Velotric Discover 2 E-Bike Review: Power Meets Versatility
▼ Summary
– The e-bike industry is rapidly evolving with few regulations, making it difficult for policymakers to govern where and how these increasingly powerful vehicles are used.
– Velotric’s Discover 2 is a versatile e-bike that can be configured as a Class 1, 2, or 3 vehicle, with a top speed adjustable from 20 mph to 28 mph via a handlebar button.
– The bike comes with multiple compliance stickers, placing the responsibility on the rider to choose the appropriate class and follow local speed and path ordinances.
– Its powerful 750-watt motor and high torque make it a capable commuter bike for variable terrain, despite its leisurely and comfortable upright design.
– The article emphasizes that riders must understand and follow local rules and accept the increased risks of accidents that come with higher speeds.
Navigating the current e-bike market can feel like charting unknown territory, where rapid innovation often outpaces regulation. The Velotric Discover 2 emerges as a standout model in this dynamic environment, skillfully blending substantial power with impressive adaptability for urban commuting. This direct-to-consumer electric bike cleverly straddles multiple classifications, offering riders significant flexibility in how and where they choose to ride, provided they remain mindful of local laws.
The bike’s designation is uniquely versatile. It qualifies as a Class 1 e-bike because it can be pedaled to a default 20 mph. It’s also a Class 2 model thanks to its throttle, which also caps at 20 mph. With a simple press of a handlebar button, the speed limit adjusts to 28 mph, reclassifying it as a Class 3 e-bike. This higher speed typically restricts use on multi-use paths in many areas. Velotric includes compliance stickers for all three classes, allowing riders to affix the appropriate one to the frame, though the responsibility for lawful operation rests entirely with the owner. The temptation to unleash that extra speed on a fun ride is real, making rider discretion and awareness of municipal rules, and the increased risks of higher-speed accidents, absolutely critical.
Beneath its approachable aesthetic lies serious capability. The Discover 2 features a deep step-through frame, a generously sized saddle supported by two coil shocks, and an upright riding position. This comfortable setup belies the power of its 750-watt motor, which is the maximum wattage permitted for e-bikes in the US. This motor delivers a robust 75 newton-meters of torque. To put that in perspective, many standard city commuter e-bikes offer between 40 and 80 Nm, while dedicated e-mountain bikes often start around 100 Nm. This places the Discover 2’s power output firmly in the upper tier for a commuter-focused model, giving it the muscle to tackle variable urban landscapes with ease, including challenging hills and uneven streets.
(Source: Wired)
