Building on the considerable power and versatility of the original Nomad 2, the new Nomad 2X introduces a blend of features geared toward adventurers and hunters seeking a premium, customizable experience. Currently priced at $2,399, this review will delve into its key advantages, on- and off-road performance, specifications, and who we believe will value these upgrades most.
If we’ve helped you with your purchase decision on the Velotric Nomad 2X or any Velotric ebike, do yourself and us one quick favor. Check out our discount code ($60 off) —EscapeN2X01— and use our affiliate link before you buy. This is a free way for you to directly support our efforts here at Ebike Escape. Thank you so much for your support!
Velotric Nomad 2X Review: See It In Action
See how this ebike handles riding on smooth pavement and through the woods. We demonstrate its acceleration, hill-climbing prowess, and how the full suspension system performs in real-world scenarios. We’ll also dive deep into its unique features like the SensorSwap, stealth mode, and the extensive customization available through its display and app.
Unpacking the Nomad 2X: Features That Define the Ride
The Velotric Nomad 2X isn’t just about rugged looks. It carves out its niche with a suite of noteworthy features designed to elevate performance, comfort, and utility.
Full Air Suspension System
The full air suspension system is built around an adjustable TRAMA front fork (120mm of travel) and a DNM rear shock (38mm of travel). This combination allows riders to adjust the stiffness and response based on their weight and the terrain of the day.
SensorSwap Technology
Switching on-the-fly between a torque sensor and cadence sensor is now a standard feature Velotric has been offering in their latest releases. When you want a more natural and responsive pedaling feel that matches motor assistance to pedal pressure, swap to the torque sensor. The cadence sensor is there when you need consistent support and need to ride at specific speeds as long as the pedals are turning. This allows for tailoring the power delivery precisely to your preference or changing use cases.
Extensive Customization and Control
The Nomad 2X offers deep customization, all managed via a large central display. Choose from 15 pedal assist levels (spread across Eco, Trail, and Boost modes) and set independent top speeds for the throttle and pedal assist anywhere from 12 to 28 mph. The display also provides access to cruise control, a light-dimming “stealth mode,” and a “Throttle Limited” setting that can either link the throttle’s speed to the current assist level or unleash its full programmed speed at any time.
High Payload and Towing Capacity
The Nomad 2X improves upon its predecessor, the Nomad 2, in nearly every measure of power and capability. A larger battery unlocks more miles of range per charge. The frame can now support a class-leading 560 lb payload. For the toughest jobs, the motor delivers more torque for conquering steep hills and pulling up to an incredible 1,000 lb advertised load. The rear rack has also been upgraded to nearly double the original’s capacity and is still compatible with MIK accessories for easy swapping of baskets and bags.
Dust and Water Resistance
Built for the rigors of adventurous use, durability is a key consideration. The Nomad 2X features an IPX6 water resistance rating for its frame and an even higher IPX7 rating for its battery. Velotric provides this level of protection across their lineup, giving riders peace of mind when encountering wet conditions.
Thoughtful Safety Additions
and Turn Signals
Rounding out its impressive feature set, the Nomad 2X includes an integrated 130 LUX headlight and rear lights which include turn signals and three customizable light modes. Velotric even includes a handy, rechargeable and detachable green flashlight which reduces eyestrain at night and is less likely to spook animals.
Frame Design, Options, Sizing, and Ride Feel
Available in two frames, a step-through and a high-step (step-over), catering to a wide range of rider heights and accessibility preferences. Color options are frame dependant and include Sage (as tested) and Fig for the step-through, and Royal Blue or Obsidian for the high-step, and a Multicam colorway reportedly on the horizon.
The Nomad 2X leans towards a more active, sporty riding position than the Nomad 2. This is mostly due to its less swept-back handlebar design. The adjustable stem allows you to fine-tune this posture, from an engaged, forward-leaning ride to a more upright, relaxed position.
While the step-thru frame is officially recommended for riders up to 5′ 10″, our testing found it can work for taller individuals. For our review, Ryan, who is 6′ with a 32″ inseam, found the fit comfortable, though he was just shy of achieving full leg extension. The low-step design makes the bike easy for anyone to mount, but the overall geometry is more ideal for small to medium-sized riders.
Below is a summary of the frame and sizing details:
Specs and Components: Velotric Nomad 2X Review
The Velotric Nomad 2X is equipped with a host of components aimed at delivering a powerful and reliable riding experience. Detailed specifications are available in the table below:
Conquering Terrains: Nomad 2X Performance Tests
We put the Velotric Nomad 2X through its paces to see how its impressive specs translate to real-world performance.
203mm Front / 180mm Rear Rotors
Throttle-Only Acceleration Test
From a standstill, the Nomad 2X (with the speed limit overridden to 28 mph for off-road testing) showed strong acceleration. It smoothly reached 20 mph, the standard Class 2 throttle limit, and continued to pull strongly up to and even beyond 28 mph. The motor provided ample power for quick starts and effortless cruising without pedaling.
Pedal Assist Level Exploration
The Nomad 2X offers a unique 15-level pedal assist system, broken down into Eco, Trail, and Boost modes, each with five levels. We focused on Eco and Boost modes with the speed limit set to a standard 20 mph first, then later Boost mode to 28mph.
Cadence Sensor Tests
- Eco Mode (20 mph limit):
- Level 1: Cruised around 10 mph.
- Level 3: Reached about 16 mph before the motor eased off.
- Level 5: Comfortably hit the 20 mph limit.
- Boost Mode (20 mph limit):
- Level 1: Similar to Eco 1, quickly reaching 10 mph.
- Level 3: Achieved 16 mph with ease.
- Level 5: Effortlessly reached 20 mph.
- Boost Mode (28 mph limit):
- Level 5: Accelerated quickly past 20 mph, reaching and even slightly exceeding 28 mph (display showed 30 mph, GPS 29 mph) without excessive effort. Gearing felt appropriate with no ghost pedaling.
Torque Sensor Tests
- Eco Mode (20 mph limit):
- Level 1: Required noticeable pedal pressure to reach 10 mph, topping out around 13 mph with more effort. Good for exercise.
- Level 3: Cruised at 14 mph with gentle pedaling, reaching 16-17 mph with increased effort.
- Level 5: Cruised around 18 mph, requiring a bit more work to hit 20 mph.
- Boost Mode (20 mph limit):
- Level 1: Easier to get up to speed, cruising around 13-15 mph, reaching 20 mph with more effort.
- Level 5: Very easy to cruise at 20 mph.
- Boost Mode (28 mph limit):
- Level 5: Cruised comfortably at 22-23 mph with easy spinning. With a bit more, yet sustainable effort, the bike hit 28 mph, allowing full access to the motor’s power even in torque-sensing mode.
Pedal Assisted Acceleration Test
With the settings configured for a 28 mph top speed in Boost Level 5 (both cadence and torque), the Nomad 2X accelerated briskly. In cadence mode, it was effortless to reach top speed. In torque mode, it required more rider input but still achieved 28 mph impressively for a heavy, fat tire ebike, rewarding active pedaling.
Hill Climb Tests
Our standard hill climb test truly showcases an ebike’s motor strength and gearing.
Throttle-Only Hill Climb
The Nomad 2X, despite its 80 lb weight, performed admirably. It maintained a speed of around 17 mph for the majority of the steep climb on throttle alone, which is a very strong result.
Pedal Assisted Hill Climb (Boost Mode, Torque Sensor)
We primarily used the torque sensor for this test to gauge how it assists with rider effort.
- PAS 1: Required moderate effort, the motor wanting to give more with each pedal stroke. Good for conserving battery while still getting assistance. Climbed at a steady pace.
- PAS 3: Climbed at around 7 mph with more assistance, making the ascent noticeably easier.
- PAS 5: Easier to spin the legs, but still required significant rider input to maximize speed due to the torque sensor. Speed surged with effort, reaching 12-13 mph in a higher gear.
- Sensor Swap Advantage: When the effort in torque mode became too strenuous on the steepest section, a quick swap to cadence mode (still in Boost PAS 5) allowed for easy spinning while the motor took over, effortlessly increasing speed up the remainder of the hill. This is a fantastic application of the sensor swap feature.
Power Up Your Ride: Recommended Accessories
To further enhance the Velotric Nomad 2X experience, consider these accessories from Velotric and our Ebike Escape shop.
Velotric Accessories
Offers organized storage with a spacious main compartment and expandable dual pannier side panels. Durable construction for daily use, making it ideal for commuting or longer trips.
Features a frosted, wear-resistant texture and thickened steel bar for durability and strong bearing capacity. Includes a bamboo lining board for secure grocery carrying.
Made from 6061 aluminum alloy, it’s corrosion-resistant and stable. Comes with a waterproof, wear-resistant Oxford fabric lining bag with a large volume and zipper pocket.
Ebike Escape Shop Accessories
Compatible with the Nomad 2X’s MIK rack, this bag offers tool-free installation, multiple pockets, built-in expandable panniers, a reflective design, rain cover, and even an insulated liner.
The “Any Bottle Cage” is highly adjustable (fits bottles 2 1/4” to 4 3/4” wide) ensuring you can use your favorite water bottle. Easy-turn dial for a snug fit.
This QI Portable Inflator quickly inflates tires with preset PSI modes and automatic shutoff. Features automatic altitude correction, max 150 PSI, long battery life, and a compact design with an LED light.
Check out all of our quality ebike accessories at shop.ebikeescape.com.
The Velotric Experience: Buying and Ownership
Velotric operates as an omni-channel brand. This means you can purchase their ebikes direct-to-consumer online or through their growing dealership network, which boasts over a thousand bike shops in the US. This provides flexibility for buyers who prefer to see and test a bike, buy fully assembled, or desire local support.
If you opt for an online purchase, your primary support channels will be Velotric’s customer service team and their digital resources, which include a dedicated app and an active owners’ group on Facebook. While our direct experience with their customer service has been positive, we’ve also been impressed by their response to public criticism. Our research shows that when customers post negative reviews, the company actively reaches out to resolve the situation. It’s important to note that bikes purchased this way are shipped directly to your door and will require some assembly but include all the necessary tools in the box.
Assembly for the Nomad 2X involves the following steps:
- Install the Front Wheel: The primary step is to install the front wheel, carefully guiding the disc rotor into the pre-installed brake caliper. Applying a light coat of grease to the axle threads before tightening the nuts is good practice.
- Mount the Front Fender: The fender is installed onto the fork crown and fork legs.
- Set up the Handlebars: Secure the handlebar in the stem. Applying a bit of grease to the stem bolt threads will ensure accurate tightening and prevent them from getting stuck.
- Install the Seatpost & Pedals: Before inserting the seatpost into the frame. Apply a thin layer of grease to prevent it from seizing. When installing the pedals, it is crucial to grease the threads on both the left and right pedals before screwing them into the crank arms.
- Attach Accessories: The final steps involve setting up the cockpit by mounting the display, front light, bell, and reflectors, then connecting the color-coded wires.
Want to investigate Velotric’s full lineup? Check out all of our detailed Velotric reviews to learn more.
Pros and Cons: Velotric Nomad 2X Review
Every ebike has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s our take on the Velotric Nomad 2X:
Excellent
Conclusion: Our Thoughts and Who This Ebike Is For
The Velotric Nomad 2X is a formidable player in the full-suspension fat tire electric bike market. It stands out with its potent motor, innovative dual-sensor technology, impressive payload and towing capacities, and a feature set that emphasizes rider customization and comfort. The inclusion of both step-through and high-step frames for a full-suspension fat tire model is a significant plus.
We recommend the Velotric Nomad 2X for:
- Adventurers and Outdoors Enthusiasts: Its rugged build, fat tires, full suspension, and high payload/towing capacity make it ideal for those looking to explore off-road trails, go hunting, fishing, or carry significant gear.
- Riders Seeking Power and Versatility: The strong motor and the ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing cater to those who want both raw power and a more nuanced pedal-assist feel.
- Individuals Needing High Carrying Capacity: If you need to haul groceries, work equipment, or even tow a small trailer, the Nomad 2X is exceptionally capable.
- Comfort-Focused Riders on Varied Terrain: The combination of fat tires and adjustable full air suspension ensures a comfortable ride over bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who appreciate a feature-rich ebike with app connectivity, extensive display options, and unique modes like “stealth mode” will find a lot to like.
While it’s on the heavier side and the battery could be larger for its class, the overall package offers substantial value, especially considering its power, features, and the support of a growing dealer network. The Velotric Nomad 2X is a well-thought-out electric bike that’s ready for serious fun and utility.
If we’ve helped you with your purchase decision on any Velotric ebike, do yourself and us one quick favor. Check out our discount code EscapeN2X01 and use our affiliate link before you buy. This is a free way for you to directly support our efforts here at Ebike Escape. Thank you so much for your support!
