Velotric’s Go 1 is a compact cargo e-bike that packs a punch in both functionality and design. It’s lightweight, fun to ride, and comes with a host of features that make it stand out in the competitive e-bike market. With a price tag of just $1300, it’s also an affordable option for those looking to minimize car trips and embrace a more eco-friendly mode of transportation.

A Rising Star in the E-Bike Market

Founded in 2021, Velotric is a young and ambitious company with operations in Shenzhen, China, and Carson, California. Led by Adam Zhang, a co-founder of the e-bike and e-scooter sharing company Lime, Velotric aims to make riding enjoyable and accessible to everyone. The company has quickly made a name for itself in the e-bike industry, thanks in part to a team of experts from leading brands like Specialized, Giant, and Decathlon.

Velotric’s first model, the Discover 1, hit the market in March 2022. Following the success of its initial release, Velotric introduced several more models, with the Go 1 being the latest addition in summer 2023.

Built for Versatility and Style

The Go 1 is a short tail cargo e-bike, meaning it’s more compact than full-sized cargo bikes, yet it still offers impressive cargo capacity—up to 440 lbs. Despite its smaller size, the Go 1 rides like a regular hybrid bike, with the added benefit of electric assist. It’s perfect for those who want a zippy, maneuverable bike that doesn’t take up too much space.

Key features of the Go 1 include a 500w rear hub motor, seven-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and 60mm hydraulic suspension with lockout. The bike also comes equipped with fenders, lights, a wooden cargo platform, and an LCD display. For those planning to carry passengers, a mesh wheel guard is a thoughtful addition, and there are several aftermarket accessories available, such as front and rear baskets, as well as a passenger seat pad and handrails.

Easy Assembly and Eco-Friendly Packaging

When the Go 1 arrives at your doorstep in a 70-pound box, you’ll find that it’s almost ready to ride. Velotric makes the assembly process easy by providing all the necessary tools and a QR code that links to an unboxing video with step-by-step instructions. The entire setup, including mounting the handlebars, front wheel, fender, and pedals, takes less than 30 minutes.

If you’ve ordered additional accessories, such as baskets, you’ll need to attach those as well. Once assembled, you’ll be ready to hit the road with a bike that not only looks great but also feels comfortable and stable to ride.

Riding Experience

Once on the road, the Velotric Go 1 impresses with its smooth and stable ride. The small 20-inch wheels and low center of gravity provide excellent handling, making it easy to navigate urban environments. The 60mm hydraulic suspension absorbs bumps and uneven surfaces, adding to the overall comfort of the ride.

The bike’s aesthetics, including the matte forest green paint and minimalist branding, contribute to its appeal. The UL certification, compact design, and intuitive controls further enhance the riding experience. The five levels of pedal assist allow for a customized ride, and the removable throttle is handy for giving the bike an extra boost, especially when carrying heavy loads.

Performance and Range

The Go 1’s 500w motor delivers enough power for most riding situations, including uphill climbs and flat terrain. While other cargo e-bikes like Rad Power’s Rad Runner and Specialized’s Globe Haul St offer higher wattage motors, the 500w motor on the Go 1 is sufficient for most users. The bike’s 691.2Wh battery offers a maximum range of 55 miles with pedal assist and 48 miles using the throttle only, though in real-world conditions, you can expect around 35-40 miles—more than enough for most commutes and errands.

The Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, while basic, complements the motor well, making the Go 1 a capable and reliable cargo e-bike.

Final Thoughts

The Velotric Go 1 is a well-rounded e-bike that offers a lot of value for its price. It’s easy to assemble, fun to ride, and versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re looking to replace short car trips or simply want a reliable and stylish e-bike, the Go 1 is worth considering. While there are some areas for improvement, particularly in safety features, the Go 1 is a strong contender in the growing cargo e-bike market.