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Velotric Nomad 1 Review

Richard Shrubb
By
Richard Shrubb,
Contributing Author
Kristy Snyder
By
Kristy Snyder,
Professional Editor
Images from manufacturer's website

55 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

8 hrs

CHARGE TIME

73 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

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Velotric Nomad 1 Review: Takeaway

As an entry-level all-terrain electric bike, there is much to say about the Velotric Nomad 1. Its colors (six for the step through and four for the high step) allow you to choose the right bike for your tastes.

The four-inch tires and 440 lb payload capacity (inc. rider) can allow you to carry a lot of gear, or if the doctor has suggested you use a bike to help your health, this could be a good step – you’ll soon start to weigh less after riding it for many miles. Its 220 mm (8 inches) wide saddle will be comfortable even for wider behinds too.

Little will bother you when it comes to hills, thanks to the beefy kick offered by the 750W motor. Thanks to the grippy tires and fenders, this machine will handle the weather, and the UL-certified battery will take on the weather throughout the year.

Ideal for...

Taking the long way home from work
Shopping
Commuting
RVing
Day Long Rides

Overview of the Velotric Nomad 1

Fat tire bikes are the SUVs of the electric bike world with their big, beefy presence on the road and often quite powerful motors. Where many fat tire electric bikes address the ‘urban adventurer’ niche with their camouflage colors and woodsman appearance, the Nomad 1 doesn’t try to be butch. Instead, it uses the presence afforded by the 4” fat tires and big frame to enable you to feel comfortable on the road with F150s and Escalades passing you, yet it has color schemes that aren’t just for men or the masculine.

This isn’t an urban cruiser so much as a practical electric bike that will handle whatever you’re likely to face, from riding home in New England to a busy Houston road with traffic coming from all directions.

At the affordable end of the price scale, it lacks high-end parts, which means it isn’t over-engineered for its use. It will handle bad weather and the odd spell off-road but isn’t designed to be hurled down a mountainside against the clock. Overall, it is a very good entry-level electric bike for the urban jungle – not crossing the Rockies.

The optional rear or front rack makes the Nomad 1 a quality utility bike for shopping and commuter use. The payload capacity of 440 lbs is well above many larger riders, so everyone can use it for carrying shopping or their work stuff.

Reasons to Buy

Women and seniors will ride this for its expansive, big feel that aids a certain confidence when on a busy road. That feeling may give you the confidence to take on busy roads with the idea that you will be seen sooner by other road users (and provide a bigger dent should you not).

With its 75 Nm of torque, the rear hub motor will obliterate hills in perfect comfort, and the tires will grip even in a New England winter. It can carry up to 440 lbs which could mean a rider who’s had too many Texan breakfasts or even a larger rider carrying a lot of gear.

Things to Consider

As a first-time e-bike rider, you may overlook the issues around riding an e-bike with a rear hub motor or a cadence sensor. The cadence sensor has a slight delay between the pedal going down and the motor putting weight toward the rear, affecting the center of gravity. That said, for someone who wants a first e-bike, the Nomad 1 will deliver the goods in its comfort, speed, and range.

Specs & Components

Brand
Velotric
Motor
750W rear hub
Power Delivery
Pedal assist/thumb throttle
Battery
691 Wh
Charger
3A fast charger
Display
3.5” LCD, backlit
Tires
26” x 4” fat tires
Drivetrain
8-speed, Shimano, 13-34t cassette
Brakes
Hydraulic, 180mm rotors
Fork
80mm travel fork with lockout
Accessories
Fenders, lights
Options
Front or rear rack

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power
5/5
5

750 Watts is about as much as is considered for legal road riding. There is a weakness to this e-bike’s design in that it is limited to 25 mph. States that permit a Class II e-bike with throttle require them to be limited to 20 mph. Those states permit a Class III e-bike ban throttle assist but permit 28 mph maximum pedal assist speed. This fits into neither category. If buying and using in a state recognizing the 3-Class system, then take care when around law enforcement.

The 75 Nm of torque will make riding even nastier hills a breeze – this is certainly an e-bike to consider riding in Portland, OR or San Francisco.

Range
4/5
4

We would question the range claims made by Velotric regarding range. If on full throttle with a lighter rider, then perhaps expect 35 miles of range on flatter terrain. Hit big hills or carry a larger load, which will impact the range considerably. For greater range, use a lower level of pedal assist and try to carry a lower load where possible. Weather conditions like crosswinds and headwinds can impact range too.

Comfort
5/5
5

You will be sat in a trekking position so that you may feel the effect of a long ride on your shoulders and upper body. The position is good for maneuvering, so where you head off-road will allow for better shifting of your body weight to handle quick turns.

The saddle and big, 4” wide tires make for significant comfort elements. Fat tires can be slightly softer than narrower tires, allowing them to absorb the bumps in the track/road. When it comes to the 8-inch wide saddle, this will help spread your weight and add to the comfort of riding it.

Durability
4/5
4

A weakness of the Nomad 1 is the components used. They are generally of lesser-known names (no Bafang motor or Tektro disc brakes, for example), and as such, you might not get as many years of regular use as you may from a more expensively fitted-out electric bike.

Velotric offers a five-year warranty on the frames. However, it only warrants the battery for 300 charges and one year for most of the components. This is at the lower end of electric bike makers. This isn’t to say you should only expect it to last a year. With good maintenance, it should last many years after purchase. Consider an annual service from your local bike shop as you might a car.

Style
4.5/5
4.5

Style here is a winner with the Nomad 1. The step-through version comes with a choice of six colors, and the high step has four colors to choose from. The proportions are nice, and they still manage to come together as a fat tire electric bike that doesn’t try to be macho.

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Richard Shrubb
Written by Richard Shrubb
Contributing Author
Richard is a well-established journalist and copywriter with years of experience in the EV and e-bike world. He has worked with international sailing magazines, e-bike publications, and national newspapers.
Kristy Snyder
Edited by Kristy Snyder
Professional Editor
Kristy Snyder is a professional writer and editor living in Pittsburgh with over 10 years of content creation experience. When she's not contributing to eBikes.org, Kristy enjoys reading, practicing yoga, drinking beer, and hitting up rail trails.
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