As we’ve covered in the sections above, the Discover M’s measurable performance was solid. In this section, I’ll discuss the more personal and subjective aspects of the bike’s fit and feel.
Velotric offers two frame sizes for the Discover M, which can fit a wide range of riders depending on how they are equipped. With the included suspension seatpost, the Regular frame fits those between 5’2” and 5’11”, while the Large accommodates those from 5’9” to 6’7”. With a standard seatpost, those ranges can be lowered; the Regular goes from 4’11” to 5’9”, while the Large’s range is reduced to between 5’6” and 6’4”.
Being a 5’11” rider, I tested the Large frame. With six inches of saddle height adjustment and an adjustable stem with 60 degrees of rotation, it was easy to find a comfortable fit with proper leg extension. The curved, cruiser-style handlebars promoted an upright, strain-free riding position, while the saddle and suspension kept the ride smooth and enjoyable.
The bike’s handling was generally relaxed and predictable. It steered comfortably, encouraging a leisurely approach to riding. I noticed a fair amount of frame flex when taking corners at speed, which I attribute to the step-through frame design and the placement of the motor, though it didn’t feel egregious.
Cruising generally felt smooth and stable, thanks in large part to the relatively wide tires. Their knobby tread maintained grip on pea gravel and hard-packed dirt, making light off-road adventures both possible and easy.
In the grand scheme, the Discover M’s user interface is relatively complex, though I found its controls intuitive and easy to grasp. Much of the bike’s complexity can be avoided by choosing to use the default settings, which I think are well-suited for riders who want a bike that functions well up-front without diving into the display menu or the Velotric app.
Case in point: by default, the bike is set to Class 2 mode, enabling pedal assist and throttle function up to 20 mph. It is set to torque-sensing mode, which feels familiar to a “regular” bike, and its acceleration, responsiveness, and overall power are generally well-balanced.
For those who appreciate customization, however, the Discover M (and most other Velotric models we’ve tested) absolutely shine. Both the display menu and Velotric app offer the ability to adjust speed/Class, sensor mode, acceleration force, and throttle behavior. Users can also adjust the programming of each pedal assist level and set up security features.
App users can also enable a custom riding mode allowing a hybrid Class 2 and 3 setup or allowing throttle speed to reach 28 mph. They can also use the app to track ride data and sync with Apple Health.
A new feature with the Discover M is the ability to enter a rider profile, including information such as height, weight, age, preferred speed, and typical riding environment. Marketing materials suggest that this feature can automatically alter the bike’s feel and settings to suit the rider once the information is synced, though I didn’t notice much difference—perhaps this is another element that could be improved with an OTA update.
Aside from noticing some areas in the bike’s programming with room for improvement, my only other point of critique is the bike’s limited color selection. While the more affordable Discover 3 offers five options, Velotric’s premium model is limited to only two—Olivine Green and Platinum Silver.
Like previous models, the Discover M includes Apple Find My™ technology to enable location tracking and a lost mode if the bike is stolen, though this version of the bike is also compatible with Android’s Find My system.
Another new feature is the ability to pair an NFC security card to the display (our test bike came with two), requiring riders to unlock the bike to use the interface and motor power.
Other features I appreciated were the bike’s MIK-HD cargo rack, cruise control mode, comprehensive IPX6 rating, and its battery’s IPX7 rating. The rack can carry up to 66 lbs and be outfitted with a child seat, pet carrier, or other locking accessories. The cruise control function allows riders to cruise without pedaling or holding the throttle. Such high IP ratings allow the bike to be pressure washed and ridden in the rain without worry.
In summary, the Discover M offers a comfortable, responsive, and easy ride that can largely be tailored to the preference of its user. With so many customization options, loads of utility and versatility, and a robust feature package, the bike’s overall ride quality is something special.
