Velotric Fold 1 Plus Review | A Great Bike Just Got Better!

We tested the Fold 1 Plus’s range using the method described above. While we used its highest power level for the minimum range test, we opted for PAS 1 in Trail Mode for the maximum range test, as we felt Eco Mode required more effort than most riders would prefer.

The bike’s high-power test results were right around average when compared to similar bikes (the pool of comparable folding e-bikes we used for comparison went 31.1 miles). The Fold 1 Plus’ low-power results were above average by about 8.5 miles; the pool of similar bikes traveled 59.7 miles.

We consider our results to be excellent for two main reasons:

First, Velotric advertises a range of up to 68 miles. Our testing showed that to be accurate despite our decision to use Trail Mode instead of Eco Mode. We believe there is potential for riders who are comfortable putting in a little more pedal effort to cover even more miles!

Second, the bikes we used for comparison had larger batteries with an average of 680 watt-hours (Wh), versus the Fold 1 Plus’s 624-Wh battery. The fact that Velotric’s bike had fewer watt-hours than its competition means that the Fold 1 Plus made more efficient use of its power to give us average and above-average test results.

We can divide battery capacity by total mileage to determine how many watt-hours the Fold 1 Plus and similar models expended per mile in our testing. The pool of bikes used for comparison averaged 11.4 and 21.8 Wh/m, while the Fold 1 Plus averaged 9.1 and 21.1 Wh/m, reflecting the bike’s average to above-average efficiency.

We performed our testing using the more efficient torque-sensing mode, so riders who prefer the lower-effort feel of the cadence-sensing mode should expect less range from a single charge. Likewise, those carrying cargo or passengers on the rear rack will also burn through battery power faster.

Generally, I found myself not needing the full power of PAS 5 except when climbing hills or wanting to ride at top speed. Riders who spend most of their time on relatively flat ground and who are okay with moderate speed and power levels should expect to fall on the longer side with their range.

A realistic ballpark of 60 to 70 miles of range means that riders can cover many short rides—or a few longer ones—before needing to plug in. As such, the Fold 1 Plus is suitable for commuting to work, taking a leisurely ride, or adventuring on multi-use trails.

When you need to recharge, the bike comes with a 2-amp charger that takes approximately 7.5 hours to charge the battery fully.

As with the Range Test previously, our Hill Test is explained in the graphic above. The Fold 1 Plus completed both portions of the test, with both its throttle and max-assist results showing that the bike had no trouble despite the extended nature of the test.

The Devil’s Backbone is a relatively new location for our testing, and as such, we’re currently in the process of building a new dataset for comparison. The bikes we’ve tested, which are a relatively small but diverse pool representing most e-bike categories, have a throttle time of 2:03 in the throttle test and 2:13 when pedaling.

The Fold 1 Plus was slightly faster in both portions of the test, which is no surprise considering it has a powerful 750-watt motor with a respectable 75 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. When it comes to folding e-bikes we’ve tested, this motor is on the more powerful side; our test shows that it clearly has the capability of dealing with fairly intimidating hills.

As with previous tests, we used the Fold 1 Plus’s torque mode when gathering its climbing performance data. By its very nature, this mode requires active input from the rider, but those looking for a more relaxed experience might consider switching to the cadence sensing mode or simply relying on the throttle.

Either way, we’re happy with the Fold 1 Plus’s results; it can endure long climbs while granting its rider a variety of options for approaching hills.

The Fold 1 Plus had a final score of 23’4”, while similar bikes we’ve tested averaged 18’8”. On paper, the difference between these stopping distances may seem substantial, but there are a few points to consider for context:

First, the bike’s result is well within our range of expected results. While there are exceptions based on the style of bike in question, we consider results below 20’ to be excellent, while those between 20’ and 25’ are acceptable.

Second, our margin of error for this test is between 2-3 feet simply because of the number of variables that affect braking performance.

Third, I conducted separate back-to-back testing of this bike and some of our top performers outside of our formal Brake Test. Going by feel, I didn’t notice much difference. The Fold 1 Plus’s brakes didn’t have quite as much bite as some others, so it skidded a few feet further, but overall, the brakes felt like a good match for the bike’s weight and speed.

Most importantly, I felt safe when using them. They modulated speed well and stopped the bike in what felt like a reasonable time/distance.

The Fold 1 Plus has a hydraulic brake system comparable to many found on the best folding e-bikes we’ve tested. The system uses two-piston calipers and 180-millimeter rotors, which are fairly standard for this category.

The system Velotric used is unbranded, but the brake lever bodies resemble other models we’ve tested from Tektro. With this in mind, there is a decent chance the Fold 1 Plus has name-brand brakes even though the physical components don’t explicitly say so.

Bottom line: the Fold 1 Plus gets our approval for having safe and effective brakes!

Ride Quality is a complex topic. It encompasses many aspects that influence how a bike feels to ride. This includes basic topics such as sizing and fit, suspension, handling, and motor engagement. It also extends to more advanced subjects such as the user interface: in the Fold 1 Plus’ case, things like the display menu and the Velotric app.

Beginning with sizing and fit, the Fold 1 Plus shares the same frame and geometry as the standard Fold 1 and Fold 1 Lite. It has a single-size step-thru frame with a standover height of around 15.75” and is intended for riders from 4’9” to 6’5”.

At 5’11”, I found the bike very comfortable. Its seatpost was long enough (7.5” of adjustment) for me to find an appropriate saddle height for efficient leg extension when pedaling.

As is common with folding e-bikes, the Fold 1 Plus has a telescoping and collapsible stem with 3” of adjustment in handlebar height. The bike has a relatively long reach, but I was still able to enjoy a comfortable bend at the elbow, rather than feeling too stretched out.

I liked the bike’s plush yet supportive saddle, its 660mm handlebars, and its ergonomic rubber grips. The bike includes a suspension fork with 60mm of travel to smooth the ride, which felt effective in my testing, but those seeking to upgrade their comfort can add a suspension seatpost at purchase.

As with the original Fold 1 that I reviewed previously, the Plus has great steering control, nimble handling, and good riding stability. These qualities are a result of its combination of relatively wide handlebars and 20×3” tires. The tires also have the benefit of allowing riders to venture off-road to adventure on relatively smooth dirt or gravel paths.

I have a couple of points of critique to address regarding my experience with the Fold 1 Plus. First, while I (and, I’m sure, many riders) appreciate having many options, I found that the bike’s total of 15 pedal assist settings felt like an overabundance. Considering that there was a fair amount of overlap between them, I’d prefer a smaller number of power levels and the ability to change their power output through the Velotric app.

Additionally, while the motor engaged quickly and effectively reached (sometimes exceeded) the bike’s maximum speed, I experienced some ghost pedaling when using the cadence-sensing mode. Considering the bike’s price—and the fact that 8-speeds are generally standard on similar models—I hope to see an upgrade to at least the Shimano Altus tier in the future.

Otherwise, I appreciated many of the bike’s less-common features; the cruise control function, turn signals, and Apple Find My™ system are standouts in my mind.

Additionally, I consider the Velotric app to be extremely useful, though many of the customization options found there are also accessible through the bike’s display menu. In addition to changing the bike’s settings, however, users can track their rides and sync their data with the Apple Health app.

These features make the Fold 1 Plus one of the most well-equipped folding e-bikes we’ve tested. In addition to having an impressive payload capacity that gives the bike passenger and cargo-hauling potential, it’s comfortable, portable, versatile, and highly customizable. In short, even with a couple of areas with room for improvement, I think its ride quality is great!

The original Fold 1 was (and still is) a great folding e-bike, even though its features were relatively basic; it was clearly designed to compete with other folding, entry-level e-bikes that dominated the affordable market. Since its release, the competition has raised the bar, and I think Velotric did a great job of meeting those changes head-on with the Fold 1 Plus.

In essence, the brand built upon the original model’s solid foundation by upgrading its technology, adding new features, and expanding its programming. The end result is a bike that’s robust and versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of riders.

The Fold 1 Plus scored well in all areas of our testing, with a well-balanced and intuitive pedal assist system, an efficient motor providing above-average range, the strength to climb strenuous hills, and solid stopping power.

Based on its performance and our hands-on experience, we can confidently say that this bike would be effective for a variety of uses, including everything from handling the daily commute to running errands or loading up for a cross-country adventure.

Thanks to Velotric’s SensorSwap feature, the Fold 1 Plus is also suitable for anyone looking for a relaxed and easy ride, just as much as it would make a great exercise bike for those seeking a fun way to squeeze in a workout.

We only ended up with a couple of points of critique, with those being the bike’s occasionally inaccurate speed limits and its overly generous range of pedal assist modes. Otherwise, we consider the Fold 1 Plus extremely easy to recommend.

Otherwise, our testing showed that the Fold 1 Plus is equipped with a powerful motor, and it features sufficient battery power to keep it moving for many miles. It boasts numerous safety features, is equipped with customizable settings to suit your preferences, and includes technology such as the Apple Find My system and Bluetooth connectivity, which help it stand out compared to many other folding bikes on the market.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Velotric Fold 1 Plus down in our comments section.