Velotric Discover 2 Review, 2024 | The Most Feature-Rich Commuter E-Bike?

In our Range Test, the Discover 2 showed impressive efficiency and long-distance capability.

With a Class 2 limit of 20 mph, we pedaled the bike in both a low and high-power setting until its battery expired, tracking our mileage with Strava. We selected Boost Mode/PAS 5 for the high power test and Trail Mode/PAS 1 for the low power test; while Eco will likely improve the motor/battery efficiency, we think most riders will prefer more power than it provides.

Velotric advertises an 80-mile maximum range, but we exceeded their claim; we recorded 34.1 miles and 85.6 miles from our tests.

The Discover’s max-assist/min-range distance of 34.1 miles was slightly above average when compared to other commuter-style e-bikes we’ve tested. At the time of writing, the bike’s low-power/max-range result of 85.6 miles is the farthest result we’ve seen from a commuter with a rear hub motor!

There are two main contributors to the bike’s spectacular range results: first, the aforementioned, typically low-to-moderate level of power output from the bike’s programming helped to increase its efficiency. Second, the Discover 2’s torque sensor likely boosted its efficiency as well, since the motor is able to vary its output.

Case in point: our testing of the Discover 1. The original version of the bike used a cadence sensor and had a higher battery-capacity-to-motor-power ratio: a 692 watt-hour (Wh) battery to a 500W motor vs the Discover 2’s 706 Wh battery and 750W motor. We saw over 30 miles of additional range from the Discover 2 despite the bikes’ average speeds differing by less than a mile per hour on average.

With 80-plus miles of potential range, riders using the Discover 2 to commute to work or school will likely get through a few round trips before needing to recharge. But for those with extreme journeys ahead, the bike includes a 3-amp fast charger that can fuel up the battery in approximately 5 hours.

Riding in Boost Mode/PAS 5 with Class 3 speeds of up to 28 mph will likely result in less range than we measured – but under similar scenarios, we expect most riders should match (or exceed, if using Eco mode) our results.

We tested the Discover 2’s hill climbing power using its throttle and PAS on a steep, paved path called Hell Hole Trail; this slope is ⅓ mile in length and has an average grade of 12%. Our test rider Justin performs each of our Hill Tests for consistency. For the Discover 2, he tested the bike in Trail mode for a baseline result, with the assumption that the bike would have improved results in Boost mode.

As shown in the graphic above, Justin finished the throttle test in 1 minute, 44 seconds while maintaining an average speed of 10.4 mph. When pedaling in PAS 5, Justin’s result was slower; it took him 2 minutes, 6 seconds to reach the end of the course with average speed of 8.6 miles per hour.

The Discover 2’s throttle result is above average when compared to similar bikes we’ve tested, and it’s important to note that the throttle power did not change based on the riding mode; we would likely have had the same result in Boost mode.

Justin’s PAS 5 result was relatively slow in comparison to other commuters, though that was not unexpected considering the programming discussed previously in our Speed Test – especially since we chose the mid-level riding mode. Additionally, the bike and its motor fulfilled its purpose by completing the test (not all e-bikes we have tested were able) and making the task of climbing Hell Hole easier.

We used separate testing and mathematical calculation to estimate the bike’s Boost mode performance at our Hill Test location. I personally tested the bike at our secondary test location (dubbed “Pilot Hill”) in PAS 5 in each of the three riding modes to measure and feel their different power levels. In Eco mode, I climbed the hill in 2 minutes, 7 seconds at 9.4 miles per hour. Trail mode improved my results to 1 minute, 42 seconds, and 11.8 mph. Boost mode reduced my time to 1 minute, 19 seconds and increased my speed to 15.2 mph. This data shows that Trail mode was over 25% faster than Eco mode, and Boost mode was nearly 29% faster than Trail.

Using that data and our results from Hell Hole, I determined that, in theory, Justin should have been able to complete the Hell Hole test in Boost mode in 1 minute, 38 seconds with an average speed of 11.1 miles per hour. This result is still slower than average for a commuter with a rear hub motor based on our testing of other bikes, but significantly faster than the Discover 2’s Trail mode results.

Ultimately, the Discover 2 has the power to climb steep hills both with its throttle and its pedal assist system. Based on our test results and my personal experience, Eco mode seems best for riders seeking a good workout, Trail is suitable for those who prefer a natural feel but an overall easier experience, and Boost is capable of providing a relatively relaxed ride.

The Discover 2 is equipped with a new (at the time of writing) hydraulic brake system from Tektro: the HD-E3520 model. Using the process above, we tested the stopping power of the bike and its brakes, and determined that its average stopping distance was 21’2”.

At the time of writing, the running average for all commuter e-bikes we have tested is currently 21 feet 10 inches. Based on its three trial runs, the Discover 2 performed slightly better than average, showing that its brake system is safe and effective.

We attribute the bike’s performance to its brake system, which is a new version of the E350 hydraulic system that appears regularly on e-bikes we review. Our previous experiences have shown that the performance of this system varies depending on bike style, size, and weight – but as a 70-lb commuter, the Discover 2 is in the range where we typically see the best results.

In my personal testing of the bike, the brakes were effective without being aggressively forceful. I noticed that the bike could fishtail when I applied the brakes firmly, but this was not unexpected considering the relatively minimal street tread pattern of the Kenda tires.

Ultimately, Velotric seems to have specced the bike with an appropriate brake system.

We found the Discover 2 to have excellent overall ride quality, though this aspect of the bike is composed of many smaller elements that are important to break down further.

As discussed previously in this Velotric Discover 2 review, the bike excelled at comfort; its contact points (saddle, pedals, and handlebars) prioritized ergonomics so I was able to enjoy long test rides of 1-2 hours with no discomfort. The wide handlebars stood out as an unexpected highlight, as they provided both comfort and excellent control over the steering. The bike’s handling was elevated as a result, with a more responsive and agile feel than I expected.

It is worth noting that I was technically too tall for our test bike, as we evaluated the Regular frame that fits riders from 4’11” to 5’9”. At 5’11”, I am better suited to the Large that accommodates taller riders from 5’6” to 6’4”. Regardless, I was able to find a nearly perfect fit thanks to the bike’s long seatpost with 8” of adjustability in saddle height – and the adjustable stem that can adjust handlebar height and reach.

The bike’s torque sensor was one area where we hope to see improvement in the future. We appreciated the increased responsiveness when compared to the cadence sensor on the Discover 1, however, the Discover 2 required more effort than expected to feel increased power from the motor. The best electric bikes with torque sensors respond fluidly to small changes in downward pressure on the pedals, but the Discover 2 required intentional, consistent pressure throughout the pedals’ full rotation. This felt less of an issue when riding at Class 3 speeds in Boost mode/PAS 4 or 5, but we encourage Velotric to use a more responsive sensor in the future for a more intuitive feel.

Otherwise, the Discover 2 featured a number of uncommon features (especially for a bike in its price range) we appreciated. Perhaps most notable was a cruise control feature that, when activated at any speed above 5 mph, allows the bike to maintain speed with no pedal effort or holding of the throttle lever. Additionally, while the bike offers full customization through its settings menu, it pairs to Velotric’s app for quicker adjustment of speeds, riding modes, and features – and access to navigation. Users can switch between automatic and manual light system activation, decide if/when the tail lights and brake lights flash, and choose whether the throttle speeds are tied to the PAS limits.

As with some of Velotric’s other e-bikes, the Discover 2 is compatible with Apple Find My™, which can aid users in locating their e-bike in the event of theft. As long as the bike is near a phone with Bluetooth connectivity, its location can be transmitted through Apple’s app.

In terms of accessories, Velotric offers cargo baskets, a side mirror, an upgraded saddle, a trailer hitch, a twist-throttle upgrade, and more; our test bike included the side mirror which I found extremely useful.

We appreciated many of the bike’s other, smaller features as well. The MIK-HD cargo rack has a higher-than-average weight capacity and is compatible with various MIK-specific storage baskets/bags – and even a child seat! And then even little things like the spring-loaded hinge on the charging port were really cool – most bikes use rubber caps that are tough to get positioned right, but this hinge was easy to use and it kept the port protected.

All of these aspects show that the Discover 2 is undeniably and impressively feature-packed. Some of its included elements are becoming increasingly more common on bikes priced between $1500 and $2000, but Velotric managed to raise the bar with a number of unexpected extras.

Overall, our biggest takeaway from the Discover 2 is that Velotric means business. Their first generation of e-bikes was (and still is) a firm starting point that offered excellent value, catchy visuals, solid performance, and practical functionality. The Discover 2 shows a clear step forward in terms of the overall user experience; this is a bike that, in large part, we think can appeal to nearly anyone.

The bike is massively flexible in terms of its speed, power, feel, and functions. Most riders should be able to dial in the bike’s behavior once they have a full understanding of the Discover 2’s features and customization options. This may be intimidating to those who prefer a simple “hop on and go” experience, but the bike is rewarding for those who choose to dive in.

*Velotric is offering Electric Bike Report’s audience $60 off when you use the promo code ebreportd2v1rv60 at checkout!

We were impressed with the bike’s overall performance; its Range Test showed perhaps the greatest reach beyond our expectations, though it generally performed well across the board. In the future, however, we hope to see a more responsive torque sensor for a more natural and intuitive feel. The current motor engagement is a good start, but there is room for further improvement.

Ultimately, we highly recommend the Discover 2 to riders seeking a comfortable, highly customizable e-bike that offers huge bang for the buck. We were shocked by how many features Velotric was able to include on this commuter e-bike, and if the Discover 2 is any indication of the brand’s trajectory, we can’t wait to see what they release next!

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 2 down in our comments section.