The Velotric T1 ST Plus brings a practical, lightweight design to city commuters, fitness buffs, or anyone looking for a value-driven e-bike. Released around the same time as the Ride1Up Roadster V3 I recently reviewed, the T1 ST Plus shares a rigid frame, rear hub motor, and similar geometry, all priced identically at $1,299. However, it seems these are not ‘apples to apples’ competitors as this bike has a techy fitness theme the Roadster V3 leans more into performance.
With its 350W rear hub motor peaking at 600W, 40 Nm of torque, and Class 3 capabilities (28 mph), it’s built for getting around the city efficiently. Plus, it adds modern conveniences like app connectivity, Apple Find My integration, and health data syncing leaning into its grab-and-go fitness theme.
My Experience Riding The Velotric T1 ST+ E-Bike
The Velotric T1 ST Plus makes a solid first impression, especially for a commuter e-bike at this price point of $1,299. Right away, you notice how lightweight it is, advertised at 39 lbs, but my test bike came in at 43 lbs. That’s still manageable for a city bike, easy to carry up stairs or into elevators. Its geometry is typical of a commuter, giving you an upright, comfortable ride with most of the weight distributed between the ergonomic grips and Velotric’s cushioned saddle. However, it’s worth noting that the rigid frame and lack of suspension means you will feel hitting potholes or curbs, a natural tradeoff with rigid frames.
The motor on the T1 ST Plus is a rear hub 350W with 40 Nm of torque, providing a decent punch for most urban riding situations. Hitting the 28 mph top speed or climbing steep inclines did require some help from my legs. That’s part of the fun though, especially for those who enjoy some fitness from their ride.
The torque sensor does a good job of matching your pedal effort, and with 15 levels of pedal assist split across three modes (Eco, Trail, and Boost), I found that Trail mode was the right middle ground for most of my rides. Changing modes is easy through the handlebar-mounted control pad or the Velotric app, which offers modern features like GPS ride tracking, Apple Find My integration, and OTA updates.
As for the drivetrain, the Shimano Altus 8-speed system shifts smoothly, and the 46T chainring pairs well with the 11-32T cassette for city commutes. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, with their 2-piston calipers and 160mm rotors, provide solid stopping power, which is essential for navigating city traffic. Meanwhile, the 700c Velotric-branded wheels wrapped in puncture-resistant Kenda tires offer a fast and smooth ride.
Overall, the T1 ST Plus delivers everything you need for a daily commuter. It’s functional, lightweight, efficient and even has some modern tech sprinkled in making it a strong contender for anyone looking for value in their city e-bike.
Range
Estimated Range (from Velotric):
Real World Range Test Results:
In Velotric’s claims, the T1 ST Plus is said to achieve up to 70 miles on a single charge, which is in line with most e-bikes in this price range when used on lower PAS levels. In my real-world test, PAS 1 provided minimal assist, barely adding speed, so I opted for PAS 2 and got 59 miles—still a solid performance for daily commutes. On PAS 5, I got around 24 miles, which is reasonable given the extra demand on the motor at those higher assist levels.
I’m sure had I used PAS 1, I would have seen something much closer to the expected 70 miles. In fact, I did some looking at other reviews and found some folks got as much as 84 miles!
In practical terms, if you’re sticking to lower power levels or cruising at moderate speeds, you can easily achieve those upper range numbers, making it great for commutes all week without nightly charges. However, if you’re hammering the higher PAS levels, especially in hilly areas, expect more frequent recharges. For a lightweight city commuter, the T1 ST Plus balances practical range with sufficient power.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Velotric T1 ST Plus packs a Class 3 rear hub motor delivering 350W of nominal power, with peak output hitting 600W. This setup offers 40 Nm of torque, which is moderate for a city commuter and enough to comfortably handle flats and even some mild hills. The power delivery feels smooth, especially when riding at lower PAS levels, but don’t expect it to tackle steep inclines without a bit of effort on your part. The IPX7-rated battery ensures water resistance, and being UL 2271 certified gives peace of mind in terms of safety.
For a lightweight, practical e-bike aimed at urban and recreational riders, the motor and battery are well-kitted for getting around town quickly. It’s not the most powerful e-bike in its class, but it strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency for those prioritizing range and reliability.
Components
The Velotric T1 ST Plus is built with practicality and urban commuting in mind, and the components reflect that well. The rigid frame and fork, both made of 6061 aluminum alloy, keep the bike lightweight and responsive. The 700c double-wall aluminum alloy wheels paired with puncture-resistant Kenda 700x40c tires are ideal for city streets, offering durability and grip without weighing you down.
The Shimano 8-speed drivetrain is reliable and smooth for most city terrains, with a 46T chainring and an 11-32T cassette giving you a solid range for flats and moderate hills. The Shimano Altus 8-speed rear derailleur and trigger shifters perform smoothly, making gear changes feel responsive and easy.
Comfort features include an adjustable aluminum stem, ergonomic lock-on grips, and a cushioned Velotric-branded saddle, which make for an enjoyable ride even over longer distances. While the bike lacks suspension, the hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro with 160mm rotors ensure you have solid stopping power in various conditions. The rigid setup suits riders focused on efficiency and speed for fitness rides or daily commuting.
Overall, the T1 ST Plus is a well-balanced commuter and recreational e-bike, offering solid components at a competitive price point for those who value performance and comfort.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Velotric T1 ST Plus features a 1.8″ full-color display that shows essential metrics like speed, battery level, riding mode, and PAS level, making it easy to monitor your ride in real-time. The display also has an adjustable angle for better visibility.
The display integrates with the Velotric app, which includes features like Apple Find My compatibility, GPS ride tracking, and OTA firmware updates. The app also allows you to tweak settings such as display brightness, units of measurement, and auto shut-off time, making it a practical tool for urban commuters.
Drive modes include Eco, Trail, and Boost, with five levels of PAS within each mode, allowing riders to customize their power and efficiency on the fly. This setup ensures the T1 ST Plus can handle various riding scenarios, from casual cruising to more aggressive rides.
Velotric T1 ST+ Model Options
The Velotric T1 ST Plus is available in two frame sizes, Regular and Large, accommodating riders from 4’11” to 6’4″. The 6061 triple-butted aluminum alloy frame is offered in two color options: Sand (Tan) and Lava (Orange).
With multiple mounting points, the bike allows for practical customization, including options for a rear rack, front rack, fenders, and water bottle cages. Velotric offers a range of optional accessories like rear rack bags, phone mounts, and an electronic tire pump, making this bike adaptable for various commuting or recreational needs.
Is The Velotric T1 ST Plus Worth Buying?
The Velotric T1 ST Plus is a solid, value-focused commuter e-bike that delivers more than its price tag might suggest. For $1,299, you get a sleek, lightweight ride with practical features like a 350W rear hub motor, a decent 59-mile range on PAS 2, and an intuitive app for ride tracking and settings. While the bike shines in many areas, such as its integration of modern tech and impressive range, the absence of standard accessories like racks or fenders may feel like a missed opportunity for some commuters.
Overall, it’s a great fit for anyone looking for a budget-friendly commuter or recreational e-bike with a bit of style and functionality. With its UL certifications and thoughtfully designed frame, it holds up well for both city riders and those who need a little extra tech in their daily rides.
Pros
- With certifications like UL 2271, UL 2849, and ISO 4210, the Velotric T1 ST Plus shows it’s built with safety and durability in mind.
- Its slim, lightweight form factor makes it easy to handle, ideal for city navigation or quick trips.
- The bike offers great value for the price, especially given its performance and features.
- Multiple mounting points on the frame and fork provide versatility, allowing you to customize it for commuting or gravel riding.
- App connectivity, GPS ride tracking, and OTA updates add a tech-forward experience.
- The 360W motor with 40Nm torque offers a solid power balance, well-suited for fitness-focused or urban rides.
Cons
- The lack of commuter-friendly features like fenders and a rack reduces its immediate practicality for daily riders but several mounting points are ready when you are.
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