The e-bike market is flooded with choice, but the new brand, Velotric, aims to gain a foothold with its affordable, stylish, and well-rounded products.
The current price range of Velotric’s six-bike lineup is $1,500 to $2,000, slightly more expensive than Lectric and similar to Ride1UP, Rad Power, and Aventon.
Amongst their range, there’s something for most riders, including a pure commuter, lightweight urban machines, cargo and utility e-bikes, and an all-terrain beast.
It’s clear that Velotric is serious about the US market, as it is aggressively expanding its network of dealers while selling bikes directly to consumers via the website.
Our Velotric e-bike review will examine the six Velotric e-bikes and provide our verdict on them to help you decide which, if any, suits your needs.
But first, we’ll take a closer look at the company itself.
Contents
Overview of the Velotric E-Bike Brand
Velotric Bike was founded by Lime Co-Founder Adam Zhang and Ted Li in 2020. The team consists of employees with experience working at major cycling brands like Giant, Specialized, and Decathlon.
The company focuses on making e-bikes that are “stylish, high-performance, reliable, safe, and affordable.” Since releasing its first model, the Velotric Discover 1, the company has taken on user feedback to develop its future electric bikes.
Velotric has a broad and impressive e-bike lineup. With six models on offer, including e-commuter, city, cargo, and all-terrain e-bikes, they’re meeting the needs of a large percentage of the e-bike market.
As mentioned, Velotric offers e-bikes in a narrow, entry-level price range. The brand is focused on optimizing its range into the future and reaching as many customers as possible with both direct-to-consumer and dealer-mediated sales channels.
See All Models on VelotricBike.com
Velotric Electric Bike Lineup
The Velotric electric bikes range consists of six electric bikes. The lineup can be broken down into City/Commuter, Fat, Cargo/Utility, and Fitness/Urban categories based on the type of bike and its capabilities.
Velotric Discover 1
The Velotric Discover 1 was the first model the company released. It’s a commuter e-bike fully equipped for urban riding.
A 500W motor that can put out a peak power of 900W delivers speeds of 20 mph or 25 mph unlocked. Assistance is controlled by a throttle or pedal assist. This e-bike with a 14.4Ah battery has an impressive max range of 65 miles.
The Discover 1, like all Velotric models (except the T1s), comes with a full range of accessories included in the price. The bike, as such, comes with lights, reflectors, a bell, a kickstand, and fenders as standard. The accessories are perfect for those needing a drier, safer commute to work.
A height range of 5’1″ to 6’9″ is possible with the Discover 1, with the step-through model having a height range of 5’1″ to 6’4″ and the step-over frame having a height range of 5’6″ to 6’9″.
The Discover 1 is also available in several builds and, at $1599, is a solid option if you want a well-balanced commuter with lots of range.
Velotric Nomad 1
The Velotric Nomad 1 is a durable fat tire e-bike equipped as standard with extra-grippy 26″ x 4″ tires.
With five levels of pedal assist and throttle control, the Nomad 1 can quickly reach 20 or 25 mph when unlocked via the display. This bike has a maximum range of 55 miles from its 14.4Ah battery. The powerful 750W motor is needed to overcome the inefficiency of the fat tires and suspension fork.
One standout feature of the Velotric Nomad 1 is its high payload capacity and rear rack mounts, meaning you can turn this bike into a cargo-carrying adventure machine.
This is also one of the most comfortable bikes in the Velotric range, thanks to its extra comfortable saddle, 70 mm suspension fork, shock-absorbing fat tires, and relaxed geometry.
The Velotric Nomad 1 is available in seven colors and a step-through or step-over frame at a competitive price of $1,799, rivaling the RadRover 6 Plus and Aventon Aventure.2.
Velotric Go 1
The Velotric Go 1 is a compact cargo (utility) e-bike with comfortable 3″ tires, a powerful 130-lux front light, and a convenient throttle assist for getting started from a stop with a loaded bike.
This utility bike is small but it can still carry 120 lb on the rear rack and a total of 440 lb, equal to the total capacity of the Aventon Abound long-tail cargo e-bike.
Four-piston disc brakes provide peace of mind to those riders who want to stop suddenly. Fenders come with the bike, making rainy rides more comfortable.
Some more thoughtful features include the mesh wheel protectors over the rear wheels, stopping any chance of children’s clothes or feet getting caught in the rear wheel’s spokes.
The Velotric Go 1 can fit riders from 5’0″ to 6’6″ and comes with a suspension fork for added comfort. Additional accessories are available to increase the bike’s cargo capabilities.
The Go 1 seems to be a great value option, considering it’s around $500 cheaper than Rad Power Bikes’ RadRunner 3 Plus.
Velotric Packer 1
Velotric Packer 1 is a heavy-duty electric cargo bike with a 750W motor, 80 mm suspension fork, and a waterproof storage bag built into the frame.
Regarding cargo capabilities, the Packer 1 has a payload capacity of 440 lb and can carry 176 lb on the rear rack, an impressive capacity for this price point.
Somewhat heavy (75 lb), the Packer 1 has a max 52-mile range, which can be extended by purchasing a second battery when extra range is required.
As with much of Velotric’s range, if stolen or displaced, the Packer 1 can be tracked with Apple’s Find My™ function.
Powerful four-piston brakes, CST puncture-resistant tires, a plush saddle, and an adjustable stem leave little not considered in the design of this electric bike.
Overall, it’s a competitive option in the cargo e-bike market, slightly cheaper than the Aventon Abound and the same price as the RadWagon 4.
Velotric T1 ST
The Velotric T1 ST is a Class 1 electric bike designed for weaving around traffic on busy urban roads and bike lanes.
As a Class 1 electric bike, it’s pedal-assist-only with a top speed of 20 mph. This may leave some wishing for the throttle function or more speed. If so, consider another Velotric e-bike.
The T1 ST is a sleek, lightweight 36 lb bike with a 350W motor. Its weight is one of the main advantages, as it makes it possible to lift or carry upstairs into an apartment or the office.
The T1 ST has a small 9.8 Ah, but the low weight, 700c wheels, and 40 mm tires mean it rolls efficiently and has a decent range of 52 miles. These characteristics also mean it’s easy to pedal this bike without assistance.
Add this bike to your shortlist if you want a comfortable yet lightweight and fast urban option that doesn’t sacrifice range.
Velotric T1
The Velotric T1 is a higher-end version of the T1 ST, with more features, narrower tires, and a higher height range than its sibling. The T1 caters for riders of up to 6’5″.
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful bike in the Velotric range, with sleek internal cabling, a stylish fading paint job, and a thoughtfully designed top tube. The lightweight 36 lb bike is easy to carry over the shoulder.
The T1 has a very impressive max range of 70 miles and uses a torque sensor to smooth the riding experience compared to the typical cadence sensors at this price point.
The Velotric T1 comes equipped with Veltoric’s own Smart+ hub, which allows easy GPS tracking. Other impressive features include the front light, which activates based on ambient light. Velotric is also working on a crash detection function, which will be released soon.
Overall, this is one of the best options in the lightweight e-bike category, out-competing the Ride1UP Roadster v2, albeit at a higher price.
Velotric vs. Aventon: How Do They Compare?
One of Velotric’s main competitors is Aventon electric bikes.
Aventon has been establishing itself in the market for several years now and currently offers the same number of e-bikes as Velotric. Aventon also has six e-bikes in its lineup across a slightly wider price range of $1,399 to $2,199. But, Aventon also has a folding option, unlike Velotric.
Velotric has adopted torque sensors on its T1 and T1 ST bikes, but all of Aventon’s range uses them. Likewise, Aventon has a wider dealer network in the US, and the bikes are better regarded by testers. However, we expect Velotric, a younger company, to continue improving and catch up to Aventon in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a Velotric e-bike go?
A Velotric e-bike can go as fast as 20mph as shipped or up to 25mph with the top speed unlocked through the display. Top speed also depends on payload, terrain, and weather conditions. Four of the six Velotric bikes have throttles, which are limited to speeds of 20mph.
Do Velotric bikes have a throttle?
Yes, Velotric bikes have a throttle. All Velotric e-bikes, except the T1 ST and the T1, have throttles and pedal assist, making them Class 2 models. If you unlock the pedal assist max speed to 25mph, they become Class 3.
How much weight can the Velotric e-bike hold?
Four of Velotric's electric bikes have a payload capacity of 440lb. These include the Nomad 1, Discover 1, Go 1, and Packer 1. The T1 and T1 ST have payload capacities of 330lb. The cargo rack capacity of each model varies and should be double-checked before loading.
Final Verdict About Velotric E-Bikes
Having closely examined the Velotric bike lineup, we’re confident in providing a positive verdict about the individual models and would recommend them. With utility, cargo, city, and all-terrain e-bikes available, the company caters to most riding styles and the majority of the entry-level e-bike market.
The Velotric range is ideal for those looking to buy their first e-bikes or upgrade from a budget model in the $500 to $1,000 range.
It’s worth noting that the lower prices offered by Velotric mean reduced customer service and slightly lower durability than brand-name e-bikes.
Overall, Velotric e-bikes are good value and worth considering if you need an urban companion, cargo workhorse, or off-road adventure bike.
