Velotric Fold 1 Review, 2024 | Cheap Junk or Awesome Value?

The Fold 1’s performance in our Range Test was one of extremes. When compared to similar folding e-bikes we’ve tested, the Fold 1’s PAS 5 result of 22.3 miles was slightly below average, though not without reason. Many of its competitors had less powerful (and power-hungry) motors and/or larger batteries.

Its 78.3-mile result in PAS 1, however, is the longest distance we’ve recorded from a folding bike with a cadence sensor (at the time of writing)! Furthermore, this distance is over 30 miles better than average.

There are a few important points of context for these results. First, the bike’s maximum speed was set to 20 mph (as it shipped), and its 10.2 mph average speed was slightly slower than some of its competitors, requiring less energy. Second, we measured nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain, meaning that it would likely have traveled further on flatter ground.

Velotric designs its motors with a focus on efficiency; as a result, its bikes have consistently performed extremely well in this test. Considering that our PAS 1 test lasted 7.5 hours, there is plenty of incentive to ride slower and conserve battery power.

We found the Fold 1’s results to be highly impressive, and highly practical for any purpose – commuting, adventuring, leisure riding, etc. The bike’s range will likely be reduced when set to Class 3 mode, but it’s still likely to deliver above-average performance when compared to many other Class 3-capable folding bikes.

The Fold 1 proved itself capable in our Hill Test, though it was not as speedy as some of its peers.

The bike’s pedal results were relatively average for the folding category; at the time of writing, the average completion time is 1:23. The bike’s motor is technically more powerful than average, with a peak output of 70 Nm of torque and 1050W, while the bike itself is on the heavier side; those factors seemed to offset each other.

Where others have failed, the Fold 1 managed to finish the throttle test, though its results were somewhat underwhelming. At the time of writing, it finished with the slowest result we have observed from a folding bike in that portion of the test. This shows that the bike’s throttle is tuned down a little more than most, likely to protect the motor from overheating.

We consider any bike that can finish this test to be successful – especially considering the extreme nature of Hell Hole Trail. We found the throttle’s steady and controlled feel to be accessible and generally effective (which was Velotric’s intention) – even if we expected it to have an easier and faster time in our test.

In my time on the bike, it performed well on less extreme hills; I tested it at our secondary location called Pilot Hill, and measured throttle and pedal results that were much more in line with our expectations.

Generally speaking, the Fold 1 can do most (if not all) of the heavy lifting required to climb hills. Most riders should be able to choose between the throttle and pedal assist, but even if confronted with a greater challenge that requires pedaling, a large amount of effort will likely not be needed.

The Fold 1 performed exceptionally well in our Brake test, with an average stopping distance of 16’ 10”.

At the time of writing, this result is the shortest we have measured from any folding e-bike we’ve tested. Shockingly, it is also tied for third place when compared with ALL the e-bikes we’ve ever tested – that’s literally hundreds of e-bikes.

Three main factors often affect the results of this test: the bike’s weight, its tires, and the brake system itself. The Fold 1’s weight and tires aren’t unusual so that leaves the latter option. The brake system’s levers and calipers are unbranded, so we’re not sure who made them – but clearly, this system does the job.

I found this unbranded system to be aggressive and powerful; braking hard could feel intense and adrenaline-packed. As a result, the bike stopped on a dime, though I noticed that it could deviate from its line of travel greatly, especially if my balance wasn’t quite right.

I recommend getting in some practice with the brakes – but we’re confident in stating that the Fold 1 is specced well. With such remarkable performance, consider us impressed.

I discussed my first impressions when riding the Velotric Fold 1, but there is more to the story:

The Fold 1 can accommodate a wide range of riders from 4’9” to 6’5”, and at 5’11”, it seemed well-suited to me. Our tester Kaleigh (5’4”) found the bike comfortable, with room for shorter riders, while Matthew (6’5”) felt generally good, though he would have preferred more leg extension.

When comparing the Fold 1 to its competitors, each had its strengths and weaknesses, but I found the Fold 1 to be firmly among the most comfortable of the bunch. As is common with folding e-bikes, its reach was on the longer side, but its overall geometry and riding position felt natural, whereas others seemed awkwardly small or more stretched out (for me).

The bike seemed to have an edge in handling as well. With a shorter collapsible stem that felt less flexible than most, cornering felt crisp and controlled. The bike’s 20×3” fat tires provided a balance of stability and agility that felt energized and fun while offering the flexibility to ride on both paved and unpaved surfaces.

I found the user interface to be simple and easy to operate, thanks to its basic display, 5 assist levels, and throttle lever. If I’m being picky, I’d have preferred a twist throttle, but that’s another one of the many optional accessories that customers can pick up and swap out either at purchase or down the road.

The bike includes basic accessories like fenders and lights, but it is compatible with a modest selection of extras. For comfort, owners can upgrade to a double spring saddle or add a suspension seatpost. For passengers, a seat pad, footpegs, wheel guards, and handrails can be added. Finally, front and rear baskets can help to contain/transport cargo.

In terms of folding, the bike generally met our expectations, though its folding mechanism was not always smooth. Collapsing the bike to its folded state was simple and effective thanks to the relatively standard central hinge and folding stem. When reconnecting the frame halves, however, getting the latch to line up properly required a few tries.

To be clear, the mechanism functioned effectively – and more importantly, felt secure. We noticed no frame flex, so the Fold 1 felt strong and stable. With this in mind, it is possible that our issues were a one-off issue, so we cannot consider this a true flaw of the bike.

Considering that the Velotric T1 ST includes a torque sensor and is priced only $100 higher than the Fold 1, I hope to see the latter include one in the future as well. This is, however, a wishlist item – and I think the Fold 1 offers excellent value as-is.

Ultimately, I found little to critique about the Fold 1; it felt fun and easy to use, with the overall feel of a more expensive e-bike.

After reviewing many of Velotric’s other e-bikes, we have learned much about the brand’s approach. Aesthetics, functionality, efficiency, and value are key elements of a Velotric e-bike; the Fold 1 personifies these core characteristics.

We loved the Electric Blue color of our test bike, and we think the Fold 1 is one of the best-looking folding e-bikes we’ve tested.

In most cases, its performance was equally impressive. The bike’s Speed, Range, and Brake test results were particularly notable, with ideal – and sometimes groundbreaking – results.

In terms of its foldability, it was largely effective despite some hiccups with the latch mechanism. And finally, its ride quality was first-rate when compared to other folding e-bikes we have tested.

We consider the Fold 1 to be an excellent option for prospective buyers seeking a versatile and extremely affordable e-bike. It would serve effectively as a daily commuter or utility bike while offering folding functionality that allows for more adventurous applications. It’s not perfect, but for $999, we think you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option.

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 down in our comments section.