Velotric’s been carving out a name in the e-bike scene, and they’re doing it with some legit moves. In a short span, they’ve gone from under-the-radar to pumping out rides like the Discover 2, Summit 1, and T1 ST—bikes that have clicked with riders for good reason. They’re not just playing it safe either; tech like Velotric’s ‘SensorSwap’, which lets you toggle between torque and cadence sensors mid-ride, shows they’re thinking about what actually matters to folks on two wheels.
Now they’ve handed me the Breeze 1 to test before it hits the streets. At $1,799, this 48-pound rig is pitched as a versatile option for commuters, weekend wanderers, and anyone after a smooth, easy ride. A quiet 750W motor and a slick torque sensor are a couple of standouts that caught my attention early on. Velotric’s built some momentum with their past releases, and the Breeze 1 looks like it’s aiming to keep the wheels turning. Let’s dive in and see what this bike’s really got going for it.
**Use code: EBRB101 for a discount at checkout**
My Experience Riding The Velotric Breeze E-Bike
The first thing that I noticed was the step-thru frame—getting on and off is a cinch, no awkward leg swings over the bike and stepping off is equally simple. It’s paired with a Dutch-style cruiser bar, an adjustable stem, and some ergo platform grips that team up with a spring-supported saddle to keep you upright and comfy.
Velotric calls this their ComfortMax system, a fancy way of saying they’ve dialed in the components to take the edge off long rides. And it works. The adjustable bars and stem let you tweak the fit to your liking, which is clutch for finding that sweet spot whether you’re 5’2” or 6’4”.
Rolling on 27.5×2.2” Kenda tires, the Breeze 1 cruises quick and quiet with a tread pattern that’s plenty capable for commuting or light trails. Stopping power comes from Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors—honestly, it’s almost overkill for a bike this light. They haul you down with confidence, and while 160s would’ve done the job just fine, I’m not complaining about the extra bite. It’s peace of mind, especially if you’re bombing downhills or dodging city traffic.
The motor’s where things get interesting. At 750W with 65Nm of torque, it’s got more grunt than you’d expect from a 48-pound e-bike. I took it up a quarter-mile climb with a 5-7% grade, pegged the throttle at 20 mph, and it barely flinched—lost maybe 1 mph the whole way. Hills aren’t gonna slow this thing down unless you’re tackling something ridiculous, and that’s a big win for a lightweight ride.
Out of the box, it’s set up as a Class 2 (20 mph with throttle), but a few taps in the display or Velotric app can unlock Class 3 speeds or even push the throttle to 28 mph unrestricted. If speed is not your thing, you can dial it back as low as 12 mph, which is handy for newbies or if you’re letting the kids take it for a spin.
What really sets the Breeze 1 apart is the SensorSwap feature. You’ve got both a cadence and torque sensor onboard, and you can flip between them via the display or app. The torque sensor here is the star—it’s smooth, refined, and feels like Velotric’s been paying attention to rider feedback from their earlier bikes. It delivers power based on your pedal effort, making the assist feel natural instead of jerky.
The cadence option’s there too, better for laid-back cruising when you just want to spin and glide. It’s a slick move by Velotric, letting you pick your preferred sensor without locking you into one style.
Overall, the Breeze 1 rides like a dream—smooth, nimble, and easy to handle. It’s almost like the lighter, more agile cousin of the Discover 2, shedding nearly 30 pounds while keeping the same tech perks: Apple FindMy, Apple Health, GPS, and that SensorSwap goodness. It looks sharp, feels solid, and lands in a sweet spot for folks who want a versatile e-bike without the heft.
**Use code: EBRB101 for a discount at checkout**
Range
Estimated Range (from Ride1Up): 70 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN PAS Test: 72 miles
- MAX PAS Test: 34 miles
Range is a big deal for any e-bike, and Velotric tags the Breeze 1 with an “up to 70 miles” estimate. That’s a nice round number, but it’s only as good as what you can squeeze out in the real world. I took this rig out to see how it holds up under my own riding in the real world, and here’s what I found and what it means for anyone eyeing it as their next ride.
For my tests, I stuck with Trail mode, the middle child of Velotric’s Eco, Trail, and Boost options. It felt like a fair baseline—not too skimpy on power like Eco, not too thirsty like Boost. I ran two setups: PAS 1 (minimum assist) and PAS 5 (maximum assist), both with the torque sensor dialed in. Torque sensors are the go-to for efficiency, doling out power based on how hard you’re pedaling instead of the all-or-nothing blast you get from a cadence sensor. Had I used cadence, the range would’ve likely taken a hit, so I kept it torque to give Velotric’s claim a solid shot.
On the PAS 1 test, I clocked 34 miles before the battery called it quits. That’s well shy of the 70-mile estimate, but it’s not surprising when you’re running light assist and pedaling most of the way. I was spinning easy, letting the torque sensor feather the power, and it kept things smooth—just not marathon-level. Switch to PAS 5, and I hit 72 miles, a hair over Velotric’s max claim. That’s a solid showing for max assist, where the motor’s doing more of the heavy lifting. It’s worth noting that Eco mode with PAS 1 might stretch a bit further than 34 if you’re really babying it, while Boost with PAS 5 could dip below 72 if you’re hammering hard.
So, what’s the deal for potential buyers? Velotric’s 70-mile estimate is in the ballpark, but it’s clearly tied to ideal conditions—think light assist, torque sensor, and a rider who’s not pushing the limits. In my real-world spin, 34 miles on PAS 1 is decent for a lightweight e-bike like this if you’re commuting or cruising and want to stretch the battery. The 72 miles on PAS 5 is impressive, especially if you’re after more power for hills or quicker trips without worrying about range. The torque sensor’s efficiency helps here, and I’d wager a cadence sensor would’ve shaved a good chunk off both numbers.
I kept tire pressure at the recommended 30 PSI, and my rides were on a mix of flat pavement and gentle rollers—nothing too gnarly. Stuff like wind, steep climbs, or a heavier rider could nudge these figures down, so keep that in mind. For most folks, the Breeze 1’s range lands in a practical zone: 30-40 miles with light assist for longer hauls, or 70+ if you’re leaning on the motor. It’s not a game-changer in the range department, but it’s versatile enough to cover most commutes or weekend jaunts without leaving you stranded.
Power (Motor & Battery)
Let’s start with the motor. It’s a 750W nominal rear hub unit kicking out 65Nm of torque, which is pretty beefy for a bike that tips the scales at roughly 50 pounds. That power-to-weight ratio gives it a peppy feel—when you punch the throttle or lean into the assist, it’s got enough grunt to wake things up. I took it up a 5-7% grade for a quarter mile, pegged the throttle at 20 mph, and it only dropped about 1 mph the whole way. Hills aren’t gonna faze this thing unless you’re tackling something gnarly, and that’s a big plus for a commuter or all-rounder e-bike. It’s not a torque monster like some heavier off-road rigs, but for its class, it’s more than sufficient.
The battery’s a 48V, 13.6Ah pack, clocking in at 627 watt-hours, and it’s UL 2271 certified, so you know it’s built to last and play safe. Paired with that 750W motor, it delivers the 70-mile range Velotric claims (I hit 72 miles on PAS 1 in Trail mode—see the Range section for the full scoop). It’s a solid capacity for a bike this light, giving you enough legs for long commutes or weekend jaunts without weighing the frame down. Charging’s handled by a 48V, 3A fast charger, which gets it topped off in a reasonable window—nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done.
What’s cool here is the flexibility in how the power’s delivered. The Breeze 1 ships as a Class 2 e-bike (20 mph with throttle), but a few taps in the display or Velotric app can bump it to Class 3 (28 mph with assist) or even unlock the throttle to match.
You’ve got 15 PAS levels spread across three modes—Eco, Trail, and Boost—with five levels in each. That’s a lot of granularity, maybe too much for my taste. I’d be fine with five solid PAS settings and call it a day, but some riders might dig the fine-tuning options. To each their own. Either way, it lets you dial in the assist from barely-there to full-on boost, depending on how much help you want from the motor.
The motor sensor setup is where Velotric flexes some smarts. You get both torque and cadence sensors, and their SensorSwap feature lets you toggle between them via the display or app. Torque is the default for me—it’s smooth, efficient, and ties the power to your pedaling effort, which feels natural and keeps the battery sipping rather than chugging. Cadence is more of an all-or-nothing deal, better for cruising when you just want steady assist without much leg work. The torque sensor’s the standout here—refined and responsive, it shows Velotric’s been listening to rider feedback and stepping up their game.
So, what’s the verdict? The Breeze 1’s power system is a strong match for its lightweight, versatile design. The 750W motor and 65Nm of torque give it plenty of kick for a bike this size, handling hills and quick starts with ease. The 627Wh battery keeps it going for solid distances, and the Class 2-to-3 flexibility plus dual sensors add some real customization to the mix. It’s not a fire-breathing beast built for shredding singletrack, but it’s not meant to be. For commuters, weekend explorers, or anyone after a nimble e-bike with enough oomph to get around, this setup delivers without overcomplicating things. It’s a practical, well-rounded package that punches above its weight—literally.
Components
The Velotric Breeze 1’s component lineup is built for lightweight versatility, leaning into comfort and utility over flashy specs. Here’s the rundown on what’s onboard and how it fits the bike’s personality as a commuter and all-rounder.
The frame’s a step-thru triple-butted aluminum alloy, keeping the bike at 48 pounds while handling a 330-pound load. It’s paired with a rigid aluminum fork—no suspension here, which keeps weight and maintenance down. Personally, I found the comfort saddle and the tires to manage most bumps really well, and I found the ride to be plenty comfy despite the lack of a fork, which would feel like overkill on this style of bike, it’s not needed. Wheels are double-wall aluminum rims with Kenda 27.5×2.2” tires—quick, quiet, and commuter-ready with decent grip.
Drivetrain’s an 8-speed Shimano Altus setup with trigger shifters, an 11-32T cassette, and a 46T chainring on a 170mm alloy crank. It’s reliable with enough range for flat-to-moderate terrain—nothing fancy, but it shifts clean and suits the bike’s purpose. Brakes are Tektro 2-piston hydraulics with 180mm rotors—plenty of stopping power for a bike this light, maybe even overkill, but that’s not a bad thing.
Cockpit-wise, a Dutch-style alloy handlebar (660mm regular, 680mm large) and adjustable stem keep you upright, with ergo lock-on grips and a spring-supported ComfortMax saddle adding cush. The 350mm alloy seatpost (30.9mm) and basic plastic pedals with studs round it out—functional, though some might upgrade the pedals for more grip.
This build’s a practical match for a $1,799 e-bike aimed at commuting and casual rides. The step-thru frame and rigid setup keep it nimble, while the Kenda tires, Shimano drivetrain, and Tektro brakes deliver reliability and control. The ComfortMax bits prioritize comfort without overcomplicating things.
**Use code: EBRB101 for a discount at checkout**
Screen / User Interface / App
The display and app on an e-bike are your window into how it’s ticking and your controls for tweaking the ride. The Velotric Breeze 1 shares the same tech package as the Nomad 2, and it’s a solid setup. I’ve spent some time with it, and here’s what it’s got going on, plus how it fits a lightweight rig built for commuting and casual cruising.
The display’s a 3.5-inch color screen, a familiar face from other Velotric bikes like the Discover 2 and Nomad 2—and it’s a good one. Bright and high-contrast, it’s easy to read whether you’re squinting in sunlight or rolling at dusk. The interface is very user friendly, meaning, no manual needed whether you’re swapping between torque and cadence sensors, tweaking class speeds, or checking stats, it’s all right there. Beyond the basics like speed and battery life, you get real-time motor and controller temps, plus fun extras like CO2 saved and calories burned if that’s your thing.There’s a USB-C port built in too, which keeps my phone juiced on longer rides—a small but practical perk in a pinch.
The Velotric app syncs up seamlessly, turning your phone into a bigger display while tracking your route with GPS—great for mapping commutes or weekend loops. It handles over-the-air updates to keep the firmware current, and there’s Apple Find My for 24/7 tracking (Android users like me can’t test that, but it’s there).
You can fine-tune class settings—switching between Class 1, 2, or 3—and set speed caps for throttle and PAS, from 20 mph up to 28 mph if your local regs allow. That flexibility’s handy for a bike pitching versatility, though you don’t need the app for most tweaks—the display handles the heavy lifting just fine.
For a lightweight e-bike like the Breeze 1, this tech package fits the bill. The display’s intuitive enough for newbies hopping on their first e-bike, while the customization options—sensor swaps, speed tweaks—give seasoned riders room to play. The GPS and tracking features are a bonus for commuters or anyone who likes to keep tabs on their ride, and the USB-C port is a practical touch for longer hauls. It’s not a game-changer that’ll redefine your ride, but it’s a well-executed setup that adds real utility without overcomplicating things. For a bike built to be nimble and practical, this tech keeps you in control and in the know.
Velotric Breeze Model Options
The Velotric Breeze 1 offers a decent spread of options to fit different riders, plus some add-ons to tweak it for your needs. Here’s the quick rundown and how it stacks up for this lightweight e-bike.
You’ve got two frame sizes: Regular (4’11” to 5’8”) and Large (5’6” to 6’4”), with a step-thru design that’s easy to hop on. Total weight’s 50.1 pounds with the 7.9-pound battery, dropping to 42.2 without it—still nimble for a 330-pound load capacity.
Colors are sharp with choices like Violet Haze (purple), Ocean Mist (blue), Classic Scarlet (red), Satin (white), and Slate (gray). Attachment points include front and rear rack mounts, fender mounts, and three bottle cage spots, but racks, fenders, baskets, and other extras are optional purchases. At $1,799, I’d have liked fenders and a rack included—especially since the $1,899 Discover 2 tosses those in with a suspension fork and similar tech. It’s a value gap that stings a bit. Warranty’s 2 years, standard stuff. Safety’s solid with UL 2849, UL 2271, and ISO 4210 certs, and water resistance is IPX7 for the battery, IPX6 for the bike.
The options suit a lightweight commuter or casual ride, with good sizing, colors, and safety. But the lack of included accessories feels like a miss compared to the Discover 2. If you’re fine buying extras, it’s a solid pick—just don’t expect much out of the box beyond the basics.
Is The Velotric Breeze Worth Buying?
After putting the Velotric Breeze 1 through its paces, it’s clear this rig’s got a lot going for it, but it’s not without its quirks. At $1,799, it’s a lightweight contender at 50.1 pounds (42.2 without the battery), and that nimble handling is where it shines.
The 750W motor with 65Nm of torque, 70-mile range, and smooth torque sensor make it a peppy, easy ride—quiet, comfy, and a breeze to handle, just like the name suggests. The tech package is a standout too, with SensorSwap, a slick 3.5-inch display, and app perks like GPS and Apple Find My, all shared with its pricier siblings like the Discover 2.
Where it stumbles is value. For $1,899, the Discover 2 packs a similar motor (750W w/ 75Nm of Torque), tech, and range, plus a suspension fork, fenders, and a rack—though it’s a heftier 70-something pounds. The Breeze 1’s lack of included accessories like fenders and a rack feels like a miss at this price point. If Velotric tossed those in, it’d sweeten the deal and better justify the cost. As it stands, you’re paying a premium for that lighter build, and whether that’s worth it depends on what you’re after.
**Use code: EBRB101 for a discount at checkout**
So, who’s this bike for? If you’re prioritizing a lightweight e-bike that’s easy to maneuver—say, for city commuting, quick jaunts, or stashing in tight spaces—the Breeze 1’s a solid pick. The step-thru frame, comfy upright ride, and versatile tech make it great for casual riders, weekend explorers, or anyone who values nimbleness over a spec-heavy build.
In the end, the Breeze 1’s a well-executed ride that nails the lightweight, easygoing vibe. Preference is king here and if you know you’re looking for a lightweight step-through commuter that does it all well, the Velotric Breeze 1 is worth a look.
Pros
- The Breeze 1 is a legit lightweight step-thru commuter, clocking in at just 42 pounds without the battery.
- It delivers a smooth, comfy ride thanks to Kenda 27.5×2.2” commuter tires and Velotric’s ComfortMax saddle, no suspension fork needed.
- Velotric’s latest torque sensor feels natural and refined, making it their best yet by a long shot.
- With SensorSwap, you can flip between torque and cadence sensors—both come standard, a rare perk I’m into.
- It’s loaded with tech like Apple Find My, GPS ride tracking, speed and throttle tuning, and over-the-air updates.
Cons
- No fenders, racks or other commuter perks when priced up against the Discover 2 which has many better options.
- 15 Riding Modes is overkill and could be confusing for some.
**Use code: EBRB101 for a $60 discount at checkout**
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