The Fold 1 Plus adds more torque (75Nm vs 70Nm), a bigger battery with more range, SensorSwap for switching between torque and cadence sensing, a color display, and Apple Find My tracking, none of which the original Fold 1 includes.
Velotric Fold E-Bike Review
Written by: Tom Fortune | July 19, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
Most folding e-Bikes force you to choose between portability and performance. But the Velotric Fold line minimizes the compromises with a decent motor, comfort, and some excellent features.
More about the Author: Tom Fortune
Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.
Velotric sells two versions of its folding e-Bike: the original Fold 1 and the upgraded Fold 1 Plus. Both fold down small enough for an RV, a closet, or the back of a hatchback, and both have enough power to handle steep hills and make getting around easy. Here’s how they compare, and which one really fits how you plan to use it.
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Table of Contents
What Is the Velotric Fold?
The Fold is Velotric’s folding e-Bike line, built on a low-step-thru frame, a compact folded size, and enough motor power to ride like a full-size bike. Both the Fold 1 and Fold 1 Plus fold down in under a minute and fit into a car trunk, RV storage bay, or closet without needing a bike rack.
Both versions follow the same principle: not to make portability come at the cost of a bike that rides well. The Fold 1 Plus takes that further with extra features that put it closer to Velotric’s full-size models than a typical entry-level folding electric bike.
Fold 1 vs Fold 1 Plus: What’s Different
| Spec | Fold 1 | Fold 1 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 750W rear hub, 70Nm torque | 750W rear hub, 75Nm torque |
| Battery | 608Wh | 624Wh (13Ah) |
| Claimed range | Up to 55 miles | Up to 68 miles |
| Sensors | Torque sensor only | SensorSwap (torque and cadence) |
| Display | Basic LCD | Full-color display |
| Security | None built in | Apple Find My |
| Payload | Standard | 450 lb total, 120 lb rear rack |
| Weight | ~62 lb | ~63 lb |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Tourney | Shimano Tourney |
How It Rides
Both versions of the Fold use a 750W rear hub motor, which gives you more power than most folding e-Bikes, and you’ll be thankful for the extra grunt on hills. Even when you’re hauling a lot of weight, the motor doesn’t feel like it’s straining.
The Fold 1 uses a torque sensor, which gives you motor power relative to how hard you’re pedaling. It’s a natural feel, closer to riding a bike that responds to your own effort.
The Fold 1 Plus is a bit more versatile in how it rides, thanks to the SensorSwap feature. This lets you switch from the torque sensor to a cadence sensor. Cadence mode means the motor gives you power as soon as you start pedaling, regardless of effort, making it ideal for relaxed cruising or days when you’d rather take it easy.
Both bikes come as Class 2, with throttle and pedal assist up to 20 mph, but you can use the Velotric app to switch it to Class 3. This gives you pedal-assist speeds up to 28 mph. It’s worth confirming the e-Bike class rules in your area before unlocking the higher speed, as Class 3 e-Bikes might not be permitted.
Folding and Everyday Practicality
It takes under a minute to fold either bike, and you don’t need any tools. A couple of latches release the frame and handlebars, and the whole thing collapses to a small size, so storage and transport are less of an issue. Velotric includes a strap to keep the folded bike closed during transport.
Neither bike is what you’d call light, but that’s to be expected with such a large motor. Both are in the low 60-lb range, which is manageable for one person to lift with some effort but easier with two, especially when loading into a raised trunk or RV compartment.
The Fold 1 Plus’s rear rack is rated for 120 lbs. This makes it strong enough to hold an actual passenger, not just cargo, something most folding e-Bikes in this category can’t do.
Things to Know Before You Buy
Neither Fold is a lightweight folder. At around 62-63 lbs, both are heavier than most compact folding bikes designed purely for portability. But this is an understandable trade-off for the power and comfort features included.
Class 3 speeds aren’t switched on by default. Unlocking the higher 28 mph pedal-assist speed needs to be done in the Velotric app, and it’s worth checking local regulations first.
Accessories vary by version. Suspension seatposts, passenger seat pads, and other add-ons sold for the Fold 1 Plus may not be compatible with the original Fold 1, so it’s worth checking fitment before buying extras.
Who Is Each Velotric Fold Model For?
- Riders on a tighter budget who still want compact folded size and decent motor power should look at the Fold 1. The frame and motor deliver a similar ride at a lower cost.
- Riders who want to occasionally take a passenger along, track their bike through Apple Find My, or switch between torque and cadence sensing should go with the Fold 1 Plus.
- RV travelers and anyone with truly tight storage space will find that either version fits the bill, since both fold down to a similar size.
Riders who need the lightest possible folding bike for lifting up stairs regularly should look elsewhere.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The Aventon Sinch 2.5 is a direct competitor to the Velotric Fold. It has a 500W motor, a 636Wh battery, a torque sensor, and a suspension seatpost and suspension fork for extra comfort. It weighs more than either Velotric Fold, closer to 73 lbs, but it’s worth taking a look at if you want to compare it with something from another brand.
Find a Velotric Fold on Upway
A folding e-Bike built for RV trips, small apartments, or car trunk storage tends to see lighter, more occasional use than a daily workhorse commuter, which makes pre-owned examples worth considering. Every e-Bike on Upway goes through a 50-point mechanical inspection before it’s listed, and any battery with a capacity below 80% is replaced first. You get a one-year warranty on the frame, motor, and electrical system, plus a 14-day return window, and the bike arrives mostly assembled.
Browse the current folding e-Bike selection on Upway, or check out the current sale collection to compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Velotric Fold 1 and Fold 1 Plus?
Can the Velotric Fold 1 Plus take a passenger?
Yes. Its rear rack is rated to 120 lbs, enough for many adult passengers, within the bike’s overall 450 lb payload limit.
Do the Fold 1 and Fold 1 Plus fold down to the same size?
Yes, both fold in under a minute to a similar compact size, small enough for most car trunks, RV storage, or closets.
Key Takeaways
- The Fold 1 Plus builds on the original Fold 1 with more torque, a bigger battery, SensorSwap, and a rear rack rated for a passenger, while the Fold 1 remains a capable, lower-cost option.
- Both bikes fold in under a minute and feature a 750W motor, more power than most folding e-Bikes in this category.
- Upway’s certified pre-owned listings include a 50-point inspection, battery replacement below 80% capacity, a one-year warranty, and a 14-day return window.
