Velotric continues to impress me with every new launch, and the Velotric Fold 1 has no plans to break that streak. Having spent some strong saddle time with the bike now, I can let you know that this is among the greatest electrical folders on the market proper now for e-bike customers on a finances.
Don’t consider me? You’ll perceive once you see it in motion. Try my video overview beneath to see what I imply. After which proceed on beneath for my full ideas on this spectacular e-bike.
Velotric Fold 1 video overview
Velotric Fold 1 tech specs
- Motor: 750W (1,050W peak-rated) rear hub motor with 70Nm of torque
- High velocity: 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
- Worth: 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 positively impressed me, plain and easy.
It’s a reasonably unassuming bike and doesn’t outwardly seem like it must be that particular, however it hides away a number of key options which have positively received me over. And that’s coming from somebody who has examined actually a whole bunch of e-bikes over the previous couple of years.
To begin with, let’s speak about security. The bike is licensed for UL 2849, which covers the battery, motor, controller, wiring, charger, and principally all the pieces else within the electrical system. The bike can be licensed to the ISO 4210 commonplace, which incorporates the entire mechanical exams related to e-bikes. In order that they’ve coated their bases greater than most firms on the mechanical and electrical aspect of issues.
Subsequent, the bike simply rides actually properly. The 28 mph is sweet, however so many e-bikes are Class 3 nowadays that you just want greater than only a 28 mph velocity to impress me.
The bike really feels good at these speeds, partly because of the alternative to incorporate 3.0-inch semi-fat tires. These are extra nimble than full 4.0-inch fats tires, but provide 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 remember that it is 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 trip and the texture impressed me proper out of the gate. The bike simply rides easily and feels fantastic beneath me.
Persevering with on, the contact factors all really feel good. The saddle is comfy for me, the buttons for the controls are simply accessible for a fast thumb jab, and the LCD display screen is tremendous shiny. I had gotten used to Velotric’s nicer coloration display screen on the corporate’s higher-end e-bikes, so I used to be apprehensive at first about “downgrading” again to a easy black-and-white LCD display screen. However I used to be amazed at how shiny and straightforward to learn the display screen is.
You’ll be able to see from my driving 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 except you’re within the shade or have overcast skies. However this display screen’s large 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 firms 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 offers that bike a critical run for its cash.
Not solely does it look nicer with the attractive blue coloration choice (although I assume the grey and white choices from Velotric are alright too), however it has some actual benefits on the use aspect. It’s simpler to fold and you may take the battery out with out folding the bike, which is nice for anybody who needs to cost the battery off of the bike. I like the XP 3.0, however pulling the battery out once you don’t plan to utterly 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 received some compelling benefits, to not point out the larger battery. And as somebody who loves shiny e-bike colours, that shiny blue is value one thing proper there!
What would I enhance?
No e-bike is with out fault in my eyes, and so I can all the time 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 could be tough whereas sustaining the present price ticket.
I additionally want that they had included the Apple FindMy characteristic that they’ve in their higher-dollar e-bikes, although once more, I definitely perceive that some sacrifices should 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 high contender. The bike is equal elements quick but comfy, peppy but controllable, and easy but refined.
It’s straightforward to fold and never overly heavy (although it’s arduous to name a 63-lb e-bike “light-weight”), and it’s fairly darn straightforward to toss it at the back of a automobile once you wish to take it with you on a visit.
With hydraulic brakes, included rack and fenders, and full LED lighting, it’s received all of the elements I wish to see on my on a regular basis commuter e-bikes, but is prepared for extra than simply commutes. It may carry cargo and function a enjoyable city journey bike, too.
The bike does make just a few sacrifices to succeed in its engaging US $1,149 price ticket, however I’m comfortable with these small compromises as a result of the sum right here is bigger than the elements. And that’s what I’m all the time on the lookout for: an e-bike that provides as much as one thing that may meet my wants and feels good whereas doing it.
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