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The first thing you notice is the really beautiful steel cross frame, and your first thought is: "I recognise that name!" That's right, Cooper is the one with the Mini. However, the brand now belongs to the German manufacturer Technikbike. The cult name Cooper is not about maximising utility, but about a lifestyle product for people who love style and steel in British Racing Green. And so the lightweight UTY is still suitable for everyday use, if you accept a few small restrictions.
The riding position on the non-height-adjustable sports handlebars is quite sporty, which is why we do not recommend the bike for people over 1.80 metres. The 60 Newton metres of propulsion provided by the Shimano E6100, which works very harmoniously with the rider and the 8-speed gear hub, is pleasant, even if it is a little outdated. It is controlled via a minimalist handlebar display. The motor only lets us feel the 25 km/h mark quite abruptly. Speaking of hills, the brakes on the bike are simple but well-functioning components that deliver impressive modulation and performance despite the small 16-millimetre disc.
Overall, as a rather sporty e-biker, you feel comfortable on the crisp, short bike with the wheelbase of a road bike. The Uty runs reasonably straight, and tight bends are taken with vigour thanks to the short geometry. The fat Innova tyres from the BMX segment provide the basic comfort, which is supported by the steel elasticity that feels more like steel. Cooper only offers a pannier rack (10 kg load capacity) for the front, so in addition to urban roaming and the way to the ice cream parlour, the sporty day trip is the area of use.
Conclusion on the compact e-bike
Small, relatively light and a treat for steel fans: the Cooper Uty is practical within limits and certainly not a bike for every use. But it will delight steel and British fans for currently little money (currently 1499 euros) and is simply something special for short journeys and city commuting. - Georg Bleicher, test editor
The most important details of the Cooper Uty 8
- Price: RRP 3068 Euro (current special offer price or carrier 1499 Euro)
- Test bike weight: 24.4 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Frame: Steel CrMo 4130
- Fork: Steel CrMo 4130
- Circuit: Hub, Shimano 8-speed, chain drive
- Motor / battery: Shimano Steps E6100 / Shimano 504 Wh
- Brakes: Disc, X-Spark, 160 mm
- Tyres: Innova 20 x 2.3
- Front/rear lighting system: Lezyne E65 / integrated RL in mudguard
- Maximum front carrier load: 10 kg
- Special features: Steel frame, ring lock on HR
