Velotric Thunder 1 Featured Picture

New Velotric T1 Electric Bike Review – The Smartest Lightweight Ebike Ever!

by freshlycharged

The VelotricT1 is a smooth and lightweight ebike that sheds all the bulk that usually comes with ebikes, and piles on the tech.

Ebikes are a great way for people to get out and enjoy some fresh air. However, many people refuse to use ebikes due to the fact that they won’t get much exercise. With the VelotricT1, it bridges the gap for those who want an ebike and a decent workout.

TheT1 is a lightweight class 1 ebike so you have no other option but to pedal to move the bike. With its premium torque sensor and road bike geometry, you can pedal it without pedal assist perfectly fine, and when you get to a hill, you can turn up the pedal assist to help you out.

In this review, I will tell you what I love and hate about the VelotricT1 and the differences between theT1 ST.

Click here for the current price on the VelotricT1.
Use coupon code: FreshlyCharged60 to save $60

What I love about the VelotricT1

  • Lightweight
  • Rides like a traditional bike
  • Gradient paint job
  • Bluetooth app
  • Auto unlock
  • Ride tracking
  • Fingerprint reader
  • Doesn’t look like an e-bike
  • Torque sensor
  • Satellite tracking
  • Aluminum pedals
  • Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
  • IPX6 water resistance rating
  • Enclosed battery
  • The motor is near silent at the highest pedal assist level
  • Shimano Altus derailleur

How much does the VelotricT1 weigh?

TheT1 weighs only 36 lbs tieing the KBO hurricane for the lightest ebike we have reviewed on the channel.

I can easily lift theT1 with one arm so if you need to carry it upstairs, lift it into a vehicle, or mount it on a rack, it shouldn’t be an issue. The best part is that if you run out the battery, the bike rides perfectly fine without pedal assist. TheT1’s geometry is on point and it’s not challenging to get it moving since it is so lightweight.

The Velotric Thunder 1 is lightweight at 36 lbs

What features does the Bluetooth App on VelotricT1 do?

The Bluetooth App on the Velotric 1 allows you to:

  • Track your bike via GPS
  • Theft alert when bike is moved,
  • Track your rides
  • Enable on auto-unlock when your phone is nearby
  • Enable the light sensing headlight
  • Track the numbers of calories burned
  • Program your fingerprints to unlock the bike
  • Adjust riding modes between City, Adventure, and Max

Bike theft is a huge issue in major metropolitan cities across the US. With the sweet security features of theT1, you can look up the exact GPS location if your bike is stolen.

One of my favorite security features is the bike can notify you as soon as it gets moved. When you can get notified as soon as it moves, you can get a jump on the criminals and have a better chance of recovering your bike. Time is of the essence when your bike gets stolen.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor smart features

Is that really an ebike?

When Jimmy’s wife and son first saw the VelotricT1 they asked if it was an ebike. The frame has a battery built into it and with no throttle or display, theT1 looks like a traditional bike.

If you live in an area where people hate ebikes, theT1 is the perfect bike. TheT1 doesn’t look like an ebike and the motor is so quiet that I can’t even hear it as a rider in the highest pedal assist level.

Velotric Thunder 1 Doesnt look like an ebike

What is the water resistance on the VelotricT1?

TheT1 has an IPX6 water resistance rating. IPX6 means theT1 can resist high-pressure, heavy sprays of water. You should be able to ride theT1 in heavy rain with no issues at all.

The nice thing is with no display or throttle, there aren’t a lot of places for theT1 to be penetrated with water. Just make sure to close up the charging port after charging.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor hidden wires

What type of brakes is on the VelotricT1?

TheT1 features TEKTRO HD-R280 hydraulic brakes with 160mm brake discs. I love TEKTRO hydraulic brakes and prefer them over Zoom ones.

A lot of budget ebike brands choose to use Zoom brakes because they are cheaper than TEKTRO brakes.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor 350 watt motor with tektro hydraulic disc brakes

What type of sensor is on the VelotricT1?

TheT1 features a premium torque sensor. I prefer torque sensors over cadence sensors because there is zero delay and no runoff when pedaling.

Torque sensors are so smooth and make you feel like you have superhuman powers because it feels the pressure that you put into the pedals. Cadence sensors sense the number of revolutions that you pedal and are notorious for having a delay when pedaling and worst will continue to engage the motor after you stop pedaling.

Click here for the current price on the VelotricT1.
Use coupon code: FreshlyCharged60 to save $60

Velotric Thunder 1 torque sensor

What I hate about the VelotricT1

  • Wish there was a way to add a throttle
  • The rear light is not hard-wired
  • Kickstand is thin and not rigid
  • No quick adjustment on the seat

There is not much to hate about the VelotricT1. The biggest thing I wish it had was a quick-adjust for the seat. In order to adjust the seat height mid-ride, you will need to carry a hex key on you.

A cheap and simple solution is to swap out the allen bolt for a quick release off Amazon for $6.99.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor frozen blue on the road

I do wish the kickstand was a bit more rigid, but I understand why Velotric went with a thin kickstand to keep with the sleek aesthetics of the bike. We have had zero issues with the kickstand holding up the bike since it only weighs 36 lbs, but I could see it break if you forget to put it up while riding.

The rear light is not hard-wired to the electronics of the bike and is battery-powered. Velotric did the same thing with the Nomad when they were first produced, and eventually went with a hard-wired light. I would love for Velotric to do the same with theT1 so I don’t have to replace costly batteries if I forget to turn the light off.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor fingerprint reader

My final gripe is I wish there was an option to add a throttle to theT1. Most people won’t mind it, but it would be nice to have if you live in a hilly area. The torque sensor is extremely responsive so you will be fine to engage the motor on hills, but it would be nice to have that option for those who have steep inclines or want to be lazy every once in a while.

Differences between theT1 andT1 ST

Model T1 T1 ST
Security Theft Alert, GPS-Tracking, Fingerprint and Bluetooth Unlock Apple® Find My™
Bluetooth App Ride Tracking, Health Tracking, Ride Customization None
Chainring 40T 42T
Crankset 170mm 165mm
Sizes M, L S, M
Saddle SELLE ROYAL SRX Velotric Comfort
Tires 700x38c 700×40c
Handlebars Straight Curved
Colors Frozen Blue, Crystal Black Lava, Sand
Drive System Velopower E35+ Velopower E35
Max Range 70 miles 52 miles
Frame Standard Lower Crossbar
Retail Price $1799 $1499
Velotric Thunder 1 Vs Thunder 1 ST

TheT1 andT1 ST are nearly identical. The slight differences are listed above but the main thing is the Velotric Bluetooth app is not offered on theT1 ST. TheT1 is offered in gradient two-tone colors in sizes medium and large while theT1 ST is offered in solid colors in sizes small and medium. You are paying an additional $300 for all the tech added and sweet paint job on theT1.

Click here for the current price on the VelotricT1.
Use coupon code: FreshlyCharged60 to save $60

Final Thoughts on the VelotricT1

I really enjoy the VelotricT1 because I get to exercise when I ride the bike. Jimmy’s wife always jokes that we aren’t getting exercise reviewing personal electric vehicles. However, the VelotricT1 has no throttle so you have no other option but to pedal to get the bike moving.

The sleek design combined with all the tech, make theT1 an excellent choice for those looking for a beautiful ebike that is smart. The security features give you peace of mind when riding your bike downtown or locking it up for errands.

If you are on the fence about getting an ebike because you still want cardio, theT1 allows you to ride it like a traditional bike and smoothly kicks on the pedal assists when you get to challenging hilly terrain.

Overall, the VelotricT1 has become my favorite Class 1 road ebike that we have tested and reviewed on the channel because of its high-tech brains, overall ride quality, and beautiful design.

Velotric Class 1 Ebike with torque sensor

VelotricT1 Discount Codes, Coupon Codes, and Pricing

Click here for the current price on the VelotricT1.
Use coupon code: FreshlyCharged60 to save $60

Click here to view all our coupons and discounts on scooters and other PEVs.

Click here to view all the safety gear that Jimmy and I use.

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Interested in electric scooters, check out our gotscooter blog.

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We are Andrew and Jimmy, two guys who love personal electric vehicles, and we hope to share our experiences and reviews to help you find the best next PEV for your needs.

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