Bulls vs Velotric Electric Bikes: Which Should You Choose?

Bulls is the better choice if you want:

• Mid-drive motor performance that responds naturally to your pedaling effort.
• A bike developed alongside professional mountain bike racers.
• In-person dealer support for fitting, service, and repairs.
• A long-established brand with a proven track record on demanding terrain.

Velotric is the better choice if you want:

• A well-specified commuter or all-terrain bike at a competitive price.
• A wide range of models covering commuting, cargo, folding, and trail riding.
• Modern tech features like Apple Find My, NFC unlock, and SensorSwap technology.
• Direct-to-consumer purchasing with fast delivery and a two-year warranty.

Bulls was founded in Cologne, Germany, in 1995 as part of ZEG, a cooperative of around 1,000 independent bicycle dealers. That cooperative structure shapes how the brand operates: Bulls sells exclusively through independent dealers rather than direct to consumers. In practice, that means buying a Bulls e-Bike comes with more hands-on in-person support than most DTC brands can offer, but it also means you can’t just order one online and have it delivered to your door.

The brand built its early reputation in mountain biking. In 2007, riders Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm won the Cape Epic on a Bulls Copperhead, one of the most demanding mountain bike stage races in the world, and went on to become the most successful duo in the race’s history. That racing background still informs how Bulls develops its bikes today, with professional riders directly involved in testing and feedback.

Bulls started focusing on electric bikes in 2010, partnering with Bosch early to develop mid-drive motor systems. Today, the vast majority of its lineup is electric.

Velotric was founded in 2021 by Adam Zhang, the hardware co-founder of Lime, alongside team members with backgrounds at Giant, Specialized, and Decathlon. The brand launched its first model on Indiegogo in December 2021 and raised $500,000 in 30 days before a single production bike had shipped.

One genuinely interesting aspect of Velotric is that it designs its own motor and battery management systems in-house, rather than assembling bikes from off-the-shelf OEM components as most DTC brands do. The company claims this gets bikes from factory order to customer delivery in around 85 days, compared to an industry average of 150 to 180 days. That supply chain efficiency is a real competitive advantage and part of how the brand keeps prices and inventory consistent.

The honest caveat: Velotric is still a young brand with a smaller dealer footprint than established names. I have also heard that there has been some friction with customer service and warranty claims, particularly in the brand’s earlier years. The company has been actively expanding its retail partner network, growing from 21 dealers in November 2022 to 144 by February 2023, and that number has continued to grow since.

Bulls uses mid-drive motors as standard across its range, primarily Bosch systems including the Bosch Performance Line CX, which produces up to 85Nm of maximum torque. Mid-drive motors work through the bike’s drivetrain, which means the assistance adapts to your gearing and responds to how hard you’re actually pedaling. The torque sensor-based delivery feels intuitive and progressive, closely matching your input rather than switching on at a fixed output. On hills and technical terrain, this makes a noticeable difference to how the bike handles.

Velotric bikes mostly use hub motors, though the brand introduced its first mid-drive model, the Discover M, in 2026. Hub motors are generally simpler and more reliable, but they don’t respond to pedaling effort with the same nuance as a quality mid-drive system. 

Most Velotric models feature the brand’s SensorSwap technology, which lets riders switch between torque sensor and cadence sensor modes depending on riding conditions. In torque sensor mode, power delivery is more progressive and closely linked to your effort. In cadence sensor mode, the motor kicks in more directly as soon as you start pedaling.

For riders who regularly climb hills or cover mixed terrain, the Bosch mid-drive systems in Bulls bikes have a clear and genuine advantage. For flat urban commuting or casual all-terrain riding, Velotric’s hub motors are more than adequate.

Bulls integrates its batteries into the frame using Bosch PowerTube units, typically ranging from 500Wh to 750Wh. The in-frame design keeps the bike balanced and well-proportioned, and the batteries are removable for charging. Mid-drive motor efficiency means Bulls bikes use battery capacity well, particularly on mixed terrain at moderate assist levels.

Velotric uses removable batteries across the range, mounted either internally or externally, depending on the model. Capacities range from 374Wh on the lightweight Tempo up to 801.6Wh on the Nomad 2X and Discover M. The Discover M and Summit 2 both claim up to 95 miles of range. Velotric’s hub motor bikes use more energy at higher assist levels, but the larger batteries on most models compensate well for everyday riding distances.

Both brands give you enough range for daily use. The difference is more about efficiency and riding feel than headline numbers.

Bulls bikes feel purposeful and composed. On commuter models like the Cross Lite EVO, the upright geometry and responsive Bosch assistance make for a controlled, confidence-building ride on roads and light trails. On e-MTB models like the Copperhead EVO AM, the bikes feel stable and capable on technical terrain. The mid-drive motor’s progressive response is what sets Bulls apart: it doesn’t come across as a motorized bike so much as a bike with exceptionally capable legs. The power arrives where and when you need it, which matters most when the terrain gets demanding.

Velotric is more variable depending on the model. The Discover range is genuinely comfortable for urban commuting, with progressive power delivery and an upright position suited to longer daily rides. The Summit 2 and Nomad 2X perform well on mixed terrain, thanks to their suspension and fat tires that absorb rough terrain effectively. The key difference is that hub motors feel more mechanical in their assist delivery. Adequate for most riders on most routes, but less seamless than a quality mid-drive on anything other than flat ground.

Bulls takes a functional, performance-focused approach. Frames feature clean internal cable routing, and many models include the MonkeyLink magnetic mounting system for lights and accessories, making adding or removing components quick and clean. The overall finish is solid and deliberate, with component spec matched to the intended use case.

Velotric leans into consumer-friendly features and modern design. Recent models include NFC keyless unlock, Apple Find My integration, turn-signal lighting, and the SensorSwap dual-sensor system. The IPX7 waterproof battery rating across the range is a higher standard than many competitors.

 All Velotric bikes are UL 2849 certified, which is important for riders in New York City and other areas with strict e-Bike battery safety requirements. You can read more about e-Bike safety standards and what they mean for buyers on the Upway blog.

Choose Bulls if you ride on hills, cover significant distances, or want the most natural-feeling motor assistance available. The Bosch mid-drive systems are genuinely superior on demanding terrain, and the bikes are built for long-term performance. The higher price is justified for riders who will regularly push those capabilities.

Choose Velotric if you’re primarily commuting on flat ground, want a wide selection across multiple categories, or value modern tech features without paying a premium. For city riding in particular, the Discover range delivers well above its price point, and the newer Summit 2 and Nomad 2X show the brand is serious about expanding beyond the commuter category.

If you’re genuinely undecided, the terrain question usually resolves it. Regular hills and mixed surfaces favor Bulls. Flat-to-rolling urban riding favors Velotric.

Whether you’re leaning toward Bulls or Velotric, finding the exact model you want through a local dealer can be hit or miss. Upway carries certified pre-owned Bulls e-Bikes and Velotric e-Bikes at up to 60% off retail, with every bike going through a 50-point inspection before it’s listed. You can browse the full electric bike catalog by brand, category, and budget in one place, and have your bike delivered fully assembled to your door.

Every purchase comes with a one-year warranty and a 14-day return window. If you’d like to learn more about how to choose the right e-Bike for your needs before committing, Upway’s blog covers the main categories in detail. And if you want to test ride before buying, Upway’s NYC UpCenter in East Williamsburg is open for walk-ins and scheduled appointments.