Welcome to our in-depth review of the Velotric Discover 1 Electric Bike! If you’ve been searching for the perfect electric bike to elevate your cycling experience, you’ve come to the right place. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Velotric Discover 1, exploring its features, performance, and what sets it apart from the competition.

Electric bikes have rapidly gained popularity as a convenient, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to navigate urban streets and conquer challenging terrains. The Velotric Discover 1 promises to be an exciting addition to the e-bike world, boasting cutting-edge technology, comfort, and style.

Whether you’re a seasoned e-bike enthusiast or someone considering their first electric ride, we aim to provide you with all the essential insights you need to make an informed decision. So, buckle up (or should we say pedal up?) and let’s dive into the electrifying world of the Velotric Discover 1 Electric Bike!

The Velotric Discover 1 belongs to Class 2 electric step-thru bike segment that strikes a perfect balance between commuter and cruiser. During the review of Velotric Discover 1, we observed that it has the upright and comfortable positioning of a cruiser ebike while having the looks and handling of an urban commuter ebike, taking the best aspects from both bike styles. It comes with front and rear fenders on the front and the rear wheel, and a sturdy bike frame.

The positives 

Velotric Discover 1: A Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

The Velotric Discover 1 excels in both form and function, making it a visually appealing and practical choice for riders. Its well-crafted frame design and attractive color choices combine to create an eye-catching e-bike that stands out from the crowd.

Simplicity in Pedal Assist Settings for Enhanced Riding Experience

Unlike most other affordable e-bikes that offer a multitude of pedal assist settings, the Discover 1 takes a more focused approach with three well-tuned options. This allows riders to concentrate on the joy of cycling without being overwhelmed by unnecessary choices. Switching to this ebike will give you and enhanced bicycle riding experience.

Value-Driven Performance for Sensible Decision Making

The Discover 1 is a testament to value, offering exceptional performance at a competitive price point. For those seeking a feature-rich e-bike without breaking the bank, this model proves to be a smart and sensible investment.

Versatility Redefined: Bridging the Gap Between Cruiser and Commuter

With its comfortable upright geometry, sporty appearance, and fast-rolling tires, the Discover 1 successfully blurs the lines between a cruiser bike and a commuter bike. This versatility ensures a delightful experience for various riding styles and terrains.

Enhanced Safety with Integrated Lights

Incorporating integrated lights, the Discover 1 enhances visibility during low-light conditions, providing a safer riding experience for both the cyclist and other road users. With improved visibility, riders can confidently navigate through any lighting situation.

Areas for Improvement in the Velotric Discover 1

1. Suspension Fork Performance: The suspension fork on the Velotric Discover 1 may feel somewhat flimsy compared to the overall build quality of the bike. Upgrading to a slightly higher-end suspension fork could enhance the bike’s performance and provide a more cohesive riding experience.
2. Underwhelming Motor Performance: Despite being equipped with a 500W motor capable of 65Nm of torque, some riders may find the motor’s performance to be on the weaker side. Considering the motor’s specifications, there might be expectations of more robust power delivery.
3. Overstated Range Claim: Velotric claims an impressive range of 80 miles for the Discover 1, but real-world testing may reveal a more modest range. While 50+ miles is still a decent range, it falls short of the manufacturer’s ambitious estimate.

Specification

• 48V 14.4Ah, 500W Class 2 with Throttle Assist: The e-bike is equipped with a powerful 48V battery and 500W motor, allowing for smooth and responsive rides with throttle assistance. The battery life or range can last up to 65 miles
• Top speed 25 mph: The bike can reach a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour, providing fast and efficient transportation.
• 5-level pedal assist, Walk mode, USB charging: The e-bike offers five levels of pedal assistance, a walk mode for easy maneuvering, and USB charging for added convenience.
• Frame with Fully-integrated Battery Design: The bike’s frame seamlessly incorporates the battery, resulting in a sleek and modern appearance.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: The e-bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, delivering reliable and precise braking performance for enhanced safety. It does not have mechanical disc brakes.
• Shimano 7-speed: The bike features a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, ensuring smooth and efficient gear shifting for various riding conditions.
• UL 2271 Certified Battery included: The included battery meets UL 2271 safety certification standards, providing peace of mind and assurance of its safety.

Velotric Discover 1: Components and Accessories

Free Accessories

1. Battery – Spare power source for extended rides.
2. Toolkit – Equipped to handle basic maintenance and adjustments on-the-go.
3. Charger – Ensures your e-bike is always ready to ride.
4. Front & Rear Fenders – Keeps you and your bike clean from mud and splashes.
5. Bell – Provides an audible signal for added safety.
6. Front Light – Illuminates your path for enhanced visibility during night rides.
7. Front Reflector – Increases visibility to others on the road.
8. Rear Reflectors – Enhances safety by making your bike more visible from behind. It does not have rear lights, but you can get it installed at a local bike shop.

Other compatible accessories

Available Accessories for the Velotric Discover 1:

1. Velotric Discover 1 Rear Rack: A perfect addition to expand your storage capacity and carry essentials during your rides. Rear rack capacity is 55 lbs. It is best for commuters hauling light loads.
2. Velotric Front Basket: A convenient and stylish basket to hold your belongings while keeping them within reach.
3. Velotric Phone Mount: Keep your phone securely in place for easy access to navigation or communication while cycling.

Price and availability

As per their website, the current price is $1249

FREE SHIPPING is offered to customers within the 48 contiguous states; however, it does not apply to orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. (price and availability may change)

Handling and Comfort

The Velotric Discover 1 excels in both handling and ride comfort, offering an enjoyable and upright riding experience. Its upright geometry encourages riders to look ahead and take in the surroundings while the ergonomic grips and comfort-oriented saddle provide ease during extended periods of riding. The fast-rolling tires and suspension fork further enhance the bike’s agility, allowing for nimble movements on most paved surfaces and smoothing out rough roads and occasional off-road stretches.

One of the highlights of the Discover 1 is its fun cornering ability, making it a joy to simply ride around. The 2.4″ fast-rolling tires offer excellent traction and rolling speeds, while the 65mm suspension fork takes the edge off rougher roads, ensuring a comfortable journey. Despite its upright ride positioning, the bike remains surprisingly nimble, striking a perfect balance between comfort and capability.

Novice or experienced riders will quickly feel at home on the Velotric Discover 1, as there is no steep learning curve associated with this bike. It provides a very comfortable and upright riding position, which is excellent for preserving your back and neck during long rides. The unique handlebar design, featuring both backsweep and upsweep, adds to the overall comfort and control.

With its fine line between sportiness and comfort, the Velotric Discover 1 is an excellent option for those seeking a bike that combines both attributes. It offers the comfort of a cruiser-style bike while maintaining a sporty edge, making it a versatile choice for commuting and leisurely rides alike. Whether you prioritize comfort or seek an agile ride, the Velotric Discover 1 delivers on both fronts, offering an enjoyable cycling experience for various riding styles.

PEDAL ASSIST / THROTTLE

With only three settings, the Velotric Discover 1’s pedal assist keeps things simple and easy to use. As a Class 2 e-bike, it reaches a top speed of 20 mph, and PAS 2 and 3 effortlessly propel riders at this speed. When set to Class 3, PAS 3 becomes more distinct from PAS 2, providing a noticeable boost in speed.

The throttle on the Discover 1 offers acceleration and speed characteristics between PAS 2 and 3. It matches PAS 3 in terms of average speeds on flat terrain but shows a slightly slower performance on uphill rides. This difference is expected since the motor carries more load without additional input from the rider.

DISPLAY

The 3.5-inch LCD display is centrally positioned on the handlebars, offering a comprehensive view of essential riding information, such as speed, mileage, pedal assist level, and battery life. Its size and placement enable easy glancing during rides, and its brightness ensures visibility even on sunny days with potential glare. Additionally, the display features a night mode, providing further illumination for nighttime use.

Discover 1: Summary of Review

Its upright geometry, ergonomic grips, and comfort-oriented saddle offer a delightful and comfortable riding experience. The bike’s fast-rolling tires and suspension fork provide nimble movements on various surfaces, making it enjoyable to ride. With a 500W motor and a 48V, 14.4Ah integrated battery, it boasts a range of up to 65 miles on a single charge. The 3-level pedal assist and throttle options cater to riders of all experience levels, making it user-friendly and accessible. The 3.5-inch LCD display provides essential ride information. Additionally, its compatibility with various accessories adds versatility and practicality. Priced fairly, the Discover 1 offers excellent value for its performance and features. While some areas, like the suspension fork and motor performance, may need improvement, it remains a stylish and capable e-bike that provides both comfort and sportiness, making it an attractive choice for commuting and casual rides alike.