Velotric continues to impress me with every new launch, and the Velotric Fold 1 has no plans to wreck that streak. Having spent some stable saddle time with the bike now, I can let you know that this is among the finest electrical folders on the market proper now for e-bike consumers on a finances.
Don’t imagine me? You’ll perceive while 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
- 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 positively impressed me, plain and easy.
It’s a reasonably unassuming bike and doesn’t outwardly appear to be it needs to be that particular, nevertheless it hides away a number of key options which have positively gained me over. And that’s coming from somebody who has examined actually lots of of e-bikes over the previous few years.
To start with, let’s discuss 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 also be licensed to the ISO 4210 customary, which incorporates the entire mechanical assessments related to e-bikes. In order that they’ve lined 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 just want greater than only a 28 mph velocity to impress me.
The bike truly 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 widespread 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 may occur with some folding e-bikes.
Now let’s take into account 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 value, the trip 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 screen is tremendous brilliant. I had gotten used to Velotric’s nicer coloration display screen on the corporate’s higher-end e-bikes, so I used to be frightened at first about “downgrading” again to a easy black-and-white LCD display screen. However I used to be amazed at how brilliant and straightforward to learn the display screen is.
You possibly can 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 huge digits and brilliant backlight make it extremely seen.
Is the Velotric Fold 1 a Lectric XP 3.0 competitor?
Velotric doesn’t explicitly state this the best way another e-bike firms do, however sure, this e-bike is supposed to compete towards the Lectric XP 3.0, which is at the moment 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 gorgeous blue coloration possibility (although I assume the grey and white choices from Velotric are alright too), nevertheless it 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 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, nevertheless it’s obtained some compelling benefits, to not point out the larger battery. And as somebody who loves brilliant 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 difficult 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 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 critical prime contender. The bike is equal elements quick but snug, peppy but controllable, and easy but refined.
It’s straightforward to fold and never overly heavy (although it’s exhausting to name a 63-lb e-bike “light-weight”), and it’s fairly darn straightforward to toss it behind a automotive while you wish 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 wish to see on my on a regular basis commuter e-bikes, but is prepared for extra than simply commutes. It might 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 larger than the elements. And that’s what I’m all the time in search of: 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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