Ural is looking for feedback on this electric sidecar motorcycle

On and off-road sidecar moto could replace a second or even first car.

By Bruce Brown Published October 3, 2024

Ural electric sidecar motorcycle concept straight on view. — Ural Motorcycles

Ural Motorcycles recently revealed an electric sidecar motorcycle concept bike. The former Russian company, which now has headquarters in Washington state, has been manufacturing sidecar motorcycles since the 1940s with minimal updates. Ural has developed a battery-powered version of its retro sidecar motorcycle and is seeking expert and consumer feedback.

Why an electric sidecar motorcycle makes sense

Ural electric sidecar <a href= motorcycle concept product shot of direct front view." width="800" height="479" />
Ural has already stated that if the e-moto two-seater concept has enough support and if market research shows sufficient potential buyers, it will take 24 months to ramp up production after the final design is approved.

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Ural’s gas bikes have selectable two-wheel drive, which its buyer-fans celebrate with videos of traversing streams, rivers, and all unpaved terrain. The electric concept has one-wheel drive but uses many existing components. Riding a motorcycle is not the same with a sidecar attached, especially when making turns. Ural noted that battery placement is a significant challenge in ensuring passenger comfort, storage capacity, and stability.

An all-electric version of the Ural would presumably be driven on the same challenging adventures as the gas models. However, a quiet, zero-emissions two-seater also has the potential for small-town and city use, possibly replacing a car. The sidecar has a trunk for enclosed storage, and the open seating area could also be suitable for weekly grocery runs.

Ural electric model specifications

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Ural electric sidecar motorcycle concept product shot overhead view. — Ural Motorcycles

Ural Motorcycles

Ural electric sidecar motorcycle concept product shot of battery pack left front three-quarter view. — Ural Motorcycles

Ural electric sidecar motorcycle concept product shot of sidecar seat and trunk. — Ural Motorcycles

Ural released the technical specifications for the electric sidecar concept, but we should mention that concepts historically vary significantly from production vehicles. With that caveat, here are the concept’s tech specs:

Motor	Z-Force 75-7 passively air-cooled, high efficiency, radial flux, interior permanent magnet, brushless motor
Power and torque	60 hp@5,300 rpm, 81 ft-lbs
Batteries	ZF13.0 powerpack, ZF6.5 powerpack (combined peak power 19.5kWh)
Charging	1.3kW on-board charger from a standard 115V/15A breaker (estimated 13 hours to charge from empty to 95%)
Range	Up to 103 miles
Cruising speed	65 mph
Maximum speed	88 mph
Dimensions (LxHxW)	91.6 x 53.8 x 63.6 inches
Seat height, unladen	31.0 inches
Ground clearance	9.2 inches
Dry weight	822 pounds

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A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…

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