Velotric Nomad 1 E-Bike Review, 2023

Here at Electric Bike Report, we perform two range tests on each bike that we review (one at the lowest functional PAS setting, and another at the highest available PAS setting) in which we strap in and pedal until the battery dies. This allows us to determine a practical mileage range for the battery under real world conditions that we can then compare to the claims made by the manufacturer.

In the case of the Nomad 1, Velotric’s website claims a pedal assist range of 55 miles, and a throttle-only range of 52 miles. When we reached out to Velotric for more information about how they arrived at these numbers, they indicated the use of a practical test similar to our own. In their test, a 176.4 lb rider took the Nomad on a flat road and achieved a distance of 61 miles using PAS 1, and a distance of 40.8 miles using PAS 5. Velotric then took an average of those two numbers to arrive at their stated 55 mile range.

This coincides closely with our data. We determined that PAS 2 was a more practical setting for the long-range test, and with a 200 lb rider (that being me), we reached just over 64 miles on a paved course with some elevation changes. I was able to pedal for over 36 miles at the Nomad’s highest PAS setting on the same paths. I did not test the Nomad 1 using only its throttle, but considering the validity of Velotric’s claims with the bike’s pedal assist range, I have no reason to doubt their findings.

The Velotric Nomad 1 includes a “Tesla-grade” UL 2271-certified 692 Wh battery, with cells manufactured by LG/Samsung. The battery is fully integrated into the bike’s down tube (which really adds to that previously mentioned, polished aesthetic), and is also lockable for added security. While the battery capacity of the Nomad 1 is not the largest on the market, its pairing with an efficient motor yields range results that we are plenty happy with.

I feel like I was able to thoroughly get to know the Nomad while performing our range testing, and I want to quickly mention a few details that stood out on my rides:

First, the battery level display. The Nomad 1 makes use of a bar-style readout that is common with many e-bikes, with five bars in total. In both our short and long range tests, I noticed that it took between 1/4 to 1/2 of my total distance traveled for a single bar to deplete, with the others disappearing in a much shorter span. For this reason, we prefer to see percentage-based readouts as often as possible, though ultimately neither option has any real effect on the physical capability of the e-bike they are attached to.

Next, the front suspension fork. I found the suspension to be initially somewhat stiff and unforgiving right out of the box, but improved significantly with a small amount of tuning.

Third, the headlight. I really appreciated the intensity of the integrated LED headlight, both for visibility and safety. One of my loops brought me back to the office as dusk was becoming night, and I found the headlight to be more than adequate in its ability to illuminate my surroundings.

Finally,the fenders. The full-coverage fenders performed very well when riding through puddles, as they kept my pant legs completely dry.

Motor wattage and torque are some of the most prominent factors on an e-bike when it comes to uphill capability, with models like the Velotric Nomad’s 750W, 75 Nm rear hub motor often providing copious amounts of power and speed even on an incline. The bike’s performance on hills can, of course, be tailored by both the pedal assist setting on the controller and the gearing. With a higher PAS, less downshifting is required, and vice versa.

During our Hill Test (see the graphic above for a detailed explanation), the Nomad performed superbly when compared to a handful of similar models. The bike’s motor propelled it confidently and quickly up the test hill when in PAS 5, and again when relying only on the throttle. This result is even more appreciable when noting that two of the three e-bikes indicated in the data points were Class 3 models, with top speeds of 28 miles per hour.

In my experience, the Nomad’s motor did get markedly louder on an incline, but not to a distressing degree; it sounded like it was working, not being overwhelmed. Additionally, the ride quality did not suffer, and maintained a smooth and comfortable feel.

The Velotric Nomad 1 features 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, which have a motor cutoff switch to prevent the brakes from fighting the motor if both are engaged simultaneously. Both the hydraulic brakes and the motor cutoff feature are appreciated, especially when considering that e-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles, thus more difficult to slow down.

We test brakes on our course by pedaling up to top speed, then measuring the bike’s stopping distance when brakes are applied. The Nomad 1’s brakes performed well for us, with a stopping distance of 22’5”. This is within the expected range; however, it is worth mentioning that the brakes are unbranded, which means that we cannot speak to their performance over time.

In addition to adequate brakes, the Nomad 1 comes equipped with a pretty standard array of safety features. First to note is the intrinsic safety that comes from the added stability of the bike’s 4” fat tires. With more surface area comes better balance while riding, and the Nomad feels rock solid. The knobby tread also adds grip and traction when off-road, giving the bike the ability to traverse less stable terrain covered in sand or snow.

The Nomad 1 has both front and rear reflectors, as well as an integrated front LED headlight. Velotric’s website states that a rear headlight is also included, but ours did not arrive with one. When we reached out to the manufacturer to clarify this, they mentioned that a detachable light should have been in the box, but also explained that the Nomad will include a tail light integrated into the rear fender (like its sister model, the Discover 1) in 2023.

Over the course of about three days, I put over 100 miles on the Velotric Nomad 1, splitting my time between the High-Step and Step-Thru versions of the bike. With that much distance covered, I had plenty of time to consider the riding experience and comfort level that is offered by the stock components. This is likely the area where I have the most critique, though much of that comes down to personal preference and the extended duration of my rides.

With the cost of electric bikes being a significant factor for many consumers, the “Fat Tire” designation puts models like the Velotric Nomad 1 in a category that seems to be largely growing in appeal. As relatively all-purpose e-bikes (not offering features geared toward a specific function such as commuting to work or going off-road, but instead sharing features common across a variety of functions), they intrinsically provide good value. Consumers can purchase a single bike and take it nearly anywhere, instead of acquiring different models for separate purposes.

With any product, lack of specialization can, in many cases, lead to a dilution or spreading-out of quality and performance.

With a few caveats, the Velotric Nomad 1 does not suffer from this problem.

In our testing, the Velotric Nomad 1 gave an impressive performance, and in some ways, offered better results than expected for a price tag of around $1,500. It features a powerful motor, a lasting battery, a comfortable ride, and can take its rider through just about any environment. Based on the numbers and our experience with the bike, it rivals other fat tire e-bikes and provides excellent value for its price point, all while presenting itself in style.

Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Velotric Nomad 1.