No gimmicks, no problems: the simple and reasonably priced e-bike

Enlarge / Nothing fancy, but solid construction and lots of goodies like fenders and a rack. John Timmer

As someone who isn't into cars, being told that a new offering is "the Honda Accord of e-bikes" doesn't hold much resonance. As far as I can tell, the implication here is that the bike is just a bit more expensive than lower-end offerings while still offering something much closer to a high-end experience.

Although that wasn't the intended message, that seems to be what the bike - the $1,299 Velotric Discover 1 - delivers. There's nothing particularly exciting about the ride, and the bike won't turn heads or invite questions. But in terms of the overall experience, it offers something a bit closer to a high-end e-bike at a cost much closer to a no-frills budget option.

What you get

The Discover 1 has a standard U-shaped frame. There is no top bar, which makes getting in and out of the seat easier and easier for people with limited mobility. If, like me, you've been irreversibly trained to throw your leg over the top bar when riding a bike, it will lead to some awkward moments halfway through the process where you'll realize you haven't need to complete the moves your brain just made. started automatically. Either way, the lack of a top bar means that the bike's other tubes and joints must be considerably stronger to maintain a stable frame. This produces a fairly heavy bike unless you raise the price where carbon fiber is an option - and that's not for the Velotric.

The frame weight of the Discover 1 demands decent horsepower from both motor and brakes, and Velotric provides that. Powerful disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power, and the front suspension absorbs some of the forces from quick braking. Meanwhile, the 500W motor delivers enough torque (65 Newton-meters) to not only move the bike forward, but also to keep it moving on reasonable inclines. You can find hills that will overwhelm the pedal assist and slow you to a stop, but you have to go after them.

Enlarge / Front suspension smooths out bumps and handles hard braking. John Timmer

The motor is paired with a battery that delivers just under 700Wh, enough to give you a range of 70 km (45 miles) without pedaling; pedal assist boosts the promised range to nearly 100 km (60 miles). If you only use the bike for running errands in town, you'll probably only need to charge it once a week. The Discover 1 offers a decently sized LCD screen that provides a clear and intuitive display of stats like battery level and speed. Two buttons provide access to different levels of power assistance and turn the lights on and off. A power button and throttle for pedal-less power complete the electronics.

Like the rest of the bike, the screen shows what you need, without unnecessary frills. John Timmer

The details that some companies charge extra for, such as mud flaps, a rack and a kickstand, are all part of the standard package. The tires are big and fat; combined with the front...