At CES 2025, Urtopia debuted its Titanium Zero concept e-bike featuring a self-developed high-energy-density electric motor, lightweight titanium alloy frame, and semi-solid-state battery said to take the e-bike’s power and range to a whole new level.

The concept’s Quark DM 1.2 motor is said to be the world’s smallest, lightest, and highest torque-density unit, with a mass of less than 1200 g and a maximum torque of 60 N·m (44 lb·ft). It features Urtopia-developed high-precision torque sensors and high-dynamic-response magnetic encoders to ensure rapid responsiveness and smooth performance.

The e-bike’s 3D-printed frame is made entirely of titanium alloy to offer “unparalleled” strength, durability, and lightweight properties. Combined with carbon wheels, fork, crank, and a titanium alloy seat post, the bike’s total mass scales in at just 10.8 kg (23.8 lb) including the motor and battery. That battery delivers impressive power-to-weight performance, with an energy density of up to 300 W·h/kg. However, designers made sure the concept is fully compatible with standard bike components like SRAM’s 12-speed electronic shifter.

Urtopia says that the innovations pioneered in the Titanium Zero, like the torque sensor and dynamic-response encoder, will shape the future of its e-bike lineup and are meant to push the boundaries of its innovation.

Perhaps more significantly at CES, the company showcased what it calls the world’s first voice assistant for bicycling with a localized AI (artificial intelligence) model called Urtopia GPTs. It debuted as a demo at Eurobike 2023 but is now officially available on the company’s app from version 2.9.6 and above.

The AI is trained by ChatGPT’s large-scale capabilities to provide smarter and more intuitive interactions to enhance the riding experience like offering riders tips, assistance, and entertainment during their journeys. Riders can interact with their Urtopia e-bikes via the AI companion that provides navigation, safety alerts, and even motivational encouragement.

Urtopia GPTs have undergone extensive training to become a dedicated riding assistant. It can introduce itself and provide answers to any questions about Urtopia or cycling.

It now offers real-time voice feedback with enhanced language recognition. The AI can quickly control functions like gears and lights with simple voice commands, remember, and engage in multi-turn natural conversations, chatting with riders “like a friend.”

Urtopia was founded in 2021 by a group of cycling fans and top engineers from MIT, UMN, Cornell, and CMU when they embarked on a mission to create a revolutionary e-bike prototype, collaborating with former BMW designer Mathis Heller to bring their vision to life. Thanks to the support of over 1500 early adopters on Indiegogo, the company successfully built its first Carbon E-bike model. In 2022, it expanded its reach by setting up a subsidiary in Berlin and joined LEVA-EU.

The Urtopia line of e-bikes now ranges from the all-terrain Fusion GT at $2599, the sporty and lightweight Carbon 1 Pro at $2199, and the space-efficient Carbon Fold 1 at $1799.

The company is led by CEO Owen Zhang and counts DCM Ventures, Lightspeed China Partners, and Brizan Ventures among its institutional investors. The founders share a vision that “technology can do good to both people’s life and the planet” and are “committed to putting users first and to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower everybody to live life to the fullest.”

Urtopia says its smart IoT system and control algorithms are at the heart of its technology, enabling its e-bikes to keep evolving as smart companions. By integrating sensors, communication networks, and real-time data processing, its developers are able to not only enhance the riding experience but also reduce energy consumption, offering high levels of performance and convenience to its users.

For instance, the company’s e-bikes can intelligently adjust the power model according to users’ needs and boost energy efficiency by more than 15%. Higher efficiency means smaller battery volume and lighter weight, reducing carbon emissions during production. Users can track the emissions savings and share them with their friends.

While the new e-bike concept has a titanium frame, Urtopia says that its dedication to carbon-fiber technology is one of its key differentiators in the industry. The company leverages the unique properties of carbon fiber, citing its use for lightweight design, strength and durability, vibration damping, aerodynamic optimization, and corrosion resistance.

Specifically, it says that carbon fiber is up to five times lighter than steel and significantly lighter than aluminum, offering unmatched agility and ease of handling. Despite its low weight, frames of the material are capable of withstanding significant stress without deformation or fatigue. Carbon fiber absorbs road vibrations more effectively than metal frames, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The use of the material allows for intricate, flowing designs that improve aerodynamics and efficiency. Unlike metal frames, carbon fiber is resistant to rust and environmental wear, ensuring a long lifespan.