HEPHA Urban X: E-Bike Concept for Urban Mobility
With the Urban X, HEPHA introduces the first real e-bike: a radically simple, engineered hybrid system designed for urban mobility. Thanks to its new eCVT motor, the Urban X is controlled entirely by pedaling — no shifting, no assist modes, and no conventional braking. In stop-and-go traffic, the system brakes electrically and recovers energy. With Ultra-Fast Charging and an onboard charger, there are no range limitations. The concept, which could be launched in 2028, is complemented by an integrated immobilizer and alarm system for maximum security in everyday use. The result is a completely new riding experience: radically simple and revolutionary for urban mobility.
Why Urban Mobility Is the Next Big Thing
The next step in the evolution of the e-bike is taking shape where mobility must function on a daily basis: in the city. Already today, around 75% of Europeans live in urban areas — and that is precisely where traffic jams, parking shortages, and wasted time are constantly on the rise. In many major cities, people spend dozens of hours each year in stop-and-go traffic. Urban mobility is thus one of the greatest challenges of our time and calls for solutions that truly work in everyday life.
Because city traffic rarely means free-flowing movement. On average, the next traffic light is about every 280 meters. That’s exactly why controlled deceleration, safe stopping, and smooth acceleration are just as important as pure performance. While e-MTBs are primarily designed for performance and sporty dynamics, other values matter in everyday urban life: safety, comfort, reliability, and easy handling. The Urban X was developed specifically for this urban rhythm.
Made for Urban.
Urban mobility is all about stop-and-go traffic. And that’s exactly what the new HEPHA X system is designed for. For the first time, all key riding functions are controlled solely by natural pedaling.
The lower seating position ensures stability at traffic lights and makes riding an e-bike in urban environments noticeably easier.
- · Integrated Electronic Transmission (eCVT) (eCVT)
The new eCVT motor adjusts the gear ratio fully automatically, continuously, and electronically. Ideal for stop-and-go city traffic. - · Braking Function
The new mid-motor with active braking function delivers a new, intuitive driving experience — not only during acceleration, but also when braking. It enables energy recovery and reduces brake wear. - · Urban Riding Position
‘Stop-and-go’ ergonomics: a lower riding position for secure footing. A new engine algorithm compensates for biomechanical disadvantages.
Learning to Park.
According to studies, an e-bike or bicycle spends about 97% of its time parked. This makes secondary uses increasingly important — especially in urban environments without secure parking facilities.
Theft, vandalism, weather protection and charging options are key challenges. Bicycles and e-bikes need to catch up here to what cars successfully achieved decades ago. The Urban X marks the first step in this direction.
- · Extremely Fast Charging
Ultra-fast charging (80% in 15 minutes), built-in charger, public charging station. This makes charging a breeze — for example, while you’re out shopping. The charger is always with you, stored in a compartment. - · Simple Charging Infrastructure
Thanks to the extremely fast charger, standard outdoor sockets are sufficient. To this end, HEPHA is developing a charging station, for example for use in the outdoor areas of retail chains. - · Removable Bench
Simple yet effective: the Urban X's bench can be removed and taken with you. This protects it from wind, weather and vandalism.
Scream for Help.
Theft and the fear of it are among the biggest obstacles to e-bike adoption in cities. Steal it quickly, disappear, and resell it — that’s how typical bike thefts usually go.
This is exactly where the anti-theft system comes in: The combination of an immobilizer, an alarm system, and a digital lock makes the Urban X unattractive to thieves and gives the owner peace of mind.
- · Immobilizer
The 2Lock immobilizer is integrated directly into the hub and locks it along with the axle. The internal locking mechanism makes the lock 100% tamper-proof. This makes any attempts to break free impossible. - · Alarm System
A powerful deterrent: This innovative alarm system issues warnings in a natural human voice and screams for help in an emergency. This ensures maximum attention and effectively deters thieves. - · WatchMode & GPS Tracking
The new WatchMode locks all drive components—rendering the bike useless to thieves. In addition, the Urban X is continuously tracked via GPS. - · Replacement Service
If a theft does occur, the optional HEPHA Replacement Service kicks in: In the event of a theft, we will replace the stolen bike quickly and easily.
New E-Bike Archetype for Urban Mobility
The Urban X redefines the e-bike as a true, integrated mobility system: not as a bicycle with an auxiliary motor, but as a completely reimagined riding experience for the city.
While existing solutions are based on additive technologies (motor + gearshift + modes), the Urban X combines key functions for the first time into a single, intelligent drive system: a fully integrated eCVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) with automatic adjustment, controlled exclusively by pedaling force. Gear shifting, assistance modes, and traditional control logic are largely eliminated. The result is radically simple operation: Pedal Only Ride — the rider controls acceleration, rolling and deceleration purely intuitively through pedaling.
A true technological leap lies in the active energy recovery within the mid-motor system. It replaces large portions of mechanical braking, recovers energy, and transforms stop-and-go traffic into a smooth, efficient flow of movement.
The Urban X also sets a new standard for charging: ultra-fast charging (80% in 15 minutes) combined with integrated charging electronics and the use of existing infrastructure. No special accessories, no hurdles — charging becomes as natural as parking.
The concept bike, which is scheduled to be phased into the market by 2028, is complemented by innovations consistently tailored to urban users: a new, comfort-oriented seat architecture, a multi-stage anti-theft system with digital security and GPS — developed with the goal of completely eliminating urban usage barriers.
The innovation of the Urban X lies not in individual features, but in their seamless integration: maximum functionality with minimal complexity. An e-bike that isn’t operated — but simply rides itself.
Just ride.
