The Velowave Forest comes in two builds: SM (500W, 15Ah) and XM (1000W, 20Ah), each available in two frame sizes.
Both mid-drive motors impress testers with their quick throttle acceleration and strong climbing power.
Experts relish the responsive and natural-feeling pedal assist.
A 200lb tester gets 55 miles of range on the Forest XM using a mix of throttle and PAS over hilly terrain.
An expert praises the 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain's smooth and dependable shifting.
The Forest comes with a headlight, flashing rear light, kickstand, USB-C charging port, and mounts for fenders and a rear rack.

11 reasons not to buy

Testers say the Forest isn’t suited for proper mountain bike trails, despite being marketed as an e-MTB.
The entry-level Trama 140mm suspension fork has a label warning against freeride, downhill, dirt jump, or generally aggressive riding.
At 64lb (SM) and 76lb (XM), the Forest is extremely heavy for an e-MTB.
At over 80" long, an expert finds the bike difficult to maneuver, especially on tight singletrack.
The Forest lacks a dropper seatpost.
The high minimum seat height on both sizes means the bike is unlikely to fit riders at the lower end of the stated height ranges.
The Forest XM’s 1000W motor and 37mph top speed exceed e-bike regulations, and most trails don't permit throttle-powered bikes.
A tester complains of a loud whine from the Forest SM's Bafang M600 motor.
The stock metal pedals lack grip and are too narrow for off-roading, according to a reviewer.
A tester notes the front wheel lifting on take-off due to strong throttle acceleration.
The provided geometry specifications lack key details like chainstay length, head tube angle, and seat tube angle.

Bottom line

The Forest is a full-suspension electric bike available in two builds: the street-legal SM (500W) and high-powered XM (1,000W). Testers appreciate the responsive throttle and pedal assist, strong climbing ability, and excellent range. Velowave calls the Forest an e-MTB, but the bike is not capable of true mountain biking. The 80" length, extremely high weight, terrain-limited entry-level fork, and lack of a dropper post contradict Velowave's claims. The brakes are also underwhelming, and the height ranges are exaggerated. Reviewers deem the Forest suitable for riders interested in exploring light trails, but it's expensive given that it lacks capacity as a true e-MTB.

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 1 scored review (2 reviews in total)

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Ebike Escape

Level 2 expert

Velowave Forest SM Review: Affordable Full-Suspension E-MTB

Level 2 expert

Its blend of power, comfort, and value makes it a standout for recreational riders and anyone wanting to explore trails with a little electric boost.

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At Home In Wild Spaces

Level 1 expert

Unleash the Beast | Velowave Forest XM E-Mountain Bike Review

Level 1 expert

… given the bike’s premium build quality, that beastly 1,000W mid-drive e-motor, and the bike’s prowess and versatility, it very much merits the [this price] price tag.

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