Velotric Summit 1

91/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
5 Hours
Maximum Range
70 Miles
Top Speed
28 mph
Watts
750 W
Torque
90 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
48V 14.7Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
65 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Velotric Summit 1. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

11 reasons to buy

  • Experts feel the Summit 1 offers lots of value and is a good foundation for future upgrades.
  • Velotric offers the Summit 1 in three colors and two frame sizes with a relatively wide stated rider fit of 5'1" to 6'6". 
  • This bike achieves great results in one reviewer's standardized hill-climbing tests. 
  • Riders can customize PAS levels, change between e-bike classes, and track rides via Velotric's app.
  • The Summit 1 has an Apple AirTag integrated into the frame for locating the bike in the event of theft, though this isn't Android-compatible.
  • Once engaged after a slight delay, the pedal assist feels natural, according to reviewers.
  • The Summit 1's range impresses testers. One covers 36.5 miles and 658 feet of elevation on a paved route at 15.9mph in PAS level 5. 
  • The display shows battery level as a percentage instead of the five-bar indicator found on most other e-bikes.
  • The Summit 1 has mounts for a rear rack and fenders. 
  • Testers say the 27.5" x 2.6" Kenda tires grip well on dry trails.
  • The display has a USB port for charging devices on the go. 

13 reasons not to buy

  • Experts report delayed power delivery when using pedal assist or throttle.
  • One reviewer complains that pedal assist power cuts out at the most inconvenient moments.  
  • The "firm" 120mm hydraulic suspension fork's lack of shock absorption makes it ill-suited to proper mountain bike trails.
  • One tester blows the fork out after four small jumps. Velotric subsequently admits the Summit is more of a "trekking" bike.  
  • The two-piston MT200 hydraulic discs and 180mm rotors are underpowered for a heavy e-MTB. They also lack a motor inhibitor switch.
  • The kickstand rattles over bumpy terrain and is a potential hazard when riding off-road. Experts recommend removing it when riding off-road.
  • At 65lb, the Summit 1 is heavy for this category of bike.
  • Testers say the high weight results in unsteady handling at slow speeds, and the weight of the motor in the rear hub worsens this instability.
  • Removal of the throttle is required to comply with most MTB trail regulations in the US. 
  • Unlocking Class 3 PAS speeds also unlocks the throttle to 28mph, exceeding e-bike regulations. 
  • The wheels are not tubeless-compatible. 
  • One tester complains of a skipping drivetrain that requires a lot of adjustment.
  • An expert mountain biker says they would replace the drivetrain, brakes, bars, grips, and fork, and add a dropper post, if they were to use this as a true MTB.

Bottom line

The Velotric Summit 1 is an entry-level e-MTB with 27.5" wheels, a 120mm suspension fork, and a 750W motor. Experts praise the performance at this price point, highlighting the natural assistance, powerful motor, solid range, and grippy Kenda tires. However, the bike quickly reaches its limits off-road. Testers report delayed motor activation, inconvenient assist cut-outs, instability at low speeds, and underpowered brakes. Additionally, one reviewer breaks the fork doing some modest jumps, dispelling Velotric's claim of "reliable" "MTB-quality components." Despite its shortcomings, experts agree the Summit 1 is a solid budget-friendly option for beginners keen to ride light MTB trails.

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
83
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Scott Hardesty

You Should Read Those Warning Labels

I ended up sending Velotric the video where I… blew out the fork, and the response was [that] this bike is more of a trekking bike for normal mountain biking…

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92
Electric Bike Report

Velotric Summit 1 Review 2024 | Is This the New Entry-Level E-MTB?

… the Velotric Summit 1 is a solid starter e-MTB, but if you’re really serious about mountain biking, you might soon be eyeing upgrades like a better air fork and a dropper seat post. It’s also a bit on the heavy side, especially in the rear hub…

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Rider Guide

The Velotric Summit 1 – A Beginner E-MTB for Expert Trails

On the whole, the Summit 1 is fantastic value…

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85
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Jared Hoff

Say Goodbye to Overpriced Bikes With the New Velotric Summit 1 Budget E-Bike!

This bike may not have all the bells and whistles of the high-end bikes I got back in my garage. For the price, you really can’t beat that value… I would definitely recommend this bike for entry-level riders…

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Electric Bike Journal

Tech Check: Velotric Summit 1

As a whole, the Summit 1 is a solid performer… [it’s] enjoyable to ride, comfortable, and very powerful. With light-duty mountain biking in mind, we see the Summit 1 being even more beneficial for e-trekking and an absolute blast for the sporty commuter.

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eBikepedia | Freshly Charged

Velotric Summit 1 E-Bike Review – The Best Budget E-MTB

We have tested over 100 bikes on the channel, and I can’t think of any other e-MTB that I would recommend unless you are willing to spend more money.

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RunBikeMike

Velotric Summit 1 Finally an Affordable E-MTB

The Summit 1 is an entry-level bike at a really solid price point that is just begging for down-the-line upgrades.

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Stay Connected with EV's

Velotric Summit 1 Review: Budget-Friendly E-MTB

This bike is really, really aggressively priced…

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TailHappyTV

Velotric Summit 1 Review – The New Affordable Electric Mountain Bike!

For the money, there aren’t many other electric mountain bikes packing so many features, speed, and power at such an affordable price point.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Bike Comparison

Velotric Summit 1 in comparison to averages

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