Velotric, an e-bike company, recently released their third model, the Thunder 1 ST, which was officially launched on April 15th. Although it is the best-made model, it may not be the most powerful. The bike weighs only 36 pounds and has a sleek design, which could lead someone to believe it is not an electric bike. However, the bike only has five levels of pedal assist and a manual gear shifter, but no throttle. The power and torque specs are not mentioned, as they did not matter in this case. The first four pedal assist levels were not useful in hilly areas, and the Turbo mode, the highest level of pedal assist, could barely climb hills.
There is no display to let you know how fast you’re going or how many miles you’ve traveled, but the bike connects via Bluetooth to Apple’s Find My app, so you know where it’s located if it gets stolen. The bike also comes with a kit to mount your phone onto the handlebars, but you need to stick the bulging mount to your phone case using a permanent adhesive. The Velotric app on an Android phone could not recognize this bike model.
The color-coded pedal assist modes appear on the neck of the bike, and the ring of the power light turns the color of the mode you’re in. However, it may be difficult to make out the color in bright sunlight. The seat is uncomfortable compared to the one on either previous model, and the battery was down 50% after just six miles of riding.
The bike retails for $1,500. While it may be appropriate for those who only need a little assistance on hills or in wind, it is not recommended for those who expect significant assistance while pedaling. The brakes are quiet and responsive, and the bike feels nimble on flat ground. It is easy to pick up if you’re traversing stairs, and it has battery-operated front and rear lights. Despite the weaknesses mentioned above, the whole bike somehow looks and feels decently made.
Conclusion
Velotric’s Thunder 1 ST e-bike offers a sleek design and lightweight frame, but falls short in terms of power and pedal assist capabilities. With limited pedal assist levels and no throttle, the bike struggles in hilly terrains and fails to climb steep inclines effectively. The absence of a display and uncomfortable seat further detract from its appeal. However, the bike does offer useful features such as Bluetooth connectivity to track its location and battery-operated lights. Priced at $1,500, it may suit riders seeking minimal assistance, but falls behind in providing substantial pedaling support.
