Velotric continues to impress me with each new launch, and the Velotric Fold 1 has no plans to break that streak. Having spent a solid amount of time on the saddle and bike now, I can tell you that this is one of the best electric folding bikes out there right now for e-bike buyers on a budget.
Don't you believe me? You will understand when you see it in action. Check out my video review below to see what I mean. Then continue below for my full thoughts on this impressive e-bike.
Velotric Fold 1 video review
Details of the Velotric Fold 1 tech
- Car: 750W (1,050W maximum rated) rear hub motor with 70Nm torque
- Top speed: 28 mph (50 km/h)
- Distance: Claimed up to 55 miles (up to 88 km)
- Battery: 48V 608Wh
- WeightWeight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
- Loading capacity: 440 lb (200 kg)
- Outline: Aluminum alloy
- Tires: 20×3.0″ semi-fat tires
- Brakes: Dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors
- Amount: US $1,099
- Additional: LCD display, 5 pedal assist levels, front and rear LED lighting with brake light, front coilover suspension, kickstand, internal cable routing, removable battery, cadence sensor, UL compliant battery and system of e-bike
In one word: Impressive
This e-bike definitely impressed me, it's clear and simple.
It's an unassuming bike and doesn't look like it should be that special, but it hides a few key features that won me over. And that's coming from someone who has tested hundreds of ee bikes over the past few years.
First, let's talk about safety. The bike is UL 2849 certified, which includes the battery, motor, controller, cables, charger, and everything else in the electrical system. The bike is also certified according to the ISO 4210 standard, which includes all mechanical tests related to ee bikes. So they cover their bases more than most companies on the mechanical and electrical side of things.
Next, the bike just rides indeed well. 28 mph is good, but so many bikes are Class 3 these days that you need more than 28 mph to impress me.
The bike actually feels good at those speeds, in part due to the choice of 3.0-inch semi-fat tires. These are more powerful than 4.0-inch full fat tires, but provide better cushion than conventional 2 or 2.5-inch tires. Combined with the front suspension fork (which is fine but not a showstopper), the bike has good shock absorption underneath. The geometry also keeps the bike from being too noisy in the cockpit, which can be the case with other folding e-bikes.
Now let's remember that this is a $1,099 ee bike here, so I'm not saying these are fancy Maxxis tires or top-notch RockShox suspension – that's just not true. But for the price, the ride and feel impressed me right out of the gate. The bike rides just fine and feels amazing under me.
Moving on, touch points all sound good. The saddle is comfortable for me, the control buttons are easily accessible with a quick thumb stroke, and the LCD screen super bright. I was already used to Velotric's beautiful color screen on the company's high-end bikes, so I was worried at first about “downgrading” back to a simple black and white LCD screen. But I was surprised at how bright and easy the screen is to read.
You can see from my ride photos (screenshot below) that even in full sun when I hit the road, the display is clear and not washed out.
Most LCD screens are difficult to read unless you are in the shade or have an overcast sky. But this screen's large digits and bright backlight make it incredibly visible.
Is the Velotric Fold 1 a competitor to the Lectric XP 3.0?
Velotric doesn't clearly state this the way other bike companies do, but yes, this e-bike is meant to compete with the Lectric XP 3.0, which is currently the best-selling e-bike in the US. And I'd say it gives that bike a hard run for its money.
Not only does it look great with the blue color option (although I think the gray and white options from Velotric are good too), but they have real advantages on the practical side. It's easy to fold and you can remove the battery without folding the bike, which is great for anyone who wants to charge the battery off the bike. I like the XP 3.0, but removing the battery if you don't plan to completely wrap the bike is a bit of a pain.
The Velotric Fold 1 still costs $100 more than the base XP 3.0, but it has some compelling advantages, not to mention a bigger battery. And as someone who likes the bright colors of e-bikes, that bright blue is worth something right there!
What can I improve?
No bike is flawless in my eyes, so I can always find room for improvement. In the Velotric Fold 1, I would have liked to see a slightly bigger battery and a torque sensor to help with smoother pedaling. But I understand that both of these can be tricky while maintaining the current price tag.
I also wish they had included the Apple FindMy feature that they have on their high dollar bikes, although again, I understand that some sacrifices have to be made to keep this e-bike so affordable.
What is the summary?
While the Velotric Fold 1 isn't perfect, I find that when judged within its price category, it's a top contender. The bike is equal parts fast yet comfortable, peppy yet manageable, and light yet refined.
It's easy to fold and not too heavy (although it's hard to call a 63-lb bike “lightweight”), and it's very easy to throw in the back of the car if you want to take it on a trip.
With electric brakes, integrated racks and fenders, and full LED lights, it has all the features I want to see on my everyday commuter bike, yet it's perfect for more than just commuting. It can carry cargo and serve as a fun urban adventure bike, too.
The bike makes a few sacrifices to reach its attractive US $1,099 price tag, but I'm fine with those minor compromises because the sum here is greater than the parts. And that's what I'm always looking for: an add-on e-bike that can meet my needs and feel good while doing it.
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