Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review | Refreshed, but Relevant?

The goal of our Range Test was to determine how far the Discover 1 Plus could travel on a single charge. We determined its minimum and maximum range by using the method explained in the graphic above. We were pleased to note that our results exceeded Velotric’s advertised range of 65 miles, if only by a few.

Compared to other commuter e-bikes we’ve tested, the Discover’s PAS 5 result was fairly average, but its PAS 1 result was significantly above average—by almost 15 miles! At the time of writing, the commuter category averages 29.7 to 54.4 miles.

The main contributing factor to the Discover 1 Plus’s performance seemed to be speed; in the low-assist test, other commuter bikes averaged 12.2 mph while the Discover went 10.2 mph. This slower speed likely helped the bike stretch out its battery charge over a greater number of miles.

The bike also proved efficient in its PAS 5 test when we compared the bike’s real-world results to our estimates. Based on its motor and battery specs, we estimated our tester would ride for 1 hour and 23 minutes over 25 miles. In practice, we achieved an additional 21 minutes of ride time and covered an additional 6 miles.

Based on our testing, we feel comfortable stating that the Discover 1 Plus is well suited to use as a daily commuter. With a minimum or 31 miles of range, it can cover a significant distance before needing to be recharged, either for daily commuting or leisurely cruising.

One final point: we expect most riders to be able to go a few days/rides between charging, but the process is fast when it is needed. A 3-amp charger is included with the bike, which can recharge the battery in about 5 hours.

Using the process explained in the graphic above, we tested the Discover 1 Plus’s climbing power using its throttle and PAS. The bike was successful in both tests, showing that its 500W hub motor is appropriate for its size, weight, and style.

With a peak of 900W and 65 Nm of torque—and the bike’s weight of 61 lbs—its pedal test result was only slightly below average compared to similar bikes we’ve tested with 500W hub motors.

However, the Discover’s throttle time was 31 seconds slower than average, which stood out as unusual. To investigate what happened in this test, I did my own throttle and pedal tests in Class 2 and Class 3 modes at our secondary location, Pilot Hill. This hill isn’t quite as extreme as Hell Hole, but it still presents a challenge for most e-bikes.

My testing process required four trips up the hill. I expected the fastest time and speed in the final test (the Class 3 pedal test), but the Discover became sluggish about halfway to the top. The bike finished the test with an unusually slow time that mirrored our throttle test at Hell Hole.

I believe the motor entered a protective cooldown mode with lower power output in both cases, which is neither surprising (the extreme nature of Hell Hole stressed the motor) nor bad. After all, we’d prefer the bike to slow down when stressed instead of burning itself up when overheating.

Results and placement aside, we were satisfied by the Discover’s ability to handle difficult hills; it will likely give riders the option to throttle or pedal over them. Extreme situations may require a moderate level of pedal effort, but overall, the task of climbing hills should be relatively easy.

Using the testing method explained above, we determined the Discover 1 Plus’s average stopping distance to be 23’5”. This result is well within the range we consider safe and effective, and I was satisfied by the brakes’ performance in my personal testing of the bike.

Compared to the commuter e-bike category, however, the Velotric’s result was firmly below average. At the time of writing, the category has an average stopping distance of 22’3”.

Based on similar experiences in past reviews, I suspected that part of the reason the Discover’s stopping distance was longer than average was due to its geometry and riding position. To confirm, I narrowed my comparison down further to the city cruiser sub-category. Bikes of this style are light-to-mid-weight with frame styles and riding positions similar to that of the Discover 1 Plus.

The city cruiser average was 22’9”, so my suspicions seemed validated. Still, the Velotric remained somewhat slower than average when compared to its peers, but there was no obvious reason why.

It’s worth noting that the Discover 1’s brake system and tires are unbranded, which might have played a role. Components such as this can help to lower costs while providing decent enough performance.

In my experience, the bike was stable when braking, but I noticed that its tires would squeal and skate when braking hard. This wasn’t unusual—and to be clear, we don’t think any changes are necessary—but we recommend testing out the brakes to get a feel for how the bike behaves when the brakes are applied.

Ultimately, we’re satisfied with the bike’s performance in this test.

Ride quality encompasses a number of elements comprising what a bike feels to ride. We found the Discover 1 Plus’s overall ride quality to be great, but there was one small area we felt could be improved.

The bike is offered in a single step-thru frame sized for a wide range of riders between 5’1” and 6’4”. At 5’11”, I found the bike extremely comfortable and well-sized, but I also felt it important to verify the extremes.

I asked two of my fellow reviewers—Matthew at 5’5” and Sydney at 5’1”—to take a test ride since they fit the extreme ends of the Discover’s advertised height range. Both expressed that the bike felt great; Matthew specifically is often cramped, but enjoyed good leg extension and comfortable handlebar positioning thanks to the bike’s adjustable stem.

Personally, I found the bike’s upright riding position to be a highlight. In addition to its thick saddle, ergonomic handlebars, and rubber grips, this felt natural and relaxed with no sources of strain or pressure. The high vantage point also gave me a wide view of my surroundings while also making me visible to other cyclists and pedestrians.

The Discover handled predictably thanks to its curved handlebars and 26” wheels. Its suspension fork felt appropriately forgiving (its 80mm of travel is an upgrade from the original model’s 60mm).

We received two other “Plus” models for testing along with the Discover 1: the T1 ST city bike and the fat tire Nomad 1. The T1 ST Plus included a color display with multiple riding modes and power levels, while the other models did not.

The Discover 1 Plus’s standard black and white display worked well, but it is relatively basic in its function and appearance. I feel that the newer color display would have suited the refreshed model well, and it would have been a more obvious upgrade when compared to the appreciated but simple spec improvements from the original model.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the bike’s power, feel, and overall user-friendliness. I was also pleased to see that it included a brighter headlight, a tail/brake light, and, at least at the time of writing, a package of useful accessories. These include a cargo rack, a basket, a side mirror, and a phone mount.

Another feature of the Discover 1 Plus I haven’t mentioned is the fact that the bike includes a cadence sensor. This can be a drawback in terms of range but a benefit in hill climbing and ride quality. In the Discover’s case, it didn’t seem to have a great effect on the bike’s performance, but it made the ride experience easy and low-effort.

To fully contextualize the Discover 1 Plus, it’s important to consider performance, ride feel, and price. With a cost between $1,000 and $1,500, we feel that the bike provides excellent value; it delivers solid performance across the board while offering a practical and fun solution for a dedicated daily ride or a casual leisure experience.

We think the Discover 1 Plus is a relevant and smart choice for those seeking an affordable and highly functional e-bike thanks to its comfortable, easy ride and great range. It’s true that the bike offers fewer features than its higher-end sibling, the Discover 2, but that gives it the benefit of a more budget-friendly price point and a simple, straightforward interface.

We have two points of critique for the bike, but neither was significant enough to be a deal-breaker. We encourage Velotric to limit the bike’s throttle speed to 20 mph regardless of its speed, and we would have preferred the brand’s newer color display to the basic black-and-white screen.

Overall, we happily recommend the Discover 1 Plus thanks to its appealing design, its peppy but controlled feel, and its commuter- or cruiser-appropriate performance.

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 1 Plus down in our comments section.