Velotric Discover 2 Review: 750W Motor, Torque Sensor, 28 MPH Class 3 Commuter

Velotric Discover 2 at a glance: who it fits

The Velotric Discover 2 is a step-through Class 3 commuter-cruiser that packs a lot of features into a $1,699 price on our record: a 750 W rear hub motor (1,100 W peak, 75 Nm), a torque sensor, a 705 Wh battery, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, an 80 mm lockout suspension fork, integrated turn signals and Apple Find My compatibility. Independent reviewers generally call it one of the best-rounded commuters under $2,000, with a handful of small criticisms about the sensor tuning, the two similar frame sizes and its weight.

Choose the Discover 2 if you want a comfortable, upright bike for paved commuting, value a torque sensor and turn signals, carry heavier loads (Velotric lists a 440 lb payload) and use an iPhone. Look elsewhere if you need a light bike to lift onto a car rack, want a maintenance-free belt drive, or plan to ride on dirt trails (reviewers describe it as a road bike).

Key specifications, in plain English

• Motor and sensor: 750 W rear hub motor, 1,100 W peak, 75 Nm. A torque sensor scales assistance to how hard you pedal, which feels more natural than a cadence sensor that just switches on. Electric Bike Report notes you can also switch to a cadence sensor in the app.
• Speed class: Class 3 — 28 mph with pedal assist, 20 mph on the thumb throttle. Reviewers report class selection in the app.
• Assist modes: Eco, Trail and Boost riding modes across pedal assist levels.
• Battery: 48 V, 14.7 Ah, 705 Wh (reviewers write 706 Wh), removable and integrated into the downtube; listed with Samsung/LG 21700 cells. Velotric estimates 35–45 miles under heavy Class 3 assist and up to 75 miles at lower assist under ideal conditions.
• Drivetrain: Shimano 8-speed with an Altus rear derailleur, 11–32T cassette and 48T chainring, with a chainring guard.
• Brakes and suspension: Tektro dual-piston hydraulic discs, 180 mm rotors front and rear, with motor cut-off on brake application; 80 mm hydraulic suspension fork with lockout.
• Frame and fit: hydroformed 6061 aluminium step-through, listed for riders about 4’11" to 6’4", adjustable stem and swept-back bars.
• Weight and load: listed at 63 lb; payload 440 lb.
• Safety certification: listed as UL 2849 (system) and UL 2271 (battery) certified.
• Warranty: 2 years, per our record.

What independent reviewers found

We do not repeat other publishers’ test data as our own. Here is what the published reviews we read reported, attributed to each source, so you can go to the original for the full method.

Range: well above the claim

Electric Bike Report’s John Bozick reported 85.6 miles at the lowest assist level in Trail mode and 40.9 miles at maximum assist in Boost mode, both ahead of that site’s category averages. Velotric’s own claim is up to 75 miles, so the low-assist result beat it. As with any e-bike, range drops sharply at high assist.

Motor feel and hills

Electric Bike Report’s hill test took 1:17 with the torque sensor, 1:19 with the cadence sensor and 1:40 on throttle alone, which that site called slightly above average for commuters. Rider Guide’s Mitchell Anderson praised the smooth torque sensor and said the motor handles hills and varied terrain well. Electric Bike Review liked the responsive torque sensor and the range efficiency it enables.

Features and comfort

Reviewers highlight the turn signals, the app (riding modes, class selection, light and throttle settings), the color display, Find My compatibility (iOS only, not Android, per Electric Bike Review), the 80 mm fork, and a relaxed upright position with a wide saddle. Rider Guide reports an IPX7 rating for the battery.

Where reviewers found problems

• Torque sensor effort: Electric Bike Report found it takes more pedal effort than expected to reach full power in Eco and Trail, and saw little difference between those two modes.
• Frame sizes: Electric Bike Review noted the two sizes have identical reach, so sizing choices are limited.
• Road bike only: Electric Bike Review considers it unsuitable for dirt trails.
• Navigation: Electric Bike Report noted the app has no turn-by-turn navigation.
• Weight: heavier than compact commuters; see the discrepancy below.

Where sources disagree

• Weight: we list 63 lb, matching Electric Bike Review’s measurement of 63 lb. Electric Bike Report weighed 69.5 lb including a roughly 10 lb battery. Expect the mid-to-high 60s if you lift it.
• Price: we list $1,699. Electric Bike Review and Rider Guide quote a regular price of $1,899, and Rider Guide mentions a promotional $1,699. Velotric’s pricing changes, so confirm on Velotric’s store.
• Range: 34.1 miles (Electric Bike Review at maximum assist), 40.9 miles (Electric Bike Report) and 85.6 miles at low assist reflect different assist levels, not contradictory results.
• Battery size: We list 705 Wh; some reviewers write 706 Wh. This is rounding.

Who should buy the Velotric Discover 2

• Commuters who want a torque sensor and signals without spending $2,000-plus.
• Heavier riders or riders carrying cargo, given the 440 lb listed payload.
• iPhone users who want Find My-based location help if the bike is stolen.
• Riders who want comfort: an upright posture, suspension fork and step-through frame.

Who should skip it

• Riders who need a light bike; look at compact options in compact and folding e-bikes.
• Riders who want no chain to maintain; see the Lectric ONE.
• Anyone planning trail riding — browse eMTB & trail e-bikes.

Velotric Discover 2 legality: which class is it?

The Discover 2 is a Class 3 bike with app-selectable classes, so you can set it to Class 1, 2 or 3 to match local rules. Rules on class, age, helmets and paths differ by state and city; check yours in our 50-state e-bike law guide. Velotric lists UL 2849 and UL 2271 certification; our explainer on UL 2849 and UL 2271 shows what those marks do and do not cover.

Price and value

Reviewers describe the Discover 2 as strong value for a torque-sensor bike with turn signals, an app, suspension and included fenders, lights, rack and kickstand. Confirm the current price on Velotric’s store. Our Velotric brand page has sourced company facts.

Velotric Discover 2 vs. the alternatives

• Lectric ONE Long-Range ($2,199): a compact Class 3 commuter with a Pinion gearbox and belt drive, but a cadence sensor and no suspension. See the Lectric ONE page.
• Segway Myon ($1,999): torque sensing, electronic shifting and built-in security and signals. See the Segway Myon page.
• Aventon Pace 500.3: a lighter rigid-fork cruiser with a torque sensor and turn signals, now discontinued; see our Pace 500.3 reference page.
• More: browse urban commuter and cruiser and comfort e-bikes, use the comparison tool, or read the buyer’s guide.

Before you buy: a short checklist

1. Confirm the frame size against your height — the two sizes share the same reach, per Electric Bike Review.
2. Check the current price and any promotion.
3. Plan for a bike of roughly 63–70 lb.
4. Read how shipping and returns work on our site (Velotric ships and handles returns, not us) and Velotric’s own policies.
5. Confirm your state’s Class 3 age, helmet and path rules, and choose the class in the app accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does the Velotric Discover 2 go?

Up to 28 mph with pedal assist in Class 3 mode and 20 mph on the thumb throttle, per Velotric.

Does the Discover 2 have Apple Find My?

Yes. It is compatible with Apple Find My for locating the bike on iOS; Electric Bike Review notes it does not work with Android.

Is the Velotric Discover 2 battery UL certified?

Velotric lists the battery as UL 2271 certified and the whole electrical system as UL 2849 certified.

How much weight can the Discover 2 carry?

Velotric lists a 440 lb maximum payload, including rider and cargo.

How far can the Discover 2 go on a charge?

Velotric estimates 35–45 miles at high Class 3 assist and up to 75 miles at low assist. Electric Bike Report reported 40.9 miles at maximum assist and 85.6 miles at minimum.

Does it have a torque sensor?

Yes, and reviewers say you can switch to a cadence sensor in the app.

Sources and further reading

• Velotric – Discover 2 product page
• Electric Bike Review – Velotric Discover 2 review
• Electric Bike Report – Velotric Discover 2 review (John S. Bozick)
• Rider Guide – Velotric Discover 2 review (Mitchell Anderson)