Orbea is expanding its range of urban e-bikes with the new Carpe series. The model complements the Spanish brand’s Urban and Active family and is aimed at commuters and everyday riders who are looking for an integrated, lightweight e-bike for city traffic.
The concept combines a clean look with practical solutions for everyday use – from integrated lighting and modular carrier racks to details designed to make it easier to store the bike in small flats.
Urban platform for everyday life
The Carpe is part of Orbea’s Urban and Active platform. This model family combines technologies that are specifically tailored to urban mobility. These include an adjustable cockpit and modular transport solutions for the front and rear. An integrated all-round lighting system is also part of the concept to increase visibility in city traffic.
For the drive system, Orbea relies on the Shimano EP6 mid-drive motor, which delivers up to 85 Nm of torque and is specially designed for urban use. It is supported by a 420 Wh battery integrated into the down tube, which is permanently installed. Optionally, the system can be expanded with a 252 Wh range extender.
Comfort-oriented frame design
For its unisex frame, Orbea has opted for a concept called Twin Glide Flex. This involves positioning the seat tube lower in the frame, creating a larger free section of tube that can flex in a targeted manner. This design is intended to better absorb the vibrations and bumps typical of city traffic – a similar approach was already taken with the Orbea Diem, which we tested in detail here.
A carbon fork promises additional comfort. Together with the Urban Active geometry, it is designed to ensure agile yet controllable handling. The low step-through frame also makes it easier to get on and off the bike – an advantage in dense city traffic.
Practical details for everyday life
Even when not in use, the bike is designed for urban use. The handlebars can be rotated 90 degrees, while the pedals can be folded away. This makes the bike significantly narrower and easier to store in flats, basements or bicycle compartments.
An integrated lighting system and the option of fitting frame locks ensure security. There is also a hidden compartment in the frame for Bluetooth trackers, which can be used to locate the parked bike.
Three models to choose from
The Carpe series is available in three trim levels, which differ primarily in terms of the drive system and equipment:
- Carpe 10: The top model features a Gates CDX belt drive in combination with an electronic Shimano Nexus Inter-5 Di2 hub gear system. It also comes with folding pedals, a foldable stem and an integrated rear luggage rack. Weight: 20.92 kg*.
- Carpe 20: The mid-range model uses a Shimano Cues 9-speed derailleur and classic chain instead of a belt drive. A rear rack, mudguards and lighting system make this model clearly suitable for everyday use. Weight: 19.69 kg*Â
- Carpe 25: The entry-level model also features the Shimano Cues 9-speed derailleur, but does without a rack, mudguards and bike stand – making it lighter at only 17.72 kg*.
* Size M according to manufacturer’s specifications
Saying goodbye to the hub motor?
With the Carpe, Orbea is expanding its already broad urban range, which includes models such as the Diem, Muga, Kemen Tour and Kemen Adventure.
However, it is noteworthy that the Vibe series, which has been popular in the urban segment to date, no longer appears in the current overview. This suggests that Orbea may be phasing out this model series. This would be noteworthy, as Orbea was one of the early pioneers of particularly lightweight urban e-bikes with its slim Vibe e-bikes and their compact hub motors. With the new Carpe, the manufacturer now seems to be focusing more on classic mid-motor concepts.
Prices and availability
The three models are designed to meet different demands: from the comfort-oriented Carpe 10 with belt drive and hub gears to the comparatively lightweight Carpe 25 as a more purist version. Prices for the series start at 2,999 euros for the Carpe 25, 3,299 euros for the Carpe 20, and 4,199 euros for the top-of-the-range Carpe 10. All variants are available in four frame sizes and three colour options: Nickel, Mars Red (gloss) and Diamond Black (matt).
