Velotric Fold 1: A Folding E-Bike That Gets It Right – CleanTechnica Tested

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Final Up to date on: twenty sixth March 2025, 04:44 pm

Folding e-bikes are often a tradeoff — compact and transportable, however underpowered and awkward to trip. The Velotric Fold 1 challenges that status with a 750W motor, hydraulic brakes, a 55-mile vary, and a sturdy construct — all for $1,199.

It’s not making an attempt to be the lightest or the smallest, however quite a full-featured e-bike that occurs to fold. Right here’s why the Fold 1 is making waves within the e-bike house.

Construct & Folding Mechanism: Sturdy, Not Flimsy

Velotric designed the Fold 1 to be a legit e-bike first, and a folding bike second. The aluminum alloy body is well-built, with a safe folding latch that doesn’t really feel sketchy. Folded dimensions are available at 42″ x 22″ x 34″, so whereas it’s not ultra-compact, it suits simply in a automotive trunk or tight cupboard space.

The bike’s strengthened rear rack (120 pound capability) additionally stands out. In contrast to some price range folders with flimsy racks, this one is definitely usable for cargo or perhaps a small passenger.

Motor & Efficiency: Class 2 or 3? Your Selection.

A 750W rear-hub motor (peaks at 1,050W) with 70Nm of torque places the Fold 1 forward of most folding e-bikes in its class. It ships as a Class 2 (20 mph throttle/pedal help), however may be unlocked to Class 3 (28 mph pedal help).

What makes the distinction right here?

• Torque Sensor: Smoother and extra pure energy supply than typical cadence sensors
• Quick Acceleration: Will get up to the mark rapidly, even with heavier riders or cargo
• Stable Hill Climbing: 70Nm of torque makes quick work of average inclines

At 64 kilos, it’s not a featherweight, however the power-to-weight ratio feels balanced. In comparison with one thing just like the Aventon Sinch 2 or Lectric XP 3.0, the Fold 1 is extra refined in energy supply and total trip really feel.

Battery & Vary: Higher Than Most in Its Class

Battery capability is the place price range e-bikes typically lower corners. The Fold 1 doesn’t. It’s operating a 48V, 608Wh battery, which supplies:

• As much as 45 miles throttle-only
• As much as 55 miles with pedal help

For context, that’s higher vary than the Lectric XP 3.0’s 500Wh battery and nearer to premium fashions just like the Aventon Sinch 2 (672Wh).

One other plus? The battery is UL2271-certified for security and reliability.

Trip High quality: One Of The Greatest In Folding E-Bikes

Most folding e-bikes really feel cramped or twitchy on account of small frames and geometry. The Fold 1 avoids this with:

• 20” x 3.0” tires: Extra stability than 2.4” tires, however with out the majority of full fats tires
• Entrance suspension fork (60mm journey): Sufficient to take the sting off rougher roads
• 660mm handlebars: Wider than most folding bikes, bettering management
• Ergonomic grips & cushioned saddle: Truly snug for longer rides

It feels planted and predictable, even at increased speeds (28 mph in Class 3 mode). The steering isn’t too twitchy, making it one of many extra confidence-inspiring folding e-bikes I’ve examined.

Brakes & Security: High-Tier for a Folding Bike

Hydraulic brakes ought to be commonplace on any e-bike able to 28 mph, however many folding fashions nonetheless include mechanical discs. Velotric didn’t lower corners right here.

• 180mm hydraulic disc brakes (entrance & rear)
• Stops in about 16′ (higher than most folders)
• Built-in 60 Lux headlight & brake-activated taillight

For context, that’s higher stopping energy than the Lectric XP 3.0 (mechanical brakes) and on par with the Aventon Sinch 2 (hydraulics, however 160mm rotors).

The bike can be UL2849-certified, which means your entire electrical system has been examined for security, not simply the battery.

Cargo & Weight Capability: Extra Than You’d Count on

The overall payload capability is 440 kilos, which is increased than most e-bikes, folding or not. The built-in rear rack is rated for 120 lb, making it one of many few folding bikes that may genuinely carry heavier cargo or a second rider.

For comparability:

• Velotric Fold 1: 440 lb complete, 120 lb rear rack
• Lectric XP 3.0: 330 lb complete, 150 lb rear rack
• Aventon Sinch 2: 300 lb complete, no rear rack included

Should you’re planning to haul gear, groceries, or perhaps a child on the again, the Fold 1 is a greater guess than most folders.

Who’s This Bike For?

Should you want a folding e-bike that doesn’t trip like a folding e-bike, the Velotric Fold 1 is among the greatest sub-$1,500 choices obtainable. It’s excellent for:

• Commuters who want a compact however full-power trip
• Riders who need actual hill-climbing capability in a folding bike
• Anybody who prioritizes security (hydraulic brakes, UL certification)
• Individuals who want further cargo capability (440 lb payload)

It’s not the lightest folder at 64 kilos, however if you need a quick, succesful, and well-built e-bike that folds, this one’s arduous to beat.

Execs & Cons

Execs:

• Nice worth at $1,199 (higher efficiency than most on this vary)
• Massive battery (608Wh): as much as 55-mile vary
• Hydraulic brakes (180mm rotors): nice stopping energy
• Class 3 succesful (28 mph prime pace)
• Torque sensor: easy energy supply
• Snug & steady trip (huge handlebars, suspension, 3” tires)
• 440 lb payload: nice for cargo & heavier riders

Cons:

• Folding latch could possibly be smoother
• The low-step body has a steel stand on the underside bracket to be used when folding the bike, which may get caught on some terrain.
• When on the backside of a stroke, the pedals are pretty low to the bottom, and will scrape the pavement on a good flip if the within pedal isn’t on the prime of its stroke.
• 64 kilos isn’t ultralight (tradeoff for energy & stability)
• Just one body measurement (however suits riders from 4’9” to six’5”)

Last Verdict: Greatest Folding E-Bike Underneath $1,500?

Should you’re on the lookout for a price range folding e-bike that truly performs like a full-sized trip, the Velotric Fold 1 — at $1,199 — is well top-of-the-line selections beneath $1,500. It’s sooner, extra highly effective, and extra refined than many opponents, making it ultimate for commuters, city riders, and anybody who wants a folding e-bike with out sacrificing efficiency.

After 129 miles of using the Fold 1, totally on dust and gravel due to the place I stay, it’s confirmed to me to be a really succesful e-bike, whether or not you solely keep on the pavement otherwise you often trip on dust. Its low-step body makes it straightforward to mount and dismount, and its low heart of gravity retains it steady and regular at any pace. One of many issues that basically stood out to me with this bike was how typically different folks wished to trip it, together with one in all my sons, who put the lion’s share of the miles on it. Due to that, the Fold 1 is unquestionably a gateway e-bike, because it bought people within the saddle who wouldn’t usually take into account using a motorcycle in any respect, and each single one in all them had a blast. Get all the details on the Fold 1 at Velotric.

(Disclosure: Velotric provided the Fold 1 to the creator for evaluation functions.)