Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Review | Now With More Nomad!

Next is our Range Test, which used a variation on the description above to find a realistic minimum and maximum distance users could expect to travel on a single charge of the Nomad 1 Plus’s 691 Wh battery.

As shown above, our minimum and maximum distances were close to Velotric’s advertised range, even with our bike riding at a higher speed in PAS 1. Compared to similar fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested, the Nomad’s results were slightly below average in both tests, but there are a few caveats to consider about that generalization.

First, we used Class 3 mode for our test, as we think most riders will likely prefer the bike’s speed profile with a 28 mph maximum speed.

We set it to PAS 1 for the low-assist test, which likely reduced the maximum range since the motor was using more power. Considering the 20 mph limit on our local bike paths, we used PAS 3 for the max-assist test to abide by the posted speed. Riding faster in PAS 5 would have yielded less range.

Second, the Nomad 1 Plus’s 691-watt-hour battery is on the smaller side when compared to similar models. Based on our data, the average fat tire e-bike battery has roughly 820 Wh of capacity.

Third, the difference between the Nomad 1 Plus’s results and the fat tire category average was relatively small. Based on our testing of over 30 similar models, bikes of this style average 32.5 to 58 miles on a single charge.

In our testing, the Nomad 1 Plus proved nearly 50% more efficient than expected. Based on its 750W motor and 691 Wh battery, we expected our max-assist test to last roughly 55 minutes while yielding 16.5 miles of range. The results of PAS 5 might have been closer, but in PAS 3, we had over 30 additional minutes and roughly 10 additional miles on the bike.

Ultimately, we’re pleased by our test results, especially considering that the Nomad would likely have exceeded Velotric’s advertised range (and the fat tire category average results) had we used a lower power setting and a slower speed.

With a livelier pace, however, we feel that the bike has enough range to be practical for a variety of uses, including commuting to work or school, taking longer-distance rides to explore multi-use trails, or riding for shorter distances on leisure trips around the neighborhood.

We were also highly satisfied to see that the bike comes with a 3-amp charger over the current industry-standard 2-amp charger. We feel this style of fast charger is essential on e-bikes with especially high-capacity batteries, but in the Nomad’s case, it should refuel the battery in roughly 5 hours.

Our Hill Test method is explained in the graphic above; using this method we determined that the Nomad 1 Plus was capable and effective when climbing steep hills using both its throttle and pedal assist system.

Compared to similar fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested, the Velotric’s performance was relatively average. In the case of a fat tire bike, however, this means excellent, as fat tire e-bikes are some of the most effective on hills due to their powerful motors. For comparison, the fat tire category averages 1:22 on throttle and 1:14 in PAS 5.

These results make sense when considering the Nomad 1 Plus’s specs, as motor output, weight, and tire size all contribute to Hill Test performance. The Nomad’s 750W hub motor has a powerful but relatively average 75 Nm of torque and a peak of 1200 watts. Its tires are the knobby 26×4” CST BFT model, which is common among similar bikes we’ve tested.

Interestingly, the Nomad 1 Plus is roughly 5 pounds heavier than average, so if anything, we would expect its Hill Test results to be slightly below average. The fact that it is slightly above average shows that it had enough power to overcome the difference.

In the grand scheme, fat tire bikes—especially those with cadence sensors—tend to make climbing hills remarkably easy. The Nomad 1 Plus proved no exception; the bike allows riders to throttle over steep hills or pedal with very low effort. As such, we consider it highly successful in this test.

Using the process explained above, we determined the Nomad 1 Plus’s average stopping distance to be 22’9”, which is in line with the fat tire category average of 22’7”.

Weight, riding position, tires, and brake specs are contributors to every bike’s performance in this test. Again, the Nomad 1 is relatively average in these areas—again, with a slightly heavier-than-average build—so the test results make sense.

The Nomad 1 Plus is equipped with a hydraulic brake system with 2-piston calipers and 180-millimeter rotors, which matches closely with the basic specs we usually encounter on a fat tire e-bike. It’s worth noting that these brakes are unbranded, so I cannot speak to their longevity, but they did a solid job in our testing.

Ultimately, the bike is specced well with a safe and effective brake system that balances its speeds, size, and weight.

For the sake of digestibility, we’ll break down the topic of ride quality—or what the Nomad 1 Plus feels like to ride—into small pieces. The whole of ride quality comprises fit, riding position, comfort, handling, motor engagement, and user interface.

Velotric offers the Nomad 1 Plus in a single frame size with either a step-thru or high-step frame style. The step-thru model, which is equipped with curved cruiser-style handlebars, is sized for riders 5’1” to 6’4”. The high-step frame, which includes flatter ergonomic handlebars, fits those from 5’6” to 6’9”.

At 5’11”, I found the high-step frame extremely well-sized and comfortable. The bike’s adjustable stem allowed me to customize the feel and fit to find my preferred riding position. I opted for an upright posture, but a forward-leaning position is also possible for those who prefer it.

In my testing, the ride was kept smooth by a suspension fork with 80mm travel and the bike’s 4” fat tires, which can be aired down to add cushion. More personally, I found the thick, supportive saddle helped to absorb additional bumps and vibrations, while the ergonomic handlebars and grips were comfortable to hold on to.

At 700mm wide, the wide handlebars felt appropriate for my broad shoulders and granted comfortable, precise steering. As with most large and heavy fat tire e-bikes, the Nomad was not nimble in terms of its handling, but it steered predictably for its size.

The bike’s user interface was straightforward and simple, with a basic black-and-white display and a three-button control panel. We appreciate its user-friendly nature, but we also feel that this is one area with room for improvement.

Currently, the Nomad 1 Plus differs only slightly from its predecessor; the refreshed model includes an adjustable stem and a slightly higher maximum speed. We feel Velotric’s newer color display would have felt like a more obvious upgrade. It is present on the revised T1 ST Plus model and we feel it would have been appropriate for the Nomad as well.

We were pleased to see that the bike included lights and fenders, though we hoped a rear cargo rack would be included; this is a common feature on many other fat tire models.

Otherwise, with its cadence sensor, the 750W motor engaged reliably and relatively quickly after ¼ to ½ turn of the cranks. As mentioned previously, the throttle’s acceleration built gradually and safely over time, while the pedal assist system could feel somewhat punchier in the bike’s higher power settings.

Overall, the Nomad’s ride quality was great. The bike felt comfortable and well put together. It handled well and was simple to use. With one minor nitpick, the Nomad met our expectations based on our testing of similar e-bikes—and did it in style!

Now, with the full picture of the Nomad 1 Plus’s performance, feel, features, and handling, we can address whether this new-and-improved version of the bike holds up.

The answer is dependent on what you, the reader, expect in a fat tire e-bike. But price is a relevant factor we have not yet discussed. Pricing changes regularly, so I encourage you to check current costs using the button below, but at the time of writing, the Nomad 1 Plus carries a reasonable price tag under $1,500.

The bike’s performance was relatively average in all areas of our testing, which means it was effective in meeting our expectations based on the performance of its peers. When price is factored into the equation, I believe it makes the Nomad more appealing.

We expect to see a flashier, more feature-rich Nomad 2 in the future, but this bike will likely cost closer to $2k. The Nomad 1 Plus, while straightforward and uncomplicated (but also relatively basic), is also affordable—and likely to remain that way. We think it provides excellent value for its price.

We’d have preferred a color display over the standard black-and-white screen, and we encourage Velotric to limit the bike’s throttle to 20 mph at all times. Otherwise, the Nomad 1 remains a relevant, useful, and fun e-bike with the new “Plus” designation.

Based on its price and performance, I recommend the Nomad 1 Plus to budget-conscious shoppers seeking to maximize their purchasing power. Whether used for leisure, commuting, adventuring, or something else, the Nomad offers a stable, powerful, easy, and comfortable ride with an extra dose of personality.

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 Nomad1 Plus down in our comments section.