We Tested the UTO PRO20 (Formerly Eovolt): A Near-Perfect Foldable Electric Bike

It’s rather uncommon, but here we are testing an electric bike from a new brand. Partially true, because behind the name UTO (Unidentified Transport Objects), lies the transformation of another brand. Originally founded as Eovolt in 2017, the company based in Genas (near Lyon) has exclusively developed folding electric bikes. However, with an ambition to introduce muscle-powered models and revamp its international identity, Eovolt has been rebranded as UTO since the summer of 2025.

To celebrate this transformation, we took the handlebars of the Afternoon Pro, now renamed UTO PRO20. Originally developed to be launched under the new brand, this model was introduced at the end of 2024 alongside the former Eovolt Afternoon (later renamed Afternoon Origins and then UTO OG20). With its 20-inch wheels, it stands as the most hybrid model in the lineup, alongside the brand new PRO16 (formerly Morning) and PRO24 (formerly Evening).

With a sleek design, a unique folding system, a rear motor with a 2-speed automatic transmission, quality tires, and brakes, does the folding VAE justify its 3,000 euro price tag? We’ve tested it, and here’s our verdict.

Technical Specifications

This review is based on a model lent by the brand.

A Well-Designed Folding E-bike

To stand out from other electric folding bikes on the market, the UTO PRO20 focuses on style. Taking the shape of the former Afternoon, it features a frame with polished welds and a bright paint finish that looks stunning. It’s a real success.

In addition to this, it features better cable integration (no bulky front sheath or battery cable under the bike), and a streamlined, arched handlebar, creating a look reminiscent of a “mini Cowboy” or “mini VanMoof”. The bike from the Rhône region even mimics these with its smartphone holder, here in the standard SP Connect format.

Effortless and Thoughtful Folding

The folding system is one of the simplest and most effective we’ve used. Instead of plastic or metal levers, UTO opts for soft handles. You pull the first to activate the frame opening effortlessly, where the front wheel naturally nests against its rear counterpart.

The second handle is for the stem, where a bit more effort is required. It’s worth noting its offset position on the left and the absence of a magnet. The stem stays put once folded, while the two wheels use a slot more robust than a magnet.

Simply lower the seat and fold the (large) pedals, and you’re done. Note, the PRO 20 doesn’t rest on a stand or the seat tube but on the double kickstand. This isn’t just for stability when the electric bike stops! However, don’t forget it before folding, and it strangely deploys only to the left.

It’s not the fastest system, but it’s very simple and quick to unfold. It’s not quite the “1 second” of the new Decathlon Btwin E-FL 900, but it’s close. Even the seat tube lever is designed for easy opening and closing. However, the tube sometimes sinks during riding, even when tightening the seat collar.

A Heavy but Well-Equipped Folding Bike

The most significant drawback of the UTO PRO20 is the weight. We were already over 20 kg in the previous generation, and here the VAE scales up to 21.4 kg on our scale. Carrying and handling it is difficult, even though the frame tries to facilitate some maneuvers. We would have liked a handle on the seat to improve this, as well as the trolley mode.

This weight is partly due to equipment including the double kickstand, as well as the mudguards and lighting. This latter is automatic in dark environments, adjustable in height, and powerful at 70 lux at the front, with the rear integrated into the seat tube. Unfortunately, it doesn’t add a stop function!

Simplistic But Clear Display

The UTO PRO20 utilizes the very simplistic display offered by Bafang. Located to the left of the handlebar, it only displays the essential information needed for riding. The backlight provides good readability at night, which automatically dims with the activation of the light.

Below the two-digit speed display, the screen shows the current mode, which can be changed by pressing the top or bottom of the display. The 5-level gauge is somewhat vague for accurately tracking the charge, but this can be supplemented with the app.

A Surprise But Incomplete App

The brand doesn’t highlight it, but the PRO20 is indeed compatible with the Bafang Go app. While not very intuitive or ergonomic, it adds four pieces of information:

a battery percentage tracker, an estimated range in km depending on the current mode, total mileage, and speed with a decimal.

This can serve as an advanced odometer, thanks to the included smartphone holder. Another window displays a map with navigation, all while keeping the speed and battery info visible. However, it’s impossible to activate the lighting from the app, unlike the odometer.

The trip recording part did not work during our test, nor did a few mode settings. There were a few bugs, such as the need to manually reconnect to the bike each time by pressing the Bluetooth icon. Finally, we would have liked a bit more connectivity from a 3,000 euro electric bike, even as an option.

A Stable and Lively Folding Electric Bike

While the bike’s folding mechanism is noteworthy, it was the riding experience that impressed us the most. Thanks to the 20-inch wheels and wide Schwalbe tires (2.2 inches), the UTO PRO20 is very stable, even in the rain.

It doesn’t feel like a mini-bike, especially since the VAE offers spacers to adjust the handlebar height to your size and a seat adjustment, in addition to the battery-tube setting. Naturally, the format doesn’t allow for as dynamic riding in tight corners, and the comfort isn’t ideal off-pavement.

But each ride is a pleasure, especially due to its ultra-efficient assistance. The rear Bafang H700 motor, seen on the Voltaire Rivoli, develops a torque of 40 Nm.

That’s enough for a lively start—accentuated by the small wheels—orchestrated by an incredibly responsive torque sensor. The absence of latency and the smooth progression of assistance enhance the enjoyment, in addition to good acceleration capabilities and performance on even steep inclines.

A Perfect Automatic Gearbox

Better yet, the motor includes a small 2-speed automatic gearbox. A smaller gear for starting and a larger one from 18 km/h, ideal for city rides!

Gear shifting is smooth during pedaling, downshifting is imperceptible, all in complete silence. Moreover, the belt drive significantly reduces maintenance, even if there’s a slight clicking sound when used in freewheel mode.

Riding is enjoyable, and stopping is also without any apprehension. UTO has included Shimano MT200 brakes, hydraulic with 160 mm discs, so it brakes powerfully!

Impressive Range for a Folding Bike!

Small wheels and an automatic gearbox don’t necessarily give the Bafang motor an advantage in terms of consumption on paper. With a 360 Wh battery in the seat tube, you can achieve up to 70 kilometers of range on the smallest mode (1 out of 5) and 35 km in maximum mode.

We conducted 2 charging cycles to measure the range at a temperature of 20°C on relatively flat Parisian terrain. With 50 and 53 km respectively, we thus obtained an average of 51.5 km per full battery charge, and a consumption of 7 Wh/km. This is actually better than the former Eovolt Afternoon Origins (or UTO OG20), and as economical as the less powerful Decathlon E Fold 900 (35 Nm, no integrated gearbox).

Battery charge tracking is possible on the display with 5 bars, which is quite vague, or with the percentage from the app. With the latter solution, it remains somewhat unstable. We experienced turning off the bike with 66% and restarting the next day with 76%! At times, we lose 5% in just a few minutes after a brief stop. There doesn’t seem to be consistency at high or low charge, so it’s difficult to precisely predict the remaining range.

It’s also worth noting that maximum power drops below 30% battery. You get the equivalent of a mode 4 maximum, mode 3 under 20%, mode 2 under 10%, and the electric bike is almost muscle-powered under 5%.

A Full Charge in Just 4 Hours

The battery is located in the seat tube. This allows you to take both risk elements with you during parking. The downside is that the tube is very long—it doesn’t fit in any bag—and it’s heavy. But the tube integrates a port under the seat, which is accessible whether you want to charge on the VAE or not.

The UTO PRO20 comes with a small charger, which is compact and light. With a power of 90 W, it allocates a theoretical charge in 4 hours (360 Wh as a reminder), which is confirmed by our measurement.

Thus, charging is fast: 30% in less than an hour, 50% in 1h50, or 3 hours for a common charge to 80%. A full charge takes about 4 hours. Tracking is impossible on the display, which turns off when plugged in, and does not allow for a Bluetooth connection. You have to unplug and turn it on to see the state of charge, then plug it back in.

A Decidedly Premium Folding Electric Bike

Following the Eovolt Afternoon, which becomes the UTO OG20, the UTO PRO20 moves upmarket and thus in price. The previous generation is available at 2,199 euros, or 2,349 euros with the 504 Wh battery (similar range to PRO20). The new version takes a significant leap, priced at 2,999 euros. Know that a non-electric version, with a 3-speed automatic gearbox and belt, is also available for 1,699 euros.

This positioning may deter many potential customers, but it’s not so high considering the features. It must also be compared to competitors, like the Brompton Electric G Line, which is more versatile but costs almost 4,000 euros!

Closer rivals in the urban market at 3,000 euros include names like Ahooga Max or Vello Bike+. Equipped with great features, they don’t include the Bafang motor-gearbox duo. You can also add front and rear luggage racks, priced at 53.59 euros each.

It’s also worth mentioning that assembly is done in France at the Genas site, with a network of several hundred partners for after-sales service in the country. These can handle the folding electric bike, and it’s possible to contact the brand by email in case of problems. Eovolt, sorry UTO, also has spare parts available.

Finally, the warranty is 5 years for the frame and fork, extendable to 10 years by registering your model on the website. The legal warranty of 2 years applies to the electric assistance (motor, battery, controller, and display).