When comparing the VeloMini 3 Speed to it’s less expensive little brother, the 1 Speed, what do you really get? Well, for an extra $250 you get to choose from three additional colors: black, blue and red. You get three more amp hours (50% more) in the battery pack (this lets you go further), six months of additional warranty time on the battery pack and of course you get two extra gears! The only downside, besides the price, is that this bike is two pounds heavier.
Depending on your financial situation this bike can be a wonderful little upgrade from the 1 Speed and offers all of the same benefits that VeloMini is known for. The frame is designed to create space between the seat and handlebars, positioning the rider for more stability, comfort and easier pedaling. The triangle design of the seatpost is super strong and overall this bike just feels solid, especially for something so small and foldable.
As far as motor specs go, this bike is on the weaker side. It offers a geared 180 watt front hub motor and the battery pack provides 240 volts of power. By comparison, the strongest full sized ebikes like Pedego’s Interceptor offer up to 500 watt motors with 48 volts of power. Keep in mind however, that the Pedego weighs 60 pounds! The VeloMini really is built half for riding and half for storing and carrying.
The 3 Speed has its pedaling gears built right into the rear hub which means it doesn’t require a derailleur. This allows the chain to remain tight and straight and requires less maintenance ant tuning. The fact that this ebike offer three speeds, whereas most ultra-compact ebikes only offer one, means you can climb hills easier and go faster when pedaling. The motor is the same as the 1 Speed VeloMini however and it works well enough in both pedal assist and twist and go mode but don’t expect to win any races with this bike. It’s a lot faster than walking but truthfully, given the small form factor, higher speeds can start to feel unstable.
The Lithium-ion battery pack is tucked inside the square aluminum downtube and isn’t easily removable. You really have to plug the entire bike in which might make it less convenient as a work transporter if your employer won’t let you bring your bike inside. The handlebars and pedals fold down and the bike itself gets very compact at just 18″ tall when complete. The folding design is long and skinny so it’s perfect for storing upright on one end and leaning against a wall.
All VeloMini bikes include a nice bag, carry strap and charger so you’ve basically got everything needed from the get go. In addition to these basic accessories there are actually a lot of really cool extras available through their website. There are baskets for the front, rear racks for the seatpost, lights that shine down under the bike like a street racer (you can match the color of your frame) and even a trailer for pulling cargo! These upgrades amaze me because the bike is so compact and niche, it’s hard to imagine pulling a trailer, but that’s part of the fun this brand offers.
The VeloMini culture is easy to admire and their warranty and user friendly website instills a lot of trust in the brand. I love that the bike comes stock with fenders and a little rear brake light. I really don’t have many complaints about the bike, it works well for what it’s intended. To me it’s worth upgrading for the extra range and warranty here, even with the 2lb weight increase.
One of the lightest, most compact, folding electric bikes I have tested, it folds down quickly and doesn't rattle around or come undone very easily because the seat post secures it. An integrated headlight, independent rear light, and bright glossy white frame help you to see…...
One of the lightest weight folding electric bikes available anywhere. Only offers one gear, small 180 watt motor and a maximum throttle speed of 12mph...
Be the First to Post a Comment