Velotric Fold 1: A Folding E-Bike That Gets It Right – CleanTechnica Tested

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Last Updated on: 26th March 2025, 04:44 pm

Folding e-bikes are usually a tradeoff — compact and portable, but underpowered and awkward to ride. The Velotric Fold 1 challenges that reputation with a 750W motor, hydraulic brakes, a 55-mile range, and a sturdy build — all for $1,199.

It’s not trying to be the lightest or the smallest, but rather a full-featured e-bike that happens to fold. Here’s why the Fold 1 is making waves in the e-bike space.

Build & Folding Mechanism: Sturdy, Not Flimsy

Velotric designed the Fold 1 to be a legit e-bike first, and a folding bike second. The aluminum alloy frame is well-built, with a secure folding latch that doesn’t feel sketchy. Folded dimensions come in at 42″ x 22″ x 34″, so while it’s not ultra-compact, it fits easily in a car trunk or tight storage space.

The bike’s reinforced rear rack (120 pound capacity) also stands out. Unlike some budget folders with flimsy racks, this one is actually usable for cargo or even a small passenger.

Motor & Performance: Class 2 or 3? Your Choice.

A 750W rear-hub motor (peaks at 1,050W) with 70Nm of torque puts the Fold 1 ahead of most folding e-bikes in its class. It ships as a Class 2 (20 mph throttle/pedal assist), but can be unlocked to Class 3 (28 mph pedal assist).

What makes the difference here?

• Torque Sensor: Smoother and more natural power delivery than typical cadence sensors
• Fast Acceleration: Gets up to speed quickly, even with heavier riders or cargo
• Solid Hill Climbing: 70Nm of torque makes short work of moderate inclines

At 64 pounds, it’s not a featherweight, but the power-to-weight ratio feels balanced. Compared to something like the Aventon Sinch 2 or Lectric XP 3.0, the Fold 1 is more refined in power delivery and overall ride feel.

Battery & Range: Better Than Most in Its Class

Battery capacity is where budget e-bikes often cut corners. The Fold 1 doesn’t. It’s running a 48V, 608Wh battery, which gives:

• Up to 45 miles throttle-only
• Up to 55 miles with pedal assist

For context, that’s better range than the Lectric XP 3.0’s 500Wh battery and closer to premium models like the Aventon Sinch 2 (672Wh).

Another plus? The battery is UL2271-certified for safety and reliability.

Ride Quality: One Of The Best In Folding E-Bikes

Most folding e-bikes feel cramped or twitchy due to small frames and geometry. The Fold 1 avoids this with:

• 20” x 3.0” tires: More stability than 2.4” tires, but without the bulk of full fat tires
• Front suspension fork (60mm travel): Enough to take the edge off rougher roads
• 660mm handlebars: Wider than most folding bikes, improving control
• Ergonomic grips & cushioned saddle: Actually comfortable for longer rides

It feels planted and predictable, even at higher speeds (28 mph in Class 3 mode). The steering isn’t too twitchy, making it one of the more confidence-inspiring folding e-bikes I’ve tested.

Brakes & Safety: Top-Tier for a Folding Bike

Hydraulic brakes should be standard on any e-bike capable of 28 mph, but many folding models still come with mechanical discs. Velotric didn’t cut corners here.

• 180mm hydraulic disc brakes (front & rear)
• Stops in about 16′ (better than most folders)
• Integrated 60 Lux headlight & brake-activated taillight

For context, that’s better stopping power than the Lectric XP 3.0 (mechanical brakes) and on par with the Aventon Sinch 2 (hydraulics, but 160mm rotors).

The bike is also UL2849-certified, meaning the entire electrical system has been tested for safety, not just the battery.

Cargo & Weight Capacity: More Than You’d Expect

The total payload capacity is 440 pounds, which is higher than most e-bikes, folding or not. The integrated rear rack is rated for 120 lb, making it one of the few folding bikes that can genuinely carry heavier cargo or a second rider.

For comparison:

• Velotric Fold 1: 440 lb total, 120 lb rear rack
• Lectric XP 3.0: 330 lb total, 150 lb rear rack
• Aventon Sinch 2: 300 lb total, no rear rack included

If you’re planning to haul gear, groceries, or even a kid on the back, the Fold 1 is a better bet than most folders.

Who’s This Bike For?

If you need a folding e-bike that doesn’t ride like a folding e-bike, the Velotric Fold 1 is one of the best sub-$1,500 options available. It’s perfect for:

• Commuters who need a compact but full-power ride
• Riders who want real hill-climbing ability in a folding bike
• Anyone who prioritizes safety (hydraulic brakes, UL certification)
• People who need extra cargo capacity (440 lb payload)

It’s not the lightest folder at 64 pounds, but if you want a fast, capable, and well-built e-bike that folds, this one’s hard to beat.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Great value at $1,199 (better performance than most in this range)
• Big battery (608Wh): up to 55-mile range
• Hydraulic brakes (180mm rotors): great stopping power
• Class 3 capable (28 mph top speed)
• Torque sensor: smooth power delivery
• Comfortable & stable ride (wide handlebars, suspension, 3” tires)
• 440 lb payload: great for cargo & heavier riders

Cons:

• Folding latch could be smoother
• The low-step frame has a metal stand on the bottom bracket for use when folding the bike, which could get caught on some terrain.
• When at the bottom of a stroke, the pedals are fairly low to the ground, and could scrape the pavement on a tight turn if the inside pedal isn’t at the top of its stroke.
• 64 pounds isn’t ultralight (tradeoff for power & stability)
• Only one frame size (but fits riders from 4’9” to 6’5”)

Final Verdict: Best Folding E-Bike Under $1,500?

If you’re looking for a budget folding e-bike that actually performs like a full-sized ride, the Velotric Fold 1 — at $1,199 — is easily one of the best choices under $1,500. It’s faster, more powerful, and more refined than many competitors, making it ideal for commuters, urban riders, and anyone who needs a folding e-bike without sacrificing performance.

After 129 miles of riding the Fold 1, mostly on dirt and gravel because of where I live, it’s proven to me to be a very capable e-bike, whether you only stay on the pavement or you occasionally ride on dirt. Its low-step frame makes it easy to mount and dismount, and its low center of gravity keeps it stable and steady at any speed. One of the things that really stood out to me with this bike was how often other people wanted to ride it, including one of my sons, who put the lion’s share of the miles on it. Because of that, the Fold 1 is definitely a gateway e-bike, as it got folks in the saddle who wouldn’t normally consider riding a bike at all, and every single one of them had a blast. Get all the details on the Fold 1 at Velotric.

[Disclosure: Velotric supplied the Fold 1 to the author for review purposes.]