RideScout

Tern Vektron Q9 vs Urtopia Carbon Classic Step-Thru

Two commuter e-bikes at $1,999–$2,999, every published spec lined up. Nothing here is estimated: a figure the manufacturer does not publish is shown as “—”.

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Where they differ

  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru costs $1000 less.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru assists 5 mph faster.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru is 7.3 lb lighter.
  • The Vektron Q9 carries 36 lb more total load.
  • The Vektron Q9 makes 5 Nm more torque.
  • The Vektron Q9 is mid-drive; the Carbon Classic Step-Thru is rear hub.
  • The Vektron Q9 has no throttle; the Carbon Classic Step-Thru has a throttle.
  • The Vektron Q9 ships as class 1; the Carbon Classic Step-Thru ships as class 2.

Every spec, side by side

Vektron Q9Carbon Classic Step-Thru
Headline
Price$2,999$1,999
CategoryCommuterCommuter
Price per Wh$7.50 per Wh$5.66 per Wh
Model year20262026
Motor
Torque50 Nm45 Nm
Motor power—350 W
Peak power—500 W
DriveMid-driveRear hub
Motor makeBosch Active Line PlusUrtopia
Drive systemBosch—
Sensor—Torque
Battery & range
Battery400 Wh353 Wh
Voltage—36V
Capacity—9.8 Ah
Cells—Samsung
Removable batteryYesYes
Range (claim)70 mi72 mi
Range as stated35-70 miles (400Wh)Up to 72 mi (180 lb rider, ECO, flat, no throttle)
Est. real range25 mi22 mi
Estimate assumes16 Wh per mile16 Wh per mile
Weight & capacity
Weight48.3 lb41 lb
Max load276 lb240 lb
Rack capacity60 lb—
Class & speed
Ships asClass 1: pedal assist to 20 mph, no throttleClass 2: throttle, assist to 20 mph
Unlocks toClass 1Class 2
ClassClass 1Class 2
ThrottleNoYes
Top assisted speed20 mph25 mph
Build
Gears9-speed8-speed
DrivetrainShimano Alivio 1x9 (11-32T)Shimano
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
Front rotor—160 mm
Rear rotor—160 mm
SuspensionRigid—
Fork travelRigid—
Rear travelNoneNone
Front suspensionNo—
Suspension seatpost—No
Tires20 in Schwalbe Big Apple (55-406), puncture protection, ReflexKenda 700 x 40c
DisplayBosch Purion3.5" colour LCD
Frame7005 aluminiumToray carbon fibre
SizesOne sizeS, M, L
Step-through option—Yes
Included
LightsYesYes
FendersYes—
RackYes—
KickstandYes—
SafetyUL 2849UL 2271
Safety certificationUL 2849: full systemUL 2271: battery only
As the maker states itTern ebikes use e-bike systems that are certified to UL 2849Battery UL 2271 Certified (Classic also EN 50604)
Warranty—2 yr
Warranty terms—2-Year Warranty (brand policy)

Specs transcribed from www.ternbicycles.com on 09/30/2026 and newurtopia.com on 09/20/2026. Manufacturers revise specs without notice: confirm before buying.

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