Velotric Nomad 1 E-Bike Review

Fat tire ebikes are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to handle rough terrain and provide a smooth ride. But with so many models on the market, it can be tough to identify which ones deliver quality without breaking the bank. After extensive research and hands-on testing, I’ve determined the Velotrek Nomad 1 to be the best budget-friendly fat tire ebike currently available.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll explain why the Velotric Nomad 1 strikes the ideal balance of power, performance, and price – and share everything you need to know about this hard-charging fat tire ebike.

Overview of the Velotrek Nomad 1 Fat Tire Ebike

The Velotrek Nomad 1 fat tire ebike packs some serious muscle into an affordable package. Despite its reasonable price point, it boasts a powerful 750W geared hub motor that can peak at up to 1200W. This enables the Nomad 1 to accelerate quickly and conquer hills with ease.

Other key specs and features include:

• 20” x 4” fat tires for stability and shock absorption
• Hydraulic disc brakes for smooth, responsive stopping power
• 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain
• Large removable 662Wh battery
• Thumb throttle for effortless acceleration
• 5 levels of pedal assist
• Full LCD display with speedometer and battery gauge
• Front suspension fork
• Integrated headlight and taillight

I tested the step-through model which has a low standover height that makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. But Velotrek also offers the Nomad 1 in a standard bike frame with a higher top tube.

The Nomad 1 comes in two stylish color options – chalk white or matte black. I opted for the white version, which looks sporty and modern.

Overall, the Nomad 1 combines serious strength and quality components at a price that blows most competitors out of the water. Now let’s take a closer look at how it performs on the road and trail.

Power and Performance of the Velotrek Nomad 1

Simply put, this ebike hauls. The 750W nominal motor may seem standard for an ebike in this price range, but the Nomad 1 has a trick up its sleeve. It can reach a staggering peak wattage of 1200W to give you incredible torque for acceleration and hill climbing.

To test out the bike’s powerband, I attempted a grueling 20% grade hill from a dead stop. With the pedal assist turned off, I twisted the throttle and hung on. The Nomad 1 churned its way up the steep incline without hesitation, showcasing its brute strength.

Later in my testing, I took the Nomad 1 on a ride with 35.5 miles and over 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Despite running on its highest assist settings for much of the ride, the battery still had 2 out of 5 bars remaining when I returned home.

The Nomad 1 devoured every hill I pointed it at. When powering up steep inclines, the motor output surged above 1,100 watts to conquer the gradient with ease. I hardly had to pedal on most uphill sections thanks to the electric boost.

To give you a better idea of how quickly the Nomad 1 can climb, I timed a run up the notorious California Incline in Santa Monica. This brutal climb gains 85 feet of elevation over just 0.2 miles, working out to a 7% average grade. I took the incline at full throttle in the lowest gear, starting from a complete stop at the bottom. It took me just 37 seconds to reach the top! Most standard ebikes take 50 seconds or more to complete the same challenge.

The Nomad 1 also excels at accelerating from a dead stop. I performed a 0-20 mph sprint and hit 20 mph in just 6.4 seconds with minimal pedal effort. That’s quicker acceleration than many pre-built ebikes that cost twice as much or more.

Clearly, the excellent torque and abundant power of the Nomad 1 allow it to perform as well or better than most ebikes beyond its price bracket.

Battery Capacity and Range

The Nomad 1 comes equipped with a 48V 14.4Ah lithium-ion battery measuring 14″ x 3.5″ x 5.5″ and weighing in at 11 lbs.

While not the biggest battery in the world, the 662Wh unit supplies more than enough juice for most rides. During normal pedal assist riding, I achieved between 25-40 miles per charge. Your exact range will vary based on factors like rider weight, speed, hills, pedal effort, and assist level.

To really put the battery to the test, I took the Nomad 1 on a very hilly 40-mile ride out to the Hollywood sign and back. The route contained over 4,500 feet of elevation gain, including a tough 10-mile stretch with over 1,600 feet of continuous uphill climbing. Despite the challenging terrain, the battery powered me all the way to the Hollywood sign and back home with a few miles to spare.

Charging the battery takes 5-6 hours from empty to full. Fortunately, the battery can be charged on or off the bike. A key inserted near the top of the downtube unlocks the battery so you can remove it for convenient charging.

One downside is that the Nomad 1 lacks an accurate battery percentage display. The handlebar-mounted LCD provides only a 5-bar battery meter. While not a dealbreaker, an exact voltage or percentage readout would be preferable to more precisely gauge remaining range.

Overall, the battery capacity proved more than sufficient during all my test rides. Unless you’ll be frequently embarking on 50+ mile journeys with massive elevation gains, range anxiety should be minimal. For most riders, the 662Wh battery will provide ample miles between charges.

Ride Quality and Comfort

Despite its burly motor, the Velotrek Nomad 1 still offers a smooth, comfortable ride. The 20” x 4” fat tires soak up bumps and vibration exceptionally well. I was able to traverse gravel roads and packed dirt trails with ease.

The front suspension fork also helps cushion the ride. It provides 50mm of travel to take the edge off of rocks and roots. Don’t expect downhill bike-style suspension, but the coil fork does take the sting out of sharper impacts.

I racked up over 100 miles on the Nomad 1 during my testing. The upright riding position and padded seat kept me comfortable even on longer journeys. The swept-back handlebar position helps reduce strain on your wrists as well.

One advantage of the step-through frame is that it provides ample standover clearance. I’m 6′ 5” and had no issues straddling the bike or putting my feet down at stops. The low standover height also makes it extremely accessible for shorter riders.

While not the cushiest fat tire ebike around, Nomad 1 still delivers a smooth, comfortable ride across various surfaces. The fat tires and front suspension take care of soaking up bumps and vibrations. And the riding position helps ward off fatigue on long rides.

Handling and Control

In terms of handling, the Nomad 1 performs admirably. Steering the heavy ebike requires a bit more effort than a traditional bike. But once rolling, the Nomad 1 handles securely and predictably.

The 4” fat tires offer outstanding stability compared to narrower mountain bike tires. I was able to rail corners with confidence. Even at higher speeds, the Nomad 1 feels planted and under control.

Slow speed maneuvering does take some extra care. The weight of the bike and relaxed steering geometry mean you need to allow more time and space for tight turns. But with a bit of practice, you’ll soon be navigating the Nomad 1 adeptly even through narrow spaces.

The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide tremendous stopping power. They deliver strong, linear braking whether riding on pavement or trails. I never experienced any fade or loss of performance, even during extended downhill braking. The 180mm rotors provide ample leverage for quickly scrubbing speed.

One handling quirk to note is that the Nomad 1 can occasionally deliver slightly jerky power delivery. Under heavy pedaling, I noticed occasional abrupt surges before the pedal assist smoothed out. This mild “cogging” stems from the basic cadence sensor that monitors pedaling input. An advanced torque sensor would provide smoother and more proportional power delivery. But the cadence activation works well enough for casual and intermediate level riding.

Overall, the Nomad 1 provides a well-balanced ride quality. The stability offered by the fat tires instills confidence when cornering or descending at speed. And the powerful brakes make it easy to manage your velocity in all conditions.

Component Quality and Build Construction

For its affordable price point, the Velotrek Nomad 1 features impressively solid componentry. While not high-end parts, the equipment choices demonstrate smart budget allocation.

Starting with the transmission, the Nomad 1 comes equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain. The Altus shifter/derailleur combo provides reliable shifting performance across all gears. During testing I experienced crisp, consistent shifts with minimal chain dropout even under load.

Tektro provides the 180mm hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping power in any weather. The brake levers offer great modulation for managing your speed both on and off-road.

Up front, the adjustable coil suspension fork smooths out the bumps. While no Fox Racing Shox unit, it takes the edge off rocks and roots without excessive diving under hard braking.

Velotrek selected sensible components like the integrated headlight, comfort-oriented handlebar, quality wellgo pedals, and basic DOT-certified Kenda fat tires. None of these parts will blow you away, but they get the job done reliably.

The Nomad 1’s construction quality also impresses. Welds are neatly finished and major components fit together tightly with minimal play. All wiring is neatly routed and secured.

After over 100 miles of testing, the bike still feels solid with no looseness or creaking. The paint and finishes have also held up nicely despite some minor cosmetic scuffing.

While not the most elegant ebike around, the Velotrek Nomad 1 delivers rock-solid performance thanks to smartly chosen components and robust construction quality.

Pros and Cons of the Velotrek Nomad 1

Pros

• Incredible peak power output up to 1200W
• Conquers steep hills with ease
• Quality components including hydraulic brakes
• Cushioned ride from fat tires and front suspension
• Removable 662Wh battery provides 25-40 mile range
• Secure handling with ultra stable fat tires
• Thumb throttle for effortless acceleration
• Low step-through frame for easy mounting
• UL certified battery for safety

Cons

• No torque sensor results in slightly jerky power delivery
• LCD display lacks precise battery percentage gauge
• Slow speed maneuverability takes practice
• Max speed limited to 23-25 mph

Who is the Nomad 1 For?

The Velotrek Nomad 1 suits a wide range of riders thanks to its blend of user-friendly ergonomics and hard-hitting electric power.

Ideal owners include:

• Commuters – With its throttle and pedal assist, the Nomad 1 lets you arrive to work or school quick and sweat-free. The stepthrough frame and rack/fenders prep it for practical everyday use.
• Recreational Riders – The Nomad 1 delivers an enjoyable cruise thanks to the smooth fat tires, comfy saddle, and adjustable assist levels. It’s right at home meandering along bike paths, beaches, and park trails.
• Off-Road Riders – Don’t let the road tires fool you. With its beefy motor, stable footprint, and front suspension, the Nomad 1 can also handle packed dirt, gravel, and easier single-track when ridden responsibly.
• Heavy Riders – The robust motor, frame, wheels, and tires provides the strength to accommodate larger riders up to 350 lbs.
• Hills and Mountains – With its incredible torque, the Nomad 1 devours steep hills that leave other ebikes struggling. If your rides commonly include big elevation gains, this is the ebike for you.
• Long Distance Riders – While not a 100-miler machine, the Nomad 1 provides enough battery capacity for rides up to 40-50 miles in ideal conditions. The comfort-oriented ergonomics also help reduce fatigue over the miles.

While not designed for aggressive off-roading or hyper-speed highway riding, the well-rounded Nomad 1 suits most cyclists looking for an easy-handling ebike with some serious oomph.

Bottom Line: Why I Love the Velotrek Nomad 1

After extensive testing, the Nomad 1 has won me over thanks to its ideal blend of user-friendly design, quality components, brute power, and value pricing. Here’s a quick recap of why it has become my favorite fat tire ebike:

• Potent Motor – With up to 1200W peak output, the Nomad 1 delivers rad torque for aggressive acceleration and climbing. You’ll fly up hills and race away from stoplights.
• Durable Components – Well-rounded parts like the hydraulic brakes, Shimano transmission, and front suspension provide quality performance and longevity.
• Supple Ride – The fat tires and front shock soak up bumps of all sizes, making for a smooth, stable ride across various terrain.
• Excellent Range – The 662Wh battery easily delivers 25-40 miles per charge, or more with pedal assist. No range anxiety here!
• Convenient Stepthrough – The low standover height allows easy mounting and confidence at stops. It’sspeeds. a very accessible ebike.
• High Value – Typically ebikes with this level of performance cost well over $2,000. But with competitive pricing from Velotrek, the Nomad 1 offers incredible value.

The Velotrek Nomad 1 punches far above its weight class. Despite the reasonable price tag, it outperforms many ebikes costing twice as much or more.

If you want fat tire ebike that can climb mountains and accelerate like a motorcycle for under $1,500 – the Nomad 1 is hard to beat!

Where to Buy the Velotrek Nomad 1 (With Discount!)

Velotrek sells the Nomad 1 directly to consumers online via their website.

The Nomad 1 lists for $1,499. But using my exclusive discount code can currently snag you $60 off, bringing the price down to just $1,439 with free shipping.

To grab the Nomad 1 at the discounted price, just visit Velotrek.com and enter code EBIKEWISE60 at checkout.

Velotrek also offers 6 and 12 month financing options to make the Nomad 1 more affordable. Their site provides a payment calculator so you can estimate your monthly cost.

In addition the the standard warranty, Velotrek offers new owners a 30 day money back guarantee. So if you don’t love your Nomad 1 upon delivery, you can return it for a full refund.

Velotrek provides top-notch customer service as well. Their support team is happy to answer any questions and can help with troubleshooting any issues with your new ebike.

So don’t miss out on big power at a small price – grab the Value Nomad 1 direct from Velotrek using code EBIKEWISE60 to save $60 instantly!

Velotrek Nomad 1 Fat Tire Ebike: The Verdict

After putting the Nomad 1 to the test across countless miles of paved roads, gravel, hills, and trails, one thing is clear – this ebike delivers exceptional performance and value.

Despite its reasonable price tag, the Nomad 1’s powerful motor, quality components, and ultra-stable fat tire ride put most competitors to shame. It conquers steep inclines with ease and offers smooth, comfortable cruising across all surfaces.

While not without some minor limitations, the Nomad 1 excels where it matters most. It provides an electrifying riding experience with muscle to spare when you need it. Plus it comes backed by Velotrek’s excellent warranty and customer service for peace of mind.

So if you seek big tire performance on a budget, look no further than the Velotrek Nomad 1 fat tire ebike. It earns my highest recommendation for delivering the most thrilling ride at this price point. The Nomad 1 is absolutely the best value fat tire ebike you can buy today!