Velotric Nomad 1 Plus
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Velotric Nomad 1 Plus. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
12 reasons to buy
- The Nomad 1 Plus comes as a step-through or step-over. The step-through is offered in four colorways.
- All experts praise the comfortable ride and riding position.
- The adjustable stem allows riders to quickly fine-tune fit.
- Most reviewers enjoy the gradual acceleration from both throttle and pedal assist.
- A tester records consistent increases in power across PAS levels.
- Users can adjust the pedal assist limit anywhere between 12mph and 28mph.
- Two experts say pedal assist is responsive.
- A reviewer finds climbing steep hills "remarkably easy" thanks to the cadence sensor and powerful motor.
- The hydraulic disc brakes demonstrate ample stopping power in testing.
- The bike's payload capacity is 355lb, and the optional rear rack supports 55lb.
- The Nomad 1 Plus comes with fenders and lights with brake activation. Experts appreciate the bright 60-lux headlight.
- The 80mm suspension fork has adjustable preload and lockout.
7 reasons not to buy
- The Nomad 1 Plus's listed weight of 71lb is misleading. One reviewer weighs it at 85lb, 14lb over the stated weight.
- Throttle and pedal assist speed are linked, so when unlocked to Class 3 mode, the throttle exceeds the legal limit for e-bikes (20mph). The bike also exceeds 28mph using pedal assist.
- In both PAS 3 and PAS 5 range tests, the Nomad 1 Plus returns ranges below the average range of 750W fat-tire models tested by one publication.
- One tester finds the throttle acceleration underwhelming.
- A reviewer says the fenders are flimsy and tricky to set up correctly.
- The plastic platform pedals are slippery, according to one expert.
- Velotric markets the Nomad 1 Plus as a bike for going "anywhere you want," but the high weight and entry-level components are only suited to light off-road terrains.
Bottom line
Velotric's Nomad 1 Plus is a 750W fat-tire e-bike available as a step-through or step-over. The latest "Plus" version has a slightly modified frame with fewer color options, a higher top speed, less aggressive acceleration, and an adjustable stem. The comfortable ride, solid climbing performance, high payload capacity, responsive pedal assist, and stopping power impress testers. Most complaints are minor, but buyers should be aware of the high weight, slightly below-average range, illegal top speeds when unlocked, and limited off-road capability. Overall, experts consider the Nomad 1 Plus competitively priced and a solid option in the fat-tire category.Expert Reviews
89/100 based on 3 rated expert reviewsVelotric Nomad 1 Plus Review – Smooth and Easy Comfort | BikeRide.com
The Velotric Nomad 1 Plus is an upgraded version of the original Nomad 1. The new Nomad strikes a similar stance to its predecessor, with upgrades that include an adjustable stem, a brighter, 60-lux front light, and a top speed that can be set to between 12mph and 28mph.
We kick off this review with info about Velotric, some details on the Nomad 1 Plus, and our ever-popular pros and cons. That’s followed by a deep dive into the bike’s components and build specification, and all the data from our range of standardized tests. We finish it all off with our final word on the Nomad 1 Plus’s performance, durability, and value.
About Velotric
Velotric is one of the bigger names to emerge in the e-bike space in recent years, and we’ve tested many of their new models in the past year. My overall impression of Velotric is that it consistently produces e-bikes to an above-average standard in terms of design, features, performance, and overall quality.
What is the Nomad 1 Plus?
The Nomad 1 Plus is a comfort-focused e-bike with a 750W rear hub motor, a 691 Wh battery, and 26″ wheels wearing fat 4” tires. It can be configured for full compliance with e-bike class 1, 2, or 3.
The Nomad 1 Plus has a hardtail frame with an 80mm suspension fork, and is available as a step-through or a high-step. I tested the step-through version.
Velotric says, “The Nomad 1 Plus is built for any adventure, handling heavy loads, steep hills, and harsh weather.” Indeed, the Nomad 1 Plus is packed with features, safety standards, and weatherproofing that underscore its ability to handle severe conditions, as well as the challenges your daily rides are likely to throw at the bike.
On paper, the Nomad 1 Plus appears to be a robust and powerful adventure e-bike. But just how well does the new, upgraded Nomad perform compared to its predecessor, and how does it stand up to the competition? Let’s dive into the pros and cons to learn more about the Velotric Nomad 1 Plus.
Pros
Power and Control
The Nomad 1 Plus offers a great combination of nicely controlled acceleration at lower speeds and plenty of motor power at higher speeds. This new Nomad suffers from none of the jerky, torque-heavy acceleration many users complained about with the original Nomad 1.
Despite its moderated acceleration when pulling away, the Nomad 1 Plus’s 750W, 75Nm motor still brings the heat once it’s rolling. It easily gets the bike up to 28mph using throttle or PAS, and as long as you’re already moving when you hit an incline, it makes hill climbs a breeze.
Note that the Nomad 1 Plus is easily configured to be fully compliant with all e-bike classes, and the throttle can be disabled or removed if you’re in an area that doesn’t allow a throttle with Class 3.
Comfort
The Nomad 1 Plus definitely fulfils Velotric’s promise of a comfortable ride. The step-thru version was easy to mount, with a straight-backed riding position that will appeal to many recreational cyclists looking for a relaxed ride. The adjustable stem lets riders change the angle of the bars to find a comfortable position.
The bright, high-contrast display and simple control pad are easy to see and use while riding, even in bright sunlight. I also found all the contact points to be comfortable, especially the lock-on rubber grips and cushioned seat. If you plan to ride in wet conditions, you might need to upgrade to pedals with more grip, but the included pedals are fairly good for stock items.
Quality
After testing seven models from Velotric, I can confidently say the brand offers consistent quality across its lineup.
The Nomad 1 Plus performs similarly to or better than its predecessor, and every Velotric bike has done well in our tests. I was also happy to see that the user manual and instructions for bike setup and control are informative and easy to follow.
As we’ve now come to expect with Velotric, we had no problems with the Nomad 1 Plus during setup or testing. Altogether, the quality packaging, lack of any damage on arrival, and easy setup I’ve enjoyed with all Velotric bikes gives me confidence that quality control is a top priority for this brand.
That sense of quality is bolstered by the safety and weatherproofing standards the Nomad 1 Plus meets, which should allow it to provide many miles of trouble-free operation in wet and dirty conditions.
Cons
Fat Tire Failings
If you’re not certain you’re going to be riding on beaches or off-road all day, you may not need the additional float and traction provided by this bike’s fat tires, the benefits of which are limited away from loose and slippery terrain.
If you don’t absolutely need fat tires, you may want to consider the Velotric Discover 1 Plus instead. It costs less and has a smaller, 500W motor, yet it climbs hills slightly faster than this bike, because it’s lighter and its narrower tires have less rolling resistance.
Also, in testing, it demonstrated the potential for greater range. The Discover 1 Plus beat the Nomad 1 Plus in both of the hill-climb tests and traveled 4 miles farther in our PAS 5 range test, while maintaining the same 17.9 mph average speed.
Slow Acceleration
Velotric made a conscious decision to tune the Nomad 1 Plus’s controller to give slower acceleration, and there’s no way to change this.
While this bike’s smooth, jerk-free acceleration will appeal to many riders, I do need to note that acceleration on this bike, especially at lower speeds, is much slower than on others we’ve tested, and will not do the trick for riders who want strong acceleration and the feeling of lots of torque.
The relatively sedate acceleration is a consideration when crossing busy roads or attempting to climb a steep hill from a dead stop. To get a strong launch, you need to pedal hard, and pulling away uphill requires careful balancing while the bike ramps up the acceleration in the first 5-10 seconds. After that slow initial acceleration, there’s plenty of power on tap.
Claimed Rider Height
As with other Velotric bikes I’ve tested, the stated fit for the step-thru model seems unrealistic. Velotric says this bike fits riders up to 6’4” and as I’m 6’ tall, with a 32” inseam, this bike should fit me well.
However, I had to raise the seat almost to its maximum height to get a comfortable fit. Anyone taller than 6’ will probably want to consider the high-step frame instead, while being mindful of Velotric’s tendency to get the height range wrong.
The Nomad Plus 1 In Detail
With its powerful motor and claimed range of up to 55 miles, the Velotric Nomad 1 Plus is positioned as a “go anywhere adventure bike”.
Frame and Fit
The bike has a pleasant appearance with good curb appeal. It looks capable and burly, with big tires sporting a prominent XC tread pattern. The paint has a pleasing semi-matte finish, and is less metallic and fancy than the vibrant, shiny red on the Discover 2 I tested.
The bike has an aluminum frame, which comes as a step-thru or high-step, but in only one size each. Both frame styles are hardtails, with an 80mm suspension fork that has preload adjustment and a lockout—pretty typical for bikes in this price range.
The bike has a total payload capacity of 440lb for rider and cargo. The optional rear rack that came with our test bike can carry 55lb. Velotric also sells a front rack for this bike that’s rated for 33lb. On my scale, this bike weighs 72.4lb without the rack.
The Nomad 1 Plus has swept-back bars, and an adjustable stem with 60° of adjustment, allowing most riders to make the most of the straight-backed riding position.
However, I found the stated rider fit to be unrealistic. Velotric says the step-thru fits riders 5’1” – 6’4” and the high-step fits riders 5’6” – 6’9”. I’m 6’ tall and I only just fit this step-through frame, so riders taller than me might find it cramped.
E-Bike System, Controls, and Classification
The Nomad 1 Plus uses a 48V electrical system, with a 14.4Ah battery powering the Velotric-branded rear hub motor. That battery sits in the downtube and is secured with a keyed lock. Velotric includes a 3A charger, and the battery can be charged on or off the bike. The charging port is located on the upper side of the battery, on the drive side of the bike.
The motor uses a cadence sensor to detect rider input and also has a thumb-style throttle, which can be removed if you need to comply with Class 1 or Class 3 e-bike regulations in your area. Also, the speed limit can be adjusted between 12-28 mph. The 3-button control pad sits by the left grip, and there’s a 3.5” backlit LCD display in the middle of the bars.
Safety Certifications and Weatherproofing
As I mentioned earlier, the Nomad 1 Plus complies with a range of safety and performance standards, including UL2849, UL2271, and ISO 4210. The bike has IPX6-level weather protection, and the battery is IPX7-rated.
Suspension and Wheelset
The Nomad 1 Plus rolls on 26” spoked aluminum rims, which wear 26X4” CST BFT tires. These tires have an XC-style tread and include puncture protection, but they aren’t tubeless ready. Both wheels use nutted axles.
Drivetrain and Brakes
The drivetrain is well suited to the bike’s high-speed capability and aids in hill climbing. Its 8-speed Altus derailleur and trigger-style shifter are mated to an 11-32T freewheel at the rear. It uses 170mm aluminum cranks, and a 46T chainring, with a single-sided guard to keep your clothes out of the chain.
When it comes time to stop, the Nomad 1 Plus has unbranded hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers and 180mm rotors. Those brakes are controlled by aluminum brake levers with reach adjustment.
Cockpit and Touchpoints
The cockpit also has lock-on grips, the aforementioned thumb-style throttle and three-button control pad, a bell, and a trigger shifter. Other touch points include the Velotric Urban comfort saddle and plastic platform pedals.
Accessories
The bike has a 60-lux front light and a rear light with brake activation. The Nomad 1 Plus comes with fenders, but the rear cargo rack seen on our test bike costs extra.
Testing the Nomad Plus 1
Hill Climb Tests
The Nomad 1 Plus performed well in the small-elevation hill climb, coming within 1 second of its predecessor and the Discover 2. It beat the Himiway Zebra D5 by 10 seconds and fell short of the Snapcycle R1 Pro by only 6 seconds, demonstrating its ability to maintain speed up shallow climbs.
The steeper incline and shorter distance of the medium-elevation hill climb meant the Nomad 1 Plus’s slower acceleration had a greater impact on its results. The Nomad 1 Plus was the slowest bike up this hill, but only by 1-3 seconds compared to the Discover 2 and Himiway D5. The Snapcycle took the top spot, beating the Nomad 1 Plus by almost 20 seconds, while the original Nomad 1 came close behind, finishing 16 seconds faster than the Nomad 1 Plus.
Acceleration Tests
The Nomad 1 Plus’s slower acceleration is most noticeable in the 0-20 times, where this bike is 2–5 seconds slower than the others, whether using PAS or throttle. The Nomad 1 Plus’s sedate acceleration does make the bike more rider friendly, but it’s safe to assume that if you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a torque-heavy experience, the Nomad 1 Plus is not the bike for you.
Range Tests
I’ve compared the range-test results for the Nomad 1 Plus with two groups of bikes.
PAS 5 Test: Velotric Discover 2, Fiido Titan, Vtuvia SN100, Velotric Nomad 1 (original)
PAS 3 Test: Velotric Summit 1, Velotric Discover 2, ENGWE EP-2 Pro, Vtuvia SN100
PAS 5 Range Test
In the first range test, the Nomad 1 Plus was firmly in the middle of the pack, beating its predecessor, the Nomad 1, by a mile and a half, and the Vtuvia SN100 by almost 7 miles. It came within a mile of the Discover 2, and only fell seriously short of the Fiido Titan. The Titan, however, is a special case, with a top speed of only 15.5 mph. That lower top speed allowed it to conserve power for extended range in this test. If the Fiido Titan is free to reach its top speed of 28 mph, its range falls to just 27 miles.
PAS 3 Range Test
In the PAS 3 range tests, the Nomad 1 Plus again finished in the middle of the pack, beating the Vtuvia SN100 but falling a few miles short of the other competitors. The top spot was claimed by the Summit 1, which traveled almost 7 miles farther than the Nomad 1 Plus. This can probably be chalked up to the Summit 1’s narrower tires and more efficient torque sensor. The Nomad 1 Plus’s range in PAS 3 was very close to those of the Velotric Discover 2 and ENGWE EP-2 Pro.
Brake Tests
From 20mph, the Nomad 1 Plus stopped in an impressively short 16 feet. This was an identical result to its predecessor and close to the best bikes we have tested for stopping distance.
Light Tests
The Nomad 1 Plus’s 60-lux front light is reasonably bright, putting out almost as much light as the units on bikes like the Radster Trail and outperforming bikes like the ENGWE L20 2.0.
It has a narrow beam, which widens as it reaches 100 feet, and can illuminate a traffic cone 100 feet away. It’s not as bright as our Cateye reference light on its 1100-lumen setting, and the Nomad’s much tighter beam doesn’t illuminate the sides of the road.
On its 400-lumen setting, the Cateye reference light puts out about the same amount of light as the Nomad 1 Plus’s 60-lux light, but the Cateye provides much better peripheral illumination.
The Nomad 1 Plus’s rear light is significantly less bright than the Lezyne reference light when viewed from 100 feet away.
Riding the Nomad 1 Plus
I enjoyed riding the Nomad 1 Plus in most circumstances. The powerful motor allowed me to forget about the oversize tires. The 8-speed drivetrain, 11-32T cassette, and Altus trigger shifter were a joy to use, and combined with the motor’s power, made pedaling comfortable with the speed limit set anywhere in the 12–28mph range.
This bike is best suited to light trails, beaches, and other recreational off-road terrain, but it also does fine on pavement, despite the increased noise and rolling resistance from the tires. The 4” fat tires provide excellent traction and float over loose surfaces like sand, making it much more suited to riding on loose beach sand than the skinnier tires found on the Discover 2 or Discover 1 Plus.
This increased tire width is one of the key selling points for the Nomad 1 Plus versus the rest of the Velotric lineup. The greater volume of these fat tires gives you the option to run at lower tire pressures, for more cushion over bumps.
I experienced no speed shimmy and noticed no flex in the step-thru frame, even over bumps and in tight turns.
The general fit and ride style of the Nomad 1 Plus is very similar to its predecessor, the Nomad 1. At 6’ tall, I found the fit comfortable, but had to set the saddle close to its highest position, a problem I’ve had with other Velotric bikes. Taller riders might want to consider the step-over version, instead.
From a dead stop, the Nomad 1 Plus pulls away much more slowly than many other e-bikes, but once the bike’s rolling, the motor provides plenty of power. Using PAS or throttle, the motor responds much faster at high speeds, making it more fun. The motor is powerful overall and has good climbing ability, especially if you’re already moving and not trying to pull away uphill.
The motor isn’t as quiet as the Summit 1’s hub motor, but it’s not overly loud, either. The noise is there, and it gets louder as the motor is worked harder, in common with other hub motors, but I didn’t find it very distracting.
The bike’s 72.4 lb weight and big wheelset reduce maneuverability somewhat, but no more so than you’ll find on other similar bikes. Still, compared to bikes with smaller wheels or skinnier tires, handling and cornering are clumsier.
The Nomad 1 Plus’s weight, size, and tires also make it challenging to transport on a bike rack. It’s harder to lift and requires a suitable rack. The bike’s bulk could also limit your ability to bring it indoors or store at your destination, unless you have outdoor parking or a ground-level garage.
Conclusion
It seems that Velotric has done it again with the Nomad 1 Plus, creating a robust and fun e-bike that lives up to Velotric’s claims about the bike’s abilities.
The motor is powerful and responsive, after the slow initial ramp-up, which is only a potential problem in certain situations, such as when crossing a busy road. However, it also makes the bike more approachable for riders who aren’t looking for mind-bending torque and acceleration.
The Nomad 1 Plus promises to be a safe and reliable bike with all the certifications you could need. The fit is comfortable, and despite some exaggerated height estimates, the two available frame styles seem to fit a wide range of riders.
The Nomad 1 Plus is an excellent choice for riders seeking a fat-tire e-bike to ride on beaches, trails, and paved roads, all for a reasonable price that provides a nice mix of quality and affordability.
It’s not as cheap as other brands, but the features and safety certifications are worth paying for. I would happily recommend this bike to others, as it brings the same quality levels I’ve experienced with the rest of the Velotric lineup.
Score Breakdown
- Build quality: 95
- Performance / Innovation: 80
- Design: 90
- Ride quality: 90
- Price / Value: 90
Overall: 89
Detailed Specifications
Electric Bike Class: Class 2 as shipped, Class 1 & Class 3 capable
Warranty: 2 years
UL Certification: UL2271, UL2849
IP Rating: IPX6 bike, IPX7 battery
Total Weight: Claimed: 70lb, Actual: 72.4lb
Motor Brand: Velotric Branded
Motor Type: Rear Hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 75Nm
Battery: 48V – 14.4 Ah – (691 Wh)
Range Claimed: 55 miles
Range Tested (PAS 3): 39.76 mi – 1,395 ft – 2h 42m – 14.5 mph avg
Range Tested (PAS 5): 29.57 Mi – 1,129 ft – 1h 40m – 17.9 mph avg
Speed: 12-28 mph
Throttle: Thumb style
Pedal Assist: 5 level
Charger: 54.6V – 3A output
Charge Time: 4-5 hours
Display: 3.5” backlit LCD
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 80mm coil suspension
Brake Levers: hydraulic
Brake Calipers: 2 piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm F+R
Chain: KMC 8 speed
Crankset: 170mm 46T
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 8 Speed
Shifter: Shimano Altus trigger – 8 speed
Freewheel: 8 speed – 13-34T
Rims: 26” spoked aluminum
Tires: 26 X 4.0 CST BFT
Fenders: Yes included front + rear plastic
Lights: 60 lux front headlight + rear light with awareness & braking
Grips: lock-on
Saddle: Velotric urban comfort saddle
Pedals: Plastic platform
Handlebar: 700 mm swept back with riser
Kickstand: Single sided
Payload Capacity: 440 lb
Rack Capacity: Rear rack 25 kg – 55 lb
Geometry (Step-Thru)
Seat Tube: 16.73“ (425 mm)
Reach: 16.1” (409 mm)
Stack: 27.99” (711 mm)
Stand Over Height: 16.92” (430 mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 24.8” (630 mm)
Min Saddle Height: 32.83” (834 mm)
Max Saddle Height: 41.02” (1042 mm)
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