This 500lb Payload E-Bike Can Carry WHAT?! Velotric GoMad Review

Using the method explained in the graphic above, we tested the GoMad’s minimum and maximum range in two individual tests. In Boost, our test rider covered 37.2 miles, while in Eco, our team traveled 80.1 miles before the battery expired.

A group of similar e-bikes we’ve tested averaged 36.3 and 71.9 miles from a single charge. With these figures in mind, the GoMad’s results were average to somewhat above-average, depending on the chosen pedal assist level.

I can think of two reasons for the bike’s success: its above-average battery capacity and its programming.

The battery capacity angle is relatively cut and dry. While our group of similar comparison models carried batteries averaging 764 watt-hours (Wh), the GoMad’s larger 802 Wh battery gave the bike a modest amount of extra energy to keep it moving longer.

The programming angle requires a bit more explanation. As I mentioned in the Speed Test section above, Eco (and Tour) required relatively hard pedaling to activate the motor. For this reason, keeping the motor on during our range test was a bit difficult, requiring some technique to balance speed and motor engagement throughout our rides.

I found that it was easier to keep the motor engaged by adjusting the sensitivity slider of these modes via the Velotric app to the highest level. Under those conditions, however, it’s conceivable that the bike would not have traveled quite as far.

Still, Velotric advertises up to 75 miles of range, which seems reasonable given our test results. It’s important to note that we performed our test without cargo, in Class 2 mode, and using torque-sensing pedal assist. Riders adjusting the programming, riding with cargo or passengers, switching to Class 3 mode, and/or using cadence-sensing will likely get less range.

The same is true with most other models we’ve tested, so it’s fair to say that the GoMad should be roughly as generous and capable as its peers. We consider it to have performed well, giving riders the potential for long or many rides between charges—depending on assist level, of course.

When the battery is depleted, the included 3A charger should power up the battery in around five and a half hours. The bike’s display helpfully shows an estimate of remaining charge time when the bike is plugged in.

By the numbers, this e-bike truly proved it could go mad when it comes to hills! Using the process explained in the graphic above, the Velotric GoMad’s throttle test clocked a time of 1:46 and an average speed of 17.1 mph. Its max-power pedal assist test result was slightly faster at 1:39 and 18.3 mph on average.

Both results are a few seconds above average for the utility e-bike category. Similar models, including some of those on our best cargo and utility e-bikes page, averaged throttle and max-assist results of 1:51 and 1:49, respectively.

The difference between the GoMad and our comparison group is clear: despite weighing slightly more (78 lbs vs. the 76-lb average), its motor makes it more powerful than many of its peers. While Velotric’s 750W motor peaks at 1300W and can produce 85 Nm of torque, the GoMad’s competitors average 1040W and 81 Nm.

This extra power was noticeable, particularly in the cadence sensor portions of our Speed Test (see above). There, the GoMad could be somewhat punchy, quickly climbing up to speed, which correlates well with its strong climbing and hauling capabilities.

The verdict is clear: this e-bike is powerful enough to make short work of hills. It should allow riders the choice between throttling or pedaling up most climbs, even when carrying a passenger or a load of cargo.

While the utility e-bike category typically performs well, the Velotric GoMad proved exceptionally capable in this test. Using the method above, we gathered three test scores which averaged to a highly impressive 15’9” average stopping distance.

For context, a group of similar models we’ve tested averaged 18’10”. This places the GoMad’s result just over three feet shorter than average—right in line with the best-performing utility e-bike we’ve tested (at the time of writing) and tied for the second-shortest distance we’ve recorded from e-bikes of all categories/styles.

There are a couple of potential reasons for the GoMad’s excellent braking performance.

First, its two-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are paired with a 203mm front rotor and a 180mm rear rotor. In contrast, many similar models either use 180mm rotors on both wheels or place a 203mm rotor on the rear wheel. Larger rotors are better able to dissipate heat, and weight transfers to the front wheel when braking, so it makes sense to have the larger rotor up front.

Additionally, the GoMad’s tires may play a role. Many similar models use narrower 20×3” tires, which don’t offer as much grip as the 20×4” Kenda tires selected by Velotric. With extra grip comes faster braking.

In my experience, the GoMad’s remarkable braking power was noticeable even by feel. Once I applied the brakes, the bike stopped quickly and somewhat aggressively (in a good way), ensuring a short, safe braking distance. The brakes felt powerful enough to bring a heavy load of cargo or passengers to a stop, and also modulated my speed well when riding downhill.

Ride Quality is a measure of a bike’s overall feel, encompassing aspects such as sizing, suspension, motor engagement, the user interface, and beyond. In my experience, the GoMad excelled in this area, though, like any e-bike, it has some minor elements with room for improvement.

Velotric offers the GoMad in a single-size step-thru frame that the company recommends for riders between 5’0” and 6’3”. My height of 5’11” places me within this range, and I found the bike comfortable, though I could tell that I was near the bike’s top-end limits. I set its telescoping quill stem and saddle to their maximum height for comfortable hand placement, steering control, and leg extension.

As is common with e-bikes of this style, the bike’s saddle didn’t quite reach as high as I would prefer. In most cases, this wasn’t an issue, due to the motor’s power and responsiveness, but I did feel some strain when riding in lower assist levels. I did, however, appreciate the low 16” standover height, which made getting on and off the bike a snap.

The GoMad’s contact points felt great—the soft ergonomic rubber grips and padded saddle made the ride feel generally smooth and enjoyable. Its 100mm RST suspension fork felt noticeably more plush than many other coil forks I’ve tested, and the wider-than-average 20×4” Kenda tires provided some additional cushion and traction, as well.

At the time of writing, I’m not sure if Velotric will offer a suspension seatpost upgrade. If not, such a thing may be worth considering as an aftermarket purchase, as it would raise the bike’s already high comfort level to the max.

In terms of handling, the GoMad offers a well-balanced blend of stability and maneuverability. The bike’s 4-inch-wide tires and its overall weight of around 78 lbs help it to feel stuck to the ground and sturdy when cornering, while the relatively wide 700mm BMX-style handlebars, strong stem, and 20” wheels make steering both predictable and nimble.

The tires feature a slightly knobby hybrid-style tread that works well on pavement, gravel, and hard-packed dirt. Adventurous riders looking to do more serious off-roading, however, may want to upgrade to a grippier, chunkier tread.

Our contact at Velotric shared that some early GoMad riders sought a utility e-bike for hunting purposes. As such, the brand included its “Stealth Mode” feature, which limits the GoMad’s speeds/motor noise, deactivates the lighting system, and dims the display.

This addition goes to show how versatile the GoMad really can be! In addition to daily commuting and/or errand-running, the bike is well-suited for family outings, dropping the kids at school, exploring multi-use trails, cruising around the campground, and more.

Part of the bike’s draw is its high payload/passenger capacity. Velotric offers two optional accessory kits to outfit the GoMad for carrying additional riders: the Passenger Kit and Young Passenger Kit. The former includes a seatpad, footpegs, wheel guards, and handlebars, while the latter includes the seat, pegs, and wheel guards while adding a captain-style child seat and handrail attachment.

The Young Passenger Kit also includes a dual-leg center stand that replaces the GoMad’s standard left-side kickstand. We often see this style of stand on cargo and utility-style e-bikes due to its added stability for loading and unloading. For this reason, we encourage Velotric to include this feature on the base model in the future or offer it as a separate upgrade outside of the accessory kit.

Otherwise, the GoMad comes well-equipped out of the box. It includes commuter-friendly features such as a bright 500-lumen headlight, integrated tail/brake lights and turn signals, fenders, and a color display. It also features a zippered storage bag that sits beneath the cargo rack, which can accommodate an additional battery for those who wish to extend their range.

As I mentioned in previous sections of this review, the GoMad offers Velotric’s standard suite of customization and ride tuning options. Tech-savvy riders who want a connected experience can access these features through the Velotric app—along with ride data tracking and synchronization with Apple Health—but they’re also available through the bike’s display menu.

Overall, the GoMad offers a comfortable, versatile, and expandable platform for nearly any kind of rider. It serves its purpose as a utility e-bike well, with impressive functionality, responsive pedal assist, and a great overall ride feel

In my experience, the GoMad proved to be an excellent reinvention of Velotric’s utility model. It embodies the brand’s evolution as it has grown from making colorful and affordable (but relatively basic) e-bikes to value-packed, thoughtfully-designed, well-crafted, impressively functional, and visually appealing e-bikes.

As we saw in all areas of our testing, the GoMad performed very well in comparison to other utility-style models we’ve reviewed. Our Speed Test revealed controlled but ample power, balanced and intuitive programming, and a fully customizable experience. Our Range test showed that the bike can match, and in some cases, exceed its peers.

Continuing with our Hill Test, the bike demonstrated strong, capable climbing power that is well-suited for moving a heavy load. The GoMad also matched some of the best-performing e-bikes we’ve reviewed in our Brake Test, with safe and confident stopping power.

On top of that, the bike can be outfitted for a variety of purposes with passenger seating and cargo storage. It can also be fine-tuned to match its users’ preferences, whether accommodating an aging rider unfamiliar with e-bikes or a youthful rider seeking a more thrilling ride.

Our points of critique were relatively minor—and, in both cases, fixable. Pedaling in the bike’s lowest assist levels can require a moderate amount of effort to access pedal assist, but sensitivity can be adjusted via the app. Additionally, while we’d love to see an included center stand, one can be added with the purchase of the Young Passenger Kit.

Those relatively small points aside, the GoMad would make a great option for anyone seeking the ability to spend more time on two wheels. This includes riders wanting a more active lifestyle, parents looking for a family-friendly way to save some gas, teenagers desiring a responsive and fun way to get around, and even hunters wanting a versatile e-bike for carrying gear and small game.

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 GoMad down in our comments section.