Velotric · Mid-drive
Velotric Discover M: real range, hills and charging
A 180 lb rider on the Velotric Discover M at 16 mph with relaxed pedaling over rolling hills (±2%) on pavement can expect about 51 miles per charge (40–61 mi), using 14.3 Wh per mile. The brand claims up to 95 miles. That is about 53% of the claim. On throttle only over hills it drops to about 33 miles.
802
Wh battery
500
W motor
28
mph max
Price checked 2026-10-20. We may earn a commission.
How far does the Velotric Discover M go for your weight?
Miles per full charge on a new battery at 70°F on pavement, no wind. Each number is the middle of a ±20% band. Velotric claims up to 95 miles (187 lb rider, eco mode, flat roads; 70 mi on throttle).
| Rider weight | Easy 12 mph | Everyday 16 mph | Fast 20 mph | Throttle, hills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 lb | 90 mi (72–108) | 55 mi (44–66) | 37 mi (30–44) | 36 mi (29–43) |
| 200 lb | 80 mi (64–96) | 48 mi (38–58) | 35 mi (28–42) | 31 mi (25–37) |
| 250 lb | 72 mi (57–86) | 43 mi (34–51) | 33 mi (27–40) | 27 mi (22–33) |
| 300 lb | 65 mi (52–78) | 38 mi (31–46) | 32 mi (26–38) | 24 mi (19–29) |
- Easy 12 mph: 12 mph, relaxed pedaling, flat
- Everyday 16 mph: 16 mph, relaxed pedaling, rolling hills
- Fast 20 mph: 20 mph, relaxed pedaling, rolling hills
- Throttle, hills: 15 mph, no pedaling, hilly
Can the Velotric Discover M climb hills?
Highest steady speed on each grade, motor at its 960 W peak. A 10% grade is a steep city street; 15% is a hard hill.
| Rider | 5% grade | 10% grade | 15% grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 lb, throttle | 19 mph | 13 mph | 9 mph |
| 180 lb, pedaling | 20 mph | 14 mph | 10 mph |
| 250 lb, throttle | 17 mph | 10 mph | 7 mph |
| 250 lb, pedaling | 18 mph | 11 mph | 8 mph |
Steepest grade at 8 mph (180 lb): 18% on throttle, 20% with moderate pedaling. Peak power lasts for short hills; on long climbs motors fall back toward their 500 W nominal rating.
Charging time and cost
Empty to full (3 A)
5 h 10 min
With a 5 A charger
3 h 30 min
Cost per full charge
$0.17
Cost per mile
0.31¢
US average residential electricity, 18.31¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026), 85% charger efficiency. Charge time: constant current to ~85%, then about an hour of top-off.
Range in cold weather
70°F
51
mi · 100% cap.
50°F
47
mi · 94% cap.
32°F
42
mi · 85% cap.
20°F
36
mi · 75% cap.
Everyday scenario, 180 lb rider. Capacity loss is temporary; store and charge the battery indoors and never charge it below freezing.
Simulate your own ride on the Discover M
Velotric Discover M specs
From the Velotric product page, checked 2026-10-20. est. marks values Velotric doesn't confirm.
- Price
- $2,499
- Class
- Class 1/2/3, throttle
- Top assisted speed
- 28 mph
Source note
Ships at 20 mph; adjustable 12-28 mph; 28 mph throttle only via app Custom Mode (not in California)
- Battery
- 802 Wh (48 V × 16.7 Ah), removable
- Motor
- 500 W nominal, 960 W peak, mid-drive
- Torque
- 100 Nm
Source note
130 Nm max per marketing copy
- Pedal sensor
- Torque and cadence
- Claimed range
- Up to 95 mi (187 lb rider, Eco mode, flat roads; 70 mi on throttle)
- Weight
- 60 lb with battery
Source note
Excludes fenders, kickstand and pedals
- Max load
- 440 lb rider + cargo
Source note
Rear rack 66 lb
- Wheels & tires
- 27.5" × 2.4"
- Frame
- Triple-butted alloy, 80mm air fork, suspension seatpost; Regular/Large
- Charger
- 3 A
- Safety certification
- UL 2849 (e-bike system) + UL 2271 (battery)
Common questions
What is the weight limit of the Velotric Discover M?
Velotric rates the Discover M for 440 lb total (rider plus cargo). At 300 lb it still goes about 38 miles in everyday riding.
Can the Velotric Discover M climb steep hills?
On throttle alone, with a 180 lb rider, it can hold 8 mph up a grade of about 18% (our estimate from its 960 W peak power). With moderate pedaling, about 20%. On a 10% hill it holds about 13 mph on throttle.
How long does the Velotric Discover M take to charge?
About 5 h 10 min from empty with the 3 A charger, or about 3 h 30 min with a 5 A fast charger. A full charge costs about $0.17 at the US average of 18.31¢/kWh, or 0.31¢ per mile.
Is the Velotric Discover M a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike?
Velotric lists it as Class 1/2/3, with a top assisted speed of 28 mph and a throttle. Class 3 speeds (up to 28 mph) are limited to pedal assist; on throttle, Class 2 rules cap it at 20 mph.
Which hitch racks fit the Discover M?
At 60 lb with battery (about 51 lb without it) and 2.4" tires, 21 of 23 hitch racks we track can carry it.
| Kuat Piston ION 2-bike | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| 1UP USA Super Duty Double | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| Saris MHS 2 Bike Package | 100 lb/bike | Fits |
| Aventon Hitch Rack Pro | 85 lb/bike | Fits |
| Yakima OnRamp LX | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Hollywood Racks Sport Rider for Electric Bikes | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Hollywood Racks RV Rider E-Bike Rack | 80 lb/bike | Fits |
| Aventon Hitch Rack | 77 lb/bike | Fits |
| Thule Epos 2-bike | 75 lb/bike | Fits |
| Yakima StageTwo | 70 lb/bike | Fits |
| Hollywood Racks Destination E | 70 lb/bike | Fits |
| Allen Sports High Capacity Locking Premier for Electric Bikes | 70 lb/bike | Fits |
| Kuat Piston Pro X 2-bike | 67 lb/bike | Fits |
| Yakima OnRamp | 66 lb/bike | Fits |
| Thule EasyFold XT 2 | 65 lb/bike | Fits |
| 1UP USA Heavy Duty Double | 65 lb/bike | Fits |
| Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-bike | 60 lb/bike | Fits |
| Kuat NV 2.0 2-bike | 60 lb/bike | Fits |
| Kuat NV Base 2.0 2-bike | 60 lb/bike | Fits |
| Saris Door County 2-Bike Motorized | 60 lb/bike | Fits |
| Saris SuperClamp G4 2-Bike | 60 lb/bike | Fits |
Doesn't fit: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 (too heavy), Saris Freedom G2 2-Bike (too heavy).
All hitch racks →
