Velotric Nomad 2 Review | Roam Free In Comfort & Style

**Use code: EBRN201 for a special discount Velotric is giving our readers only at checkout**

While our general Range Test process is explained in the graphic above, the Nomad 2’s sensor and riding mode variables require additional explanation. In both tests, we set the bike to its torque-sensing mode and kept its maximum speed at 20 mph (as the bike ships).

We tested the Nomad 2 in Boost/PAS 5 for its high-power test. We chose Eco/PAS 3 for its low-assist test, as PAS 1 and 2 didn’t quite deliver the power that we think most riders will prefer.

Our results of 23.6 and 67.1 miles prove that Velotric’s advertised range of 65 miles is definitely doable. Riders willing to pedal with minimal pedal assist may be able to exceed that figure.

Other fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested averaged 31.9 and 57.8 miles, so the Nomad 2’s 706-Wh battery yielded roughly 8 miles fewer than average in its high-power test. Conversely, it gave us roughly 9 miles more than average in its low-power test!

We consider these overall bookend values to be both practical and reasonable, considering the Nomad 2’s specs and power levels. In truth, the bike’s battery is somewhat smaller than average in comparison to many of its peers (those bikes averaged 798 Wh), so we would not have been surprised to see below-average results in both tests.

The bike’s 750W motor does not hold anything back in its Boost riding mode; we found that, in addition to plentiful speed and power, the bike burns through battery power relatively quickly in PAS 5. With this in mind, there is some incentive to use a lower assist level or riding mode when looking to stretch out the battery’s charge.

Conversely, the power range of the Eco riding mode is functional but still relatively low in the grand scheme. This conservative power level, combined with the bike’s torque sensor, helped to extend its charge in the bike’s low-assist test.

Torque sensors are naturally more efficient than cadence sensors since they allow the motor’s power output to fluctuate instead of remaining constant. When switching between torque and cadence sensing modes, the Velotric App will show a reminder indicating that riders should expect a lower range in the cadence mode.

We can estimate the bike’s range in the cadence sensing mode by dividing its battery capacity in watt-hours (706) by its motor’s nominal wattage (750). We anticipate that riders using Boost mode in PAS 5 while relying on the cadence sensor should expect roughly 15 miles of range and a ride time of approximately 56 minutes, though it is possible the bike could exceed this estimate.

Our test showed that the Nomad 2’s battery is sizable enough (and its motor is efficient enough) to support long rides regardless of what the bike is used for. With the right power levels and sensor modes, we consider its range appropriate for riding to work every day or venturing off the beaten path in the evenings or weekends.

Since the Nomad 2 offers so many customization options, we recommend performing your own range test when you find the settings that work for you based on what you do with the bike. We also suggest sticking close to home once the charge level gets low, as all fat tire e-bikes can be relatively tough to pedal once their battery dies due to their weight.

While it’s possible—and even likely—that most riders should get multiple rides from a single charge, the bike will inevitably need to be plugged in. We were pleased to note that the Nomad 2 comes with a 3-amp fast charger that can totally recharge the battery in about 5 hours, so you won’t have to wait too long before getting back out there!

In our experience, fat tire e-bikes are often one of the most capable styles when it comes to climbing capability. We tested the Nomad 2 using the method described above. As with the previous tests, we used the bike’s torque sensing mode. We also used the Boost riding mode and kept the bike set to Class 2 speeds.

The results shown in the graphic above lined up closely with the category averages based on other fat tire e-bikes we’ve reviewed. The pool of bikes used for comparison averaged 1:23 on throttle and 1:13 using their highest level of pedal assist.

These results make sense based on the bike’s weight and overall motor output. At 84 lbs including its 10-lb battery, the Nomad 2 is roughly five pounds heavier than average. Its motor produces 90 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, which is spot on with the category average. Finally, its motor’s peak of 1300W is on the higher side among other e-bikes with 750W motors. These three factors seemed to balance out to give the bike a steady but not overpowered feel when approaching hills.

Clearly, the Nomad 2 had the power to conquer Hell Hole Trail and keep up with its peers, but the bike still has an unused ace up its sleeve.

E-bikes with cadence sensors tend to be faster in this test than those with torque sensors, and they usually deliver an easier experience overall. Riders looking to minimize their effort could switch to the Nomad’s cadence-sensing mode for a more relaxed climbing experience. The Nomad 2 delivers the best of both worlds!

Using the method described above, we determined the Nomad 2’s average stopping distance to be 20’9”—a fantastic result for the fat tire category! Like the Nomad, e-bikes of this style tend to be relatively large and heavy, which requires their brakes to work harder when slowing the bike down. As such, fat bikes often have fairly long stopping distances.

Case in point: other fat tire e-bikes we’ve tested averaged 22’9”, making the Nomad 2’s result exactly two feet better than average.

As we would expect for such a beefy bike, the Nomad 2 is equipped with a hydraulic disc brake system (the Tektro TDK171 model) that uses two-piston calipers. There is one key element of the Nomad’s system that gave it an edge and differentiates it from most similar bikes we’ve tested: its brake rotors.

Where most of the other fat tire e-bikes had similar hydraulic disc systems paired with 180mm front and rear rotors, the Nomad 2 sports a larger 203 mm rotor on its front wheel (and a 180mm rotor on the rear). This larger rotor provided more leverage when braking force was applied, which helped to offset the Nomad’s higher-than-average weight and give it an above-average result.

The extra force was noticeable going by feel as well; I wouldn’t say the Nomad 2 can stop on a dime, but its brakes felt powerful and effective. The bike also remained stable and straight when it was coming to a stop, giving it an extremely safe feel. Due to its performance and feel, we consider this brake system a great pairing with this bike!

As a fat tire e-bike, the Nomad 2 offers a sturdy and stable feel due to its size and weight; these characteristics allow fat tire e-bikes to be confidence-inspiring for those who haven’t ridden a bike in years (or even decades), but they also tend to be extremely versatile.

With its powerful motor, knobby tires, and full suspension—including a lockout suspension fork with 100mm of travel and a suspension seatpost with 50mm of travel—the Nomad can be ridden just about anywhere outside of dedicated mountain bike trails. This makes the bike ideal for paved bike paths, dirt roads, gravel multi-use trails, etc.

I found the Nomad 2 to be a remarkably comfortable ride thanks to its full suspension, shock-absorbing fat tires, and extra-wide spring saddle. The saddle is something I’d liken to a sofa or La-Z-Boy; it’s one of the largest, thickest, and most comfortable I’ve encountered. There was enough cushion beneath the Nomad 2 that I hardly noticed any bumps!

In terms of sizing and fit, the Nomad 2 is offered in two frame styles (high-step/step-over and step-thru/ST) and two frame sizes. The Regular size fits riders from 5’2” to 5’11”, while the Large accommodates those from 5’10” to 6’5”. Velotric advertises that the ST frame can fit riders as low as 4’11” without its suspension seatpost; buyers may need to contact the brand directly to exchange the suspension seatpost for a standard model.

At 5’11”, I expected our Regular-size test bike to feel somewhat on the smaller side, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it fit. In contrast with most bikes, I would likely opt for the smaller frame size based on my test experience.

With roughly 6” of adjustability in saddle height, I enjoyed full leg extension for efficient pedaling. The bike’s adjustable stem allowed me to set the handlebar height/reach at a comfortable position.

It’s worth mentioning that the high-step and ST models have a few slight differences. The step-thru that I spent most of my time riding has no top tube and a standover height of just over 16 inches, making it nearly effortless to get on and off the bike and removing the need to swing a leg over the saddle.

There are also differences in handlebars; the high-step frame comes with moderately curved ergonomic handlebars, while the ST model features more aggressively swept-back handlebars appropriate for a cruiser-style e-bike. Both were comfortable, though personally, I preferred the high-step’s handlebar shape.

As with most fat tire e-bikes, the Nomad 2’s size and weight are noticeable when riding and cornering. That is to say that maneuvering can be somewhat slower than on smaller, lighter e-bikes. With that in mind, the Nomad 2 handled well for its size, and its stability and solidity are tradeoffs for its less-than-nimble feel.

Generally speaking, I found that the Nomad checked all the appropriate boxes for a fat tire e-bike, but I believe Velotric kicked things up a notch (or three) with all of its integrated features and technology.

I’ve already mentioned many of the bike’s customization features, including the ability to adjust the bike’s throttle and pedal assist speeds separately, switch between riding modes, select either the torque or cadence sensing modes, etc. Users can also change the brake light behavior, activate a cruise control mode, and engage a low-light sensor for the integrated headlight and tail lights.

These features can be accessed either through the Velotric app—which also offers ride data tracking—or the Nomad 2’s full-color display. The display shows color-coded pedal assist levels, a power meter, and all standard ride data; it’s clear, appealing, and easy to read.

For security, the bike offers compatibility with Apple’s Find My™ technology. In the event of theft, users can track the bike’s location via GPS, and the location will update as long as the bike is near a Bluetooth-enabled Apple device.

Clearly, the Nomad 2 is much more than just a bike; it’s a high-tech, versatile, and highly adaptable e-bike with fantastic ride quality.

The original Velotric Nomad was the first e-bike I reviewed after joining the team here at Electric Bike Report. I also had the opportunity to test and review the updated Nomad 1 Plus model, so I was thrilled to get my hands on this second-generation fat bike and see how much changed.

We’ve seen the brand grow by leaps and bounds as we’ve reviewed nearly every e-bike Velotric has released. With every new model, the company has evolved to its current status as a true leader in the industry, and the Nomad 2 perfectly showcases Velotric’s experience.

The bike is also an excellent example of Velotric’s intention to make e-bikes with tons of mass appeal. Fat tire bikes can be attractive to a fairly wide range of riders, including older folks who value their stability, adrenaline junkies who like speed and power, and adventurous types who want a lot of freedom in where they can roam.

With so many customization options, we’re confident that the Nomad 2 can satisfy all of those crowds equally. That’s a tough thing to pull off!

**Use code: EBRN201 for a special discount Velotric is giving our readers only at checkout**

Our only real points of critique are the Nomad’s somewhat overwhelming number of pedal assist settings and its ability to exceed 28 mph. We encourage Velotric to implement stricter speed limits and offer fewer pedal assist levels in the future. Ideally, we’d also prefer the ability to tailor the bike’s individual power levels through the Velotric app.

Otherwise, the Nomad 2 proved to be extremely responsive and comfortable in addition to showing admirable performance in our series of standardized tests. It has great programming, excellent stopping power, fantastic range, and solid climbing ability. If you ask me, it’s hard to deny that it looks pretty awesome too!

We recommend the Nomad 2 as a reliable daily commuter, a leisure bike for the weekends, an off-road adventure bike—or all three! With so much versatility and so many ways to switch up the feel and function of the bike, why choose just one?

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 Nomad 2 down in our comments section.