Feedback on My Cursed New Velotric Discover 1 Plus Ebike

[Brainchannels]

I’ve had my first new bike in 10 years the past few weeks, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus, since late September, 2024. I’m most impressed with the power to go up steep streets in San Francisco like never before! It was on sale from the company at $1,200. Now the rest…..

1 The first day I drove it home 3 miles from assembly ($200) place but it had a flat tire after I parked it in my garage. I then paid another $200 for better tires with labor charges.

2. The battery only went 18 miles over 2 weeks and then shut down powerless. It’s supposed to last 65 miles I thought but Third Rail Bikes said I should charge it after every use. (It also might have been exposed to too much heat and shut down when it was warm temps but not sure.)

3. I parked the bike to open the garage and a surge of power came that it hit the garage door. The bike gets power surges that is dangerous. New parts are being sent by Velotric for the sensor and accelerator. However, it might be a battery problem instead.

4 I later learned the weather temps are made too narrow by Velotric for operating the bike between 50-77 degrees! Some kind of joke? Not a marketable bike with such temp restrictions! Laughable!

5 There was no owner manual provided for the Discovor 1 Plus sent that Velotric combined the Nomad bike with Discover 1 manual was all.

6 There is no Velotric app for Discover 1 only the latest Discover 2 version.

7 The visual battery picture is inaccurate and there’s no info on how to accurately figure out how many more miles are left in the battery.

8 When I turn the battery key it doesn’t pop out of its case as it should. I have to struggle pulling it out. Pushing the battery inside takes a lot of pressure though the key’s turned properly

9 The chain can fall off too easily.

10 You can’t change chain gears without moving.

11 I noted the bike said I rode 69 miles today. It was reset a few days ago so it makes no sense since I don’t ride it very far.

12 Their Velotric online customer service is very good! (The ebike not so much). All the YouTube vids reviews had good things to say. Even HappyTrails! What happened?

13 The bike can be turned on by anyone. No need for keys! A thief can ride off with the bike if he simply turns on the panel with a button.

Had I known these restrictions I wouldn't have purchased this model. The repair people are charging a lot of money to work on these bikes!

Just to install a different Velotric suspension seat was $47. Testing it with a ride, another $47!! To exchange a seat pole and take a 2 mile ride evaluation was $95! Toyota services was by far cheaper.

When I told the guy at the repair place he refused to believe this bike surged power by gas lighting me like I was at a deposition. I ended up emailing Velotric for free new parts after their evaluation it needed them.

Other issues:
Velotric scares the hell out of me with stupid little loose cardboard note warnings as shown in the attached picture below. Velotric used a quick release system to remove the front tire for customer convenience. The warning note is to urge riders to check daily the security of the release since they could be killed!! Why did Velotric choose this danger preferring quick release? A thief can clearly steal the front tire too!

I regret purchasing this ebike that’s clearly cursed! I’m having an endless nightmare. I’ve been on Hebb Ebikes since 2010 for my mobile notary business in San Francisco. The Hebb eBikes retailed for $2,300 back then.

 

[Smaug]

I'm afraid a lot of your expectations weren't grounded in reality.

I’ve had my first new bike in 10 years the past few weeks, the Velotric Discover 1 Plus, since late September, 2024. I’m most impressed with the power to go up steep streets in San Francisco like never before! It was on sale from the company at $1,200. Now the rest…..

1 The first day I drove it home 3 miles from assembly ($200) place but it had a flat tire after I parked it in my garage. I then paid another $200 for better tires with labor charges.

I don't know that you can necessarily blame Velotric for your getting a flat. They can't help it if you run over a nail or bottle glass. If I were you, I'd add FlatOut or Slime to the inner tubes before you get another flat.

2. The battery only went 18 miles over 2 weeks and then shut down powerless. It’s supposed to last 65 miles I thought but Third Rail Bikes said I should charge it after every use. (It also might have been exposed to too much heat and shut down when it was warm temps but not sure.)

Yes, if you read the fine print, you'll probably find that 65 miles is a MAXIMUM range, under ideal circumstances. The more hill climbing you do and the more you rely on the bike to power you, the shorter the range will be.

3. I parked the bike to open the garage and a surge of power came that it hit the garage door. The bike gets power surges that is dangerous. New parts are being sent by Velotric for the sensor and accelerator. However, it might be a battery problem instead.

Was there a warning tag or label on the handlebar somewhere? My Lectric XP Lite had a tag on the handlebar that said to set the PAS (Power Assist) to 0 when at a stop, since rolling the bike a bit can cause the crank to turn, which makes the bike think you're pedaling it and want some power.

4 I later learned the weather temps are made too narrow by Velotric for operating the bike between 50-77 degrees! Some kind of joke? Not a marketable bike with such temp restrictions! Laughable!

I agree, that's ridiculous and to be ignored.

5 There was no owner manual provided for the Discovor 1 Plus sent that Velotric combined the Nomad bike with Discover 1 manual was all.

Ask them to provide a paper manual and download an electronic one from their website in the meantime.

6 There is no Velotric app for Discover 1 only the latest Discover 2 version.

Ask them if the app for Discover 2 will work. It probably will.

7 The visual battery picture is inaccurate and there’s no info on how to accurately figure out how many more miles are left in the battery.

That's true and normal. It varies by how you use the bike, how heavy you are, how hilly or windy it is. There are just too many variables for there to be an accurate indication of this. HOWEVER... Since you ran it down in 17 miles already, you know that is the maximum for the type of riding you did over that time period. Now you know! You either have to work harder or accept about a 15 mile range if you don't want to be walking. Or buy and carry another battery. Looking at their site, I see it says 65 miles is the MAXIMUM range; that should've been a clue:

Did you charge it fully before riding it, by the way?

I would expect 30 miles typically, but since you have some serious hills there, 17 isn't out of line.

8 When I turn the battery key it doesn’t pop out of its case as it should. I have to struggle pulling it out. Pushing the battery inside takes a lot of pressure though the key’s turned properly

Bummer. Ask Velotric about this.

9 The chain can fall off too easily.

Your derailleur needs adjustment.

10 You can’t change chain gears without moving.

This is true for all chain/derailleur gear bikes. Only internal gear hub and Pinion gearboxes will allow you to change gears while stationary.

11 I noted the bike said I rode 69 miles today. It was reset a few days ago so it makes no sense since I don’t ride it very far.

It sounds like the 69 miles is an odometer (total mileage on the bike). You're thinking of trip meter, which might be in another display.

12 Their Velotric online customer service is very good! (The ebike not so much). All the YouTube vids reviews had good things to say. Even HappyTrails! What happened?

Good, you should use it and try to avoid going to a bike shop.

13 The bike can be turned on by anyone. No need for keys! A thief can ride off with the bike if he simply turns on the panel with a button.

Yes, this is a common design. I don't like it either. Two of my three eBikes are like this. Lectrics require the key for "ignition" like a car.

Had I known these restrictions I wouldn't have purchased this model. The repair people are charging a lot of money to work on these bikes!

Just to install a different Velotric suspension seat was $47. Testing it with a ride, another $47!! To exchange a seat pole and take a 2 mile ride evaluation was $95! Toyota services was by far cheaper.

They are overcharging you because you bought a Chinese bike online instead of supporting them. Now you have to pay full price for their support of the poorer quality of the Chinese bike. You're actually lucky, many shops will not even service those bikes. Also, labor in SF is expensive. Maybe the highest in the entire USA.

When I told the guy at the repair place he refused to believe this bike surged power by gas lighting me like I was at a deposition. I ended up emailing Velotric for free new parts after their evaluation it needed them. At first they didn’t offer labor fees but when I asked they offered $50 under warranty.

I think that's fair. This is one of the things you saved money on when you bought online instead of at a local shop. There are a couple things you experienced that are not right, but part of buying direct from a Chinese manufacturer is knowing you'll either be doing your own service or will be paying someone else to do it. Since you apparently have no mechanical skill, you're doing the latter. :-(

Other issues:
Velotric scares the hell out of me with stupid little loose cardboard note warnings as shown in the attached picture below. Velotric used a quick release system to remove the front tire for customer convenience. The warning note is to urge riders to check daily the security of the release since they could be killed!! Why did Velotric choose this danger preferring quick release? A thief can clearly steal the front tire too!

Quick release on wheels is common across many bikes of many brands. They're just reminding you to check that it's tight now and then, as they tend to loosen over time. It's like checking tire pressure on your car or that the gas cap is closed or the door is latched. They're covering their butts.

I regret purchasing this ebike that’s clearly cursed! I’m having an endless nightmare. I’ve been on Hebb Ebikes since 2010 for my mobile notary business in San Francisco. The Hebb eBikes retailed for $2,300 back then.

Sorry you're just now learning about some of these things. Many people research their purchase BEFORE making it, rather than having expectations that are unrealistic. You sound like the type of customer who would be best served by buying locally, so you can take advantage of the local support. However, you shouldn't act so entitled. You're not going to be happy no matter what, it seems like.

 

[Brainchannels]

Wow! Thanks for your response to all the issues! I had 3 Hebb e-bikes (Ezee Bikes) I’ve used 10 years in my business. I’ve personally installed a new motor, new ignition switches and hand accelerators, etc. I’ve also corrected bad wiring from a local bike repair shop that gave up on it.

The bike shop I use supports Velotric repairs even if you don’t purchase from them. The bike cutting off power was likely from warm temperatures I think. The narrow temp window of 50-77 degrees means it’s now my part time bike in San Francisco. I need to get another new ebike now!

The Discovery 1 Plus is a newer model that hasn't any amended manual is what I meant.

The tire flat in 3 miles on my first ride I’ve never encountered but once in 10 years! Abnormal especially for a fat tire.

The new sensor and accelerator have to be replaced on a brand new bike. The power surges were dangerous! It also surged when I started walking it!

My Hebb ebike is better but too old to depend on now.

 

[Smaug]

Wow! Thanks for your response to all the issues! I had 3 Hebb e-bikes (Ezee Bikes) I’ve used 10 years in my business. I’ve personally installed a new motor, new ignition switches and hand accelerators, etc. I’ve also corrected bad wiring from a local bike repair shop that gave up on it.

Well, sorry I sold you a bit short on technical ability! Sorry.

The bike shop I use supports Velotric repairs even if you don’t purchase from them. The bike cutting off power was likely from warm temperatures I think. The narrow temp window of 50-77 degrees means it’s now my part time bike in San Francisco. I need to get another new ebike now!

Like I said, ignore that temperature range; it's ridiculous to think that someone won't ride an eBike in typical 90°F summer temperatures. If it overheats, the controller will shut it down.

The Discovery 1 Plus is a newer model that hasn't any amended manual is what I meant.

The tire flat in 3 miles on my first ride I’ve never encountered but once in 10 years! Abnormal especially for a fat tire.

Definitely follow through on the Slime or FlatOut then. It could be flat-prone on account of tire construction or just bad luck.

The new sensor and accelerator have to be replaced on a brand new bike. The power surges were dangerous! It also surged when I started walking it!

Yes, if walking it causes the crank to rotate and it is a cadence sensor bike, that will happen. Just set the power assist to 0 when you stop if you might push it and that is solved.

My Hebb ebike is better but too old to depend on now.

I don't know. If you've been using it this long, it is well-made. I think the path I'd take is to talk to Hebb about a replacement battery, and if they're no longer available, look into a battery rebuilder. They'll replace the cells and you'll have your familiar bike back but running like new. Aside from an old battery, are there any other problems that would preclude you from continuing to use it?

If you DO decide to get another eBike, I would suggest visiting your local bike shop and shop THEIR eBikes. Maybe a Trek cargo bike would fit the bill and meet your expectations? (though they are expensive) I recommend something with a torque sensor, since those won't move under motor power unless you either hit the throttle or put pressure on the cranks. Aventon Abound is another quality option with torque sensor.

 

[kmccune]

I'm afraid a lot of your expectations weren't grounded in reality.


I don't know that you can necessarily blame Velotric for your getting a flat. They can't help it if you run over a nail or bottle glass. If I were you, I'd add FlatOut or Slime to the inner tubes before you get another flat.


Yes, if you read the fine print, you'll probably find that 65 miles is a MAXIMUM range, under ideal circumstances. The more hill climbing you do and the more you rely on the bike to power you, the shorter the range will be.



Was there a warning tag or label on the handlebar somewhere? My Lectric XP Lite had a tag on the handlebar that said to set the PAS (Power Assist) to 0 when at a stop, since rolling the bike a bit can cause the crank to turn, which makes the bike think you're pedaling it and want some power.


I agree, that's ridiculous and to be ignored.


Ask them to provide a paper manual and download an electronic one from their website in the meantime.


Ask them if the app for Discover 2 will work. It probably will.



That's true and normal. It varies by how you use the bike, how heavy you are, how hilly or windy it is. There are just too many variables for there to be an accurate indication of this. HOWEVER... Since you ran it down in 17 miles already, you know that is the maximum for the type of riding you did over that time period. Now you know! You either have to work harder or accept about a 15 mile range if you don't want to be walking. Or buy and carry another battery. Looking at their site, I see it says 65 miles is the MAXIMUM range; that should've been a clue:
View attachment 16770

Did you charge it fully before riding it, by the way?

I would expect 30 miles typically, but since you have some serious hills there, 17 isn't out of line.


Bummer. Ask Velotric about this.


Your derailleur needs adjustment.


This is true for all chain/derailleur gear bikes. Only internal gear hub and Pinion gearboxes will allow you to change gears while stationary.


It sounds like the 69 miles is an odometer (total mileage on the bike). You're thinking of trip meter, which might be in another display.


Good, you should use it and try to avoid going to a bike shop.


Yes, this is a common design. I don't like it either. Two of my three eBikes are like this. Lectrics require the key for "ignition" like a car.


They are overcharging you because you bought a Chinese bike online instead of supporting them. Now you have to pay full price for their support of the poorer quality of the Chinese bike. You're actually lucky, many shops will not even service those bikes. Also, labor in SF is expensive. Maybe the highest in the entire USA.


I think that's fair. This is one of the things you saved money on when you bought online instead of at a local shop. There are a couple things you experienced that are not right, but part of buying direct from a Chinese manufacturer is knowing you'll either be doing your own service or will be paying someone else to do it. Since you apparently have no mechanical skill, you're doing the latter. :-(


Quick release on wheels is common across many bikes of many brands. They're just reminding you to check that it's tight now and then, as they tend to loosen over time. It's like checking tire pressure on your car or that the gas cap is closed or the door is latched. They're covering their butts.




Sorry you're just now learning about some of these things. Many people research their purchase BEFORE making it, rather than having expectations that are unrealistic. You sound like the type of customer who would be best served by buying locally, so you can take advantage of the local support. However, you shouldn't act so entitled. You're not going to be happy no matter what, it seems like.

unreasonable expectations if I were a salesperson woudnt want to sell to a customer like that,if this is her first experience into the ebike world I hope she learns[there are lies,dang lies and specifications] most every manufacturer is going to "butter up" the sales pitch,if you have no mechanical aptitude, simply buy from a dealer with a good reputation.

 

[Brainchannels]

Well, sorry I sold you a bit short on technical ability! Sorry.


Like I said, ignore that temperature range; it's ridiculous to think that someone won't ride an eBike in typical 90°F summer temperatures. If it overheats, the controller will shut it down.


Definitely follow through on the Slime or FlatOut then. It could be flat-prone on account of tire construction or just bad luck.


Yes, if walking it causes the crank to rotate and it is a cadence sensor bike, that will happen. Just set the power assist to 0 when you stop if you might push it and that is solved.


I don't know. If you've been using it this long, it is well-made. I think the path I'd take is to talk to Hebb about a replacement battery, and if they're no longer available, look into a battery rebuilder. They'll replace the cells and you'll have your familiar bike back but running like new. Aside from an old battery, are there any other problems that would preclude you from continuing to use it?

If you DO decide to get another eBike, I would suggest visiting your local bike shop and shop THEIR eBikes. Maybe a Trek cargo bike would fit the bill and meet your expectations? (though they are expensive) I recommend something with a torque sensor, since those won't move under motor power unless you either hit the throttle or put pressure on the cranks. Aventon Abound is another quality option with torque sensor.

I have access to a new battery from the former owner of Hebb who can still get them from China.

 

[Smaug]

I have access to a new battery from the former owner of Hebb who can still get them from China.

Great! Pop it in your trusty Hebb and keep it going!