for the tires. I believe it adds an aesthetic touch to the bike, giving it even more of a vintage look.

The prices for the UNI MK series vary between €3,600 ($3,617) and €4,100 ($4,120), but they can quickly increase if you start adding up upgrades. You can choose three colors for the models: Olive, Red, and Black. Whether you're an avid city dweller or want to take it off-roading on the weekends, you'll probably find this e-bike very fun. Not only does it provide enough power for you to go around but you'll also turn some heads while doing so.