I spent the week riding the Velotric Discover 1 Plus, and if there’s one thing that stands out, it’s the value you’re getting for the price. At $1,199, this e-bike is loaded with practical features that usually come at a higher cost: an 80mm suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a range close to 70 miles. It’s built for real-world use with a solid 440 lb payload capacity and five color options that add a bit of fun.
The Discover 1 Plus is all about easy, reliable riding. The adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, and step-through frame make it a commuter’s dream — no flashy extras, just a dependable bike that handles your daily rides with ease.
My Experience Riding The Velotric Discover 1 Plus E-Bike
From the moment I hopped on the Velotric Discover 1 Plus, it was clear that this bike is built for comfort. The step-through frame and upright geometry make mounting and dismounting a breeze, and the adjustable stem lets you fine-tune your position for a more relaxed or slightly forward-leaning ride. For a commuter e-bike, it strikes a great balance between comfort and efficiency. The ergonomic grips and wide, cushioned saddle add to the overall comfort, which I definitely appreciated on longer rides.
The 500W rear hub motor delivers smooth power. It’s not the kind of bike that’ll snap your neck back with acceleration, but it’s plenty responsive for urban commuting and light hills. On PAS 3, I found myself cruising comfortably at 20 mph without feeling like I was working too hard. The cadence sensor kicks in after about a half-pedal rotation, and the motor assist feels natural—no jerky starts or stops, which is important for handling city traffic. The 65 Nm of torque gives it enough muscle to handle inclines without slowing down too much, and switching between PAS levels is intuitive on the well-placed LCD display control pad.
When it comes to stopping power, the hydraulic disc brakes do a solid job, especially for a bike at this price point. In both controlled stops or emergency braking, the 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors provided reliable stopping power without any drama. I did some hard braking from 25 mph, and the brakes handled it confidently with minimal fade, which is exactly what you want for daily commutes or sudden stops in city traffic.
Overall, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus delivers a smooth, comfortable ride with just enough power to handle various terrains and conditions. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done—and does so with a lot of practicality, making it a great option for anyone looking for a dependable commuter e-bike.
Range
Estimated Range (from Velotric): Up to 65 Miles
Real World Range Test Results: 69 miles, 33 miles
The brand claims the Discover 1 Plus can reach up to 65 miles and 58 miles on throttle, both of which are on PAS 1 and account for a 176-lb rider.
The Discover 1 Plus has a 500W rear hub motor peaking at 900W and has a rated 65Nm of torque. I weigh 180 lbs and in my range test, I got an impressive 69 miles on PAS 1, and on PAS 5, the bike managed 33 miles.
This difference comes down to how the cadence sensor works. Unlike torque sensors, which adjust power based on how hard you pedal, cadence sensors provide an “all or nothing” power delivery.
On PAS 1, the motor’s assistance is minimal, so the battery isn’t heavily taxed. But on PAS 5 or throttle, the motor goes full bore, draining the battery faster. Brands often choose cadence sensors in this price range because they’re more cost-effective than torque sensors or mid-drive setups, but that trade-off can lead to quicker battery drain at higher assist levels.
When its all said and done, getting nearly 70 miles of range from a single charge is an impressive number, especially considering the price point of the Discover 1 Plus.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Discover 1 Plus comes with a 500W rear hub motor, peaking at 900W and delivering 65Nm of torque. It’s not going to rocket off the line, but it’s got enough juice to get you comfortably up to 28 mph. The cadence sensor kicks in after about a half-turn of the cranks and stays on for a second after you stop pedaling — pretty standard for these setups. If you want to cut that motor immediately, the brakes come with motor cut-off sensors that stop power as soon as you pull the levers, a great safety feature.
The battery is a 691Wh 48V system that’s UL 2271 certified. For those unfamiliar, UL 2271 certification means the battery meets high safety standards for lithium-ion systems — a big plus when you’re relying on it for long commutes and at-home charging.
There are five PAS levels to choose from, letting you control how much assistance you get from the motor. PAS 1 gives you just a little help, perfect for cruising and maximizing range. At PAS 5, the motor goes full power, getting you to the bike’s max speed quickly, but also draining the battery faster. This, combined with the ability to switch between Class 1, 2, and 3 modes, means you can dial in your ride to suit different conditions and comfort levels. Whether you’re trying to save battery or let someone else ride more safely at a lower speed, it’s nice to have those options.
Components
The Discover 1 Plus nails the commuter bike vibe with a step-through aluminum alloy frame, a comfy geometry, and components that are built to keep things smooth and reliable. The upright riding position, thanks to the Dutch-style cruiser bars and adjustable stem, makes for an easy-going ride. Combine that with an 80mm coil fork (with lockout and preload) and an ergonomic saddle, and you’ve got a setup that absorbs enough bumps for city streets while keeping you comfortable.
The unbranded hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors offer solid stopping power, performing well in both controlled and quick-stop situations. There’s a bit of modulation to them, but nothing too fancy — they just get the job done, which is really what you need for a commuter. The 26×2.5″ tires roll quietly and smoothly on pavement, with a commuter tread pattern that offers enough grip for typical urban roads. That said, you wouldn’t want to take these tires off-road; they’re designed for asphalt, not dirt or mud.
As for the drivetrain, you’ve got a 7-speed Shimano Tourney setup with an 11-29t cassette. It’s sufficient for most flat or gently rolling terrain, but if you’ve got bigger hills to climb, you might find yourself relying on the motor more than you’d like. A wider gear range would’ve been nice to have, especially for hilly areas, but it does the job for city commutes. Overall, the components here fit the commuter theme well — comfortable, reliable, and more than enough for the daily grind.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Discover 1 Plus keeps things simple with its 3.5” backlit duo-tone LCD display. It’s a bit retro, with a digital text font that feels like something out of an old-school calculator, but it shows all the essential data: speed, PAS level, battery life, odometer, light indicator and a trip meter.
Velotric has an app, but it’s not included for this model — understandable given the price point. Could it benefit from a more modern color display or app connectivity? Sure, but that’s not really the point of this bike. It’s built to keep things straightforward and practical, without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Velotric Discover 1 Plus Model Options
The Discover 1 Plus comes in a single frame size designed to fit riders from 5’1″ to 6’4″, which is a broad range for a one-size bike. I’m 5’11 and found the frame to fit me just fine and the .
It’s available in five fun colors: Forest, Indigo Gray, Mango, Silver, and Cyan — a nice touch considering the price point.
Currently, when you buy the bike, you get a free rearview mirror and rear rack, which are practical add-ons for commuters. If you want to customize further, there are optional accessories like a front basket, rear basket, and phone mount, giving you more versatility depending on your needs.
Is The Velotric Discover 1 Plus Worth Buying?
The Velotric Discover 1 Plus is a solid option for commuters who want a comfortable ride, impressive range, and practical features—all at a budget-friendly price. With perks like a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and included accessories like a rear rack and rearview mirror, it’s a complete package for daily riders.
Sure, the 11-29t cassette leaves you wanting more gear range for steeper climbs, but it’s a minor gripe considering the overall value. It’s a great choice for commuters, weekend warriors, or anyone looking for a smooth and reliable ride around town.
Pros
- At $1,199, the Discover 1 Plus packs in commuter-friendly features like hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, lighting and front suspension, all without breaking the bank.
- It’s a super comfortable ride with upright geometry, cozy saddle, an adjustable stem, and front suspension fork.
- Safety certified with UL 2271 for the battery, UL 2849 for electronics, and ISO 4210 for durability, bragging rights not many other e-bikes at this price point have.
- In my range test, I got 69 miles on PAS 1, making it ideal for long commutes or long breaks in between charges.
- With a hefty 440 lb max payload, it’s great for carrying extra gear or heavier riders.
- Practical components like a front suspension fork, adjustable stem, and hydraulic disc brakes for city riding.
- 5 color options adds a fun, personalized touch with a variety of color options.
Cons
- The 11-29t cassette gives a 319% range, which can feel limiting, especially on steep climbs. A wider range would make pedaling easier on hilly terrain without relying so much on the motor.
Overall, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus offers a lot of bang for your buck. With solid commuting features, a comfortable ride, and a wallet-friendly price, it’s a great option for anyone looking to get around town easily. Add in the free accessories and practical design, and it’s hard to beat for everyday riders.
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