Velotric Discover 2 electric bike review: Versatile and powerful

On the screen, passengers can access the trip distance and time; Average and maximum speeds; calories used; Save carbon dioxide (what else?); Engine and controller temperatures. And the total odometer. Through control buttons on the left handlebar, riders can switch between five levels of assistance and walk mode, which travels at 2.9 mph when the rider needs to maneuver around a crowded space. Below the buttons is a USB-C port to keep your phone charged throughout the flight.

Above the rear wheel is a sturdy rack for attaching basket, package or groceries. The front and rear fenders keep out raw clothing, and the front and rear lights are powerful enough for the ride home at dusk. Through the app, passengers can subscribe to Apple’s Find My app, for additional insurance against theft. It also offers over-the-air firmware support for inevitable system upgrades throughout the life of the bike.

I’m like most people, where I have… needs to speed. I have not been disappointed with this bike. On my first trip, 8 miles across town on after-hours streets, to a remote hardware store, king To move forward quickly because it was cold and dark. My partner, Brian, was riding a more powerful electric mountain bike, but the Discover 2 stayed the same, maintaining a consistent speed of 20 mph. If I was late, I would use the throttle to start the car back up behind Brian’s wheel.

Photo: Stephanie Pearson

The difference in feel between the Torque and Sensor modes was subtle at first, but the more I rode, the more I settled into the Torque mode because it provides a more natural pedaling experience and, in turn, felt more exercise.

On ride after ride through city streets, I was impressed by how stable and comfortable the bike felt, especially when passing through, which I wasn’t used to riding. In fact, the bike felt so sturdy that I was tempted to outfit it with studded tires so I could ride year-round.

Despite the solid craftsmanship and all the embellishments, I found it one Glitch: On a mission that took me out after dark on a starless night, the adjustable headlamp threw out enough lumens to illuminate a roughly 10- to 15-foot square patch in front of the bike. Everything else around me was dark. There might have been too much light had I been taking it slowly in Class 1 mode, but my nature got the best of me. I unlocked the bike’s 28mph Class 3 mode and was speeding away into the night.