Velotric Discover 2 Electric Bike Review: Versatile and Powerful

On the screen, runners can access the distance and duration of the journey; average and maximum speeds; calories used; carbon dioxide saved (and also, what?); motor and controller temperatures; and total odometer. Via control buttons on the left handlebar, riders can switch between the five levels of electric assistance and walk mode, which advances at 2.9 mph whenever the rider needs to maneuver in a crowded space. Below the buttons is a USB-C port to keep your phone charged throughout the journey.

Above the rear wheel is a sturdy holder for attaching a pannier, backpack or shopping. The front and rear fenders protect clothes from dirt, and the headlight and taillight are powerful enough to get home at dusk. On the app, passengers can sign up for Apple’s Find My app, additional insurance against theft. It also offers over-the-air firmware support for the inevitable system upgrades throughout the life of the bike.

I’m like most humans, in the sense that I have a need For speed. I was not disappointed with this bike. On my first foray, 8 miles across town on after-hours streets to a remote hardware store, I had go quickly because it was cold and dark. My partner, Brian, was on a more powerful electric mountain bike, but the Discover 2 held its own, maintaining a steady 20 mph. If I was falling behind, I used the throttle to regain power right behind Brian’s steering wheel.

Photography: Stéphanie Pearson

The difference in feel between torque and sensor modes was subtle at first, but the more I rode, the more I settled into torque mode as it provided a more natural pedaling experience and, therefore, made me feel like I was getting more exercise.

Ride after ride through the city streets, I was impressed by the stability and comfort of the bike, especially over a railroad crossing, which I’m not used to. In fact, the bike was so sturdy that I was almost tempted to equip it with studded tires so I could ride it all year round.

Despite the sturdy craftsmanship and all the bling, I found A Problem: On a ride that took me out after dark on a starless night, the adjustable headlight only put out enough lumens to illuminate a square about 10 to 15 feet in front of the bike. Everything else around me was dark. There might have been plenty of light if I had slowed down in Class 1 mode, but my nature got the better of me. I had unlocked the bike’s 28 mph Class 3 mode and was speeding off into the night.