Velotric T1 High Step Review, 2024
Light, techy, and simple to ride.
Most city e-bikes lean toward practicality. They offer a nice, upright riding position, fenders, lights and a rear rack to make commuting convenient and safe in low-light conditions. But not everyone is going to commute to work. Not everyone will ride when it’s raining or even when the streets are wet and some of us make sure we’re off the road before the sun goes down. Eliminate those needs and what we have is a different sort of e-bike. Enter the Velotric T1 HS.
What makes the Velotric T1 HS different is, well, everything. Let’s start with the basics. This is e-bike begins with a 6061 aircraft aluminum frame and fork—no suspension. It’s powered by a 350W brushless, geared hub motor and 353Wh battery. It features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes paired with 160mm rotors.
In a market where most manufacturers are touting the big wattage numbers for their hub, Velotric went in the opposite direction. The question is: Why? The answer is simple enough: With a smaller motor, smaller battery, fewer accessories that add weight and no suspension, Velotric was able to produce an e-bike that weighs just 37 lbs. We rarely see e-bikes that weigh less than 50 lbs., so this is an impressive achievement.
A lightweight e-bike changes the ride experience and because it’s so light, a 350W motor is far more effective than it would be on an e-bike that weighs twice as much. Velotric gave this e-bike another feature that makes it all the more appealing: a torque sensor. The torque sensor sends far more information to the controller than a cadence sensor does, and helps the motor to respond more quickly and in proportion to the rider’s effort, resulting in a sportier experience.
There’s a lot to consider with this exciting e-bike. Let’s dig into the details.
- At 37 lbs., this is one of the lightest e-bikes we have reviewed; such a light e-bike gives riders a noticeably different experience
- UL certified to both 2271 (battery) and 2849 (the entire electronics system and motor)
- 350W motor produces 45Nm of power and peaks at 600W, which is plenty of power for such a lightweight e-bike
- Velotric’s Smart Hub offers anti-theft features including GPS tracking on your smartphone; it also allows ride tracking and monitoring health data
- 8-speed Shimano drivetrain offers a wide range of gears (nearly 300 percent) and the easy ergonomics of a trigger shifter
- Comes with plenty of mounts to add racks for commuting or touring
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer a smooth feel at the lever and plenty of braking power
- Can be unlocked to go as fast as 25 mph (Class 3)
- Did not offer as much range as advertised
- The saddle is a rather narrow race-style saddle and some riders might want something that offers more support
- Battery: 36V, 9.8Ah, 352.8Wh, Samsung 21700 cells
- Charger: 36V, 2.0A, Operates on 100V-240V AC, 50-60Hz
- Display: N/A
- Motor: 350W, Peak 600W, 45Nm Velopower E35
- Controller: 16.6 amp
- Headlight: Light Sensing, 6V/3W/45Lux High-Output Integrated LED, Adjustable Angle
- Taillights: N/A
- Pedal Assist: Eco,Tour, Normal, Sport and Turbo pedal assist
- Range: Up to 52 miles (claimed)
- Throttle:Not Included
- App:N/A
- UL Certification:UL 2271 and UL 2849 certified
- Claimed weight: 36lbs. (37 lbs actual)
- Rider height range: 5’-1” to 6’-0”
- Maximum load on the optional rear rack: 39 lbs
- Total payload capacity: 330 lbs
- Brakes:Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes, 160 mm rotors
- Fenders:N/A
- Fork:6061 Aluminum Alloy, Internal Brake Routing, 12x100mm Thru-Axle, 1-1/4” to 1-1/8” tapered steerer, fender-compatible
- Frame: 6061 Triple-Butted Aluminum Alloy Frame, Integrated Cable Routing, Internal Battery, Flat Mount Disc, Rack and Fenders Compatible
- Drivetrain: 8-Speed Mixed Shimano/Prowheel w/ 42T Chainring and 11-32T Cassette
- Grips: VELOTRIC Ergonomic Comfort Grips
- Saddle: Velotric Comfort, by Selle Royal
- Handlebar: 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Φ31.8mm, 680mm
- Kickstand: Aluminum Alloy
- Pedals: Plastic, with reflectors
- Tires: 700×40c E-Bike Puncture Resistant Tires
Velotric T1 HS Review: Speed Test
The Velotric T1 HS is a Class 1 e-bike, which means—among other things—it has a top assist speed of 20 mph and is legal anywhere e-bikes are permitted, including bike paths. As a Class 1 e-bike it lacks a throttle, which may disappoint some otherwise interested shoppers, but we found the performance to make for very fun riding.
Riding around with the motor off, I rolled along at 11 mph. When I activated the motor and set the assist to Eco, the T1 gave me a boost of 1 mph, up to 12 mph. Unfortunately, bumping the assist to Tour, I saw no increase in assistance. However, from there, things improved. With each increase, my pace climbed to 14, 16 and then 17 mph.
The Velotric T1 HS not only has five PAS levels, it also has three distinct modes of operation. The first is a kind of Eco setting, where even PAS 5 has a relatively modest output. The second level offers noticeably more power, while the third “unlocks” the e-bike and can deliver riders to Class 3 speeds (maximum assist of 28 mph).
One component that affected our results was Velotric’s decision to go with a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor. A torque sensor takes input from how the rider is pedaling and translates that into telling the motor how much power to produce, based on the selected PAS level. Practically, what this means is that at each PAS level, how much effort the rider makes will make a noticeable difference in the speed the e-bike goes.
Velotric T1 HS Review: Range Test
A 352.8Wh battery may not seem like much of a battery, but when it’s part of an e-bike with a 350W hub motor in a 37-lb. e-bike, it can do lots. Our general rule of thumb is that to have a reasonable amount of range we want to see a battery’s watt/hours roughly equal to the motor’s wattage. A 1:1 ratio of battery to motor almost always results in being able to ride for several hours before needing to charge the battery.
We performed the range test with the Velotric T1 HS set to its “max” performance level. This results in more top speed and better acceleration, but does reduce the e-bike’s range some.
Set to its maximum performance level we saw a range of 30.8 mi.—a respectable result. Using the lower power setting and Eco mode, we think the Velotric T1 HS would cover more like 56.8 mi, a figure we based on our range calculation models backed up by lots of field testing.
Many e-bikes, due to their weight, don’t perform especially well in lower PAS levels. An e-bike that weighs less than 40 lbs. will display more robust performance, generally.
Velotric suggests on their site that the T1 can cover as much as 70 mi. on a single charge. We think that for a sufficiently conservative rider using less assistance, that figure is possible. We’re just not sure everyone would enjoy that pace.
Velotric T1 HS Review: Hill Test
When Justin performed our hill test up Hell Hole, our ⅓ mi., 12 percent hill, the Velotric T1 HS made the climb in a rather leisurely 2:29. That makes for a 7.3 mph average. There’s no way to hide the fact that this is one of the slowest performances we’ve seen.
Now, that said, we need to reiterate that this e-bike is equipped with a torque sensor, which applies power differently than a cadence sensor does. When Justin climbs Hell Hole, his effort level is fairly easy—he’s not suffering. With e-bikes spec’d with a cadence sensor, the motor’s output is governed by the controller; each PAS level corresponds to a specific output of wattage. Torque sensors judge the rider’s effort level and respond in proportion, which means that it’s possible to go slowly in PAS 5, which is what we’re seeing here.
Can the Velotric T1 HS go faster up Hell Hole? Yes, absolutely. It will just require more effort than an e-bike with a cadence sensor. But that goes to part of this e-bike’s appeal: It will be most enjoyed by the rider who wants a workout and enjoys getting sweaty.
Velotric T1 HS Review: Brake Test
With our brake test we followed our usual protocol of taking the Velotric T1 HS up to 20 mph and then braking to a stop three times. Before we get to how the T1 performed I want to mention that even though this is the high-step version of this e-bike, the reach felt short to me. Even though I fall within their sizing guidelines, at 6 feet 1 the front wheel felt awfully close to me and as a result, I wasn’t willing to brake as hard as I might ordinarily. I had visions of myself somersaulting if I braked too hard.
So with that caveat out there, my average stopping distance following three efforts worked out to 26 feet 1 inch. That’s roughly 4 feet longer than we typically see for city e-bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. Again, I was braking with less force than was possible because I felt like I had more weight on the front wheel than usual.
It would be easy to blame the long stopping distance on the 160mm rotors. They are smaller than what we usually see, but there are two good reasons for that. First, at 37 lbs., this e-bike is much lighter than the e-bikes we see with 180mm rotors. Second, because the tires are 38mm wide, they have a smaller contact patch on the road and a smaller rotor allows for better brake modulation while decreasing the chance that the rider will lock the brakes and skid.
Considering the longer braking distance and the fact that I wasn’t braking nearly as hard as I might, I suspect that riders who don’t need as much reach as me will find the brakes to offer a sufficient amount of power.
Velotric T1 HS Review: Ride Quality
The combination of low weight, smooth and skinny tires, large 700C wheels and a lack of suspension give the Velotric T1 HS a particular sort of ride. At low speeds, this e-bike is agile and can wind through a crowded bike path with ease. At higher speeds, it has great road manners and cruises easily. At Class 3 speeds, it’s very stable and gives the rider plenty of confidence.
I’d compare the ride of the Velotric T1 HS to a sporty car. The handling is quick and the suspension stiff, whereas most sedans tend to handle more calmly and feature a gentler rider, suspension-wise.
Velotric chose to equip the T1 with an assortment of rack mounts, which gives this e-bike some added flexibility. For the rider who might want to do some loaded touring (an inn-to-inn tour, perhaps?), the T1 provides an intriguing opportunity.
I mentioned before how I felt like I needed more reach from the saddle to the bar. In part, that’s because Velotric sent us the medium size of the T1 HS. It’s great that Velotric not only makes the T1 in two different frame designs (ST and HS), they offer two different sizes as well. The large features a notably longer top tube (15mm longer), which would have helped my comfort as I seemed to dwarf the medium.
Having built-in GPS was pretty terrific. It improves security and offered a fun perspective on the riding I did. The smartphone app that brings the various functions together, though, was a little buggy; I had to unpair and re-pair my phone a couple of times.
The overall look of this e-bike is unusually clean. There can sometimes be a certain rats-nest quality to all the cables combing off the handlebar and with the Velotric T1 HS, we found the clean, elegant look to be a nice switch.
Velotric T1 HS Review: Summary / Where to Buy
Now that I’ve had a chance to do some miles on this e-bike, I think this is a great fit for him. Here’s why: For riders who are concerned about their fitness and want a workout, an e-bike with a torque sensor is the way to go. That’s because their assistance is tied to the rider’s effort. An e-bike with a cadence sensor doesn’t care how hard you go. It measures whether the pedals are turning, or not. To go as fast as the Velotric T1 HS is capable—25 mph if unlocked—the rider is going to have to work. My friend will be able to keep up with his wife and friends and he will still be able to get a workout. Plus he can choose how hard his workout is, depending on the PAS level he chooses. Plus, I think he will enjoy the experience the torque sensor offers; it gives a superhero feeling when you feel that immediate acceleration in response to pushing on the pedals.
While I was surprised by the long braking distance, I don’t want to ding the Velotric T1 HS too badly for its performance. I do think it could have stopped in a shorter distance had I braked harder, and I’d have been more comfortable braking harder if I’d been on the large size, rather than the medium. Our word of warning would be to riders my height (6 feet 1) or taller on the medium frame.
Considering the Velotric T1 HS goes for less than $2000, it’s meant to be competing with other e-bikes in the $1500-$2000 price range. Thanks to the presence of the torque sensor, which gives the hub motor the responsiveness we normally only see in e-bikes with mid-drive motors and their Smart+ Hub GPS and smartphone app, this e-bike has a decidedly premium appeal.
At 37 lbs., the Velotric T1 HS is one of the lightest e-bikes we’ve reviewed, and while that makes this e-bike very fun to ride, there are other benefits from shaving the weight of a small child off an e-bike. Apartment dwellers with no elevator will appreciate this. People who combine modes of transportation (like buses or trains) and need to pick their e-bike up from time to time will also find this lack of weight attractive. It’s also great for the person who wants to drive somewhere with their e-bike to do a ride.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let the Electric Bike Report team know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Velotric T1 HS down in our comments section.
Michael E Cone says
How does it perform on gravel roads.