The electric bike market is getting more crowded and expensive by the day, which can be intimidating for a first-time buyer or someone looking for a good deal. So, when Velotric debuted the Discover 1 e-bike promising a premium commuter bike that's affordable and fun for anyone, I had to take a look.

The Velotric Discover 1 is a Class 2 e-bike with that classic cruiser look along with the benefit of commuter features. It has plenty of bells and whistles, a powerful 500W motor to zip through the streets, and a comfortable step-through design for only $1,899. And while that may sound expensive, this bike packs a solid design, front suspension, front and rear lights, and can go upwards of 60 miles on a single charge.

The Discover 1 doesn't zoom past the competition in any single category, but for its first e-bike, the company nailed it. Velotric managed to blend a stylish design and premium features into a well-thought-out package at a price that's hard to beat.

I've used the Discover 1 to whip around the streets in my neighborhood, hit some dirt trails (yes, it can do that too,) and even strapped a cooler to the rear cargo rack for a longer ride and comfortably enjoyed the wind in my face.

So, does the Discover 1 deliver on Velotric's promise of being a premium and comfortable commuter e-bike that's easy to use and affordable? Yes! Read on for the full review.

Specifications

• 500W Motor (900W Peak) with 65 Nm torque
• 3.5-inch backlit LCD display, speedometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, and more
• 65mm Spring front suspension fork with preload adjustment and lockout
• 26 x 2.5" puncture-resistant tires (tire fenders and rear cargo rack included)
• Thumb throttle and 3-level pedal assist
• 7-speed drivetrain with Shimano derailleur and shifter
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Integrated headlight and taillight
• 692 Wh, 48V battery (fast 48V 3A charger included)
• LG/Samsung certified, Tesla-grade 21700 battery cells
• Up to 60 miles of range per charge (45 miles with throttle assist)
• IPX6 water-resistance
• 87-degree straight back riding position, step-through design
• 64-lbs and 440 lb max riding load
• Available in Mango yellow, Indigo grey, Cyan, Jet black, and Pearl white colorways

Shipping & Assembly

Be prepared for a large and heavy box to show up on your doorstep, but pull it into the garage, and you'll have it assembled in no time. The Discover 1 comes safely wrapped in tons of recyclable materials and cardboard, which I appreciated.

Considering the relatively affordable price point and a slew of features, this could be many buyers' first e-bike. Understandably, the thought of "putting it together" might sound scary. If you can assemble some IKEA furniture or use a few basic tools, you'll have the bike ready to roll in around 30 minutes or so. You don't need any special skills or bike knowledge, and all the tools you'll need come in the box.

The entire process is relatively simple. The bike comes with a set of easy-to-follow instructions and a little zipper bag for the tools. Grab a wrench, the included screwdriver, a few Allen hex keys, and a cold beverage, then get started.

You're not putting an entire e-bike together. Instead, you'll mount the front tire to the fork, align and tighten the handlebars, slide on the seat, and then attach the pedals (and optional headlight), and that's it. You don't have to install any wires, shifter cables, or components. This wasn't my first rodeo, and aside from a hiccup with the brakes (more on that below), it didn't take long before my maiden voyage.