The Velotric Discover 3 is the latest iteration of Velotric’s popular electric bike series, designed to offer enhanced comfort, functionality, and adaptability for everyday commuting and light off-road adventures. Building on the success of the Discover 2, this model introduces several upgrades aimed at improving ride quality, battery life, and user customization.

This review will cover everything you need to know about the Velotric Discover 3, including its specifications, riding experience, technological features, and comparisons with its predecessor.

Class and Speed Modes

The Discover 3 is shipped as a Class 2 eBike, capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph using the thumb throttle. It features a torque or cadence sensor paired with five pedal assist levels. Unique to this model, riders can switch between class one, two, and three modes or a custom mode that allows speeds up to 28 mph, all controlled by a single button on the handlebar.

Weight and Load Capacity

Weighing 61 pounds, the Discover 3 supports a maximum payload of 440 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of riders and cargo requirements.

Pricing and Warranty

At the time of the review, the Discover 3 is available for $1,999, with a two-year warranty included. There is also an additional discount code available to save $60 on the purchase.

Size and Color Options

Two frame sizes—regular and large—accommodate riders between 5’2″ and 6’7″. The bike comes in five color options: Lemon’s Blue, Emerald Green, Cherry Crimson, Stone Gray, and Mint.

Mechanical Components and Battery Details

The bike is equipped with a new 48V, 750W rear hub motor featuring internal rotors for reduced noise. It delivers a peak power of 1,000 watts and 75 Nm of torque. The drivetrain includes an 8-speed Shimano Acera derailleur, a 46-tooth chainring, and an 8-speed trigger shifter.

Brakes and Suspension

Stopping power is provided by Tektro two-piston hydraulic brakes paired with 180 mm rotors. The front suspension uses Velotric’s Glide air forks with 80 mm of travel, adjustable via air pressure and compression controls. A shock pump is required for suspension adjustments.

Tires and Wheels

The Discover 3 rides on 27.5″ x 2.4″ Kenda puncture-resistant tires with an all-terrain tread pattern, enhancing performance on varied surfaces including snow, sand, and light off-road trails. The front wheel includes a through-axle and a Novatech hub.

Battery and Charging

The integrated battery is a 48V, 15.2 Ah (730 Wh) unit, housed within the down tube for a sleek look. It supports quick charging via a 3-amp charger, fully charging in about three hours. The battery is easily removable with two included keys and features a carrying handle and charge indicator.

The battery and bike have strong ingress protection ratings: IPX7 for the battery (submersible up to 3 meters for 30 minutes) and IPX6 for the bike (protected against high-pressure water jets).

Comfort and Convenience Features

The Discover 3 uses the Comfort Max system, featuring a low step-over height of 16 inches, which facilitates easy mounting and dismounting. The bike includes an adjustable stem and handlebar height settings to tailor fit to rider preferences.

Seat and Suspension

A suspension seat post and Velotric Comfort Max seat provide enhanced comfort, reducing fatigue on longer rides or rough terrain. The seat post’s stiffness can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Accessories and Mounting Points

The bike comes equipped with metal fenders, plastic pedals, a single-sided chainring guard, a quick-release seat clamp, and an RTQ suspension seat post. Additional mounting points are available for water bottles, foldable locks, front baskets, and a rear rack rated for up to 66 lbs.

Security and Tracking

The Discover 3 supports both Apple Find My and Android Find My Hub, a significant upgrade from the Discover 2 which only supported Apple devices. The inclusion of two NFC cards allows secure unlocking and activation of the bike, enhancing theft prevention.

User Interface and Controls

The 3.5-inch full-color display shows battery status, speed, pedal assist level, power output, and various rider metrics such as heart rate, calories burned, and distance traveled. The control pad on the left handlebar allows riders to easily adjust pedal assist levels, toggle between class modes, activate turn signals, and control the headlight.

Pedal Assist and Throttle Customization

The bike offers five pedal assist levels: Eco, Tour, Trail, Sport, and Boost. Throttle response and assist aggressiveness can be customized through the app or directly via the display’s advanced settings, allowing a tailored riding experience for beginners or experienced riders.

Additional Controls

Turn signals are audible and visible on the display, enhancing rider safety. The headlight has 500 lumens brightness with an auto mode that adjusts based on ambient light. Cruise control is available to maintain a constant speed without continuous throttle input.

Riding Modes and Sensor Technology

The Discover 3 uses a torque sensor by default, which adjusts motor output based on the rider’s pedaling force, providing a natural riding feel and quicker acceleration compared to cadence sensors. Riders can switch between torque and cadence modes on the fly.

Speed and Range

Throttle-only range is estimated up to 60 miles, while pedal assist extends that to around 80 miles under optimal conditions. Cold weather and aggressive riding reduce range significantly, as evidenced by testing in 30°F temperatures.

Hill Climbing and Off-Road Capability

The bike successfully climbs steep hills up to 20° grade using various pedal assist levels and throttle. The front suspension and suspension seat post provide a comfortable ride over uneven terrain. All-terrain tires perform well on sand, snow, and icy surfaces, offering excellent traction and stability.

Braking Performance

Tektro hydraulic brakes deliver confident stopping power, with a tested stopping distance of approximately 21 feet at 21 mph and about 45 feet at 28 mph on wet, salt-covered pavement.

Advanced Features and App Integration

The Velotric app allows detailed customization of motor assistance, throttle aggressiveness, and sensor modes. Riders can adjust the level of torque applied at each pedal assist setting and fine-tune the bike’s responsiveness to match their style.

NFC Card Management and Security

Users can bind up to three NFC cards for unlocking and starting the bike, enhancing security. Cards can be added or removed via the app.

Firmware Updates and Tracking

Firmware updates can be applied through the app to keep the bike’s software current. The app also supports ride tracking and navigation features for comprehensive ride management.

Final Thoughts

The Velotric Discover 3 is a thoughtfully designed electric bike that balances comfort, performance, and customization. Its range of features makes it an excellent choice for commuters, casual riders, and those interested in light off-road use. The increased customization options, improved battery, and enhanced security features set it apart from the Discover 2.

While the Discover 2 remains a solid option, the Discover 3 justifies its slightly higher price with meaningful upgrades, particularly benefiting Android users and riders looking for a more versatile eBike.

If you value a comfortable ride, easy-to-use controls, solid performance in varied conditions, and comprehensive app integration, the Velotric Discover 3 is a top contender in the mid-range eBike market.