When a company designs smart, versatile e-bikes they don’t need a dozen different models to meet riders’ needs. Velotric makes just two models; one is a commuter/city e-bike while the other is a fat-tire/all-terrain e-bike. But that’s not all. Within those two models Velotric offers two different frame designs—traditional and step-thru—to give riders choices for the best fit.
It’s our firm believe that it’s more important for an e-bike company to offer multiple options to fit different size bodies than to create a bunch of different models.
The Discover 1 is a city/commuter built around a 500W hub motor and a 692Wh battery. It rolls on 26 x 2.5-in. tires, and sports a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. It weighs roughly 64 lbs., depending on which frame. Both the frame and fork are crafted from hydroformed 6061 aluminum.
The Nomad 1 is a fat tire/all-terrain e-bike that benefits from a more powerful 750W hub motor, and the same 692Wh battery. It rolls on 26 x 4-in. knobby tires, and sports a wider-range Shimano 8-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. While its frame is made from 6061 aluminum, because the Nomad 1 is meant for some off-road riding, it comes spec’d with an air/oil suspension fork. Thanks to the bigger motor and the suspension fork, the Nomad 1 is heavier than the Discover 1 and weighs in at roughly 64 lbs., depending on the frame.
Both models conform to Class 2 guidelines, maxing out at 20 mph whether being pedaled or throttled. We’re pleased to note that the traditional frame and the step-thru versions are truly different sizes, with the step-thru featuring a shorter reach to allow smaller riders to sit more upright.
The founders of Velotric are veterans of companies like Lime, Giant and Specialized. Their experience shows in these intelligent and affordable e-bikes.
