Velotric’s been carving out a solid rep for e-bikes over the past couple years that punch above their weight class, and the Nomad 2 is their latest shot at raising the bar. This fat-tire rig isn’t just a sequel—it’s a rethink, loaded with features that catch your eye without drowning you in spec sheets.
They’ve doubled down on rider control this time, tossing in both cadence and torque sensors you can swap between on a whim—cadence keeps it smooth and easy, torque gives you that extra kick when the trail gets rowdy.
Payload’s a hefty 505 lbs, which leaves most cargo bikes in the dust, and then there’s the curveball: a 1,000 lbs towing capacity. That’s not a typo—it’s a first for me, and it’s bonkers for a bike. The Nomad 2 feels like Velotric’s bid to blend serious capability with real-world usability, but does it hold up? Let’s dig in and find out.
**Use code: EBReviewN201 for a discount at checkout**
My Experience Riding The Velotric Nomad 2 E-Bike
After a week with the Velotric Nomad 2, I’ve got a solid feel for what this bike’s about—and it’s a lot. First off, the ride is plush in a way that sneaks up on you. That super-wide saddle, paired with a dual-spring suspension seatpost, soaks up bumps like it’s on a mission. Add in the 26×4-inch Kenda tires and a 100mm RST suspension fork, and you’ve got a trio that laughs off rough stuff. I took it down a local gravel road littered with 3-4” rocks—nasty enough to rattle most bikes into submission—and the Nomad 2 just rolled over it. I could’ve sipped a drink without spilling, it’s that smooth.
They sent me the Midnight Blue High-Step version (there’s a Step-Through too), and it’s sharp—clean lines, solid finish. That said, I kept eyeballing the other colors: Olive, Slate, Sage, and Cranberry. The Olive or Sage might’ve stolen my heart if I’d had the pick. The riding position’s upright and relaxed out of the box, but the 90-degree adjustable stem lets you tweak it—dial it forward for a leaner stance or keep it relaxed. It’s a nice touch for switching vibes mid-ride.
Power comes from a 750W rear hub motor, peaking at 1,300W with 90Nm of torque—plenty of juice when you want it. The three modes—Eco, Trail, and Boost—each split into five PAS levels, give you 15 shades of assist to play with. Trail mode hit the sweet spot for me: peppy enough for fun, not so thirsty it drains the battery fast. Boost, though? That’s where it gets wild—you’ll scream up steep hills, no sweat, but it guzzles power like a beast. Eco’s your cruiser, perfect for stretching the range. And Trail is the Goldilock’s middle ground. Speed’s customizable too—unlock it to 28 mph for Class 3 kicks or lock it at 20 mph for Class 2 compliance, depending on your local rules. That flexibility’s always a win in my book.
The torque sensor’s the real surprise—or maybe it’s just sharper programming. Either way, it’s a clear jump from the original Nomad. Power flows in smooth and natural, without that laggy cadence-only feel. It’s not perfect—the battery takes a hit if you lean on the throttle or max out the assist—but it’s tuned well enough to keep you grinning.
In hindsight, the Nomad 2 just feels like a two-wheeled monster truck: big, brash, and ready to eat up whatever you throw at it. Mundane trips turn into a blast, and that’s the kind of bike I can get behind—though at 82lbs, don’t plan on tossing it on a rack without some grunt.
Range
Estimated Range (from Velotric): 65 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- MIN PAS: 64 miles (Torque Sensor, Eco Mode, PAS 3)
- MAX PAS: 25 (Torque Sensor, Boost Mode, PAS 5)
Range is the e-bike stat everyone wants to nail down—how far will it go before you’re pedaling a brick? I took the Velotric Nomad 2 out for a week of real-world testing to see how it holds up against the brand’s 65-mile claim, and here’s what I got, plus a practical take for your next ride.
Velotric specs the Nomad 2 at 65 miles with pedal assist, which is a decent pitch for a fat-tire rig like this. I tested it two ways: a MIN assist run in Eco mode at PAS 3—since PAS 1 and 2 were barely worth the effort—and a MAX assist push in Boost mode at PAS 5, full gas. The MIN test landed right at 65 miles, spot-on with Velotric’s number, pedaling steadily with light assist through those chunky 26×4” tires at 30 PSI. MAX, though, clocked in at 26 miles—Boost mode dished out the power, but it drained the battery fast, no surprise there.
Think of it like this: a small sedan might sip gas and stretch the MPG, but a 3/4-ton truck towing a load guzzles it—that’s the Nomad 2. It’s built for heavy lifting with a 505 lbs payload and 90Nm of torque, so don’t expect sedan-like range when you’re hauling or hammering hills; the 26-mile MAX is just part of the deal, not a flaw. If you’re cruising easy—commuting or taking a mellow spin—the 65 miles is in reach with some legwork and Eco mode. Lean on Boost or throttle-only (rated at an estimates 45 miles), and it’s more truck than car—plan shorter trips or keep a charger close.
For buyers, it’s about matching your ride to your needs: 65 miles is solid for lighter days, but 26 miles is the reality when you flex its muscle. It’s not a loss, just physics—power like this trades distance for grunt.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The power setup on an e-bike is what makes it tick—how much shove it’s got and how long it’ll keep you moving before it’s just you and the pedals. I spent a week with the Velotric Nomad 2, digging into its motor and battery, and here’s what it’s working with, plus how it fits a rig like this.
The motor’s a rear hub unit, rated at 750W but peaking at 1,300W with 90Nm of torque—that’s some serious kick for a fat-tire hauler. It’s tied to three drive modes—Eco, Trail, and Boost—each with five PAS levels, giving you 15 ways to dial it in; Boost mode had me powering up steep stuff with ease, while Trail kept things peppy without overdoing it.
That rear hub design is no-fuss and tough, a good match for a bike built to lug 505 lbs of payload, though it’ll chug battery fast if you’re always cranking—26 miles was my maxed-out range in Boost PAS 5. The dual-sensor setup (torque and cadence) with SensorSwap is a highlight—smooth power from the torque sensor feels spot-on, and flipping modes via the display or app is a cinch, though 15 levels total feels like overkill; I’d take a simple PAS 1-5 any day over this much tweaking.
Battery-wise, it’s a 705.6Wh pack—48V, 14.7Ah, UL 2271 certified with Samsung cells, and IPX7 water resistance to boot. It’s a decent stash of juice, hitting Velotric’s 65-mile assist range in my Eco PAS 3 test, or dropping to 45 miles on throttle alone per their spec—solid for a 75-pound beast with big tires (though my scale said 82 lbs with battery, 71 lbs without, and 10.1 lbs for the pack solo).
The included 3A fast charger keeps downtime short, and that IPX7 rating means it’ll handle a rinse without blinking. Still, lean hard on the 90Nm torque, and you’re trading range for grunt—fair for a bike this capable, just plan accordingly.
For a fat-tire rig aimed at adventure or heavy loads, the Nomad 2’s power system holds up: the motor’s got the muscle for tough jobs, the battery’s got legs if you ride smart, and the sensors add finesse—though the PAS maze might leave you scratching your head. It’s built to push, not to sip, so match it to your needs.
Components
Components are the nuts and bolts of an e-bike—literally the stuff that keeps it rolling, steering, and stopping. I took a close look at the Velotric Nomad 2’s lineup after a week of riding, and here’s what it’s rocking, plus how it fits a fat-tire rig built for adventure and hauling.
The frame’s a triple-butted aluminum alloy, paired with a 100mm RST front fork—coil spring with preload and a lockout—which keeps things plush without getting fancy. It’s a solid base for a fat bike, soaking up gravel and trail chatter like I found on those 3-4” rock runs, though the 82 lbs (with battery) I weighed it at means it’s more bruiser than nimble; perfect for bombing around with gear or a load, less so if you’re chasing a lightweight feel.
Wheels are 26-inch alloy rims wrapped in Kenda 26×4.0” puncture-resistant tires—chunky and grippy, they plow through loose stuff and shrug off flats, which is exactly what you want on a bike pitching 505 lbs payload and off-road cred. Although, with any fat tire that’s 4 inches wide, you can expect some tire humming noises on paved roads that come with chunky tires.
Drivetrain’s a Shimano setup: Acera 8-speed rear derailleur, 11-40T cassette, and a 48T chainring up front, shifted with 8-speed trigger shifters sporting a gear window. It’s not top-shelf, but works well and gives plenty of gear range for grinding up hills with assistance or spinning easy on flats, and the 165mm alloy crank arms keep it sturdy for heavier riders or towing dreams (even if I didn’t test that 1,000 lbs claim).
Brakes are Tektro TDK 171 hydraulic discs—2-piston calipers with a 203mm front rotor and 180mm rear—and they’re workhorses; stopping power’s strong and steady on descents, though modulation’s basic, which suits a rig this hefty just fine. Oh, and the levers have adjustable reach so you can tweak how far the levers stick out based on your hand size.
Cockpit features round it out with a 0-90 degree adjustable stem (31.8mm clamp, 90mm length) and a Dutch-style alloy handlebar let you tweak from upright and relaxed to a bit more lean-in, while lock-on ergonomic grips keep your hands planted.
The saddle’s a Velotric-branded ergonomic perch on a 30.9mm alloy suspension seatpost—wide and cushy, it teams with the fork for that plush ride I loved, and flat pedals with reflectors are simple but functional for all-terrain hopping. It’s built for long-haul comfort and durability, not racing—exactly the vibe fat bike fans like adventure seekers or load-haulers crave.
For a fat-tire e-bike aimed at off-road fun and big capacity, the Nomad 2’s components hit the mark: tough, practical, and tuned for soaking up bumps over chasing speed. Nothing flashy, but it’s a cohesive kit that’ll keep you rolling—just don’t expect featherweight agility with this much beef.
Screen / User Interface / App
The display and app on an e-bike are your command center—where you see what’s up and tweak how it rides. I spent some time with the Velotric Nomad 2’s setup, and here’s what it’s bringing to the table, plus how it fits a fat-tire rig built for adventure and hauling.
The display’s a 3.5-inch color screen, and I’ve seen it before on Velotric rides like the Discover 2 and Summit 1—it’s a standout. Bright, high-contrast, and with a UI/UX that doesn’t leave you fumbling for a manual, it’s easy to navigate whether you’re a gearhead or just hopping on your first e-bike; swapping sensors, tweaking class speeds, or checking stats is all right there, no hassle. It’s more than just speed and battery life—real-time motor and controller temps pop up, alongside extras like CO2 saved and calories burned, which is neat if you’re into that. There’s even a USB-C port baked in, so I kept my phone juiced while rolling, a small win for longer rides.
The Velotric app ties in smooth, doubling as a bigger display while GPS-tracking your route—handy for mapping out trails or commutes. It handles over-the-air updates too, keeping the bike’s firmware fresh, and there’s Apple Find My tech for 24/7 tracking, though I couldn’t test that with my Android. You can fine-tune class settings—switch between Class 1, 2, or 3—and set speed caps for throttle and PAS, capping out at 28 mph or dialing back to 20 mph if your local rules demand it. That flexibility’s a plus, especially for a bike pitching versatility, though the app’s not mandatory—most tweaks work fine on the display alone.
Overall, this setup’s a good fit: clear data keeps you in the loop on a beefy 82-lb rig, and the customization suits its do-it-all vibe. It’s not flashy for the sake of it—the simplicity and extras like temp monitoring and USB charging make sense for long rides or rugged use, even if Android folks like me miss out on the Find My perk.
Velotric Nomad 2 Model Options
In terms of options on the Nomad, things like frames, colors, fit, and extras—tell you a lot about who it’s built for and how it’ll roll into your life. I broke down the Velotric Nomad 2’s lineup, from geometry to accessories, and here’s what you’re working with, plus how it lines up for a fat-tire rig like this.
The Nomad 2 comes in two frame styles: Step-Through (ST) and High-Step (HS), each in Regular and Large sizes to fit a range of riders. Step-Through Regular fits 5’2” to 5’11” (or 4’11” to 5’10” without the suspension seatpost), Large goes 5’10” to 6’5” (or 5’7” to 6’5”); High-Step mirrors that at Regular 5’2” to 5’11” and Large 5’10” to 6’5”. It’s a broad spread, and the ST’s low 410mm step-over makes it a breeze to hop on, especially if you’re hauling gear or not swinging a leg over every ride.
Colors depend on the frame—Step-Through gets Cranberry, Slate, Olive, and Midnight Blue; High-Step sticks to Sage and Midnight Blue—and I’ve gotta say, Velotric’s knack for fun hues holds up here, following vibes like the Summit 1’s orange pop; Sage and Olive caught my eye, though I tested the Midnight Blue HS.
Out of the box, it’s setup with composite fenders front and rear (although the Step-Through version I also received had alloy fenders FYI), and a matte black rear rack with rounded corners, rated for 66 lbs. Finally, two bottle cage mounts on the downtube add a nod to longer rides.
The Nomad 2 comes with an impressive list of safety and durability certifications. When it comes to rainy day rides, theres an IPX6 water resistance rating for the entire bike, and IPX7 for the 10.1-lb battery, plus UL 2849, UL 2271, and ISO 4210 certs, which Velotric says cleared durability tests by a 25% margin. It’s a chunky setup at 82 lbs total (my scale, not their 75 lbs claim), but for a sub-$2,000 bike hitting the streets in February 2025 with a 2-year warranty, it’s loaded.
For a fat-tire e-bike pitched at adventure seekers and haulers, the options make sense: frame sizes cover most riders, the rack and fenders gear it up for real-world use, and the certs give peace of mind for off-road or heavy loads. Color choices add some flair without overcomplicating it—just pick your style and size, and you’re set for a rig that’s more about getting out there than flexing at the shop.
Is The Velotric Nomad 2 Worth Buying?
After a week with the Velotric Nomad 2, it’s time to wrap up the ride and figure out where this fat-tire rig lands—warts and all. Here’s my take, with the highs, the hiccups, and who might want to throw a leg over it at $1,999.
This bike’s got a lot going for it. The 750W motor with 90Nm of torque and a 705.6Wh battery deliver solid grunt—65 miles in Eco PAS 3, 26 miles when I maxed it out in Boost—while the 100mm RST fork, suspension seatpost, and fat 26×4” Kenda tires make it plush enough to eat up gravel or fire roads without rattling you to bits. Toss in a 505 lbs payload and a wild 1,000 lbs towing spec (untested by me, deadline crunched), and it’s clear this thing’s built to haul or roam, not just sip battery on a quick loop. The colors—Olive, Sage, Cranberry, and more—pop like Velotric’s known for, and the display’s clean, with app perks like SensorSwap and speed tweaks that keep it sharp for a sub-$2k ride hitting shelves in February 2025.
Room for improvement? Yeah, the 15 PAS levels split across Eco, Trail, and Boost modes are a head-scratcher—three modes times five levels feels like overkill, and for newbies, it’s more confusing than clever. I’d rather see a straight PAS 1-5 setup and call it a day; it’s a fix to a problem nobody asked for. That’s my main gripe, though, and when that’s the biggest ding, you’re looking at a bike punching above its weight.
So, who’s this for? If you’re into weekend escapes—camping, running trails—or need a comfy daily commuter that can lug groceries or gear, the Nomad 2’s a contender. It’s got the beef for heavier riders or light towing (if you can test that 1,000 lbs claim), and the ride seems to be a good fit for folks who want capability with a plush feel. Not perfect for twitchy speed freaks or anyone scared off by an 82-lb heft, but for the adventure crowd or haulers, it’s worth a look. Velotric’s been catching my eye lately, and this one keeps that streak alive—a solid kit that gets the job done, with lots of comfort.
Pros
- Massive Power with a 1000 lb towing capacity and a class-leading 505 lb max payload.
- Sensor Swap tech means you get both a cadence and torque sensor, leaving you to play with each and use what you like best.
- Safety and Durability tested with UL 2849, UL 2271, ISO 4210 and IPX6 and IPX7 Water Resistance ratings shows this bike is up to the tasks you have ahead.
- Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes with adjustable reach levers and a 203mm front rotor, and a 180mm rear rotor, a nice setup for a beefy ride that needs solid braking power.
- Nice tech features like App connectivity with Apple ‘Find My’, OTA Updates, GPS Ride Tracking, Motor and throttle tuning and more.
Cons
- 3 Riding Modes (Eco, Trail and Boost) with 5 levels of Pedal Assist in each, makes for a total of 15 riding modes. For me, 15 is too many options for a bike, leave it to 3-5 and call it a day.
**Use code: EBReviewN201 for a discount at checkout**
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