Velotric Nomad 1

The Velotric Nomad 1 is a burly fat-tire e-bike that makes a big first impression.

This attractive electric bike is available in seven colorways and two frame configurations, both of which we’ve had the opportunity to test.

Keep reading to learn more about the Nomad 1 and how it compares to similar models.

What Is the Velotric Nomad 1?

Velotric describes the Nomad 1 as a “go-anywhere” adventure-style e-bike. At first glance, it seems up to the task, with its knobbly 4″ tires and 750W rear hub motor.

The powerful motor takes center stage when riding, quickly accelerating and easily maintaining its top (unlocked) speed of 25mph.

The Nomad 1 is comfortable and feels robust. It comes with full coverage fenders and an integrated headlight, but a rear rack will cost extra, and the taillight isn’t integrated.

Pros

Performance

The Nomad 1 is fast and capable. Its 750W motor provides raw speed and power, accelerating quickly to 20mph in pedal assist mode.

The bike charges away from a stopped position, sometimes almost too quickly. I enjoyed how easy it was to pedal and how it maintained speed over flat terrain and hills. So, if you are looking for a fast and exciting bike, the Nomad 1 might be worth considering.

Comfort

The Nomad 1 is very comfortable. The touchpoints, fat tires, and suspension fork each contribute to this comfort.

The Nomad 1 is also pleasant to ride on light off-road terrains. It floats over loose gravel and sand, and the wide tires, sturdy frame, and stable handling inspire confidence by making the bike easy to control.

Great Looks

This is a good-looking bike that turns heads when out riding. The refined, modern frame features a color-matched battery, internal cable routing, and various color options.

Cons

Non-integrated Taillight, No Rear Rack

Unfortunately, the Nomad’s taillight is powered by external batteries and must be turned on and off using a switch on the light. This bike also lacks a rear rack.

Motor Acceleration

This bike is very fast, and the controller is programmed for quick acceleration. This can be shocking at the maximum assist level, whether using the throttle or pedal assist.

Some riders may appreciate this acceleration, but others will not, so be aware and adjust your assist level accordingly.

Large Wheels and Frame

The Nomad 1 is a heavy e-bike with wide 4″ tires, so maneuvering in tight spaces is challenging. Lifting the bike onto a vehicle rack or carrying it up flights of stairs is also difficult. Additionally, it doesn’t easily fit through doors or into elevators. Given that, it’s best for those with ground-floor storage.

What Does It Do Best?

The Nomad 1 lives up to expectations as a fast, fun adventure bike well-suited to recreational riding and exploring on or off-road. I found it comfortable with a great ride quality.

It’s available as a step-through and step-over frame. The step-through is more accessible and has a lower height range. Regardless of the frame you choose, the Nomad 1 accelerates rapidly and has excellent range.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The bike is aimed at recreational riding, so those looking to use it for commuting or activities like hunting or fishing trips may find its limitations.

While it does have a powerful motor and good range, it lacks a taillight and rack for commuters, and the bike’s heft may be cumbersome in urban environments.

Conclusion

For riders interested in exploring a mix of pavement and light off-road terrain, the Velotric Nomad may be the perfect fit. It’s available in two frame configurations and several color options.

So, if it’s time to add adventure to your life, consider the Nomad 1 e-bike from Velotric.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2
Warranty: 2-year
Battery Weight:
Claimed Weight: Step-thru: 72lb, High-step: 73lb
Tested Weight: Step-thru: 74lb, High-step: 75lb
Motor Brand: Velotric-branded
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 75Nm
Battery: 48V, 14.4Ah (691.2Wh)
Range Claimed: Up to 55 miles
Range Tested: 28.03 mi – 1135 ft. – 1h 21min – 18.5 mph avg
Speed: 20mph, 25mph unlocked
Throttle: Thumb-style throttle
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 48V – 3A
Charge Time: 6 hours
Display: 3.5″ backlit LCD display
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 80mm suspension fork
Brake Levers: Aluminum with reach adjustment
Brake Calipers: Hydraulic 2-piston
Brake Rotors: 180mm front + rear
Chain: KMC-Z8
Crankset: Aluminum 170mm 46t
Derailleur: Shimano RD-M310 8-speed
Shifter: Shimano SL 1315 8-speed trigger shifter
Cassette: 8-speed, 13-34t
Rims: 26″ aluminum
Tires: CST BFT 26”x 4” with puncture-resistant liner
Fenders: Front and rear, full-coverage
Lights: LED headlight
Grips: Rubber
Saddle: Comfort ergonomic seat, 220mm
Handlebar: Aluminum alloy, 31.8mm, 700mm
Kickstand: Single-sided, large foot
Pedals: Alloy platform
Max. Total Capacity: 440lb total

Frame and Geometry

We rarely get to review the step-through and step-over versions of a model simultaneously. This allows us to compare them and highlight the differences.

Both frames feel robust and don’t flex. The geometry allows you to ride with a straight back, and the pedal position is comfortable. After the 28-mile range test, I felt relaxed and happy to continue riding.

The 80mm suspension fork helps with front-end shock absorption, but the rear end can be jarring without rear suspension; a suspension seatpost would assist here.

Seat Tube: 17.12 (435mm)
Reach: 14.96” (380mm)
Stack: 26.77” (680mm)
Stand Over Height: 16.5” (420mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 23.5” (597cm)
Min Saddle Height: 32.16” (817mm)
Max Saddle Height: 40.15” (1020mm)
Wheelbase: 44.88” (1140mm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’1” to 6’4” (step-through) 5’6” to 6’9” (step-over)

Motor

The Nomad 1 is quick to accelerate and powerful. With its 750W motor and 75Nm max torque, it easily maintains close to 20mph on milder gradients.

I enjoyed the acceleration but was sometimes caught off guard by the harshness of it. In our tests, the Nomad took just seven seconds to go from 0 to 20mph and it performed well in our small and medium hill climbs, maintaining speed well throughout the climbs.

The Nomad 1 ships as a Class 2 e-bike with a top speed of 20mph, but you can easily unlock it to 25mph in the display settings.

Cockpit and Control

The Nomad’s cockpit is well laid out. It includes hydraulic brake levers, a trigger shifter, a three-button control panel, and a 3.5″ backlit display. The display shows your speed, battery level, and trip info.

The battery level indicator is a five-bar icon, which isn’t as good as a percentage reading but remains consistent as the battery level drops.

The control pad is easy to use and has a dedicated button for the front light and a USB port for charging devices.

Battery

The included battery is a 48V, 14.4Ah (691.2Wh) unit. In our range test, it lasted for 28 miles, covering 1,135 feet of elevation on max assist, so Velotric’s stated range of 55 miles seems accurate if done using PAS 1.

The battery is color-matched and integrated into the frame. It can be charged on or off the bike. When not in use, the charge port is protected by a rubber plug.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

Velotric provides a 48V – 3A charger with the Nomad 1. To remove the battery for charging, you must unlock it with the key. The keyhole is on the non-drivetrain side.

After unlocking the battery with the key, it simply pops out of the frame. Reinstalling it is easy: line up the connectors at the bottom and push it into the frame until it clicks.

Drivetrain

The Nomad 1 has an above-average 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain with a reliable and precise trigger shifter.

The 46t chainring and 13-34t cassette provide enough range for comfortable pedaling up to the 25mph max speed.

Brakes

The Nomad has two-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. This brakeset performed excellently in our tests, bringing the bike to a stop faster than most other bikes we’ve tested.

Wheels, Tires

The Nomad 1 has 26″ aluminum rims wrapped in 4″ CST BFT tires with puncture-protection inserts. These tires are well suited to mixed-terrain rides and offer reliable grip on pavement, sand, dirt, and gravel. These robust and grippy tires are an appropriate choice for this adventure-seeking machine.

This bike also performs well in loose sand on the beach thanks to its wide tires and powerful motor.

Safety

The Nomad 1 has a bright headlight but doesn’t include a taillight, which is required for safe nightly riding. Another safety feature is the motor inhibitor switch for faster stopping. Finally, this bike is UL-certified.

Kickstand

The Velotric Nomad 1 has a standard single-sided kickstand. It’s functional but rattles when riding over rougher terrain.

Contact Points

Grips

The Nomad 1’s grips are leather with ergonomic flares. They’re comfortable and weather-resistant, and while they don’t lock on, they also don’t move around on the bars.

Saddle

The saddle is wide and comfortable but impacts to the bike’s rear are jarring without rear suspension, so if you intend to ride off-road regularly, this bike would benefit from a suspension seatpost.

Pedals

The pedals are plastic platform pedals with small pegs. They offer good traction, and I had no issues during testing.

Based on the numbers and our experience with the bike, it rivals other fat tire e-bikes and provides excellent value for its price point, all while presenting itself in style.

The Nomad 1 is fun and capable. While the large and heavier design won’t suit commuters, it shines for its ability to adventure off the beaten path. It’s still best suited for more casual off-roading rather than hardcore trail riding.

The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I was able to power through some light frozen snow, over crunchy dry grass fields, and through fallen dry leaves. The powerful 750W motor provided confidence that I could get through any terrain.

Overall during our review, we were impressed with how much was offered on the Velotric Nomad 1, a value-priced fat tire e-bike. The motor packed a real punch and did well on our hill test. This bike has a nice laid-back riding position making it a comfortable ride.

The Nomad 1 is a great all-around e-bike for commuters and thrill-seekers alike. It’s also priced right for a bike in its category. The bike is solid but because there is nothing that stands out I’ll be giving it 4 out of 5 stars.

After plenty of miles traversing city streets and dirt trails, we were completely satisfied with the Velotric Nomad 1 e-bike — simple as that. It isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it’s a good value. It delivers on the features it promises.