Velotric Go electric utility bike review: A smaller cargo e-bike for heavy hauling that’s light on price
The Velotric Go fits squarely into one of my favorite electric bike categories – short tail cargo bikes. These are often called utility e-bikes, since unlike long tail cargo e-bikes, they’re closer to “normal” sized while still being built for hauling. With a nicely designed frame and the inclusion of UL-certification on the battery and drivetrain, there’s some serious draw to this bike.
UL-listing is becoming more important than ever. Velotric has offered UL-certification on its e-bikes in the past and now makes sure that each new launch comes with the certification. As more companies adopt this safety standard, we’re getting more peace of mind in knowing that the e-bikes we ride and charge at home are safely designed.
But the UL-listing is just one nice extra feature on the Velotric Go 1. The bike is full of other bits and pieces that I love to see, from 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to a big battery and even location tracking from built-in Apple Find My integration.
Check it all out in my video review below, then keep reading for all of my detailed thoughts on my testing experience with the bike.
Velotric Go video review
Velotric Go tech specs
- Motor: 500W (900W peak) rear-geared hub motor
- Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) or 25 mph (40 km/h) when unlocked
- Range: Up to 55 miles (88 km)
- Battery: 48V 14.4Ah (692 Wh)
- Weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
- Payload capacity: 440 lb (200 kg)
- Tires: 26 x 2.4″ (front) and 20 x 3.0″ (rear)
- Brakes: 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
- Price: US $1,699
- Extras: Suspension fork, LED display, smartphone app integration, LED headlight, tail/brake light, Y-kickstand, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, included fenders and wooden rear rack platform, Apple Find My integration for location tracking, mounting points for front and rear rack accessories, UL-certified for both the battery and the entire e-bike drivetrain
Nicely designed, from parts to performance
Let’s face it, there are a lot of similar electric bikes out there. Even within a single category, such as utility bikes like the Velotric Go, there are a lot of similar offerings. So the differences often come down to features and components installed on the bikes.
In this case, there are some very nice inclusions on the bike. For starters, I love the 3-inch wide tires that give it a more moped-like feel, despite still having a very bicycle-like 7-speed drivetrain and the ride feel of a more traditional bike. With those 3-inch wide tires, there’s enough air and rubber down there to give a nice, comfortable ride, yet the tires are not so wide that they would become unwieldy.
The 60mm suspension fork also helps with ride comfort, though I do wish that Velotric had given us the Packer’s 80mm front fork for even more travel. Maybe the tire size didn’t allow for it or perhaps they just wanted to keep the bike more compact. Either way, 60mm of travel is still nice to see.
Next, check out the stoppers. Those are 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors. We normally only see such powerful brakes on much higher end e-bikes, not $1,699 models like these. That’s another key differentiator here.
One of my favorite added features though is the Apple Find My integration, which means the bike has the guts of an AirTag location tracker built into it. I can add it as a device on my phone and always know where my bike is, even if a thief makes off with it or I forget where I parked.
The performance is also impressive, with a large 692 watt-hour battery providing up to 55 miles (88 km) of range, though most of us will see closer to 30-ish miles if we’re leaning heavily into the throttle instead of relying on more efficient pedal assist.
The 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit keeps the bike in Class 2 designation, though you do have the option of unlocking 25 mph (40 km/h) speeds if you find that 20 isn’t quite fast enough for you.
Technically you should unplug the throttle to keep it in Class 3 designation since the throttle is functional up to 25 mph when unlocked, but that relies on the honor system.
When it comes to the motor, the 500W continuous rated and 900W peak rated motor is decently punchy, though I can’t help but wonder how much better the bike would be with a 750W/1,200W motor like the larger Velotric Packer.
To be fair, I felt like the bike had plenty of power as is with the 500W/900W motor, so it’s not like the power feels lacking. But when I know the company has a higher power drivetrain at its disposal, I can’t help but be jealous that it didn’t land on this bike.
The passenger package is awesome!
I saved one of my favorite features for last, the passenger package. I have a special place in my heart for electric bikes that can carry more than one adult, since I think it turns these from “can do many jobs” to “can do most jobs”.
Many people cite the single-person nature of e-bikes as a limiting factor that prevents them from using one more often. But if you can carry your friends or partner on the back then that might just change the equation.
Sure, not everyone is going to be comfortable riding pillion on an e-bike, but it’s a fun experience. I’ve ridden together with my wife several times, and we’ve switched off as driver and passenger. While I wouldn’t recommend it for teenagers due to the higher risk and responsibility of riding with a passenger on back, I think it’s a great way for young adults to get around together without needing a car.
What could be improved?
At $1,699, the bike feels fairly priced considering you’re getting good power and range, location-tracking and anti-theft features of the Apple Find My system, and a pretty cool utility bike to boot.
If they had included a torque sensor, I’d be singing their praises from the mountain tops. But as it is, the pedal assist is still pretty good.
If they had given me 80mm of suspension instead of 60mm, sure, that’d be great.
And I’m not a huge fan of left-side thumb throttles in general, since right-side twist throttles have kind of been the standard of two-wheelers since powered two-wheelers were invented. A right side half-twist throttle would have had me over the moon.
But as it stands, the bike feels like a solid entry as-is. I can always wish for more, but at a certain point you just have to appreciate a nice design for what it is. They give us a lot, with a great frame, passenger capabilities, location tracking, 4-piston brakes, Class 3 capabilities, and more.
To sum it up: The Velotric Go 1, it’s a pretty darn nicely designed e-bike for the price.
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We’ve heard it before, that Elon Musk doesn’t want Tesla to ever make an electric motorcycle. But the polarizing CEO has taken to social media to explain why he still says it will never happen.
As Musk confirmed, the issue isn’t that he doesn’t think Tesla could build an electric motorcycle, but rather that he doesn’t think they are safe to begin with.
He replied, “Never happening, as we can’t make motorcycles safe,” in response to an AI video about a fake Tesla motorcycle uploaded to his X platform (formerly Twitter).
Musk then referenced a previous story he has told several times about how he was nearly killed by a truck while riding a motorcycle in his youth.
Though he seemed to direct his feelings more towards street motorcycles. “Dirt bikes are safe if you ride carefully,” continued Musk, “as you can’t be smashed by a truck.”
Tesla’s own Autopilot features have long been criticized for their danger to motorcyclists, with several high-profile deaths caused by Tesla vehicles striking motorcycles while operating under Autopilot. Many have suggested that the company’s vision-focused self-driving setup confuses the more narrowly spaced paired tail lights on the back of cruiser motorcycles for a car farther in the distance, potentially explaining why Teslas have repeatedly rear-ended motorcyclists, with fatal results.
The electric motorcycle industry may not get a Tesla halo anytime soon, but it’s hardly standing still. Legacy brands like Honda, BMW, and Kawasaki are finally rolling out real production models, while companies such as Zero and LiveWire continue pushing the segment forward with higher performance and growing dealer support. Smaller companies like Ryvid have jumped to meet the demand for affordable commuter-focused motorcycles, while Asia’s giants such as Yadea and NIU are flooding the market with affordable scooters, driving global adoption far faster than in the US.
It appears that even without Tesla, electric motorcycling is expanding rapidly, innovating quickly, and attracting more riders every year.
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Climate XChange’s Annual EV Raffle is back for the 10th year running – and for the first time ever, Climate XChange has two raffle options on the table! The nonprofit has helped lucky winners custom-order their ideal EVs for the past decade. Now you have the chance to kick off your holiday season with a brand new EV for as little as $100.
About half of the raffle tickets have been sold so far for each of the raffles – you can see the live ticket count on Climate XChange’s homepage – so your odds of winning are better than ever.
But don’t wait – raffle ticket sales end on December 8!
Climate XChange is working hard to help states transition to a zero-emissions economy. Every ticket you buy supports this mission while giving you a chance to drive home your dream EV.
Here’s how Climate XChange’s 10th Annual Raffle works:
The Luxury Raffle
- Grand Prize: The winner can choose any EV on the market, fully customized up to $120,000. This year, you can split the prize between two EVs if the total is $120,000 or less.
- Taxes covered: This raffle comes with no strings – Climate XChange also pays all of the taxes.
- Runner-up prizes: Even if you don’t win the Grand Prize, you still have a chance at the 2nd prize of $12,500 and the 3rd prize of $7,500.
- Ticket price: $250.
- Grand Prize Drawing: December 12, 2025.
- Only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle.
The Mini Raffle (New for 2025)
- Grand Prize: Choose any EV on the market, fully customized, up to $45,000. This is the perfect raffle if you’re ready to make the switch to an EV but aren’t in the market for a luxury model.
- Taxes covered: Climate XChange pays all the taxes on the Mini Raffle, too.
- Ticket price: $100.
- Only 3,500 tickets will be sold for the Mini Raffle.
Why it’s worth entering
For a decade, Climate XChange has run a raffle that’s fair, transparent, and exciting. Every ticket stub is printed, and the entire drawing is live-streamed, including the loading of the raffle drum. Independent auditors also oversee the process.
Plus, your odds on the Luxury and Mini Raffles are far better than most car raffles, and they’re even better if you enter both.
Remember that only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle and only 3,500 for the Mini Raffle, and around half of the available tickets have been sold so far, so don’t miss your shot at your dream EV!
Climate XChange personally works with the winners to help them build and order their dream EVs. The winner of the Ninth Annual EV Raffle built a gorgeous storm blue Rivian R1T.
How to enter
Go to CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek before December 8 to buy your ticket. Start dreaming up your perfect EV – and know that no matter what, you’re helping accelerate the shift to clean energy.
Who is Climate XChange?
Climate XChange (CXC) is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies because they’re critical in accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions economy. CXC advances state climate policy through its State Climate Policy Network (SCPN) – a community of more than 15,000 advocates and policymakers – and its State Climate Policy Dashboard, a leading data platform for tracking climate action across the US.
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The CSC Monterey – one of the most charming little electric scooters on the US market – has dropped to a shockingly low $1,699, down from its original $2,899 MSRP. That’s nearly half off for a full-size, street-legal electric scooter that channels major Honda Super Cub energy, but without the gas, noise, or maintenance of the original.
CSC Motorcycles, based in Azusa, California, has a long history of importing and supporting small-format electric and gas bikes, but the Monterey has always stood out as the brand’s “fun vibes first” model. With its step-through frame, big retro headlight, slim bodywork, and upright seating position, it looks like something from a 1960s postcard – just brought into the modern era with lithium batteries and a brushless hub motor.
I had my first experience on one of these scooters back in 2021, when I reviewed the then-new model here on Electrek. I instantly fell in love with it and even got one for my dad. It now lives at his place and I think he gets just as much joy from looking at it in his garage as riding it.
You can see my review video below.
The performance is solidly moped-class, which is exactly what it’s designed for. A 2,400W rear hub motor pushes the Monterey up to a claimed 30 mph or 48 km/h (I found it really topped out at closer to 32 mph or 51 km/h), making it perfect for city streets, beach towns, and lower-speed suburban routes.
A 60V, roughly 1.6 kWh removable battery offers around 30–40 miles (48-64 km) of real-world range, depending on how aggressively you twist the throttle. It’s commuter-ready, grocery-run-ready, and campus-ready right out of the crate.
It’s also remarkably approachable. At around 181 pounds (82 kg), the Monterey is light for a sit-down scooter, making it easy to maneuver and park. There’s a small storage cubby, LED lighting, and the usual simple twist-and-go operation. And it comes with full support from CSC, a company that keeps a massive warehouse stocked with components and spare parts.
My sister has a CSC SG250 (I’m still trying to convert her to electric) and has gotten great support from them in the past, including from their mechanics walking her through carburetor questions over the phone. So I know from personal experience that CSC is a great company that stands behind its bikes.
But the real story here is the price. Scooters in this class typically hover between $2,500 and $4,500, and electric retro-style models often jump well above that.
At $1,699, the Monterey is one of the least expensive street-legal electric scooters available from a reputable US distributor, especially one that actually stocks parts and provides phone support.
If you’ve been curious about swapping a few car errands for something electric – or you just want a fun, vintage-styled runabout for getting around town – this is one of the best deals of the year.
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