Velotric continues to impress me with every new launch, and the Velotric Fold 1 has no plans to damage that streak. Having spent some stable saddle time with the bike now, I can let you know that this is likely one of the greatest electrical folders on the market proper now for e-bike buyers on a finances.
Don’t consider me? You’ll perceive while you see it in motion. Take a look at my video assessment under to see what I imply. After which proceed on under for my full ideas on this spectacular e-bike.
Velotric Fold 1 video assessment
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 $1,099
- Extras: LCD show, 5 pedal help ranges, entrance and rear LED gentle with brake gentle, 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 like it must be that particular, but it surely 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 the whole lot else within the electrical system. The bike can also be licensed to the ISO 4210 normal, which incorporates all the mechanical exams related to e-bikes. So that they’ve coated their bases greater than most firms 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 today that you simply want greater than only a 28 mph velocity to impress me.
The bike truly feels good at these speeds, partly because of the selection 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 element), 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 $1,099 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 is tremendous vibrant. I had gotten used to Velotric’s nicer colour 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 vibrant and straightforward to learn the display is.
You possibly can see from my driving footage (screenshot under) 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’s massive digits and vibrant 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 at present the best-selling e-bike within the US. And I’d say it offers that bike a severe run for its cash.
Not solely does it look nicer with the gorgeous blue colour choice (although I assume the grey and white choices from Velotric are alright too), but it surely has some actual benefits on the use facet. It’s simpler to fold and you may 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 really like the XP 3.0, however pulling the battery out while 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, but it surely’s obtained some compelling benefits, to not point out the larger battery. And as somebody who loves vibrant 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 all the time discover room for enchancment. On the Velotric Fold 1, I’d have liked 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 they’d included the Apple FindMy function that they’ve in their higher-dollar e-bikes, although once more, I actually perceive that some sacrifices should be made to maintain this e-bike so reasonably priced.
What’s the abstract?
Whereas the Velotric Fold 1 isn’t excellent, I discover that when it’s judged inside its value class, it’s a severe prime contender. The bike is equal components 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 automotive while you need to take it with you on a visit.
With hydraulic brakes, included rack and fenders, and full LED lighting, it’s obtained all of the parts I need to see on my on a regular basis commuter e-bikes, but is prepared for extra than simply commutes. It may possibly carry cargo and function a enjoyable city journey bike, too.
The bike does make just a few sacrifices to succeed in its enticing US $1,099 price ticket, however I’m happy with these small compromises as a result of the sum right here is bigger than the components. 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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