Collaboration with Chinese partners enables price reduction
The Ural Neo 500 is being developed in close cooperation with Yingang, a Chinese manufacturing partner, with technical development and quality control remaining with Ural itself. Power is provided by a 446 cm³ water-cooled two-cylinder engine from Chinese manufacturer Zonsen. According to the manufacturer, the maximum power output is around 35 hp (25.7 kW) – equivalent to around 34.5 hp at 25.7 kW – although exact speed specifications have not yet been published.
A sidecar for everyone
Ural is positioning the Neo 500 as a particularly user-friendly and lightweight model that is designed to make it much easier to enter the world of sidecars. The new three-wheeler is also aimed specifically at novice drivers, commuters, and anyone who wants to transport a passenger – or a dog, for example – safely and comfortably. According to Ural, the model is easy to handle and makes it easier to enter the segment.
Pricing: Significantly lower than previous Ural models
A key feature of the Neo 500 is its price. While the cheapest model to date, the Ural Gear-Up Base, currently has a list price of around £22,245 (approx. €26,000, around $28,700), the new Neo 500 is expected to cost less than £11,100 (approx. €13,000, around $14,300). This makes the sidecar motorcycle almost half the price of the established models and marks a real entry-level price in the segment – including a two-year factory warranty and modern water cooling.
Market launch: Planned schedule and outlook
According to the manufacturer, type approval for the new model is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2025. The first deliveries to customers are expected at the end of the first quarter of 2026. This is an ambitious schedule for Ural, especially since the Neo 500 fundamentally expands its existing portfolio. Nevertheless, the manufacturer is optimistic and points to its experience in the sidecar motorcycle segment.
Conclusion
With the Neo 500, Ural is deliberately focusing on affordability and everyday practicality, opening up the world of sidecar motorcycles to a broader target group. At a time when more and more motorcycles are in the high-price segment, the Ural Neo 500 is positioning itself as an affordable and down-to-earth alternative – while remaining true to its typical character.
