Velotric Discover 2

Velotric’s Discover 2 is a step-through electric bike designed for commuting, cruising, and recreation. It’s the upgraded version of the Discover 1 Plus that we tested recently. 

In this test, we cover the Discover 2’s specifications, features, ride comfort, handling, and performance. To conclude, we’ll provide our overall impressions and assessment of the bike and its value.

Who Are Velotric?

Velotric was founded in 2021 and is based in California. In just three years, the company has created a range of popular e-bikes, from folders and fat bikes to commuters, cargo bikes, fitness bikes, and even an entry-level hardtail mountain bike.

Velotric has built a reputation for combining affordability, quality, and performance, but does the Discover 2 continue the trend?

What Is the Discover 2?

Velotric describes the Discover 2 as a step-through electric commuter bike designed to combine comfort, power, and fun. 

We’ve seen this e-bike format from Velotric in the Discover 1 and Discover 1 Plus. While similar to the Discover 2, the Discover 1 Plus lacks some of its standout features and, as a result, costs less. 

The easy-to-use Discover 2 has a 750W motor with 75Nm of torque and switchable torque and cadence sensors. This bike is only available as a step-through, but the frame comes in two sizes and four eye-catching colorways.

The Discover 2 has good cargo capacity, welcome safety certifications, and a top speed that can be set anywhere between 12 and 28mph, meaning users can quickly switch between the three e-bike classes.

The Discover 2 connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, providing easy access to a range of settings and features, including Apple Find My tracking. The Discover 1 Plus doesn’t have this connectivity. 

The bike rolls on 27.5″ x 2.4″ tires, stops with hydraulic disc brakes, soaks up bumps with a suspension fork, and transmits your pedal power through an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain.

Accessories include a MIK HD-compatible cargo rack, full-coverage fenders, and integrated lights.

Pros

General Quality

The overall quality of the user experience is excellent. The Discover 2 arrives well- packed with everything needed to finish the assembly, including tools and impressive printed instructions.

The Owner’s Manual, which includes a Quick-Start Guide, underlines the feeling of quality; it’s detailed, well-written, nicely illustrated, and covers final assembly, initial setup, using Apple Find My, safety guidance, and maintenance instructions. 

Overall, the Discover 2 just feels like a higher-quality product compared to many other brands. This is the fifth Velotric bike I’ve set up, and they’ve all been similar in terms of quality components and accessories, consistently good packaging and documentation, and easy access to helpful information.

Finally, Velotric says it has a network of over one thousand partner stores, which is much more than most online bike brands.

Battery Performance and Indicator

Another highlight of the Discover 2 is the performance of its battery, including good range, consistent power no matter how little charge is left, and a reliable indicator.

In testing, the motor provided an extra half mile of assistance after the display said the battery was empty.

The display shows battery level as a percentage. This proved accurate throughout testing, with the indicated voltage also falling in a consistent manner. As a result, it’s easy to estimate the remaining range.

Velotric says it’s possible to get 75 miles of range. Our testing returned 30 to 40 miles of real-world range.

Control and Customization

The Discover 2 offers a wealth of options and settings that are easy to access and change. There are three ride modes: Eco, Trail, and Boost, with five pedal-assist levels for each. 

The throttle can be set to provide power in line with the selected mode and assist level or to give you full power at all times.

The menus are well laid out. The functions in the advanced settings have clear names and are easy to adjust. Additionally, the Owner’s Manual provides clear and detailed instructions on the advanced settings.

You also get clear instructions on how to set the bike up for Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3, and the manual explains how to quickly remove the throttle for full compliance with Class 1 or Class 3.

The Velotric app allows riders to switch between the cadence and torque sensors. Cadence sensing provides an easier ride, and torque sensing gives a more natural pedaling feel and a better workout.

Both ride mode and PAS levels are easy to change on the fly, but adjusting the speed limit requires stopping the bike to dive into the advanced settings.

The bike has Bluetooth connectivity that supports the Apple Find My functionality and Velotric’s smartphone app. Finally, the rear light has three different modes.

Cons

Sizing

The Discover 2 does a lot well, but it’s not perfect. One of its weaknesses is its sizing. It comes in two frame sizes, but the stated height range for our Large test bike seems unrealistic.

Velotric says this bike should fit anyone up to 6’4″, but that appears to be quite wide of the mark. At 6′ tall, I had to set the seat to its max height to get full leg extension, so riders over 6′ will likely find this bike too small, and that’s almost certainly the case if your inseam is greater than 32″.

No Lock

Despite the features and technology on this bike, there is no way to lock it to prevent it from being turned on, so when you secure the bike with an external lock and walk away, anyone can come along, power the bike on, and mess with it. It would be nice to have a key-operated power switch or even an app-based lock to prevent this.

App-Based Sensor Switching

Almost all of the functions and settings on this bike can be adjusted via the display. Velotric has done a great job of making the menus and options on the display simple and easy to use, meaning you don’t need the Velotric app except for one function: switching between cadence and torque sensors.

It’s unusual that everything can be managed through the display, except for changing between those sensors. Hopefully, Velotric addresses this in a firmware update.

What Does It Do Best?

From the unboxing and assembly to the feature set and riding the bike, the Discover 2 feels like a product from one of the big names in cycling, like Specialized.

The purchase and ownership experience is at the same level as Aventon, a far cry from the cheap Chinese e-bikes that litter the direct-to-consumer market.

Velotric nailed one of its key goals with this bike: comfort. Additionally, the electrical system, battery, and charger are UL-listed, and the battery and electrical system have high IP ratings.

Both pedal assist and top speed can be fine-tuned, and it’s easy to do. The advanced settings are easy to access and adjust, and the app is a pleasure to use. Velotric has also put a lot of thought into setting this bike up for different e-bike classes.

The Discover 2 fulfills expectations for performance and riding style. Everything works well and is easy to operate.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The size Large Discover 2 might not fit riders over 6′, and those with inseams greater than 32″ won’t get sufficient leg extension to pedal this bike comfortably and efficiently.

While the Discover 2 makes a great step-through commuter or recreation bike, riders who want something nimble and lightweight may be disappointed by the bike’s weight and size.

Finally, those looking for more than 30 to 40 miles on a single charge should look elsewhere, as using the Discover 2’s full speed and assistance really drains the battery.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 1, 2, or 3
Warranty: 2 years conditioned and limited
UL Certification: UL2271, UL2849
IP Rating: Bike – IPX6, battery – IPX7
Total Weight: Claimed: 63lb – Actual: 69lb
Motor Brand: Velotric-branded
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 75Nm
Battery: 48V 14.7AH (705.6Wh)
Range Claimed: 75 miles
Range Test (PAS 15/15): 30.34 mi – 1,152 ft. – 17.5mph avg.
Range Test (PAS 8/15): 40.62 mi – 1,476 ft. – 14.4mph avg.
Top Speed: 28mph
Throttle: Thumb-style
Pedal Assist: 15 Levels (3 ride modes, 5 PAS levels)
Charger: 54.6V 3A
Charge Time: 5 Hours
Display: 3.5″ LCD – Full color with Bluetooth
Frame: 6061 Aluminum
Fork: Coil suspension, 80mm travel, 15x110mm thru-axle
Brake Levers: Tektro hydraulic
Brake Calipers: Tektro 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180m
Chain: KMC 8-speed
Crankset: Aluminum, 170mm, 46t, narrow-wide
Derailleur: Shimano Altus
Shifter: Shimano Altus 8-speed
Freewheel: 11-32t 8-speed
Rims: 27.5″ double wall aluminum
Tires: Kenda 27.5” x 2.4” K105B
Fenders: Front + rear full-coverage, aluminum
Lights: 130-lux LED headlight, taillight w/brake activation + turn signals
Grips: Rubber lock-on, ergonomic flair
Saddle: Velotric Urban Comfort padded
Pedals: Plastic platform
Handlebar: Φ31.8mm, 680mm (R)/700mm (L)
Kickstand: Aluminum single-sided
Payload Capacity: 440lb

Frame and Geometry

The Discover 2 has a robust, nicely finished step-through frame with a low step-over height of 15.35″. This makes mounting and dismounting easy.

The frame is attractive, with nice paint and four colorways to choose from. The battery and frame are color-matched.

The riding position is upright and comfortable, benefitting from swept-back bars and a stem with 60 degrees of angle adjustment.

Again, the frame comes in two sizes. Velotric says the Regular fits riders from 4’11” to 5’9″, and the Large fits riders between 5’6″ and 6’4″. However, at least in the case of the Large frame, that range isn’t accurate.

The Discover 2 rolls on 27.5″ wheels with a smooth Novatec front hub with a 15x110mm thru-axle. This Boost axle is popular in mountain biking due to the greater strength and rigidity it provides.

The 80mm hydraulic suspension fork works well with smooth action. The suspension lockout works, but the preload adjustment is hard to use and offers little value.

The frame has mounting points on the head tube for a front rack. On the downtube, there’s a set of bottle cage bosses. The included rear rack can support 66lb and is MIK HD-compatible for easy installation and removal of MIK-standard accessories, including a child’s seat. Velotric rates this bike to carry 440lb.

The aluminum alloy frame feels robust despite the low step-over height. I didn’t notice any flex or shimmy. 

Measurements (Size Large)

Seat Tube: 18.11 “(460mm)
Reach: 14.68″ (373mm)
Stack: 25.47” (647mm)
Stand Over Height: 15.35″ (390mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 23.97″ (609mm)
Saddle Height Min: 31.88″ (810mm)
Saddle Height Max: 39.96″ (1015mm)
Wheelbase: 45.25″ (1149mm)
Total Length: 70″ (1778mm)
Recommended Rider Height: Large – 5’6″ – 6’4″

Display and Controls

The display is great. It’s a large, full-color LCD positioned in landscape format. The mounting brackets hold it a few inches above the middle of the handlebars, making it easy to read. 

This display shows a lot of information, but it’s nicely organized, visually appealing, and easy to see in a range of lighting conditions. As with the rest of this bike, Velotric provides clear, detailed instructions on the functions and menu systems and how to use them. 

The thumb throttle and a seven-button control pad sit on the left handlebar. On the bottom of the control pad, there’s a USB-C port with a plastic cover. 

Connecting the bike to the Velotric app is simple, and connecting to Apple’s Find My is similarly easy. The app has some advanced functions, but it’s not required to make full use of the bike, apart from when you want to change between the cadence and torque sensors.

The rear light is integrated into the rear rack and includes turn signals. An icon in the display shows if a turn signal is on.

Motor

The Discover 2’s hub motor has a nominal rating of 750W and a peak output of 1100W and 75Nm of torque.

This is a powerful motor that’s capable of climbing steep hills with minimal pedal effort. The bike’s performance changes dramatically from Trail mode and PAS level 3 (8/15) to Boost mode and level 5 (15/15), but this is accompanied by a big jump in battery consumption.

In the Med Hill Climb the Discover 2 performs slightly below the average of similar bikes tested, but its performance on the Small Hill Climb is in line with the average.

The thumb throttle is easy to operate and is nicely positioned. As I mentioned earlier, you can change whether the throttle gives full power at all times or operates in line with the chosen pedal assist level.

Like a lot of e-bikes, the Discover 2 has cruise control. This can be disabled via the settings. Motor noise is comparable to similar e-bikes.

Battery and Charger

The 48V 14.7Ah battery is UL 2271-certified, and the bike is UL 2849-certified. These certifications are designed to ensure quality and safety levels. In 2024, we expect all e-bikes sold in North America to meet these standards. You’ll see the UL markings on the relevant components.

At 705.8Ah, the battery is a bit smaller than I would like to see on a 750W e-bike. However, it returns good range, albeit slightly less than similar bikes.

At max assist, range is slightly below average at 30.4 miles with 1,152 feet of elevation at 17.5 average. In the middle assist setting (8 of 15), we got 40.6 miles and 1,476 feet of elevation at a reduced average speed of 14.4mph.

The 3A charger is typical for bikes like this and means a full charge takes around five hours. The battery can be charged on or off the bike and there’s an easy-to-use cover over the charge port to prevent water ingress. Removing and installing the battery is easy, and it has an integrated handle to carry it while removed.

Drivetrain

The Discover 2 has a Shimano Altus trigger shifter and rear derailleur. These both worked well in testing. The 8-speed drivetrain has a 46t chainring and 11-32t cassette, giving a reasonably wide gearing range.

This gearing suits most situations, but it can still be hard to get this bike moving without the motor’s help, and at 28mph, I experienced a little ghost pedaling.

Brakes

This bike has Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with two-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. The brakes worked well out of the box, needing no major adjustments and providing plenty of braking power with zero noise. The Discover 2’s brake test results are on par with competitors.

Wheels, Tires, Fenders 

The Discover 2 has 27.5″ wheels that wear 2.4″ Kenda Kwick Seven.5 Sport tires with K-Shield puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. These tires have a street tread that’s efficient on smooth roads and capable on light off-road surfaces. Velotric includes full-coverage fenders.

Accessories

In addition to the rear rack and fenders, the Discover 2 has integrated lighting. The front light is rated at 130 lux, and the multi-function rear light can be set to steady or flashing.

The bike also has an optional brake light, built-in turn signals, and an auto function that, when enabled, automatically turns on the lights and dims the display when it gets dark.

The single-sided kickstand does its job without problems.

Touchpoints

This bike has lock-on rubber grips. The material and the ergonomic shape is comfortable, and they stay in place on the bars.

The saddle is wide, and well padded. I found it plenty comfortable and had no trouble pedaling despite the its width.

The pedals are of hard plastic construction. They have good-sized pegs for grip, and they’re bigger and wider than the pedals you typically see on these kinds of bikes.

Conclusion

The Discover 2 provides a premium experience at a relatively affordable price. It’s an attractive bike with a solid, approachable frame, smooth performance, a comfortable ride, and a wealth of easily managed functions.

If you’re a taller rider, the Discover 2 is likely to disappoint, and unfortunately, we cannot comment on the accuracy of the height range for the Regular frame.

Battery range is good and should be sufficient for most commuters and recreational riders.

It’s hard to fault the Discover 2, though it’s quite a bit pricier than the Discover 1 Plus; another excellent e-bike. Those who don’t need the connectivity and ability to switch between cadence and torque sensors may find the cheaper Discover 1 Plus sufficient. However, the Discover 2’s layout, performance, and technology make it an excellent option in this segment, and pretty good value.

Score Breakdown

• Build quality: 95
• Performance / Innovation: 90
• Design: 95
• Ride quality: 90
• Price / Value: 85

Overall: 91

Ultimately, we highly recommend the Discover 2 to riders seeking a comfortable, highly customizable e-bike that offers huge bang for the buck.

The Discover 2 is Velotric’s first product refresh and earns its price tag with its range of quality features. Some might find the degree of tunability a bit much, but the setup is very user-friendly and works well.

Velotric has polished all the rough edges of the Discover 1 and turned the Discover 2 into potentially the best e-bike you can buy for the price.

I’m impressed with this bike. I’ve ridden a lot of hybrid bikes over the last year and this one just feels really premium.

All in though, I’m super happy with what Velotric has put together here. The Discover 2 is a powerful yet controllable e-bike that can handle any commuter or recreational riding needs.

Now, not only is the technology awesome, but this bike comes with everything you need.