Velotric has quickly made a name for itself in the e-bike world, offering a range of well-built, budget-friendly options for different types of riders. The Nomad 1 Plus, their latest fat tire e-bike, looks to bring versatility and comfort to the forefront without breaking the bank. At just $1,399, it has plenty of power, gave me a smooth ride, and solid range—all in a package designed to handle both city streets and off-road trails.
Fat tire e-bikes have been gaining popularity for their ability to tackle varied terrain, and the Nomad 1 Plus is no exception. With its 750W motor, hydraulic suspension fork, and 26×4-inch tires, this bike is built to handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures. But does it live up to the hype, and where does it fit in the competitive fat tire market? Let’s break down the specs and performance to see how it stacks up.
My Experience Riding The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus E-Bike
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus provides a balanced ride that feels reliable in a variety of conditions. With its 750W rear hub motor generating 75 Nm of torque, the bike offers enough power to tackle most terrains, while the cadence sensor keeps the acceleration smooth and predictable. The power delivery is mild at low speeds, which can be reassuring for newer e-bike riders or those concerned with maintaining control. Once up to speed, though, the motor kicks in with plenty of punch, especially helpful on hill climbs where you can feel the 75 Nm of torque really working.
The unbranded hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers and 180mm rotors provide solid stopping power. While they aren’t a high-end brand name, they performed well in real-world conditions, delivering consistent braking with good modulation. Combined with the 26×4 CST BFT knobby tires, the bike handles confidently over a range of surfaces, offering good grip even on loose terrain. These fat tires also contribute to the overall smoothness of the ride, absorbing bumps and uneven ground with ease.
Comfort is another standout feature here. The wide, cushioned seat does a nice job of keeping things comfortable without being too bulky, so it doesn’t interfere with your pedaling. Pair that with the front suspension fork and 4-inch-wide tires, and the bike is ready for long rides with minimal discomfort. The upright riding position—thanks to the geometry and adjustable stem—ensures a relaxed posture, which is great for casual riders or commuters. I had mine set upright, but the stem’s adjustability allows for dialing in a more aggressive or relaxed position based on your personal preference.
The step-through frame makes getting on and off the bike a breeze, and it’s advertised to fit riders from 5’1” to 6’4”. As someone who’s 5’11”, I found the fit spot on, with room for adjustment either way.
Range
Estimated Range (from Velotric): 55 miles
Real World Range Test Results: PAS 1: 52 miles, PAS 5: 26 miles
Velotric claims the Nomad 1 Plus can go up to 55 miles on a single charge, and in our real-world tests, we came pretty close to that number, though your results will vary depending on how hard you’re pushing the bike. On PAS 1 (the lowest pedal assist level), we managed to get 52 miles, which is impressive and right in line with their estimate. This level is great for flat terrain or casual cruising when you don’t need a lot of motor support, and it really stretches out the battery life.
On the flip side, when we cranked it up to PAS 5—the highest level of assist—the range dropped to 26 miles. That’s still a decent result considering we were asking for maximum power the whole time. PAS 5 performs well when climbing hills or when you just want to cruise at higher speeds with minimal effort, but it does drain the battery a lot faster. Both tests were done on a full charge from the 691Wh battery, and it’s clear that how far you can go really depends on how much you rely on the motor. Whether you prioritize distance or power, the Nomad 1 Plus gives you room for both.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus comes equipped with a 48V, 750W rear hub motor that delivers a maximum of 75 Nm of torque. That’s a solid amount of power for a fat tire e-bike, and paired with the cadence sensor, it offers smooth, gradual acceleration.
The motor feels capable without being too aggressive, especially on lower PAS levels. For casual cruising or riding on flatter terrain, the lower levels of assist feel natural and easy to control, but when you need it, the motor packs enough punch to push you up hills or through rougher terrain. The bike tops out at 28 MPH on PAS 5, which is about as fast as most riders will want to go on a fat tire setup, and the thumb throttle gives you quick, on-demand power when you need it.
The battery is a 48V, 691Wh unit, which is a decent size for a bike like this. Velotric chose to use Samsung/LG 21700 cells, which are known for their reliability and long-term durability, and its UL 2271 and UL 2580 certified for added peace of mind. In real-world terms, this battery should give you enough juice for solid range, depending on how you ride.
The removable design makes it easy to charge off the bike, and for most riders, the battery offers a good balance of range and performance, whether you’re commuting, exploring off-road, or running errands.
Components
When it comes to the bike’s components, Velotric has put together a decent setup. The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus also features an 80mm travel hydraulic suspension fork with a lock-out option, which adds a layer of versatility to the bike. This fork helps smooth out bumps and rough terrain, making off-road riding more comfortable, while the lock-out feature allows you to stiffen the fork for more efficient riding on smoother surfaces.
For lighting, the bike is equipped with a high-output, integrated LED front light that produces 60 LUX and has an adjustable angle, ensuring good visibility for night rides or low-light conditions. The rear light includes a braking indicator, which enhances safety by signaling to those behind you when you’re slowing down or coming to a stop. These thoughtful additions round out the bike’s components, making it practical for both day and night riding.
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus features a simple but reliable 8-speed drivetrain. With a Shimano Altus rear derailleur and 8-speed shift levers, the shifting feels smooth and precise, offering enough range for most everyday riding scenarios. The 13-34T cassette paired with a 46T chainring provides solid gearing for both flat roads and moderate climbs, though you may feel it’s geared a bit more for urban or light trail riding rather than hardcore off-roading. The aluminum alloy crankset is standard, and its 170mm length feels comfortable for most riders, providing a nice balance of leverage without feeling too long or cumbersome during pedaling.
The adjustable 90-degree stem is a nice touch, allowing you to easily dial in your preferred riding position, whether you want a more upright, relaxed stance or something a bit more aggressive. The 700mm aluminum alloy flat bar is wide enough for good control, and the ergonomic lock-on grips are comfortable for longer rides, staying in place without slipping around.
The Velotric-branded urban comfort saddle is wide and cushioned, offering good support for longer rides without feeling overly bulky. It sits on an aluminum alloy seatpost with a 30.9mm diameter and a 350mm length, giving enough adjustability for most riders. Pedals are basic flat plastic with reflectors—functional but not fancy, though you can always swap them out if you prefer something more premium.
The hydraulic disc brakes, though unbranded, performed well in my testing. They feature 180mm rotors and 2-piston calipers, providing solid stopping power with good modulation. I can’t speak to their long-term durability or ease of servicing, but during testing, they handled sudden stops without issue and gave me confidence in a variety of conditions.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus is equipped with a straightforward 3.5” backlit duo-tone LCD display. It gives you all the essential readouts you’d expect, including speed, battery level, odometer, PAS level, and a light indicator. The display is clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, making it simple to check your stats on the go without any fuss.
One handy feature is the built-in USB Type-A port, which allows you to charge your phone or other devices directly from the bike. This can be particularly useful on longer rides when your phone’s battery starts to run low. It’s a practical touch, especially if you’re using navigation apps or tracking your ride.
One thing to note is that the Nomad 1 Plus does not come with a dedicated app, unlike a few other models from Velotric that offer that feature. Everything you need to control and monitor the bike is handled through the display itself, which keeps things simple for those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Model Options
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus comes in two frame options: a Step-Over (High Step) and a Step-Thru design. The Step-Thru frame is suitable for riders between 5’1” and 6’4”, while the High-Step version accommodates riders from 5’6” to 6’9”. Both frames provide a sturdy build with a weight of 71 lbs, and the bike has an impressive load capacity of 440 lbs, making it a great choice for larger riders or those needing to carry extra gear.
The bike is available in two colors: Indigo Grey and Forest Green, both of which offer a sleek, understated look. In terms of functionality, the frame includes attachment points for added utility, with one on the downtube and another for a front basket.
The Nomad 1 Plus also comes with a rear rack and a rearview mirror as standard accessories, while optional extras include a front basket, suspension seat post, and a phone mount. These options allow you to customize the bike to suit your specific needs, whether you’re using it for commuting or adventure riding.
Is The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Worth Buying?
Overall, the Velotric Nomad 1 Plus offers a great mix of power, comfort, and versatility at a competitive price point. Its 750W motor and fat tires give it the ability to handle a variety of terrains, while the adjustable geometry and cushioned components make it a comfortable choice for long rides, whether you’re commuting or exploring off-road. With its thoughtful design and useful features, it’s clear Velotric has built a well-rounded bike for a wide range of riders.
Pros
- The 750W motor with 75 Nm of torque provides solid acceleration and top speeds of up to 28 MPH, making it versatile for both urban and off-road riding.
- The combination of an 80mm travel front suspension fork, wide cushioned saddle, and 4-inch fat tires ensures a smooth ride on various terrains.
- Achieves up to 52 miles on the lowest pedal assist level (PAS 1) and 26 miles on PAS 5, giving flexibility for long or power-driven rides.
- The 90-degree adjustable stem and upright riding position allow riders to customize their fit for comfort or performance.
- Sturdy frame with a load capacity of 440 lbs, making it suitable for heavier riders or carrying extra gear.
- Comes with integrated front and rear lights, including a braking indicator, along with a rear rack and rearview mirror.
- At $1,399, it offers a solid mix of features and performance at a competitive price, making it an accessible choice for a wide range of riders.
Cons
- While the brakes performed well during testing, the lack of a known brand makes it hard to predict their long-term durability or ease of servicing.
- At 74 lbs, the bike is heavy, which could be a challenge for those needing to lift or transport it frequently.
That said, one area that could use some improvement is the choice of brakes. While the unbranded hydraulic disc brakes performed well during our testing, providing plenty of stopping power and smooth control, it’s difficult to predict how they’ll hold up in the long run. Opting for a more well-known brake brand would offer more confidence in terms of longevity and ease of servicing down the line.
Still, the Nomad 1 Plus delivers solid performance where it counts and includes practical features like integrated lights, a sturdy frame, and plenty of customization options. For riders looking for a reliable, comfortable fat tire e-bike at a reasonable price, this model certainly earns its place as a strong contender in the category.
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