The first thing I said about the Velotric Nomad 1 in my video review wasn’t about the motor. It was about the looks. I called the styling second to none for a bike at this budget, and I said the gum sole sidewalls make it look more expensive than it is (2:31 to 2:48). The rest of the bike mostly backed that first impression up.
I filmed the Nomad 1 side by side with the Velotric Discover 1, so a few things I say here cover both bikes. Times in parentheses point to that video, and specs I didn’t measure come from Velotric.
Before you fall for it, know that you can’t buy one new right now. As of Oct 27, 2026, Velotric’s Nomad 1 page shows the Nomad 1 Plus at $1,899, and every version is sold out. The affiliate link in my old video description now lands on Velotric’s Discover 2 page, not a Nomad, so I’m not using it here. Further down I point to bikes you can buy.
Built to look more expensive than it is
Velotric put the battery inside the frame and painted it to match, and I loved seeing that. I called it a beautifully designed e-bike (1:57 to 2:11). There’s also clear paint protection film where the chain slaps the frame (2:14 to 2:16). It’s a small detail, and it’s the kind I notice on budget bikes.
The fat tires aren’t just for show either. With the 750W rear motor, I said you get plenty of power on snow, dirt, gravel or whatever surface you ride (2:16 to 2:31). Velotric lists 26 by 4 inch tires and a 1,200W peak with 75 Nm of torque.
All the controls on one side
On the left grip you get the front brake, the pedal assist buttons and the thumb throttle. I liked having the throttle on the left, because all the controls sit on the same side and it feels more natural to me (1:00 to 1:10). Hold the plus button and the headlight comes on. The screen is the same grayscale display as the Discover 1 (1:10 to 1:16).
The right side has the rear brake and a shifter you work with your thumb and index finger. It’s tucked under the bar, and I found it a little smoother and nicer than the one on the Discover 1 (1:28 to 1:42).
What’s missing
Here’s the catch for commuters. My Nomad 1 came with a fender, but no rear rack and no rear tail light (1:16 to 1:28). The Discover 1 I filmed next to it had both, so if you need to carry a bag or ride at dusk, plan on adding them.
The throttle quirk
There’s one thing about these Velotrics that surprised me. In pedal assist level 1, the throttle only goes up to about 8 mph, and you have to go up to level 5 for full throttle (7:00 to 7:16). I understood why. It’s a safety feature, and it keeps the bike from jumping out from under a new rider. If you’ve ridden other e-bikes, though, you’ll notice it, because most give you full throttle in any level (7:16 to 7:56).
The pedal assist uses a cadence sensor, which starts the motor when you pedal rather than measuring how hard you push. I found this one kicks in a little quicker than some cheaper cadence sensors. A torque sensor is still better, but this one is pretty good for a budget bike (8:04 to 8:54).
The ride
This is where the Nomad 1 pulled ahead of its sibling. The Discover 1 already rode well, and on the Nomad 1 the ride gets even better, because the 750W motor and the fat tires make it that much more cushioned (8:54 to 9:13). Both bikes have a front suspension fork, but I said the Nomad 1 will be the more comfortable of the two because of the fat tires (10:10 to 10:18).
It’s also the heavier one. I called it much beefier and a little heavier than the Discover 1 (1:45 to 1:51). Velotric lists it at 73 lb with the high-step frame and 72 lb with the step-thru. The roughly 63 lb figure I mention in the video is the Discover 1.
My hill test in this video was on the Discover 1 (2:50 to 3:02), not the Nomad. I didn’t run a range, top speed or braking test, and I didn’t weigh the Nomad.
Was it worth the extra money?
When I filmed it, the Nomad 1 was $1,499, about $400 more than the Discover 1, which was just over $1,000 at the time (9:43 to 9:47). For that you got the 750W motor and the bigger fat tires, and I called it a great package if a fat tire bike is what you’re after (9:57 to 10:10).
What to buy instead
Since the Nomad 1 is sold out, the closest bike I’ve filmed is its successor, the Velotric Nomad 2. As of Oct 27, 2026, velotricbike.com lists the Nomad 2 at $1,999, in stock in step-thru and high-step frames. Velotric lists 90 Nm and a 100mm fork, both up from the Nomad 1.
The Velotric Discover 1 I filmed alongside it is no longer sold either, and the Bee Cool Pathfinder, another 750W fat tire bike I filmed, was sold out when I checked on Oct 22, 2026. That makes the Nomad 2 the one to look at.
How it compares
| Velotric Nomad 1 | Velotric Nomad 2 | Velotric Discover 1 | Bee Cool Pathfinder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 when filmed; Nomad 1 Plus $1,899, sold out (Oct 27, 2026) | $1,999, in stock (Oct 27, 2026) | Just over $1,000 in this video (9:43 to 9:47); no longer sold | $1,399, sold out (Oct 22, 2026) |
| Motor | 750W, 75 Nm | 750W, 90 Nm | 500W, 65 Nm | 750W, 92 Nm |
| Battery | 691Wh | 705.6Wh | 692Wh | 48V 20Ah |
| Tires | 26 x 4.0 in | 26 x 4.0 in | 26 x 2.5 in | 26 x 4 in |
| Fork | 80mm | 100mm | 80mm | Front fork |
| Weight | 73 lb | 75 lb | About 63.5 lb | not listed |
Rival specs are from the brands, as listed on my review pages for those bikes.
Pros and cons
Pros: styling that looks more expensive than it is; plenty of power on loose surfaces; a cushioned ride from the fat tires; a smooth thumb and index finger shifter; a battery color matched to the frame; paint protection film where the chain slaps.
Cons: no rear rack or tail light; the throttle is limited in low assist levels; a cadence sensor, not torque; heavier than the Discover 1; sold out new.
FAQ
Does the throttle work from a stop?
Yes, but not at full power in the low levels. In level 1 it only reaches about 8 mph, and you go up to level 5 for full throttle (7:06 to 7:16).
Is the Nomad 1 better than the Discover 1?
It rides more comfortably, thanks to the 750W motor and fat tires (8:54 to 9:13), and it cost about $400 more (9:57 to 10:10).
Can I still buy it new?
Not as of Oct 27, 2026. Velotric’s page shows the Nomad 1 Plus at $1,899, sold out. The Nomad 2 is $1,999 and in stock.
For more options, see my best fat tire e-bike guide.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
