Velotric Discover M Review | Refined Comfort & Customization

An e-bike’s range is a top concern for most consumers, especially with commuter and hybrid-style e-bikes like the Discover M. We test every model to determine the minimum and maximum distance it can travel on a single charge using the method explained above. With its 500W mid-drive and an 802 Wh battery, our testers covered 32.3 and 81.2 miles.

Similar e-bikes on the market, including the rear-hub-equipped Velotric Discover 3, travelled 34.3 and 70 miles in their testing. Compared to this baseline, the Discover M scored relatively average to above average, meaning that it is well-suited for daily use as a commuter, errand-runner, or leisure bike.

While Velotric’s advertised range of up to 95 miles from a charge may be hopeful, the bike scored well overall. Its most notable advantage was its larger-than-average battery; a total of 802 Wh gave it roughly 135 Wh of additional capacity over the 667-Wh average.

During our testing, the bike’s motor used, on average, 9.9 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) of charge in its Eco mode test and 24.8 Wh/mi in its Boost mode test. For reference, similar models used 10 Wh/mi and 19.9 Wh/mi in their low- and high-power tests, respectively.

Clearly, the bike’s ample battery size allowed it to meet the max-assist average mileage and exceed the low-assist average in our testing, despite using significantly more power than most similar models in Boost.

Based on our interactions with readers and viewers, most travel around 20 miles or less per round trip when riding. Depending on their weight, terrain, speed, and chosen assist level, our testing shows that the average rider should expect a maximum of around four round trips per charge (when using the lowest assist level).

Note that our testing was performed with the bike’s standard settings in Eco and maximized motor output in Boost. Those using the default Boost settings may exceed our results, while those increasing the output of Eco might expect less. We recommend that riders making large adjustments to programming perform their own range test to learn the bike’s capabilities under personalized riding conditions.

An additional thing to note is that Velotric advertises a throttle-only range of up to 70 miles. We did not test the Discover M via this method (an approach we usually reserve for moto-style e-bikes), but our results typically fall below a bike’s high-power pedal assist mileage. As such, we’d expect roughly half of the advertised mileage or less when using the throttle.

Since a battery’s capacity in amp-hours (Ah) can be divided by its charger’s output in amps (A), the Discover M’s 3A fast charger should power up its battery in just over five and a half hours. As a final note, we greatly appreciated the fact that the display shows an estimated remaining charge time when plugged in; it’s an uncommon feature that proved useful and accurate!

We test every e-bike’s ability to climb difficult hills using the method explained above. The Discover M exceeded our expectations in both its Boost mode and throttle-only tests, with results of 1:45 and 1:56, respectively. Similar models scored roughly 2:02 and 2:11, making Velotric’s cruiser/commuter at least 15 seconds faster than average.

Once again, we maximized the bike’s motor output in Boost mode, giving it the best possible chance on our test course. It’s also worth noting that we tested the Discover M using its torque-sensing mode, which requires active pedaling; it is possible that we would have had even faster results in the bike’s cadence-sensing mode.

In most cases, we’ve found that e-bikes with rear-hub motors typically offer faster and easier hill climbing than those with mid-drive motors. The Discover M’s 500W motor, however, is more powerful than most (mid-drives often run between 250W and 350W), which clearly levels the playing field.

Nowhere is this more obvious than in the motor’s torque output. While models in our comparison group (which included many e-bikes with rear-hub motors) averaged 82 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, the Discover M’s custom Velocore mid-drive produced 100 Nm.

This was clearly enough to offset the difference in peak wattage; the Discover M’s motor maxed out at 960W, while those in our comparison group averaged 1033W. It’s worth noting, however, that the comparing power output between the different motor types isn’t exactly apples to apples; a 500W mid-drive is often relatively in line with a 750W rear-hub motor.

In real life, the Discover M’s power translates to a remarkably relaxed and easy climbing experience when pedaling. Based on my personal experience, most riders should summit most hills with relatively light pressure on the pedals when in torque mode and with very relaxed effort when in cadence sensing mode.

Those who prefer to let the motor do all of the heavy lifting can employ the throttle. A benefit of mid-drive-equipped e-bikes with throttles is that the rider can take advantage of the gearing in the same fashion as when pedaling. As such, Discover M riders should downshift when approaching grades to give the motor better mechanical advantage.

An e-bike’s braking capability is another crucial part of its performance. We’ve discussed the bike’s ability to effectively get up to speed above, but our Brake Test measures its ability to slow and stop safely. Using the method above, we recorded the Discover M’s average stopping distance to be 23’ 1”.

Similar cruisers and commuters, including many of the best commuter e-bikes we’ve tested, averaged scores of 21’ 11”. As such, the Discover M placed roughly 14 inches beyond average, still falling well within our range of safe and expected results.

Velotric equipped the Discover M with Tektro’s TDK171, a two-piston hydraulic brake system, and 180mm rotors on both wheels. This setup is relatively common among similar e-bikes and those of other styles in the Discover’s price range; it has consistently demonstrated effective and reliable performance in our testing.

Considering our familiarity with the Discover M’s brake system and the fact that its weight of 66 lbs lines up identically with the average among similar bikes we’ve tested, we must consider other variables to explain why its braking was somewhat slower than average.

The bike’s tires are a likely cause for the difference. In contrast with most similar models used for comparison equipped with urban tires, the Discover M rolls on knobby 27.5×2.4” tires. This type of tread is somewhat less grippy on paved surfaces than smoother types, though it gives the bike greater versatility and the ability to cruise on dirt or gravel paths.

A slight drop in braking power seems a fair trade for the increased versatility; the Discover M still showed a high degree of effectiveness and safety. In my personal testing, braking felt quick, strong, and somewhat aggressive in a confidence-inspiring sense. During hard braking, the bike exhibited some skidding and fishtailing, so I’d recommend some practice to get a feel for it.

Otherwise, the Discover M performed well, earning it our stamp of approval.

As we’ve covered in the sections above, the Discover M’s measurable performance was solid. In this section, I’ll discuss the more personal and subjective aspects of the bike’s fit and feel.

Velotric offers two frame sizes for the Discover M, which can fit a wide range of riders depending on how they are equipped. With the included suspension seatpost, the Regular frame fits those between 5’2” and 5’11”, while the Large accommodates those from 5’9” to 6’7”. With a standard seatpost, those ranges can be lowered; the Regular goes from 4’11” to 5’9”, while the Large’s range is reduced to between 5’6” and 6’4”.

Being a 5’11” rider, I tested the Large frame. With six inches of saddle height adjustment and an adjustable stem with 60 degrees of rotation, it was easy to find a comfortable fit with proper leg extension. The curved, cruiser-style handlebars promoted an upright, strain-free riding position, while the saddle and suspension kept the ride smooth and enjoyable.

The bike’s handling was generally relaxed and predictable. It steered comfortably, encouraging a leisurely approach to riding. I noticed a fair amount of frame flex when taking corners at speed, which I attribute to the step-through frame design and the placement of the motor, though it didn’t feel egregious.

Cruising generally felt smooth and stable, thanks in large part to the relatively wide tires. Their knobby tread maintained grip on pea gravel and hard-packed dirt, making light off-road adventures both possible and easy.

In the grand scheme, the Discover M’s user interface is relatively complex, though I found its controls intuitive and easy to grasp. Much of the bike’s complexity can be avoided by choosing to use the default settings, which I think are well-suited for riders who want a bike that functions well up-front without diving into the display menu or the Velotric app.

Case in point: by default, the bike is set to Class 2 mode, enabling pedal assist and throttle function up to 20 mph. It is set to torque-sensing mode, which feels familiar to a “regular” bike, and its acceleration, responsiveness, and overall power are generally well-balanced.

For those who appreciate customization, however, the Discover M (and most other Velotric models we’ve tested) absolutely shine. Both the display menu and Velotric app offer the ability to adjust speed/Class, sensor mode, acceleration force, and throttle behavior. Users can also adjust the programming of each pedal assist level and set up security features.

App users can also enable a custom riding mode allowing a hybrid Class 2 and 3 setup or allowing throttle speed to reach 28 mph. They can also use the app to track ride data and sync with Apple Health.

A new feature with the Discover M is the ability to enter a rider profile, including information such as height, weight, age, preferred speed, and typical riding environment. Marketing materials suggest that this feature can automatically alter the bike’s feel and settings to suit the rider once the information is synced, though I didn’t notice much difference—perhaps this is another element that could be improved with an OTA update.

Aside from noticing some areas in the bike’s programming with room for improvement, my only other point of critique is the bike’s limited color selection. While the more affordable Discover 3 offers five options, Velotric’s premium model is limited to only two—Olivine Green and Platinum Silver.

Like previous models, the Discover M includes Apple Find My™ technology to enable location tracking and a lost mode if the bike is stolen, though this version of the bike is also compatible with Android’s Find My system.

Another new feature is the ability to pair an NFC security card to the display (our test bike came with two), requiring riders to unlock the bike to use the interface and motor power.

Other features I appreciated were the bike’s MIK-HD cargo rack, cruise control mode, comprehensive IPX6 rating, and its battery’s IPX7 rating. The rack can carry up to 66 lbs and be outfitted with a child seat, pet carrier, or other locking accessories. The cruise control function allows riders to cruise without pedaling or holding the throttle. Such high IP ratings allow the bike to be pressure washed and ridden in the rain without worry.

In summary, the Discover M offers a comfortable, responsive, and easy ride that can largely be tailored to the preference of its user. With so many customization options, loads of utility and versatility, and a robust feature package, the bike’s overall ride quality is something special.

Without mincing words, the last-gen Discover 2 was one of Velotric’s best e-bikes, and one of our most-recommended models. It proved to be ideal for commuters seeking a comfortable and reliable daily ride, seniors looking for an easy-pedaling e-bike with style, and tech enthusiasts wanting a connected, customizable experience.

The Discover M builds on that foundation, but is effectively a step up in refinement and personalization. It offers better specs, a more analog-like feel, an even smoother and more comfortable ride, and a fully programmable pedal assist system that allows the bike to be made as powerful and responsive or relaxed and approachable as you like.

In all areas of our testing, the bike proved to match or exceed the performance of similar cruiser and commuter-style models we’ve evaluated previously. Its default motor settings are generally balanced, intuitive, and approachable. Its range is likely to be plenty for both casual riders and daily commuters, while its braking performance was consistent and strong. Finally, it has ample climbing power, making hilly terrain enjoyable and easy.

Our only points of critique were relatively minor, with a few areas of its programming that would benefit from an OTA update being our primary focus. Once updated, Considering its premium features and higher price when compared to its sister model, the Discover 3, we’d also like to see at least the same number of color options.

Otherwise, the Discover M is an excellent product that highlights Velotric’s growth and evolution. With a custom mid-drive and granular customization options, it expands into new territory for the brand while continuing to deliver the quality, performance, and comfort we’ve come to expect from previous models.

Based on our testing, we highly recommend the Discover M to riders who prioritize enjoyment and reliability. Whether used for occasional leisure rides, regular exercise, or daily travel and errand running, the bike offers a robust user experience that makes it a suitable car alternative or a supplement to a healthy lifestyle.

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 Discover M down in our comments section.