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Urtopia Carbon Classic Step-Thru vs Vvolt Centauri II

Two commuter e-bikes at $1,999–$2,399, 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 Centauri II makes 75 Nm more torque.
  • The Centauri II carries 137 Wh more battery.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru is 12 lb lighter.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru costs $400 less.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru claims 12 more miles of range.
  • The Centauri II assists 3 mph faster.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru uses a torque sensor; the Centauri II uses a torque + cadence sensor.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru is rear hub; the Centauri II is mid-drive.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru has a throttle; the Centauri II has no throttle.
  • The Carbon Classic Step-Thru ships as class 2; the Centauri II ships as class 3.

Every spec, side by side

Carbon Classic Step-ThruCentauri II
Headline
Price$1,999$2,399
CategoryCommuterCommuter
Price per Wh$5.66 per Wh$4.90 per Wh
Model year20262026
Motor
Torque45 Nm120 Nm
Motor power350 W350 W
Peak power500 W650 W
DriveRear hubMid-drive
Motor makeUrtopiaVvolt
SensorTorqueTorque + cadence
Battery & range
Battery353 Wh490 Wh
Voltage36V
Capacity9.8 Ah13.6 Ah
CellsSamsung
Removable batteryYesYes
Range (claim)72 mi60 mi
Range as statedUp to 72 mi (180 lb rider, ECO, flat, no throttle)Up to 60 miles real-world on pedal assist
Est. real range22 mi31 mi
Estimate assumes16 Wh per mile16 Wh per mile
Weight & capacity
Weight41 lb53 lb
Max load240 lb
Class & speed
Ships asClass 2: throttle, assist to 20 mphClass 3: pedal assist to 28 mph
Unlocks toClass 2Class 3
ClassClass 2Class 3
ThrottleYesNo
Top assisted speed25 mph28 mph
Build
Gears8-speed
DrivetrainShimanoGates carbon belt
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
Front rotor160 mm180 mm
Rear rotor160 mm180 mm
SuspensionRigid
Fork travelRigid
Rear travelNoneNone
Front suspensionNo
Suspension seatpostNoNo
TiresKenda 700 x 40c
Display3.5" colour LCD
FrameToray carbon fibre
SizesS, M, LS/M, M/L, L/XL
Step-through optionYes
Included
LightsYesYes
SafetyUL 2271UL 2849*
Safety certificationUL 2271: battery onlyUL 2849: most models, confirm this one
As the maker states itBattery UL 2271 Certified (Classic also EN 50604)The Alpha II is tested and certified to the rigorous UL-2849 standard
Warranty2 yr
Warranty terms2-Year Warranty (brand policy)

Specs transcribed from newurtopia.com on 2026-09-20 and vvolt.com on 2026-09-20. Manufacturers revise specs without notice: confirm before buying.

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