Velotric T1 ST Plus Review | Simple, Light, and Impressive!

Using the process described in the graphic above, we determined the T1 ST Plus’s range under real-world conditions. Velotric advertises a range of up to 70 miles, so we were curious to see if our test—once again, using Boost mode and limited to 20 mph—would yield similar results. As shown, we exceeded their claim by a significant margin.

When compared to similar city and urban bikes we’ve tested, the T1 ST Plus’s PAS 5 results were relatively average; this category typically achieves 24.5 miles using the highest assist setting. In PAS 1, the bike greatly exceeded the category average by an impressive 46.5 miles (currently 38.1 miles at the time of writing).

While we expect this to change in the future, this is currently the longest distance we have seen a bike of this style travel in our Range Test.

Speed seemed to be the biggest contributing factor to the T1 ST Plus’s stellar results. In the low-PAS test, our testers traveled an average of 11.3 mph, which is roughly two mph below the category average of 13.5 mph. Slower speeds—especially when combined with torque sensors—are more efficient, thereby extending the battery charge across more mileage.

It’s also worth noting that the Plus model exceeded our tested range of the original T1 ST Plus in the PAS 1 test. The first-gen model traveled 45.8 miles, which the Plus model exceeded by nearly 39 miles.

The bike’s efficiency was obvious when comparing its results and its specs. Based on the bike’s 350W motor and 353-watt-hour (Wh) battery, we expected 18 miles with 1 hour on the bike in our PAS 5 test. Our results yielded roughly an additional 6 miles and 30 minutes of ride time.

The bike’s Range Test results reinforce our opinion that the T1 ST Plus does not need 15 total pedal assist settings. It is possible that riders could extend the bike’s mileage further by riding in PAS 1 in Eco Mode, but we felt the lowest assist setting’s speed in Boost was limited appropriately while being effective.

With the capability of riding for such an extended distance, the T1 ST Plus is suitable for short trips across town to work or school, but it is also well-suited for long-distance touring. It offers power levels suitable for exercise, leisure, or focused commuting. With this combination, we think this bike will likely appeal to a wide variety of potential riders.

The graphic above shows our testing method and the T1 ST Plus’s Hill Test results. These results were above average when compared to similar city and urban e-bikes we’ve tested, but they also showed a marked improvement when compared to the original version of the bike.

The T1 ST Plus completed the challenge of Hell Hole Trail 8 seconds faster than average, which is admittedly not far outside the margin of error, but we attribute the difference to its motor’s above-average peak of 600W.

Surprisingly, the Plus model exceeded the original’s performance by 23 seconds! We expected significantly slower performance based on its spec sheet; this version of the bike is 5 lbs heavier, it has a larger chainring requiring greater effort to pedal uphill, its torque output is a 5 Newton Meters (Nm) lower at 40 Nm, and its peak wattage has not changed.

While we don’t specifically understand the differences in power output, we can speculate that the difference in results relates to the bike’s programming. We think it’s reasonable that Boost Mode would allow the motor to peak higher for longer periods of time when compared to Trail or Eco Modes.

Whatever is in the “secret sauce,” the T1 ST Plus proved to be a capable climber. As a city e-bike with a 350W motor, it requires active pedaling with a moderate level of effort, but it is likely to make the job of going up and over hills easier than most.

Using the method above, the T1 ST Plus gave us an average stopping distance of 25’0” in our Brake Test. This result was significantly better than the original T1 ST, which had an average of 26’4”. Compared to all other city e-bikes we’ve tested, however, it ended up nearly a foot and a half beyond the category average of 23’7”.

When we reviewed the original T1 ST, we recommended that Velotric upgrade the bike’s brake system; both models have been specced with the Tektro R280 hydraulic disc system with 2-piston calipers and 160mm rotors.

Instead, Velotric seemed to focus more on the bike’s tires. Where the original model had fairly slick and hard street tires, the Plus model has grippier, highly textured tires suitable for road or even gravel use. Personally, I liked these tires a great deal, as I could feel them stick to the road when braking to help slow the bike.

This change helped the bike’s braking performance, and overall, the T1 ST Plus felt safe and controlled when coming to a stop. We think there is still some room for improvement, but ultimately, we give the bike a pass based on its feel.

Ride quality is an overview of how a bike feels to ride and is made up of many factors. These include sizing and fit, comfort, motor engagement, handling, the user interface, etc. Overall, the ride quality of the T1 ST Plus was great, but there are some areas that still have room for improvement.

The bike is offered in two frame sizes: a Regular that fits riders from 4’11” to 5’9” and a Large for riders between 5’6” and 6’4”. We tested the Large frame, which I expected to fit perfectly considering that, at 5’11”, I fall perfectly in the middle of its height range.

To be clear, the T1 ST Plus is not a true step-thru e-bike; its top tube curves down to a relatively high standover height between 27-27.5”, depending on frame size. Personally, I had no trouble with this, but most riders should still expect to swing a leg over the saddle when getting on and off.

I found the bike to be comfortable; I set the adjustable stem relatively vertically for a relaxed riding position. I had great leg extension with room to spare in the seatpost’s 8” of saddle height range. The reach felt somewhat on the longer side, so I was relatively stretched out, but again, the fit was comfortable.

City e-bikes are generally not known for comfort; their spartan style typically prioritizes functionality over cushioning. The T1 ST Plus, however, was an exception to the rule. Its saddle was wider and thicker than I expected, its stem offered customization over the fit, and its handlebars and ergonomic grips were both comfortable to use and hold on to.

As expected for this style of bike, the T1 ST felt nimble with responsive steering. Its large 700c wheels rolled comfortably over bumps, and its relatively light frame was quick to maneuver and get up to speed.

The user interface was a departure from the original version of the bike. The T1 ST featured a single-button interface with a color-coded light ring set into the top tube in place of a screen. In contrast, the Plus model uses Velotric’s color LCD/control panel combo mounted on the left handlebar. This display connects to the Velotric app through Bluetooth.

This change likely made the T1 ST more user-friendly, but I couldn’t help but feel the bike lost some of its personality. The original interface, while somewhat esoteric, was reminiscent of the interface paired with the Mahle X35 drive system sometimes found on comparatively expensive performance-oriented e-bikes.

I believe most new riders will appreciate the change, as well as the functionality of both the display and the Velotric App. The bike’s top speed and riding mode can be changed through either, but the app allows users to track ride data, sync with Apple Health, and see the precise percentage of battery charge.

Personally, I did not find myself using the app much except to check my charge level; I’d have preferred this to be visible on the bike’s display. Additionally, while the app could be useful, I think full turn-by-turn navigation would make it even better. Hopefully this is added in the future.

One appreciated feature that the T1 ST Plus retained is compatibility with Apple’s Find My™ technology. While this does nothing to prevent theft (an old-fashioned bike lock is still the best policy), it can help owners locate their property in the unfortunate event that their bike is stolen. It’s a nice bonus that we rarely see on bikes in the T1 ST Plus’s price range.

Another aspect of the bike I appreciated was its straightforwardness and simplicity. As with many city e-bikes, the T1 ST Plus is relatively feature-light (excluding things like the the Find My™ tech). It focuses simply on being a good bike by including simple accessories like lights, but it doesn’t go overboard with too many bells and whistles.

We liked the original T1 ST so well that it landed a coveted spot on our list of the Best Electric Bikes. It was an affordable, practical, comfortable, and relatively unique e-bike in the city and urban category. As we learned in our testing, the Plus model largely improved the original’s sizing, feel, and overall performance.

We were extremely pleased with the bike’s results in our Range Test, which exceeded our expectations, the performance of most similar bikes we’ve tested, and even Velotric’s advertised range. Its braking performance, while not perfect, was a marked improvement. Finally, its Hill Test results showed it more capable than many similar models.

We recently reviewed a handful of Velotric’s other “Plus” models, which would likely have benefitted more from the T1 ST Plus’s color display and multiple riding modes. We think the profile of Boost mode will be appropriate for most riders, but of course, there are two other options for riders with different preferences.

Additionally, while it’s less of an outright downside and more of a point to be aware of, the bike’s “ST” designation is somewhat misleading. With a standover height of up to 27.5”, most riders will not likely be able to step through the frame.

Otherwise, the T1 ST Plus is still affordable, practical, and comfortable. Its modest motor gave it a non-electric feel in its low assist settings, making it suitable for riders who enjoy active pedaling. Its range is effective for commuting, general leisure riding, and long-distance touring.

The bottom line is that the Velotric T1 ST Plus is a simple but effective e-bike that doesn’t overcomplicate things. With the bike’s minor but impactful changes, Velotric has clearly committed to continued improvement.

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 T1 ST Plus down in our comments section.