Explore the Velotric Nomad 1: Versatile E-Bike Review 2024
After thoroughly testing the Velotric Nomad 1, we're eager to share our firsthand experience with this exceptional electric bike. Our journey with the Nomad 1 has been more than just a test ride; it's been a deep dive into its capabilities, quality, and versatility.
Pros and Cons of the bike at a glance
Pros
Quick Setup
Versatile Design
Stable & Smooth Riding
Robust Performance
Fitness Friendly
Cons
Heavyweight ebike
Very Basic Display
No Rear Light Included
Limited Advanced Features
In this article, we'll delve into unique aspects of the Velotric Nomad 1 to give you a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities:
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We'll explore how the ebike steep inclines and challenging terrain, testing its motor strength and battery endurance on hills.
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Compare the ebike's performance in urban environments against its capabilities on off-road trails, examining comfort, stability, and maneuverability in diverse settings.
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Assess the Nomad 1's suitability for longer rides, focusing on battery life, rider comfort over extended periods, and the overall endurance of the bike.
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Dive into the bike's design and ergonomics, including the comfort of the seat, positioning of the handlebars, and ease of control during various riding conditions.
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Evaluate the ebike's features and performance from a commuter's perspective, including storage options, ease of carrying or loading onto public transport, and its efficiency in navigating urban traffic.
Tackling Hills with the Velotric Nomad 1
One of the most crucial tests for any electric bike is its hill-climbing ability. To evaluate the Velotric Nomad 1, we put it to the test on two different hills, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Steep Short Hill Challenge
The first hill was approximately 600 feet long with a 45 feet elevation change, featuring a steep section with a 70% grade over 30 feet. This type of incline is a rigorous test for any e-bike. The rider Weighing in at 330 lbs and 350 lbs fully geared, we were curious to see how the Nomad 1 would handle this with throttle only.
To our surprise, the ebike ascended the hill with ease, not faltering even on the steepest part. This impressive performance can be attributed to the powerful motor and efficient design of the bike, which seems well-suited to handle significant weight and steep inclines without any struggle.
Pedal Assist Performance
During the test, we experimented with the different pedal assist levels. The first level, providing 90W of power, offered a gentle boost, while the second level at 290W made a noticeable difference.
However, it was the third level, delivering around 1000W, that marked a significant increase in power, making the climb much easier. The fourth and fifth levels didn’t show a drastic difference from the third, but they still provided a bit more power, which could be beneficial in certain conditions.
Moderate Long Hill Challenge
The second hill presented a different challenge: a steady 10% grade over about 300 feet, with an elevation change of around 32 feet. For this hill, relying solely on the throttle wasn't sufficient. The rider had to pitch in with some pedaling to assist the bike.
This experience highlights the Nomad 1's versatility. On steeper short hills, the throttle alone can be enough for a heavy rider, but on longer, moderate inclines, the pedal assist becomes crucial, offering the necessary boost to maintain a comfortable and steady climb.
Having established the Velotric Nomad 1's impressive hill-climbing prowess, we next turned our attention to its performance in diverse environments. Let's see how this electric bike fares in the contrasting landscapes of urban streets and rugged off-road trails.
Urban and Off-Road Riding with the Velotric Nomad 1
Having spent extensive time with the Velotric Nomad 1, we experienced its adaptability and performance across different terrains. Here's a closer look at how it handles both urban environments and off-road challenges.
Urban Riding Experience
In the city, the Nomad 1's performance was noteworthy. Its heavy-duty frame, while contributing to its weight, provides a sense of solidity and reliability, much like riding a "Cadillac" of bikes. The ride quality on asphalt is exceptional, with the bike's fat tires effectively absorbing shocks from the uneven roads and potholes of Ottawa. This created a smooth and comfortable urban riding experience.
Navigating through traffic is surprisingly effortless, thanks to the bike's responsive handling. The 750W motor ensures swift acceleration, making it easy to keep up with the urban pace. Despite its robust frame, the bike maneuvers through the crowded streets and tight spaces with ease.
Off-Road Capabilities
Off-road, the Nomad 1 truly shines. The fat tires provide stability and grip on diverse terrains, from sandy dry roads to more challenging dirt trails. These tires, typically inflated to lower pressures like 18PSI, offered a cushioned ride, essential for navigating rough and uneven landscapes.
The bike's power assists significantly in off-road conditions. It easily handles inclines and rough patches, allowing for an enjoyable ride without excessive physical effort. The robust suspension system adds to the comfort, making bumpy trails feel less jarring.
Versatility in Transition
The Nomad 1's ability to transition seamlessly between asphalt and off-road terrains is a standout feature. The bike's design and components work harmoniously to deliver a consistent riding experience regardless of the surface. This versatility is ideal for riders who enjoy exploring both city streets and nature trails.
let's now turn our focus to its long-distance endurance and suitability for extended rides.
Long-Distance Capability of the electric bike
On a recent excursion from East Ottawa to Cumberland, passing through Orleans for a total of 25km, we thoroughly tested the Velotric Nomad 1's aptitude for long-distance travel. This journey provided a comprehensive assessment of the bike's key features: battery life, rider comfort, and overall endurance.
Battery Life
On our 15.5 Miles journey, we put the Velotric Nomad 1's advertised 55-mile range to the test. Remarkably, even predominantly using the first and second pedal assist levels, the battery's performance was stellar. The minimal battery depletion observed – just a slight drop by one bar – suggests that the bike could effortlessly handle even longer distances, potentially living up to its impressive advertised range.
This efficiency in energy consumption offers a promising perspective for both lengthy exploratory rides and dependable daily commutes, making the Nomad 1 an excellent choice for those seeking an e-bike with substantial long-distance capabilities.
Comfort Over Extended Periods
Rider comfort, especially over prolonged periods, is crucial. The Nomad 1 excels in providing a comfortable riding experience, even during lengthy journeys. Its ergonomic design, coupled with the shock-absorbing properties of the fat tires, ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride.
The bike's ability to accommodate riders of varying sizes further enhances its appeal, offering a sense of ease and confidence on extended trips.
In the next phase of our evaluation, we focused on the Velotric Nomad 1's handling and ergonomic features.
Assessing the Velotric Nomad 1's Handling and Ergonomics
This assessment was crucial in understanding how the bike performs in terms of rider comfort and control during various riding conditions.
Handling in Different Conditions
We tested the ebike through the district of Gloucester, where we encountered about 5cm of snow, the Velotric Nomad 1 demonstrated its robust handling capabilities in challenging winter conditions. Navigating through the snow-covered areas required maximum pedal assist, which the bike managed efficiently.
This enhanced level of assistance was crucial for maintaining momentum and stability on slippery and uneven surfaces. In these conditions, the bike's intuitive response to steering and braking inputs was especially noticeable, ensuring a safe and controlled ride even in the depths of Ottawa's snowy days. The Nomad 1's fat tires also played a vital role, providing the necessary grip and stability to tackle the snow-filled terrain confidently.
Ergonomic Design for Rider Comfort
The ergonomic design of the Velotric Nomad 1 played a key role in ensuring comfort during our rides, though the seating arrangement did present some limitations.
While the well-positioned handlebars facilitated a natural and relaxed posture, reducing strain on the back and arms, we found the seat to be somewhat small, particularly for larger riders. This became more apparent during longer rides where optimal comfort is crucial.
The bike's overall design supports a comfortable riding posture, but those requiring a larger seat may need to consider an alternative or modification to suit their needs.
Ease of Control
The bike's ease of control was another highlight. The placement of the gear and pedal assist controls is convenient, allowing for effortless adjustments while riding.
The pedal assist mechanism itself is smooth and predictable, providing a natural feel to the power delivery. This ease of control not only makes the bike more enjoyable to ride but also enhances safety, especially for those who may be new to e-bikes.
Having examined the Nomad 1's handling and ergonomics, let's now shift our focus to its practicality and efficiency in the realm of daily commuting.
Practicality for Daily Commuting with the Velotric Nomad 1
We evaluated the Velotric Nomad 1's practicality for daily commuting, a crucial aspect for many e-bike users.
Storage and Portability
The Velotric Nomad 1, weighing in at around 72 to 73 pounds, presents a robust yet manageable package for daily use. The bike's front rack is particularly useful, offering ample space to carry daily groceries and essentials, enhancing its role as a practical commuting partner.
While its solid construction contributes to the weight, the integrated features like the kickstand and optional rear rack add to its overall utility, catering to various storage needs. However, for those who might face the challenge of carrying the bike up stairs or loading it onto public transportation, the weight is a factor to consider, requiring some planning and effort.
Conclusion
After an extensive and thorough evaluation of the Velotric Nomad 1, it's evident that this ebike is not only versatile and reliable but also offers exceptional value for money. Currently available at $400 off its original price of $1,799, the Nomad 1 represents an excellent investment for a diverse range of cyclists.
FAQ
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14 day trial available if you don’t like it simply return it
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Velotric offers 2 years warranty
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Velotric offers 7 colors palettes on this model
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