The e-bike industry feels like the Wild West these days, a new frontier with few rules and even fewer enforcers. As manufacturers produce increasingly powerful electric bikes, it’s tough for state and federal policymakers to keep up with what’s happening on the ground, in terms of where these vehicles can and should be ridden.
Velotric’s new Discover 2 is following a new trend. While the company designates it a Class 2 bike, technically it can fall under Class 1, 2, or 3. It's a Class I because it can be pedaled to its default speed limit of 20 mph; Class 2 because it has a throttle that maxes out at a speed limit of 20 mph; and Class 3 because, with the simple toggle of a handlebar button, the max speed limit can be adjusted to 28 mph. In most states, a 28-mph ebike is off-limits to ride on multiple-use paths.
The direct-to-consumer bike even comes with Class 1, 2, and 3 state compliance stickers to throw on the frame to comply—visually, anyway—with local ordinances.
All these choices—pedal or throttle? Pedal at 20 mph or at 28 mph?—put the onus on the bike owner to ride at appropriate speeds and in the appropriate places, which can get a little sticky on an afternoon joyride. How does one hold back when it’s so much fun to go fast?
As long as e-cyclists understand the rules in their city and abide by them, along with the risks that higher speeds bring (which are generally much gnarlier accidents), this commuter is one of the more versatile and powerful we’ve tested, making it an ideal ride in cities with variable terrain, including steep hills and rugged streets.
Under the Hood
Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
The bike’s leisurely appearance—a deep step-through frame, an oversize saddle with two coil shocks underneath, and an upright cockpit—is a surprising foil for how powerful the Discover 2 is. At 750 watts—the highest allowable wattage for an ebike in the United States—the motor has 75 newton-meters of torque. For comparison, most city commuters range from 40 to 80 Nm. Most e-mountain bikes hover around 100 Nm.