Name: Trek Verve+ 3 Review
Item: Trek Verve+ 3
Author: Court Rye

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Trek Verve+ 3 Review

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bosch Active Line Plus Motor My20

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bosch Powertube 500 Downtube Mounted Battery Pack With Range Boost Option

Trek Verve Plus 3 Cockpit View Swept Back Handlebars

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bontrager Ergonomic Grips Shimano Alivio Trigger Shifters

Trek Verve Plus 3 Alloy Fork Hermans 120 Lumen Headlight

Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Front Caliper With 160 Mm Rotor

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bontrager E6 Hybrid Tread Tires

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bontrager Boulevard Saddle With Suspension Seatpost Side View

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bontrager Boulevard Saddle Top View

Trek Verve Plus 3 Shimano Alivio Derailleur With Hyperglide 9 Speed Cassette

Trek Verve Plus 3 Full Alloy Chain Guard Bontrager Satellite City Platform Pedals

Trek Verve Plus 3 Rear Mounted Adustable Length Kickstand

Trek Verve Plus 3 Solo By Spanninga Taillight Three Leds

Trek Verve Plus 3 Bosch 2amp 1.2lb Compact Charger

Trek Verve Plus 3 Stock Lowstep Trek Black

Trek Verve Plus 3 Stock High Step Trek Matte Black

The 3rd generation of Trek's popular Verve+ ebike maintains the excellent quality of previous models while providing more power and range, supported by a large network of dealers and available in a wide range of size and frame options
Excellent craftsmanship and tuning showcase Trek's prowess in bicycle manufacturing, accessories are seamlessly integrated and easy to operate thanks to always-on lights and the simplicity of the Bosch Purion display, ready for commuting with a MIK-compatible rack, full length fenders, and a suspension seatpost
The electrical system has upgraded to the Bosch Active Line Plus motor along with a seamlessly integrated PowerTube 500 battery, with excellent range and responsive performance and the option to add an additional 500wh of battery capacity with the Bosch Range Boost system
No way to use walk mode or turn off the lights due to safety concerns, bottle cage bosses are nice to have but utilizing them may prevent removing the battery, charging port is positioned near the left crank and thus more vulnerable to accidental damage

Make:

Trek

Model:

Verve+ 3

Price:

$2,999

Body Position:

Upright, Forward

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Years Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

2021

Total Weight:

55 lbs (24.94 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.1 lbs (3.22 kg)

Frame Material:

Alpha Smooth Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17.5 in (44.45 cm)19.5 in (49.53 cm)21.5 in (54.61 cm)23.5 in (59.69 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

44cm Small Step-Thru Measurements: 44.5cm Seat Tube, 63.5cm Reach, 44.5cm Stand Over Height, 83.8cm Minimum Saddle Height, 63.5cm Width, 188cm Length, 114.3cm Wheelbase

Frame Types:

High-Step, Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Trek Black, Teal

Frame Fork Details:

Aluminum Rigid, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with with Quick Release Skewer

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Mount, Fender Mounts, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano HG200 11-36T Cassette, Shimano Alivio T4000 Derailleur

Shifter Details:

Shimano Alivio M4000 Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Three-Shift Low Lever)

Cranks:

Prowheel, Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, 38 Tooth Steel Chainring with narrow-wide teeth and Full Alloy Guard

Pedals:

Bontrager Satellite City, Molded Plastic with Reflectors, Steel Core

Headset:

Threadless, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, Straight 1-1/8"

Stem:

Bontrager Aluminum Alloy, Adjustable Angle, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, Blendr Compatible

Handlebar:

Bontrager Aluminum Alloy, Comfort Sweep Low-Rise, 670mm Length

Brake Details:

Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc with 160mm Rotors, Dual-Piston Calipers, Three-Finger Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Bontrager Satellite Elite, Rubber, Ergonomic, Lock-On

Saddle:

Bontrager Boulevard

Seat Post:

Trek Pavement Suspension, 40mm Travel, Aluminum Alloy with Steel Core, Preload Adjust, 2-Bolt Saddle Clamp

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Bontrager Connection, Aluminum Alloy Double Wall, 32 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Bontrager E6, 700x50c (50-622)

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 60 PSI, 2.1 to 4.2 BAR, 60 TPI, Hard-Case Lite Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

MIK-Compatible Alloy Rear Rack with Pannier Hangers and Standard Gauge Tubing (25kg/55lb Weight Limit), Blendr Compatible Stem, Plastic Fenders with Toe Strike Guard on Front, Black Foam Slap Guard, Rear-Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand, Fork-Mounted Hermans H-Black MR4-E Integrated Headlight (120 Lumens), Carrier-Integrated Spanninga SOLO Backlight (35 Lumens)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack, Bosch Range Boost Compatible, 1.3b lb 2 Amp Bosch Compact Charger, Maximum 105 RPM / 270% Motor Support, ABUS Locking Core, KMC X9 Chain, Maximum Total Weight Limit 300lbs (136kg)

Motor Brand:

Bosch Active Line Plus (MY20)

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

415 watts

Motor Torque:

50 Newton meters (Eco: 35, Tour: 40, Sport: 45, Turbo: 50)

Battery Brand:

Bosch PowerTube 500, Samsung 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

13.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

482.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 km)

Display Type:

Bosch Purion, Fixed, Backlit LCD Control Panel with Integrated Button Pad, (Hold - to Cycle Through Readouts, Hold - and Press Power to Change Units, Hold + to Activate Lights)

Readouts:

Speed, Assist Level (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo), Battery Level (1-5), Trip Distance, Total Distance, Estimated Range, Lights

Display Accessories:

Micro-USB Port for Diagnostics and Software Updates Only

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence, and Pedal Torque - Power Output Relative to Pedal Input: Eco 40%, Tour 100%, Sport 180%, Turbo 270%)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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This in-depth review was not sponsored by Trek or any other third party. It was funded by the display ads and placements on this website and YouTube. I cover as many products as I can, based on what I feel is relevant, interesting, and available. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comment section below, and the Trek electric bike forums.

Observations:

Trek is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, considered one of the “Big Three” along with Giant and Specialized. They have hundreds of dealers just in the United States, which gives them a compelling advantage in terms of support, as well as color and size choices… although you pay a premium in price! Trek has come a long ways from their beginning in 1975 when they only manufactured hand-brazed steel frames
The Verve+ 3 is no longer the most affordable electric bike in the Trek lineup, as the price has gone up by $500 USD. Technically it would be their most affordable electric bike, but Trek is still selling both the Verve+ 2 and the original Verve+ (both for $2,499 USD). It’s worth noting that Trek does offer a line of more affordable ebikes sold under the Electra brand which Trek acquired in 2014
Some units of the Verve+ 2 had an issue with the chain derailling frequently, which was fixed by replacing the standard chainring with one that had narrow-wide teeth. This replacement was made at no cost to owners but was still inconvenient to deal with, fortunately the Verve+ 3 comes standard with a narrow-wide chainring so there should be no derailling issues
The puncture protection is listed as “Hard-Case Lite” compared to the “Hard-Case Ultimate” that was equipped on the previous generation of the Verve+ 3. This appears to be a downgrade, but from what I’ve been able to find it seems the Hard-Case Lite still performs quite well while being more lightweight

Pros:

The Verve+ 3 has simplified colors with only two options (Teal or Matte Black), but still has a fantastic selection of five sizes and two frame types. If you opt for the step-thru frame (which Trek calls “Lowstep”) you can choose between extra-small, small, medium, and large sizes. For the high-step frame your options are medium, large, and extra-large! This wide selection along with numerous dealers makes it easy for you to get professionally fitted for the ideal ride experience. Add to this the excellent warranty with two years of comprehensive coverage, and lifetime coverage for the frame and fork, and you can see why many riders have a lot of trust in the Trek brand
Whether you prefer an upright seating position or one leaning forward, it’s easy to dial in the comfort thanks to the wide range of sizes and frames, as well as the adjustability of the quill stem. The step-thru frames provide the most upright seating position as well as easy mounts and dismounts, while the high-step frame is better suited for a more forward aggressive seating position, providing more stability at high speeds. Contact points from Bontrager are well designed, the Satellite Elite ergonomic grips are grippy and locking so that they don’t rotate, and the Boulevard saddle is fairly wide with a full cutout for maximum comfort
The suspension seatpost is also made by Trek and provides 40mm of travel, a significant improvement over the the 30mm of many competing products. The 31.6mm diameter makes it a bit more sturdy and when fully removed you can adjust suspension pre-load with an Allen wrench, helpful for dialing in the performance for your size
The quill stem, in addition to being highly adjustable, is also Blendr-compatible! Blendr is a mounting platform that makes it easy to mount all manner of accessories to the top of the stem, with common accessories being cycle computers, phone mounts, and additional lights. Check out the resources section at the bottom of this review to see all the Blendr-compatible accessories offered by Trek
Feature-complete and fully loaded for commuting with high-quality accessories, this makes the Verve+ 3 an excellent choice for commuting to work and running errands
The rear rack supports the same standard weight limit of 25kg/50lb, but it has received a nice upgrade in the form of being MIK-ready! The MIK platform makes it easy to quickly attach and detach luggage containers such as baskets or pannier bags by simply clicking them into place and then removing with a small key tool. This eliminates the time and frustration of having to unfasten and/or untie the more common luggage containers, and if you already have a bag or other carrier that you like, you can add on a MIK adapter plate to make it compatible with this rack
The full-length plastic fenders are sturdy, resilient, and very well mounted! Plastic fenders can be prone to rattling loudly especially on bumpy roads, but I didn’t notice any while test riding, I also appreciate that the front fender has a toe-strike guard which provides some extra coverage and mitigates any impacts from your foot if you bonk it while turning. The front light provides 120 lumens with excellent side cutouts which further increase visibility when riding at night, the rear light is also highly visible with three LEDs
Bontrager E6 tires measure 700x50c, which puts them at 5c wider than the H5s on the Verve+ 2. This extra width translates to a more comfortable ride since there is more volume of air, and you also get Hard-Case Lite puncture protection for more peace of mind while commuting. These tires have bright sidewall striping for excellent side visibility, a great safety feature and welcome upgrade from the all-black tires of the previous generation
The kickstand is rear-mounted and thus won’t get tangled up with the cranks when moving the bike backwards, this also makes chain maintenance much easier by not requiring you to mount the bike on a stand or flip it upside down
The motor has been upgraded to the Bosch Active Line Plus MY20, compared to the standard Active Line MY19 on the Verve+ 2. This motor provides a small increase in power and performance, with higher peak wattage, more torque, higher max assist, and higher maximum cadence! If you test both motors back-to-back you’ll be able to tell the difference, although they are still quite similar and most riders will be fine on either model. This is an incredibly sensitive torque-based motor which fits best for more active riders who enjoy cycling and getting some exercise, and just want an electric motor to help out occasionally and balance out some steep inclines on their commute
Shimano’s Alivio groupset feels smooth and performs excellently as usual, with a wide range of 11-36 teeth on the nine-speed cassette that is more than sufficient for all types of city riding. The Alivio trigger shifters are quite clicky and satisfying to use, and the up-shifting paddle is a two-way which means you can operate both using only your thumbs, which makes it easier to shift while keeping your fingers on or near the brakes
Shimano’s MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are back again and they still work great, providing smooth and quiet stopping power and easy actuation compared to mechanical disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes also don’t require tightening and thus require less frequent maintenance than their mechanical counterparts
The battery is the biggest area of improvement on the Verve+ 3, the Bosch PowerTube 500 has an extra 100 watt-hours of capacity and now seamlessly integrates into the towntube, compared to the Bosch PowerPack 400 which was mounted on top of the downtube on the Verve+ 2. This clean integration looks much nicer and keeps the battery better protected, and also helps the bike to appear more “stealth” which can help to reduce theft risk. The battery can be charged on or off the bike and features a flip-up handle for easy carrying when removed
The key for removing the battery is manufactured by ABUS and is keyed alike ready, which means you can order locks and other accessories from ABUS that will work with your keys. Keep your key identification card somewhere safe as you can also use it to order replacement keys if you lose both of yours
The battery configuration is also Range-boost compatible! This is a feature offered by Bosch, the three bottle cage bosses on the top of the downtube are used to mount a PowerPack 500 battery which will effectively double your maximum range. This allows you to charge both batteries at the same time while mounted on the bike and is much more convenient than simply buying a separate battery that must be carried with you and swapped out
The responsiveness and ride feel are top notch. Trek has been making acoustic bicycles for many years and it really shows in the level of craftsmanship and perfect tuning of the Verve+ 3, it is incredibly smooth and satisfying to ride even while the motor is turned off. Powering on the motor you can feel similar expertise from Bosch’s electrical system, with instant responsiveness to changes in pressure on the pedals, reading torque, cadence, and rear wheel speed at over 1,000 readings per second!
The Purion display is the smallest offered by Bosch, it is unobtrusive and out of the way while still providing clear and easy-to-read information thanks to the excellent contrast ratio of the grayscale LCD display. I’m a fan of this display as it covers the basics and is very intuitive to use, making it easy to focus on riding without needing to fiddle with settings

Cons:

There is no front suspension which may not be a problem for many riders, but if you live in an area with rough roads and lots of potholes you may not enjoy riding there with this setup. Riders with hand and/or wrist sensitivity will probably also find the ride too rough, you could swap out the stem for a suspension stem (although you would lose the high adjustability of the Blendr quill stem)
The Bosch Purion display is pretty minimalist and may leave you wanting more if you prefer to have more statistics, configurable settings, and perhaps a USB port for powering small electronics while riding. The Purion is also not removable which can leave it vulnerable to damage from weather or bumps at the bike rack, although it is quite durable and should be able to survive anything outside of a severe direct impact. Bosch displays are interchangeable, so if you would prefer a more feature-rich display such as the Kiox, Nyon, or Smartphone Hub, your Trek dealer can make this upgrade (just expect to pay at least $200 for it)
Typically Bosch displays allow you to disable the lights and also to use Walk Mode, but both of these functions are disabled on Trek ebikes. The lights are always on as long as the display is powered on, and the dedicated WALK button on the bottom of the display does nothing when pressed. This configuration is set in the interest of maximizing safety, it is my understanding that Trek dealers can modify both settings on request
As mentioned, this torque-sensing setup is very responsive an excellent choice for more active riders. However, if you have sensitive knees or anything else that prevents you from being able to put a lot of force onto the pedals, this ebike may not be a great fit. This is in comparison to cadence-sensing systems which only require that you cycle the cranks around with minimal pressure
At first I was excited to see three bottle cage bosses on the downtube, normally these are awesome for securely mounting all manner of accessories. However, on the Verve+ 3 mounting any accessories that wrap around the downtube will make it impossible to remove the PowerTube battery from the frame (unless you first remove your accessories, which would be inconvenient and time-consuming). Of course, you can charge the battery while it’s mounted on the bike, but it’s generally not a good idea to leave the battery in the frame all the time unless you always keep the bike inside. Batteries don’t do well when exposed to extreme temperatures for long periods of time, and as the most expensive component on an ebike they increase the theft risk when left mounted. Where these mounting bosses really shine is if you opt for the RangeBoost upgrade, as they are used to secure the mounting hardware for the additional battery
You can charge the battery while it is secured in the downtube, but the charge port is positioned very low and right next to the cranks on the left side. This is a risky position as the charging cord and cranks could become tangled if the bike gets moved or knocked over while charging, so be sure to position it well out of the way to minimize this risk

Useful Resources:

Local Trek dealers near you
Blendr-compatible accessories that can be mounted on the stem
More information on the Bosch Range Boost system
Bosch Ebike Systems Motor Comparison on the EBR Forums
Head to Head Comparison of all three generations of the Verve+ ebike

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Bruce

2 years ago

Trek does allow “Walk mode” on some of their Ebikes. i have a 2020 Powerfly 5 Ebike and it is available to use. Maybe for 2021 models they are inactivating it.
Ask Court to get you a device so you don’t have to ride one handed all the time with your arm extended. It looks pretty dangerous with cars whizzing by you.

Tyson Roehrkasse

Good to know about the walk mode, I’ve heard from some Verve+ 3 owners in Canada that walk mode works there as well, so it seems to vary by region. The Verve+ 2 I reviewed last year had the same restriction as well.

I do have a chest mount that I use sometimes depending on where I am and the type of riding, but I do feel pretty safe in Fort Collins. I’ve been cycling there for almost 20 years now and the city is very bike friendly :)

David Bannister

This is an excellent and accurate review based on my experience as an owner for 2750 kilometres. I am in Canada, where the price is $3999, and the lights on/off and walk features are enabled.
The bike is very smooth to operate but does have a stiff/sometimes jarring ride. I have added both a Redshift ShockStop stem and seat post, and the ride is now wonderfully smooth by comparison- especially since I ride the Verve at least as much off-road on gravel and grassy trails as I do on pavement. It does provide lots of exercise compared to a bike with a more powerful motor… I like this; looking to get in better shape at 65. I am very happy with this bike, it has been trouble-free for me and my local Trek shop has been great to deal with.
One other change I have just made is to remove the long chain guard. I prefer to have better access to the chain for service. I am looking into getting the chainring guard for an Allant to replace it, or just go without a guard.
Thanks for the great review Court, there aren’t many out there for this bike.

Hi David, thanks for commenting! I’m glad to hear you’ve been enjoying your Verve+ 3, adding the extra suspension sounds like a nice upgrade – especially if it can handle off-roading now! I’ve heard from a few other owners that they removed the chain guard as well.

John Charles

This bike has gone from 45lb to 55lbs over 2 years! Is this because of the bigger motor or is the extra weight the reasoning for the extra boost? What gives? I rode the first generation and thought it seemed quite light and nimble. Has it lost some of that ‘regular’ bike feel?

Great question! The original did have a lighter motor and battery (combined 11.8 pounds) vs the newest model (combined 14.6 pounds). So there’s roughly 3 pounds of weight difference to start with.

Some other factors that would affect weight:
– The original did not include a rack or a chain guard
– The original had a narrower kickstand
– The original had a smaller directional headlight integrated into the frame (vs a separately mounted light on the Verve+ 3)
– The tires on the original are 700x45c (vs 700x50c on the Verve+ 3, slightly wider diameter)

Another possible factor is that the original model we reviewed was a high-step frame, and for the Verve+ 3 I had a low-step frame. Also, since the newest version of the bike is Bosch Range Boost compatible, it presumably has some extra electronics hardware inside the frame for making that magic happen.

Oh, and the original seatpost was 27.2mm in diameter, vs 31.6mm on the Verve+ 3!

I think that’s about all the contributing factors I can think of :)

Don Helms

I noticed a bell on the Verve +3, what is the brand and where can I get one? I have a Verve +2 and need a bell. Thanks!

The bell doesn’t have a brand on it that I remember… I actually completely forgot to mention it in my review! It’s a standard flick bell, so any bike shop should have one like it. If you want the exact same one you’d probably have to get it from a Trek shop :)

paul clifford

Hi there,

Looking at the Trek website, the spec of the bike is different to the review. I can spot 3, the motor, the battery where Trek say 400w and the review says 500 and the saddle.

Can you clarify?

Thanks. Paul

Court

Hi Paul, we try to measure everything by hand and blend what the bike brand lists or says on their official websites with what we hear from manufacturers (like Bosch). The official listings are that the motor is 250 watts (they don’t estimate a peak) but we think it’s above 400 watts… and we know that the torque is listed at 50 newton meters. The saddle and other accessories might change over the course of a year, believe it or not. There have been some supply chain issues this year that have caused delays and other times companies will just upgrade things based on designer input. I hope this helps, and I appreciate your comment :)

paul

Thanks for the reply. I can see the difference is down to the US and EU specs are different.

The US bike has an upgraded battery and motor compared to the EU one. The EU one is more expensive which I find a little odd.

Paul

Brendan

Great review, Tyson. Thanks!

Both this review and the earlier review of the Trek Verve + 2 mention that the Bosch Active Line motors are torque-sensing motors which work best for more active riders. I’m in reasonably good physical shape but I’m also 72 years old and I haven’t ridden in years. I want to get back into cycling for exercise but its going to take me a while to get back into good cycling condition. Do you think the more demanding Bosch torque-sensing system work for me? Or would it be better to start with an e-bike with a cadence-sensing system?

Hi Brendan! Bosch uses an advanced multi sensor that measures cadence, rear wheel speed, and torque. It’s one of the most natural and reliable systems around. If you click up to the highest levels of assist, this should be satisfying and not create too much strain for you. I think it’s actually a really good fit in terms of power, efficiency, and lower noise if you are just riding around town. Bosch makes higher powered products for mountain biking, such as the Performance Line CX motor, which can be found on some of the other products we’ve covered here :)

Thanks Court,

I’ll be doing most of my riding on the American River Bike Trail here in the Sacramento area, and that trail only drops 500 feet of elevation over 20+ miles. So it sounds like the Bosch would give me all the boost I need until I get my cycling legs back.

Dan

I test rode the Verve+3 and loved it. Will wait for the 2021. Do you think there is any differences with the standard frame 2021? And, a big bummer was the seat would ROCK back and forth. In fact, all the Trek electric bikes had this problem which actually stopped me from buying it in the shop that day. Is this a known issue and should it be something to be concerned about?? Thanks.

Huh, that’s interesting. I’m really surprised to hear about the saddle rocking… almost makes me wonder if they are using a system that intentionally does that for ergonomics or comfort? Do you think it has more to do with cheap hardware or not being tightened or something? Weird. Anyway, I have seen one 2021 Trek model, and you can check the review here, but that’s a super high-end model and might not reflect everything in the lineup. It really seems like they are getting better about standardizing parts and working the little kinks out of each model.

Robert Balch

I just picked up a brand new from the factory verve+ 3. The walk feature works, BUT you need to:1 have a mode selected (eco, turbo, etc); 2. push the Walk button and then 3. push and hold the + button. the manual also talks about turning the lights off with some combination of button pushing.

Interesting, thanks so much for this feedback Robert! I’m glad to hear that it’s working. I have noticed that some companies change their settings mid-season (or depending on the location). I’ve also heard that some shops can help adjust settings for major drive systems and displays (like Bosch here). Hope you enjoy the bike! It’s great to know that it can indeed work with walk assist!

Pia Martinus

I live in Uk and wondering about buying either this bike, the Verve 3+ , or the Verve 4+. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Hi! That’s a great question. While I’m not super familiar with the UK ebike market, I am a fan of Trek products in general. I own a non-electric Trek that has worked well, and I love their shops and customer service. Honestly, I feel like this brand has done an excellent job with their products in North America, offering reliable electronics from Bosch and a good range of frame sizes and colors. Depending on your budget and style preferences, I feel like either the Verve 3+ or 4+ would be a great choice. For comparison, you could explore CUBE and BULLS.

David Barbour

Love this bike. The pedal assist is barely noticeable in its operation it just works and riding up hills is effortless but it still feels like you are pedaling a bike instead of being pushed up hill like other bikes feel. Beautiful bike overall.
My one gripe has to do with fit and finish. My Trek looks nice, however my wife has the exact same bike but hers has very noticeable, messy welds and her battery is crooked which not only looks bad but also may make it vulnerable to rain and dirt as the gasket does not fit properly. We’re taking it back to the shop to see how well Trek stands behind their bikes. Hard to imagine such sloppy work on such an expensive bike.

Hi David, thanks for sharing this info! Trek has a good reputation for taking care of things like that, I hope they make it right for your wife’s bike. Do let us know afterwards :)

Jason Morris

Greetings. I am a fit 48 year old and I have a Trek Verve +3 on order. I plan to use the bike for a short commute to work and fun rides. I have recently read some excellent reviews on the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (including this site) and I am re thinking my choice. I really do like to ride in a more upright, non aggressive position. Any thoughts on bike choice between these 2?

Hi Jason! Trek and Specialized are the two leaders in the industry right now, in my opinion, based on the quality of their bikes and wide network of dealers to provide fitting and support. My personal favorite is the Specialized Vado SL (super light, smaller motor) models. I don’t love their standard Vado with the Brose motor… but it is more powerful (much like the Trek Bosch powered models). Now keep in mind that I’m only 135lbs and an active cyclist. If you want a bit more power and range, I’d go with the Trek. The Verve+ 3 is an awesome ebike and I think Trek has the upper hand with dealer experience because they own many of their stores and are super professional. I also just feel that Bosch is more proven that Brose and I prefer their displays and apps, there are way more options, they really do a great job. If you want light, efficient, and a bit more sporty (which it sounds like you may not, considering the upright relaxed comment) then the SL is worth considering but may be out of stock. I hope this helps! It sounds like you’re on the right track ;)

Jackie Gamache

OMG… what a bike, the Verve+3 low step. So so happy smooth shifting eco turbo sport comfortable! Life is GOOD, you did a nice job building this Bike. Thank you, happy peddling stay safe

Jackie, from the Villages in Florida

Thanks for such a friendly and positive comment Jackie! Life must be good for you down at the Villages in Florida, I’ve never been before but will definitely put it on my list of happy places to visit someday :D

Carsten M.

Hi Court and Tyson!

Really good review, Tyson! Have owned the Verve+ 3 for a year now and while pondering the advantage of a front suspension (i.e. Allant+ 7) I ultimately decided not to upgrade. There must be a reason that the more expensive models do not feature front suspension. I’m 6’5″ @ 255 lbs and the bike does everything extremely well. It doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t (e.g. speed bike, off-roader, etc.) and even at my weight plus some luggage, I get over 80 miles range in ECO mode. For anyone who wants to be active and not just push a throttle, I think the Active Line Plus motor is a superb choice and great match for this versatile bicycle. I would love to get ride of that giant chain guard myself but haven’t found a suitable alternative; perhaps another viewer can chime in.

Love all your reviews for their clarity, details and honesty – great work, guys, keep it up :)

Hey Carsten, glad you’re enjoying your Verve+ 3! Suspension is nice but for city riding it can be a bit overkill. I have seen some discussion about replacing the chain guard on our forums, here is a relevant thread with some helpful info :)

John dougherty

Best review I have ever seen.

Thanks John! I’m glad you found us and that this review was helpful :)

John Dougherty

Tyson, I have been a fan of Trek for some time and now ride a Domane HP+7; it took five months to get the bike, but worth the wait. My LBS actually has two Verve +3 bikes in stock and based on your excellent review and Trek’s reputation, I am buying one tomorrow for our daughter. Everything you mentioned about the torque sensing on the Bosch system and Trek’s standard of quality matches my experience. Quite frankly, I am a little surprised that they can sell this bike at this price considering the components. I recently emailed John Burke and said I was impressed by the fact that Trek didn’t raise prices due to demand. As far as I know, other manufacturers have been fair as well.

Lars Andersen

Does the low step version provide a more upright seating position than the high step version of the same same bike?

Hi Lars! You could ask the dealer and study their geometry charts to see how reach, head tube angle, and stem + handlebar might be setup slightly differently between the high-step and step-thru, but my guess is that they are very similar or the same. I think the idea is to preserve the geometry while providing a more approachable frame with the step-thru or mid-step models. This often reduces frame stiffness and adds weight, but those are the two main trade-offs that I’m usually seeing.

JB

Several issues in first year of ownership (not even one year yet)..
-Battery compartment was not setup properly, required call to Trek from bike mechanic to fix.
-Cheap plastic mud flap brace broke with tiny accidental kick by foot – bike almost unusable, required overnight stay in bike hospital.
-Chain began to jump, again bike unusable (still no answer on what that is).

I have a bike that cost less than a third of this that is 20 years old and has been in the shop 3 times lifetime with zero emergency mechanical issues.
I have less confidence in Trek than ever before.

Hi JB, sorry to hear that you’ve been having some issues with your Verve+ 3. I can’t comment on the first two, but for the last one (the chain jumping off), I have a recommendation. I’ve heard of this happening for a lot of Verve owners, it’s a known issue with the chainring. If you take it in to a Trek dealer they should swap it out for an appropriate narrow-wide chainring for free, and that should fix the issue.

here’s a discussion on our forums about it: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/trek-verve-2-chain-is-constantly-slipping.35298/

Liz

1 year ago

I just bought the Trek Verve+ 3 less than a week ago and have ridden it several days since then. I have noticed progressively loud rattling, I thought it was the chain guard, and I was going to ask if it could be removed. Today I rode the bike about 15 miles and the rattling was terrible, I thought the whole bike was going to break. I put my hand on the battery and it was shifting around a lot. I removed the battery and replaced it a couple of times, but it did not help. When I got home I removed the battery and tried to put it back in place several more times. When I would put it in place it would not snap in place like it had before, I had to turn the key to hold it in place. When I did that the whole battery shifted to the left, and left a gap at the top between the battery and the frame. I rode the bike down the street, and the rattling was greatly improved, but now I can’t get the battery out of the bike. When I look inside the keyhole I see that it is not lined up. I remember in the store, my sales person (who seemed to have minimal knowledge about the bike, he would evade questions and a couple times another salesperson overheard and stepped in with the answers) had trouble turning the key to remove the battery. So far, I am very displeased with my experience in regards to the bike.

Hey Liz, thanks for sharing your experience! I can understand your displeasure :( have you taken it back in to the dealer yet? I imagine this will be covered under warranty, hopefully Trek makes it right for you.

Marjorie Doherty

8 months ago

Hi. Thanks for the review. I currently have a 2019 Specialized Como 3 that I’m considering replacing with this Trek. It appears to me that the specs are fairly similar. The reason for the change would be the fit of the bike – the XS Trek seems to fit my 5′ tall body a bit better and feels a quite bit more agile. My question pertains to the motors. I live on a VERY long hill and my Como does fine getting me to the top. Will the motor in this Trek have similar power to help me climb the hill home? Thanks for your help!

Hi Marjorie! There are a lot of factors to consider, but on average I would say that most current-gen mid-drives can climb effectively if you shift to lower gears when climbing a steep hill. Bosch has some of the best motors, which Trek uses, and your older Specialized Como probably used a Brose (which is also a leader). I saw that you’re also looking at Gazelle ebikes, which come in many sizes. I hope you find something you like and welcome any other questions :)

Marjorie

Thanks Court. It seems that most of the LBS’s in my area are getting bikes with the Active Line Plus motor, so I’m glad to know that it’s likely adequate. Always appreciate your knowledge!

Bernadette S.

2 months ago

I have a Verve+ 3, and the walk function does work. First press the top button to turn on the unit. Press the bottom button and you’ll see WALK. You have to press (and keep pressing) the + button to start the walk function. If you let go, the walk function stops.

Thanks for this clarification Bernadette! Perhaps I got mixed up, your instructions are great :)

Oh no problem! Glad I could help!