If youโre in the market for an affordable and feature-rich commuter ebike, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus is worth considering. With a top speed of 28 mph, a comfortable upright riding position, and water-resistant components, this ebike offers a lot of value for its price. In this article, weโll break down everything you need to know about the Discover 1 Plus, from its upgraded components to real-world performance. Whether you’re commuting daily or enjoying weekend rides, this Class 3 ebike could be a solid choice for you.
Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review Video
What’s New with the Velotric Discover 1 Plus?
As the name suggests, the Discover 1 Plus is an upgrade from Velotricโs original Discover 1. So, whatโs changed?
- Higher Top Speed: The Discover 1 Plus can now reach speeds of up to 28 mph, making it a Class 3 ebike.
- Improved Cable Management & Front Headlight: Velotric has cleaned up the look of the bike by reworking the cable routing and moving the front headlight for better visibility and comfort.
- Adjustable Stem: For those who want a more upright riding position, the new adjustable stem offers increased comfort, especially for commuters who spend long hours on their bikes.
- Larger Chainring: The bike now features a 46-tooth front chainring, which should feel better at higher speeds, especially when riding at that 28 mph top speed.
- Same Great Price: Despite these upgrades, Velotric hasnโt significantly increased the price. As of August 2024, the Discover 1 Plus is priced at $1,199 (MSRP is $1,599), making it an affordable option for those looking to step up to a Class 3 ebike.
For those of you looking for even more performance, be sure to check out our review of the Discover 2, which offers additional features and upgrades. Depending on your needs and budget, the Discover 2 might be worth considering.
Velotric’s Rise in the Ebike Market
Itโs worth noting that Velotric has come a long way since they launched the original Discover 1 which was their first ebike. Initially, they were a relatively unknown brand, but over time, theyโve expanded their reach and now partner with over 1,000 bike shops across the U.S. This is the first time weโre seeing Velotric roll out second-generation products.
The Discover 1 Plus comes in several vibrant color options, including the mango colorway Iโm reviewing. If you prefer something more subtle, the bike is also available in cyan, silver, indigo, gray, and forest.
Components and Build Quality
Weighing in at 60 lbs, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus is designed with a single size option and only offered in a step-thru frame. This shows the growing popularity of step-thru designs, which make mounting and dismounting easier for a wide range of riders. The bike also supports a high payload capacity of up to 440 lbs and accommodates heights from 5โ1โ to 6โ4โ, thanks to its low standover height of just 15 inches. At 6 feet tall, I can confirm that I get full leg extension and a comfortable, upright riding position.
Brakes and Tires
Stopping power is provided by unbranded hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180 mm rotors. While the brakes arenโt from a big-name brand, they still offer reliable performance. The bike rolls on 26โ x 2.5โ wide street tread tires, giving it a smooth and comfortable ride on pavement. The front wheel is attached with a quick release, making it easy to remove for transport or repairs.
Suspension and Lights
The Discover 1 Plus is equipped with a basic suspension fork, featuring 80 mm of travel, preload adjustment, and lockout. Itโs sufficient for most city commutes. The bike also comes equipped with both front and rear lights, powered by the main battery, for improved visibility during rides.
Ergonomics and Controls
Comfort is a priority with the Discover 1 Plus. The bike features locking ergonomic grips, an adjustable stem, and sweepback handlebars for an upright riding position. Plus, the seat is comfortable which can’t be said on other ebikes. Youโll also find a Shimano 7-speed trigger shifter, a thumb throttle, and a handy USB-A port beneath the display for charging your devices.
The LCD display is easy to read and gives you all the info you need: speed, battery capacity, trip distance, odometer, and more. You can also adjust the max speed and class settings (Class 1, 2, or 3) directly from the display, making this a versatile bike for a variety of riding conditions. The top speed can be changed by holding pedal assist up and the middle button on the controls for 20 seconds while the bike is turned off.
Battery and Motor Performance
The Discover 1 Plus is powered by a 48V, 14.4Ah battery, which is about average in terms of capacity. Velotric estimates a range of up to 65 miles, though real-world usage will likely see you getting between 30 and 50 miles depending on terrain, rider weight, and assist level. The battery is UL2271 certified and IPX7 rated, meaning it can handle some serious weather conditions. The entire bike is UL2849 certified, ensuring that all electrical components meet strict safety standards.
Motor and Hill Climb Test
The bike is equipped with a 500W motor that peaks at 900W and provides 65Nm of torque. It uses a cadence sensor, meaning the motor kicks in based on whether youโre pedaling rather than how hard youโre working.
In our hill climb test, the Discover 1 Plus performed decently, maintaining a speed of around 12 mph on steep inclines with throttle only. When pedaling, the motor delivers enough power to keep you moving, even if youโre not putting in much effort yourself.
Riding Experience and Real-World Performance
On flat terrain, the bike easily reaches 28 mph in pedal assist level 5, and Iโm happy to report that the gearing feels good even at high speeds. Youโre not ghost pedaling, the bike feels stable, and the suspension fork does a good job of smoothing out rough patches in the road.
In lower pedal assist levels, the bike provides a more relaxed ride. At pedal assist level 1, you can cruise around 14 mph using minimal motor power, making it great for leisurely rides around town. Keep in mind the pedal assist is speed-based, meaning each pedal assist level is tied to a speed. For example, pedal assist level 1 the motor will cut off at 14 mph. This is best illustrated in the above review video.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Price: At $1,199, the Discover 1 Plus offers a lot of bang for your buck.
- Comfort Features: The adjustable stem, sweepback handlebars, and ergonomic grips make for a comfortable commuting experience.
- Class 3 Speeds: The ability to reach 28 mph is a big plus for those who need to get where they’re going quickly.
- Battery and Motor Performance: The 48V battery provides decent range, and the motor offers enough power for most riding conditions.
- IPX6 and IPX7 Ratings: These water resistance ratings give peace of mind for riding in various weather conditions.
Cons:
- No Rear Rack Included: Youโll need to purchase a rear rack separately for $70 if you plan on carrying cargo.
- Entry-Level Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney is the most entry-level drivetrain from Shimano.
- Throttle Speed Limitation: The throttle is limited to the same max speed as pedal assist, which may be frustrating for some riders.
- No high step option: While our recommendation is the step-thru some riders still may prefer a high step.
Conclusion
At its current price of $1,199, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus is an excellent choice for commuters looking for a reliable and comfortable ebike. The upgrades in this โPlusโ versionโespecially the increased speed and improved ergonomicsโmake it a competitive option in the sub-$1,500 range. If youโre looking for an affordable Class 3 ebike that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the Discover 1 Plus should definitely be on your radar.
For more of our in-depth reviews on Velotric ebikes, check out our full Velotric Reviews page.