In today’s crowded market of affordable folding ebikes, the Velotric Fold 1 stands out at a price of $1,199. With so many options under $1,500, it’s important to know if the Velotric Fold 1 is worth your investment. This review will explore its components, riding experience, and overall value to help you decide if this ebike meets your needs. And if you do decide to buy you can get $60 off with code: escapef1v1rv60
Velotric Fold 1 Video Review
Components Overview
The Velotric Fold 1 is equipped with a 608Wh battery, offering substantial capacity for extended rides. This ebike comes in three colors: electric blue, stone gray, and pearl, with a massive 440 lb capacity and a step-through frame that’s only 15.75 inches high, making it accessible for riders of various heights.
Height Range and Folded Dimensions
The Velotric Fold 1 is designed to accommodate a wide range of rider heights. According to Velotric, the bike is suitable for riders from 4’9″ to 6’5″. This broad height range makes it an excellent option for many users, though taller riders may find it necessary to adjust the seat and handlebar heights for optimal comfort. Riders 6′ tall and above should know that they might not be able to get full leg extension.
Folded Dimensions
When folded, the Velotric Fold 1 becomes compact enough for easy storage and transport. The folded dimensions are approximately:
- Height: 33 inches
- Length: 38 inches
- Width: 19 inches
These dimensions make it convenient to store in small spaces, such as car trunks or closets, enhancing its practicality for urban commuters or those with limited storage options.
Key Components of the Velotric Fold 1
- Battery: 608Wh, IPX7 rated, UL certified (UL 2271 for battery, UL 2849 for electronics)
- Motor: 750W nominal, 1050W peak, 70Nm torque
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
- Suspension: Front coil suspension fork with 60mm travel, preload adjustment, and lockout
- Tires: 20” x 3” Chaoyang tires with Hippo Skin puncture protection
- Frame: Step-through design, 15.75 inches high, 63 lbs weight
- Lights: 60 Lux front headlight, brake-actuated rear light
- Display: Monochrome LCD, simple and easy to use
- Shifter: Shimano 7-speed trigger shifter
- Pedals: Plastic folding pedals
- Rack: Integrated rear rack with a 120 lb capacity
- Waterproof Rating: IPX6 for the bike, IPX7 for the battery
- Rear Gear Range: 11-28 teeth
- Front Chainring: 52 teeth
Velotric Fold 1 Riding Experience
The Velotric Fold 1 offers a smooth and responsive riding experience. It starts as a Class 2 bike with a top speed of 20 mph while using the left-hand thumb throttle or pedal assist, but can be overridden to reach Class 3 speeds of 28 mph using the display controls. The cadence-based pedal assist system provides a reliable boost, though it can feel a bit jerky when accelerating between different assist levels.
Performance of the Velotric Fold 1
During our tests, the Velotric Fold 1 demonstrated impressive hill-climbing abilities, maintaining a minimum speed of 16 mph on steep inclines. The motor’s power and the bike’s gearing make it a strong contender in the affordable folding ebike category. Rider’s should expect a faster cadence approaching 28 mph. The 750W nominal motor with 1050W peak output and 70Nm of torque ensures that the bike performs well even on challenging terrains.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The bike’s ergonomic rubber grips and adjustable handlebars ensure a comfortable ride. The step-through frame design makes mounting and dismounting easy, and the saddle is decently comfortable for extended rides. However, we recommend upgrading to a suspension seat post for added comfort on longer journeys. The front coil suspension fork with 60mm of travel also contributes to a smoother ride on uneven surfaces.
Warranty and Bundle Packages
The Velotric Fold 1 comes with a two-year warranty, which covers the bike’s electrical components, including the motor, throttle, PAS control panel, controller, wiring harness, front light, rear light, and charger. Additionally, the battery is covered for up to 300 charging cycles, or 2 years, whichever comes first. The frame and fork are covered for 5 years, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind for your investment.
Velotric also offers various bundle packages on their website, allowing customers to enhance their ebike experience with a range of accessories. These bundles include options like a front basket, rear rack, and fenders, which add versatility and functionality to the Fold 1. These accessories make the bike even more suitable for commuting, running errands, and recreational rides
Pros and Cons of the Velotric Fold 1
Pros
- Large Battery: The 608Wh battery provides a substantial range for extended rides and is IPX7 rated for water resistance.
- Powerful Motor: The 750W nominal motor with 1050W peak output ensures strong performance, even on steep inclines.
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Reliable stopping power with 180mm rotors, enhancing safety and control.
Cons
- Speed-Based Pedal Assist: The bike’s assist levels correspond to specific speeds, which might not suit all riders.
- Battery Replacement: Located behind the seat tube, the battery’s placement might require extra effort to remove for charging, especially for taller riders.
- Portability: Despite being foldable, the bike is still 63 lbs, so transporting it might be challenging for some users.
Conclusion
The Velotric Fold 1 is a standout in the budget-friendly folding ebike market, offering a powerful motor, substantial battery, and robust build quality. It competes well against models like the Lectric XP 3.0 and the Ride1Up Portola, particularly in terms of motor power and hill-climbing performance. However, it does come in at a higher price point.
If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and powerful ebike, the Velotric Fold 1 is hard to beat. Explore all our Velotric reviews here.
