Velotric Fold 1 Plus Review (2026): The Best Folding E-Bike I’ve Ever Tested
The folding e-bike category is crowded, competitive, and often filled with compromises. After extensive hands-on testing across dozens of models, we can confidently say the Velotric Fold 1 Plus stands at the very top of the folding e-bike market in 2026. Not only is it the best folding e-bike available today, it is also the best e-bike we have reviewed on our channel to date, regardless of category.
From its tool-free setup and class-leading ride quality to its exceptional tuning, power delivery, and app integration, the Velotric Fold 1 Plus feels like the result of a manufacturer that studied every competitor and fixed every common pain point. This is not incremental improvement — this is refinement at the highest level.
Velotric Fold 1 Plus Overview and Pricing
The Velotric Fold 1 lineup includes two models: There are some differences between the standard and the plus including range, the type of sensor, app access and more. In my opinion, the plus is worth the extra $200. At this price point, it represents one of the strongest values I have ever seen in the e-bike industry.
- Fold 1 Standard:
- Less range that the Plus (55mi)
- No Turn Signals
- Cadence Sensor
- No App Access Or Bluetooth
- No Apple Find My
- Smaller No Color Screen
- Price $1299
- Fold 1 Plus:
- Longer Range(68mi)
- Turn Signals
- Torque Sensor / Sensor Swap
- App Access & OTA Updates
- Bluetooth
- 3.5″ Color Display
- Price $1499
Velotric also checks a lot of boxes when it comes to buyer-friendly perks. You get free shipping, a 14-day risk-free trial, and a two-year warranty.
They also offer a $60 discount for medical workers, military veterans, teachers, first responders, and students. If paying the full price upfront isn’t ideal, financing is available for as low as $94 per month through Affirm. All of that adds real value before you even ride the bike.
Unboxing & Setup: No Tools Required
This was hands down the easiest e-bike unboxing experience I’ve ever had. The Velotric Fold arrives already folded, which means the box is more square than long and easier to manage. What really stands out here is that no tools are included—and none are needed. That’s not a downside; it’s a huge win.
Setup involves:
Unfolding the frame
Locking the central hinge
Unfolding and latching the handlebars
Inflating the tires
Charging the battery
That’s it. This is the first e-bike I’ve ever unboxed that required zero tools from start to finish, and that alone sets a new standard for user experience.
Folding and unfolding the bike takes less than a minute, making it ideal for apartments, RVs, car trunks, and mixed-mode commuters.
Motor Performance: Powerful, Smooth, and Refined
The Fold 1 Plus is powered by a 750W rear hub motor with 1,100W peak output, delivering strong acceleration and impressive hill-climbing capability. On paper, that should translate to a top speed of 28 mph. In reality, it goes well beyond that.
Top Speed Results
Throttle only: ~31.5 mph
Pedal assist: 33.3 mph verified
These results exceed manufacturer claims and place the Fold 1 Plus among the fastest folding e-bikes available.
What truly sets this motor apart is not just speed — it’s tuning. Throttle response is exceptionally smooth, allowing precise speed control at low speeds without jerky engagement. This is rare and extremely valuable for urban riding and trail use.
Battery, Range, and IPX7 Certification
The bike features a 48V 13Ah removable lithium-ion battery, rated IPX7 waterproof. This means it can withstand full submersion up to 3.3 feet for 30 minutes — far beyond what most riders will ever need, but reassuring for all-weather commuting.
Real-World Range Testing
Distance ridden: 19.6 miles
Battery remaining: ~50%
Estimated total range: ~39–40 miles
This was achieved with:
Rider over 200 lbs
No eco mode
Aggressive riding, hills, throttle use, and off-road testing
Velotric claims up to 45 miles of range using throttle only and up to 68 miles with pedal assist. What really impressed me is that they’re upfront about how those numbers are achieved: a 187-pound rider, flat terrain, eco mode, and pedal assist level one.
That honesty is refreshing—and rare.
Ride Quality: Tires, Suspension, and Comfort
The Fold 1 Plus rides on 20” x 3” pneumatic tires with versatile tread suitable for pavement, gravel, grass, and light trails.
Up front, riders get a 60mm hydraulic suspension fork with lockout. Once unlocked, the ride quality improves dramatically, absorbing bumps and uneven terrain with ease.
Combined with:
Ergonomic adjustable grips
Comfortable saddle
Step-through frame design
…the Fold 1 Plus delivers one of the most comfortable rides we’ve experienced on a folding e-bike.
Braking Performance and Safety
Stopping power is handled by 180mm hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, a significant upgrade over mechanical systems commonly found in this class.
Brake Test Results
Speed: 28 mph
Stopping distance: ~40 feet
This is a strong, confidence-inspiring result that matches the bike’s high-speed capability. If you had to stop quickly in an emergency, the hydraulic brakes would perform well and hopefully prevent an accident. And I am happy to say that these hydraulic brakes don’t squeak which is always a pro!
Integrated lighting includes:
Bright headlight
Integrated tail light
Turn signals
These features dramatically improve visibility and safety, especially for commuters.
Drivetrain, Sensors, and Pedal Assist Behavior
The bike uses a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain paired with a stainless steel chain. Shifting is smooth and reliable in both directions.
One of the standout features here is the ability to choose between a torque sensor and a cadence sensor. Unlike some bikes where you’re stuck with one or the other, Velotric lets you decide. If you want a more natural, exercise-focused ride, the torque sensor is the clear winner—and it’s what I used for most of the testing.
Torque Sensor Excellence
The torque sensor is among the best we’ve tested:
Engages instantly
Feels natural and proportional
No lag or abrupt kick
Pedal assist works differently than most e-bikes. Lower assist levels do not cap speed — they simply make it easier to go faster, allowing skilled riders to cruise at 20+ mph even in PAS 1.
This results in a more intuitive and engaging riding experience.
Display, Cockpit, and Controls
The cockpit does feel a bit tight, and I would have liked slightly more room for customization. That said, everything is still easy to reach and comfortable to use.
On the left side, you’ll find adjustable, tacky grips with built-in palm rests, a hydraulic brake lever, thumb throttle, and the control panel with power, menu, turn signals, and pedal assist buttons.
On the right side is the Shimano shifter and bell, along with the second hydraulic brake lever.
Despite the limited space, the layout works well in practice.
The full-color display is large, bright, and information-rich, showing:
Speed
Battery level
Assist mode
Sensor type
Calories burned
CO₂ saved
Motor and controller temperature
Trip data and ride statistics
Customization is refreshingly simple. You can use the app or Instead of digging through hidden menus on the screen, a long press of the menu button takes you directly into the settings. From there you can customize the features of the eBike to your preferences. Just go through all of the menus and choose your favorite settings.
Velotric App: Best-in-Class Integration
The Velotric mobile app is, without exaggeration, the best e-bike app we have ever used. But you can only use it if you have the Fold 1 Plus and not the Fold 1 Standard. Another reason why the extra $200 is worth it!
Features include:
Ride tracking
Independent throttle and pedal speed limits
Assist mode tuning
Sensor switching
Auto lights
Cruise control
Firmware updates
Everything works smoothly, connects reliably, and is easy to navigate. This app alone puts Velotric ahead of most competitors.
Utility, Weight Capacity, and Practicality
Despite weighing just 60 lbs, the Fold 1 Plus supports a staggering 450 lb maximum load capacity — higher than any e-bike we’ve tested.
Additional highlights:
Aluminum fenders
Rear utility rack rated for 120 lbs
Water bottle mount
Step-through frame
This makes the Fold 1 Plus suitable for riders of all sizes and use cases.
In throttle-only testing, the Fold 1 Plus reached 31–31.6 mph, well above the advertised 28 mph. With pedal assist and torque sensor engaged, I hit 33.3 mph, which was confirmed in the app.
Hill testing showed solid performance for a 750W motor and 20-inch wheels. Throttle-only made it partway up a very steep hill, and pedaling pushed it even further. For normal neighborhood hills, this bike won’t struggle.
Light off-road riding was handled confidently, with good tire grip, smooth suspension performance, and stable handling.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Outstanding motor tuning and throttle control
Best torque sensor performance we’ve tested
Excellent real-world range
Hydraulic brakes with strong stopping power
Best e-bike app available
Tool-free setup
High weight capacity
Integrated lighting and turn signals
Exceptional value for the price
Cons
Cockpit space is slightly cramped
And honestly, that’s reaching.
Final Verdict
Velotric didn’t just make a good folding e-bike—they fixed everything that other e-bikes get wrong. The result is a bike that feels refined, powerful, comfortable, and incredibly well thought out.
After extensive real-world testing, I can confidently say the Velotric Fold 1 Plus is the best folding e-bike of 2025, and quite possibly the best e-bike I’ve reviewed so far.
If you’re in the market for an electric bike, this one deserves to be at the very top of your list.
Purchase The Velotric Fold 1+
If you’re looking for a folding e-bike that genuinely does it all, the Velotric Fold 1 Plus is one of the easiest recommendations I’ve ever made. It delivers real-world speed well above expectations, excellent range, a smooth and responsive torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, a top-tier app experience, and a level of refinement that most e-bikes in this price range simply don’t have. Add in the tool-free setup, high 450-lb weight capacity, integrated lights and turn signals, and a comfortable, confidence-inspiring ride, and it’s easy to see why this bike stood out so much in testing. If you’re ready to pick one up, click the button below. It won’t cost you anything extra, but it does help support the channel and future reviews—something I truly appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the top speed of the Velotric Fold 1 Plus?
A: The Velotric Fold 1 Plus can reach a top speed of 33.3 mph with pedal assist and around 31–31.5 mph on throttle alone, making it one of the fastest folding e-bikes available in 2025.
Q2: How far can the Velotric Fold 1 Plus go on a single charge?
A: Real-world testing shows a range of approximately 39–40 miles, even for riders over 200 lbs, using mixed throttle and pedal assist. Manufacturer estimates state up to 68 miles in pedal assist mode, based on a 187 lb rider in eco mode on flat terrain.
Q3: Does the Velotric Fold 1 Plus require tools to assemble?
A: No tools are required. The bike arrives fully folded, and setup only requires unfolding the frame and handlebars, inflating the tires, and charging the battery — a process that takes less than a minute.
Q4: Can the Velotric Fold 1 Plus handle off-road trails?
A: While it’s primarily a city and commuting e-bike, the 20” x 3” tires with versatile tread and front suspension allow it to handle light off-road trails, gravel paths, and uneven terrain with ease.
Q5: What kind of brakes does the Fold 1 Plus have?
A: The bike comes equipped with 180mm hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, offering strong stopping power. A high-speed test from 28 mph showed a stopping distance of about 40 feet, which is excellent for a folding e-bike.
Q6: Is the battery waterproof?
A: Yes, the removable 48V 13Ah battery is IPX7 certified, meaning it can handle submersion in 3.3 ft of water for up to 30 minutes. It’s safe for riding in heavy rain, though we don’t recommend fully submerging it in lakes or pools.
Q7: How much weight can the Velotric Fold 1 Plus support?
A: The Fold 1 Plus has a maximum load capacity of 450 lbs, including rider and cargo. The rear utility rack supports up to 120 lbs, making it ideal for carrying groceries, bags, or additional gear.
Q8: Does the Fold 1 Plus come with lights and turn signals?
A: Yes. It has a bright headlight, integrated tail light, and rear turn signals, all powered by the main battery. Auto-light and cruise control features are available through the Velotric app.
Q9: Can I customize the pedal assist and throttle settings?
A: Absolutely. The bike allows independent speed limits for pedal assist and throttle. You can also switch between torque and cadence sensors and adjust assist levels from 1–5, all through the app or the onboard display.
Q10: Is the Velotric Fold 1 Plus a good value for the price?
A: Yes. At $1,499, it offers a tool-free setup, high-speed motor, long-range battery, premium brakes, integrated lighting, and app connectivity, making it one of the best-value folding e-bikes on the market in 2025.
About The Author
Eric “Hobart” is the founder of Hobart’s Reviews, specializing in electric scooters, e-bikes, and accessories. With over 10,000 miles ridden and more than 40 models reviewed, Hobart brings firsthand experience and expert insights to his audience. Follow his comprehensive reviews on his YouTube channel and website for trusted advice and detailed evaluations.