Velotric T1 ST Plus
Velotric
The Velotric T1 ST Plus is what every other "city commuter e-bike" wishes it was. 47 pounds — 15-20 lb lighter than a Lectric or Heybike at the same price — with a torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, an IPX6 waterproof rating, and a frame that step-throughs cleanly. The trade-off: a smaller battery (352 Wh) means you charge more often. For...
Key specs
- Motor Watts
- 350
- Motor Type
- hub
- Motor Torque Nm
- 55
- Battery Wh
- 352
- Range Miles
- 50
- Top Speed Mph
- 25
- Ebike Class
- 3
- Weight Lbs
- 47
- Payload Lbs
- 264
- Is Folding
- 0
- Is Step Through
- 1
- Passenger Capable
- 0
Pros
- + 47 lb total weight — lightest in the $1,000-1,200 tier
- + Hydraulic disc brakes + torque sensor — smooth, controlled feel
- + IPX6 waterproof rating — confident in rain
- + Integrated lights, fenders, and turn signals all standard
Cons
- - 352 Wh battery is small — not for 15+ mi commutes
- - 350W nominal motor underwhelms on sustained 10%+ climbs
- - No rear-rack mount as standard — accessory upgrade required for cargo
- - Step-through frame less stiff than diamond — noticeable in fast cornering
What surprises us about this bike
Most e-bikes in this price tier weigh 60-70 lb — bricks. The T1 ST Plus is 47 lb. That single fact changes everything: you can lift it onto a hitch rack, hang it on apartment hooks, and (if your stairs aren't too brutal) carry it inside without dread. Velotric got there by using a slim 352 Wh battery integrated into the down tube and a smaller 350W nominal hub motor that peaks to 750W on demand.
Power and battery
350W nominal / 750W peak hub with 55 Nm torque is plenty for flat city riding and moderate hills, but it doesn't have the surge of a 750W-nominal bike when you stand on the pedals up a 10% grade. Class 3 capable up to 25 mph (note: not 28 mph). Battery is the big trade: 352 Wh delivers Velotric's claimed 50 mi at PAS 1, but real-world commuter riding (PAS 3, occasional throttle, hilly terrain) drops to 22-30 mi. For a daily 8 mi commute that's plenty — for a 30 mi weekend ride, plan a charge stop.
Build quality and what gives
Hydraulic disc brakes, a real torque sensor (smooth power ramping with pedalling effort, not stepped cadence-sensor on/off), and an IPX6 waterproof rating are all upgrades over what you'd expect at $1,099. Velotric also tunes the bike to be quiet — the 350W motor whirrs quietly at full power where Heybike/Aventon hubs whine. The fenders, integrated front + rear lights, and bar-end signal lights are all standard, not optional upgrades.
Who should buy it (and who should skip)
Buy this if your commute is 5-12 miles each way on paved roads, you live in an apartment or office that requires lifting the bike, and you value smooth quiet feel over raw torque. Skip this if your commute is 15+ miles (battery won't make it round-trip with confidence), if you ride mostly hills (350W nominal struggles at sustained climbing), or if you need to carry kids/cargo (payload is 264 lb).
Best for
- - City commuters with 5-12 mi each way on paved roads
- - Apartment dwellers who need to lift the bike (47 lb is borderline-doable)
- - Buyers who prioritise quiet, smooth ride over raw torque
- - Riders in wet climates — IPX6 is the highest rating in this tier
How does the T1 ST Plus compare to the Velotric T1 ST (non-Plus)?
The Plus adds the 750W peak motor (vs 500W peak), a slightly larger battery, and the IPX6 rating (vs IPX5). At $200 more it's the version to buy unless you're certain you'll never ride above 20 mph and never get caught in real rain.
Is the battery removable?
Yes — the battery slides out of the down tube with a key. It's relatively slim (about 4 lb), which means apartment dwellers can carry just the battery upstairs to charge instead of the whole bike. Charging time is 4-5 hours from empty.
What is the actual range I should expect on my commute?
For a 150 lb rider on flat paved roads in PAS 2-3, plan on 28-35 mi reliably. Hilly cities (San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Seattle) drop that to 18-25 mi at the same assist level. Cold weather (sub-40°F) drops another 15-20%. The 352 Wh battery is the bottleneck; if your round-trip exceeds 30 mi, look at the Velotric Discover or Aventon Pace 500.3.
How does T1 ST Plus compare to the Aventon Pace 500.3?
Pace 500.3 is heavier (52 lb), has a bigger battery (504 Wh, 60 mi claimed range), and a 500W nominal motor. T1 ST Plus is lighter, smoother (torque sensor), better waterproofed (IPX6 vs IPX5), but smaller-battery. Pace 500.3 wins for longer commutes; T1 ST Plus wins for apartment/lifting/wet-weather scenarios.
Can I add a rear rack and panniers?
Yes — Velotric sells a fitted rear-rack accessory ($79) and the frame has standard rack bosses. Once mounted you can use any standard pannier system. The rack is rated for 55 lb of cargo (not passenger).
How long is the warranty?
2 years on the frame and electrical system from Velotric when purchased through Amazon or velotricbike.com. Tires, chain, and brake pads are 6 months. Register on velotricbike.com within 30 days of delivery to activate the full coverage.