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.
