Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review: A Budget-Friendly City Cruiser
Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Kristina Grant
The Velotric Discover 1 Plus is a colorful and affordable city cruiser e-bike that offers a comfortable, easy ride for commuting or leisure. It boasts a powerful motor, a long range, and a variety of features that make it a great option for riders of all experience levels.
Testing
- Speed Test: Reports show that the Discover 1 Plus performed well in the speed test, with its Class 2 data lining up well with an ideal pattern. The Class 3 data showed a similar pattern up through PAS 4, but the bike struggled to reach the 28 mph limit in PAS 5. It’s important to note that the throttle speed exceeded 20 mph, which is above the legal limit in most locations.
- Range Test: The Discover 1 Plus exceeded Velotric’s advertised range of 65 miles, achieving a minimum of 31 and 42 miles on a single charge. This makes it well-suited for daily commuting.
- Hill Test: The Discover 1 Plus could handle difficult hills on both throttle and pedal assist. The motor entered a protective cooldown mode during extreme testing, but this is to be expected and doesn’t affect normal riding.
- Brake Test: The Discover 1 Plus’s average stopping distance of 23’5″ is within the safe range, but it’s a bit longer than the average for commuter e-bikes. This could be due to the bike’s geometry and riding position.
- Ride Quality: The Discover 1 Plus offers a comfortable ride quality with an upright riding position, a thick saddle, ergonomic handlebars, and 80mm of front suspension travel. The bike handles predictably and provides a good view of your surroundings.
Features
- Motor: 48V, 500W (900W peak) motor with 65Nm of torque
- Battery: 48V, 691.2Wh battery with a claimed range of up to 65 miles
- Display: 3.5″ backlit LCD display showing speed, trip distance, battery level, assist level, and more
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
- Drivetrain: Shimano 7-speed drivetrain
- Wheels: 26″ wheels with puncture-resistant tires
- Frame: Triple-butted aluminum alloy frame
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 440 lbs
- Color Options: Silver, Sky Blue, Sand, Mango, Forest, Cyan, Indigo Gray
- Other Features: Front light, taillight, fenders, kickstand, adjustable stem, phone mount compatibility (phone mount not included)
Pros
- Affordable price
- Powerful motor
- Long range
- Comfortable ride quality
- Easy to handle
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Includes a variety of accessories
- Suitable for a wide range of riders (5’1″ – 6’4″)
Cons
- Throttle speed exceeds legal limit in most locations
- Basic display (compared to newer Velotric models)
- Brakes could be stronger
- No color display or multiple riding modes
Who It’s Good For
The Velotric Discover 1 Plus is a great option for:
- Commuters looking for an affordable and comfortable e-bike
- Casual riders who want a relaxed and easy-to-ride e-bike for cruising around town
- Riders of all experience levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists
Additional Information
- The Discover 1 Plus comes with a 3-amp charger that can recharge the battery in about 5 hours.
- The bike has a cadence sensor, which can provide a smooth and low-effort ride experience.
- The bike is available in a single step-thru frame size that can accommodate riders from 5’1″ to 6’4″.
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Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.99 – $1,399.00 |
| Motor | 48V, 500W (900W peak) |
| Battery | 48V, 691.2Wh |
| Range | Up to 65 miles (claimed) |
| Display | 3.5″ backlit LCD |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc brakes |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 7-speed |
| Wheels | 26″ |
| Frame | Triple-butted aluminum alloy |
| Weight | 61 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 440 lbs |
| Color Options | Silver, |
Should You Buy the Velotric Discover 1 Plus Ebike?
The Velotric Discover 1 Plus is a solid choice for riders seeking an affordable and comfortable city cruiser e-bike. It offers a powerful motor, a long range, and a variety of features that make it a great option for daily commuting or leisure riding.
Alternative E-Bikes
If you’re looking for a similar e-bike with additional features or a different price point, consider the following options:
- Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5: This e-bike offers a similar range and motor power as the Discover 1 Plus, but it has a larger battery, a color display, and a more robust build. It’s a great option for riders who want a powerful and feature-rich e-bike.
- Ride1Up Roadster V3: This e-bike is also a good option for commuters and casual riders. It has a powerful motor, a comfortable ride, and a stylish design. The Roadster V3 is a lighter bike than the RadCity 5, making it easier to maneuver and transport
Have you ridden the Velotric Discover 1 Plus? Share your experience in the comments below!
*Prices may vary depending on location, retailer, and promotions. Please check with your local dealer or online retailer for the most current pricing information
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
