Velotric Fold 1 review: A 28 MPH folding e-bike that looks good and rides better!

Velotric continues to impress me with every new launch, and the Velotric Fold 1 has no plans to wreck that streak. Having spent some strong saddle time with the bike now, I can inform you that this is likely one of the greatest electrical folders on the market proper now for e-bike customers on a finances.

Don’t consider me? You’ll perceive if you see it in motion. Try my video evaluate beneath to see what I imply. After which proceed on beneath for my full ideas on this spectacular e-bike.

Velotric Fold 1 video evaluate

Velotric Fold 1 tech specs

• Motor: 750W (1,050W peak-rated) rear hub motor with 70Nm of torque
• High pace: 28 mph (50 km/h)
• Vary: Claimed as much as 55 miles (as much as 88 km)
• Battery: 48V 608Wh
• Weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
• Load capability: 440 lb (200 kg)
• Body: Aluminum alloy
• Tires: 20×3.0″ semi-fat tires
• Brakes: Twin-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors
• Value: US $1,149
• Extras: LCD show, 5 pedal help ranges, entrance and rear LED mild with brake mild, entrance coil spring suspension, kickstand, internally routed cables, detachable battery, cadence sensor, UL-compliant battery and e-bike system

In a single phrase: Spectacular

This e-bike undoubtedly impressed me, plain and easy.

It’s a reasonably unassuming bike and doesn’t outwardly appear to be it must be that particular, however it hides away a number of key options which have undoubtedly gained me over. And that’s coming from somebody who has examined actually a whole lot of e-bikes over the previous couple of years.

To start with, let’s speak about security. The bike is licensed for UL 2849, which covers the battery, motor, controller, wiring, charger, and mainly every thing else within the electrical system. The bike can be licensed to the ISO 4210 normal, which incorporates the entire mechanical assessments related to e-bikes. In order that they’ve lined their bases greater than most corporations on the mechanical and electrical facet of issues.

Subsequent, the bike simply rides actually properly. The 28 mph is good, however so many e-bikes are Class 3 nowadays that you just want greater than only a 28 mph pace to impress me.

The bike really feels good at these speeds, partly as a result of alternative to incorporate 3.0-inch semi-fat tires. These are extra nimble than full 4.0-inch fats tires, but supply higher cushion than frequent 2 or 2.5-inch tires. When mixed with the entrance suspension fork (which is alright however not precisely a showstopper part), the bike has some fairly good shock absorption beneath it. The geometry additionally retains the bike from feeling too squished within the cockpit, which might occur with some folding e-bikes.

Now let’s take into account that this can be a $1,149 e-bike right here, and so I’m not saying these are fancy Maxxis tires or high-end RockShox suspension – neither is true. However for the worth, the experience and the texture impressed me proper out of the gate. The bike simply rides easily and feels great beneath me.

Persevering with on, the contact factors all really feel good. The saddle is snug for me, the buttons for the controls are simply accessible for a fast thumb jab, and the LCD display is tremendous shiny. I had gotten used to Velotric’s nicer shade display on the corporate’s higher-end e-bikes, so I used to be nervous at first about “downgrading” again to a easy black-and-white LCD display. However I used to be amazed at how shiny and straightforward to learn the display is.

You possibly can see from my using footage (screenshot beneath) that even in direct daylight whereas barrelling down the highway, the show is vivid and never washed out.

Many LCD screens are troublesome to learn until you’re within the shade or have overcast skies. However this display’s huge digits and shiny backlight make it extremely seen.

Is the Velotric Fold 1 a Lectric XP 3.0 competitor?

Velotric doesn’t explicitly state this the way in which another e-bike corporations do, however sure, this e-bike is supposed to compete in opposition to the Lectric XP 3.0, which is presently the best-selling e-bike within the US. And I’d say it provides that bike a critical run for its cash.

Not solely does it look nicer with the gorgeous blue shade possibility (although I suppose the grey and white choices from Velotric are alright too), however it has some actual benefits on the use facet. It’s simpler to fold and you’ll take the battery out with out folding the bike, which is nice for anybody who desires to cost the battery off of the bike. I like the XP 3.0, however pulling the battery out if you don’t plan to fully fold the bike is a little bit of a ache.

The Velotric Fold 1 nonetheless prices $100 greater than the bottom XP 3.0, however it’s bought some compelling benefits, to not point out the larger battery. And as somebody who loves shiny e-bike colours, that shiny blue is price one thing proper there!

What would I enhance?

No e-bike is with out fault in my eyes, and so I can at all times discover room for enchancment. On the Velotric Fold 1, I’d have cherished to see a barely bigger battery and a torque sensor for smoother pedal help. However I can perceive that each of these can be difficult whereas sustaining the present price ticket.

I additionally want that they had included the Apple FindMy characteristic that they’ve of their higher-dollar e-bikes, although once more, I definitely perceive that some sacrifices have to be made to maintain this e-bike so inexpensive.

What’s the abstract?

Whereas the Velotric Fold 1 isn’t excellent, I discover that when it’s judged inside its worth class, it’s a critical prime contender. The bike is equal components quick but snug, peppy but controllable, and easy but refined.

It’s simple to fold and never overly heavy (although it’s onerous to name a 63-lb e-bike “light-weight”), and it’s fairly darn simple to toss it at the back of a automotive if you need to take it with you on a visit.

With hydraulic brakes, included rack and fenders, and full LED lighting, it’s bought all of the elements I need to see on my on a regular basis commuter e-bikes, but is prepared for extra than simply commutes. It could actually carry cargo and function a enjoyable city journey bike, too.

The bike does make a number of sacrifices to succeed in its engaging US $1,149 price ticket, however I’m pleased with these small compromises as a result of the sum right here is bigger than the components. And that’s what I’m at all times in search of: an e-bike that provides as much as one thing that may meet my wants and feels good whereas doing it.