Velotric T1 ST Plus Review: A Lightweight and Feature-Packed Ebike

Photo of Velotric T1ST Plus in profile
The next generation of this striking ride

The Velotric T1 ST Plus is the second generation of Velotricโ€™s lightweight commuter ebike, offering a sleek design, new tech, and improved performance. If you’re looking for a highly portable ebike that delivers solid features at a competitive price, this one deserves your attention. Plus, you can save $60 with our discount code: eBikeEscape60. Now, let’s dive into the details of what makes the Velotric T1 ST Plus stand out.

Velotric T1ST Plus Video Review


Key Features of the Velotric T1 ST Plus

While the Velotric T1 ST Plus looks similar to its predecessor, the second generation comes with several key upgrades. Notably, the motor now peaks at 600W, there’s a new color LCD display, and an adjustable stem for enhanced comfort. These small but impactful changes aim to improve your overall riding experience.

The bike is priced at $1,299 (regularly $1,549), making it a budget-friendly option packed with premium features. Available in two colorwaysโ€”Lava (a bold, standout color) and Sand (a more understated option)โ€”it offers style flexibility to match your personal preference.

One of the standout features is its lightweight design at just 39 lbs, which makes it easier to haul upstairs, fit on a bike rack, or store in compact spaces. Despite its sleek design, the bike still boasts an impressive max weight capacity of 330 lbs.

Another highlight is the bikeโ€™s UL-certified 36V 9.8Ah battery, offering a range of up to 70 miles in eco mode, although Velotricโ€™s range estimate might be a bit high depending on riding conditions. For those who need more distance, the range extender battery is available for $299.99, and Velotric has been known to include accessories like fenders ($69) and a rear rack ($69) as part of promotions.

The IPX7-rated battery and IPX6 water-resistant frame also make this ebike a solid choice for commuters who ride in all weather conditions.

Size Options and Fit

The Velotric T1 ST Plus is available in two sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of riders:

  • Regular: Best suited for riders between 4’11” and 5’9″.
  • Large: Ideal for riders between 5’6″ and 6’4″.

The bike also features an adjustable stem, allowing riders to customize their riding position. Whether you prefer a more aggressive stance or a relaxed, upright position, the T1 ST Plus adapts to your comfort needs.

Component Overview

Hereโ€™s a closer look at the components and standout features:

  • Motor: The 350W motor (peaking at 600W) is paired with a torque sensor, offering smoother and more responsive pedal assist, especially for those who want to get a workout in.
  • Battery: The Velotric T1 ST Plus comes with a 36V 9.8Ah integrated battery. The battery is also UL-certified for safety and weatherproof with an IPX7 rating, while the bike frame is IPX6-rated for additional water resistance.
  • Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors provide reliable stopping power. While these are smaller rotors, theyโ€™re adequate given the bikeโ€™s lightweight frame.
  • Tires: The Kenda 700c x 40c hybrid tires strike a balance between road and light trail riding, making them versatile for urban commuters. Additionally, the front wheel attaches with a through axle, offering increased strength and stability.
  • Drivetrain: The bike features a Shimano Altus 8-speed derailleur, with an 11-32T rear cassette and a 46T front chainring, providing ample gearing for various terrains.
  • Shifter: Shimano’s trigger shifter, a step up from their basic thumb shifter.
  • Display: The new color LCD display includes all the standard metrics like speed, battery level, and trip distance, but it is a bit on the small side. It also comes with a USB-A charging port for your devices and supports Apple Find My for extra peace of mind.
  • Lights: The lights run off the main battery. The rear light is mounted to the seat, though itโ€™s worth noting that it is not brake-activated.

Performance on the Road

Thanks to the torque sensor and five levels of pedal assist, the Velotric T1 ST Plus provides a smooth and efficient ride. In eco mode, you can extend your range, while the boost mode offers quicker acceleration and can take you up to speeds of 28 mph though you’ll be putting in more effort to hit 28.

The 3×5 pedal assist system gives you three riding modesโ€”Eco, Trail, and Boostโ€”with five levels in each mode, allowing for a high degree of customization. Some riders may find this system to be a bit overkill. Our suggestion is to select one mode (eco, trail or boost) and adjust the five levels within that mode. Changing between modes requires going into the settings, which might feel cumbersome mid-ride.

During our test, the bike performed well on flat terrain and moderate hills, although steeper climbs did require more human effort due to the bikeโ€™s 350W motor. For those who prioritize portability over raw power, this is a trade-off worth considering.

Real-World Riding and Hill Test

On flats, the bike easily cruises at around 20-23 mph (Class 3 mode, Boost, pedal assist level 5) without much effort in higher pedal assist modes. However, on our hill climb test, the smaller motor required more pedaling input, making it more suitable for those who donโ€™t mind a bit of a workout. The bike maintained around 8-10 mph on steeper inclines, which is respectable for its class.

Pros and Cons of the Velotric T1 ST Plus

Pros:

  • Lightweight design at just 39 lbs makes it easy to transport and store.
  • Torque sensor provides a smoother and more efficient pedal assist experience.
  • UL-certified battery and IPX7-rated battery, with IPX6 water-resistant frame for durability.
  • Adjustable stem allows for customized comfort.
  • Apple Find My for added security.
  • High 330 lb weight capacity.
  • Through axle for added strength and stability.

Cons:

  • 350W motor struggles on steeper hills, requiring more rider effort.
  • Battery is not removable, which could be inconvenient for some riders.
  • No throttle, limiting acceleration options.
  • The 3×5 pedal assist system might be overkill for some riders.
  • You need to go into the settings to change modes.

Conclusion: Is the Velotric T1 ST Plus Right for You?

For those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-handle ebike that performs well in city environments, the Velotric T1 ST Plus is a solid choice. It combines style, functionality, and advanced features like the color display and torque sensor, all while maintaining an affordable price point.

If youโ€™re interested, donโ€™t forget to use our $60 discount code: eBikeEscape60 to get an even better deal. Let us know your thoughts in the commentsโ€”would this lightweight city ebike fit your lifestyle?

Velotric T1 ST Plus Review
Electronics (Battery, Motor, Display)
8.5
Components (Shifter, Derailleur, Fork, Brakes)
9
Frame/Geometry/Sizing
10
Velotric T1 ST Plus Review pros
Lightweight design
Torque sensor
Safety-certified battery
Adjustable stem
Apple Find My
High weight capacity
Through axle
Velotric T1 ST Plus Review cons
350W motor
Battery is not removable
No throttle
Overwhelming PAS options
Complicated mode changing
9.2