Velotric GoMad Ebike Review

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Over the past month I have changed the way I commute to work. With much excitement I have joined a growing community of riders who commute via Ebike. I have always been intrigued by the potential benefits of an ebike but finally pulled the trigger on a Velotric GoMad Ebike.  

Velotric is a relatively young e-bike company, founded in 2021 by Adam Zhang, a former hardware co-founder at Lime. The company began selling bikes in 2022 with the Discover 1 and Nomad 1 and has since expanded into a much larger lineup of commuter, cruiser, cargo, folding, hybrid, and fat-tire e-bikes.

Velotric’s mission is to help more people find joy in their daily lives by making e-bikes accessible, versatile, and easy to use. The company puts a strong emphasis on its own engineering and proprietary drive systems while working with experienced manufacturers. Its current lineup ranges from lightweight city bikes like the Tempo to adventure-oriented models such as the Summit and Nomad, along with practical options like the GoMad cargo bike and Fold folding bikes.

For Velotric, the idea seems to be pretty simple. An ebike should be more than just transportation. It should make it easier to get outside, cover more ground, and find a few small adventures along the way. The Velotric GoMad Ebike has been my commuter, grocery getter, kid transporter, and adventure machine for the past month. Over this time I have been cruising the roads, bike paths, trails around the town and mountains near Steamboat Springs. 

About the Velotric GoMad

The Velotric GoMad is a compact utility e-bike built to carry people, gear, groceries, and just about anything else you might want to haul around town. It has the footprint of a smaller e-bike but the carrying ability of a much larger cargo bike. The GoMad can handle up to 500 pounds of total payload, including the rider and cargo. The MIK HD rear rack is rated for 176 pounds, giving you plenty of options for carrying a passenger, kids, camping gear, fishing equipment, or a load of groceries. A rear rack bag comes standard, and Velotric offers a range of additional racks, bags, baskets, and passenger accessories.

Heavy Duty Rear Rack

Velotric GoMad Ebike Power and Range

The GoMad uses a 750-watt rear hub motor that can produce up to 1,300 watts of peak power and 85 Nm of torque. That gives it plenty of power for hills and heavier loads. The bike uses a 48-volt, 801.6 Wh battery with UL2271 certification. Velotric claims up to 75 miles of pedal-assist range under its test conditions. Throttle-only range is rated at up to 50 miles. An optional second battery can extend the claimed range to as much as 150 miles.

The bike comes with five pedal-assist modes, along with additional ride-tuning options. One of the more interesting features is Velotric’s SensorSwap system. With the push of a button, riders can switch between torque sensing and cadence sensing. Torque sensing gives a more responsive feel based on how hard you pedal. Cadence sensing provides a simpler, steady level of motor assistance.

Fat Tires and Suspension

The GoMad rolls on 20-by-4-inch Kenda puncture-resistant fat tires. The smaller wheels keep the bike compact and give it a low center of gravity. The wide tires add stability and traction on pavement, gravel, grass, dirt, and other mixed surfaces.

Up front is an RST hydraulic suspension fork with 100mm of travel and a lockout. The suspension helps take the edge off potholes, rough roads, and uneven trails. The lockout lets you firm up the fork when riding on smoother pavement.

Tire and Suspension

Brakes and Drivetrain on the Velotric GoMad Ebike

With a bike capable of carrying 500 pounds, braking matters. The GoMad uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with large 203mm front and 180mm rear rotors. The brake levers also include motor cutoff switches.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The drivetrain uses an eight-speed Shimano system with an 11-34T cassette and a KMC chain. The eight gears give the bike some useful range for climbing hills while still allowing you to pedal comfortably on flatter roads.

Shimano Cassette

Fit and Comfort

The GoMad is designed as a one-size bike for riders from about 5 feet to 6 feet 3 inches. The handlebar and stem can be adjusted to change the riding position. The BMX-style handlebar, ergonomic grips, and Velotric comfort saddle give it a more upright and relaxed riding position.

The bike weighs about 77 pounds with the battery installed. It is not a lightweight bike, but that weight comes with a lot of capability. The low 20-inch wheels also make it easier to manage than some full-size cargo e-bikes.

Velotric GoMad Ebike Cargo and Passenger Options

Utility is really the point of the GoMad. The integrated MIK HD rear rack is designed to handle substantial loads and makes it easy to add compatible cargo accessories. Velotric also offers a young passenger kit and passenger kit for carrying people, along with a front rack, pannier support bar, rear pannier bag, and other accessories.

The combination of a 176-pound rear rack capacity and 500-pound total payload opens up a lot of possibilities. The GoMad can serve as a commuter during the week and a gear hauler on the weekend.

Controls and Technology

The GoMad has a 3.5-inch full-color LCD display with Bluetooth and NFC. The display is adjustable and easy to see in bright conditions. There is also a USB-C charging port for keeping a phone powered while riding. The bike can be unlocked with an NFC card, and it works with both Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find Hub for tracking. Velotric also provides app connectivity and over-the-air software updates.

NFC Card Security

The GoMad includes a removable trigger throttle and can be configured for Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 operation where local regulations allow. The default top speed is 20 mph, while the adjustable speed range goes up to 28 mph and can go this speed in Class 3 with pedals. Velotric notes that some configurations and speed settings vary by region.

Speed Class 3

Lights and Weather Protection

The GoMad comes equipped for riding after dark. There is a 500-lumen integrated front light and an integrated rear light built into the rack. The rear light also functions as a brake light and turn signal. The bike has an IPX6 water-resistance rating, while the battery is rated IPX7. That makes the GoMad well suited to wet roads and changing weather, although it is still an e-bike and not something designed to be submerged.

Headlamp

The Bottom Line on the Design of the Velotric GoMad Ebike

The GoMad takes a different approach to the traditional cargo e-bike. It keeps the overall bike relatively compact by using 20-inch wheels while still offering a high payload capacity, fat tires, suspension, and a powerful motor. It can carry a lot without feeling like you are riding a full-size cargo bike. That combination makes the GoMad a versatile platform. It can be set up for commuting, errands, carrying kids or passengers, hauling outdoor gear, or exploring dirt roads and trails. The basic idea is simple. It is a smaller bike designed to do a lot of work.

Velotric GoMad Ebike Set Up and Build

Unboxing

Getting the GoMad ready to ride went smoothly. The bike arrived well packed and protected, which is especially important with a bike this large and heavy. Everything was organized in the box, and the individual parts were wrapped and protected from rubbing against each other during shipping. The first challenge was simply getting the bike out of the packaging. This is a two-person job if you want to make things easy on yourself. The GoMad is a substantial bike, especially with the battery installed. Once it was out of the box, the rest of the assembly was pretty straightforward.

The Tool Kit

Velotric did a nice job with the included tool kit. Instead of having to dig through my own toolbox, the kit included a good selection of Allen wrenches and the other tools needed for assembly. It was a small detail, but it made the process much easier. The tools were organized and felt like a purpose-built kit rather than a collection of random tools thrown into the box. Having everything in one place also made it easier to move through the assembly without stopping to find the right tool.

Velotric GoMad Assembly

The GoMad comes mostly assembled, but several components need to be installed. The front wheel, handlebar, pedals, front fender, and headlight all need some attention during setup. The rear rack is already integrated into the bike, which saves some time. The front wheel went on first. After securing the axle, I positioned the handlebar and tightened it into the stem. The front fender and headlight were next. The headlight mounts to the front of the bike and connects to the existing wiring, so there wasn’t much electrical work involved. The pedals were simple to install as well. After everything was together, I went back through the bike and checked the major bolts and connections.

Assembly

Wheel On!

Wrapped Up

Adjusting the Fit

I spent some time getting the saddle and handlebar positioned where I wanted them. This is worth doing before the first ride. The GoMad has a fairly upright riding position, and a few minutes of adjustment made a noticeable difference in comfort. The controls and display were already installed, so there wasn’t much to do with the cockpit beyond positioning the handlebar and making sure everything was comfortable and secure.

First Ride on the Velotric GoMad Ebike

Once everything was assembled, I charged the battery, powered up the display, and worked through the initial settings. There wasn’t anything particularly complicated about the process. Overall, the GoMad was straight forward and fairly easy to put together. Most of the work was mechanical assembly rather than trying to figure out complicated electronics or wiring. The biggest challenge wasn’t the assembly. It was simply handling the size and weight of the bike while putting everything together. Once it was standing on its wheels, the rest of the setup was pretty straightforward. From opening the box to having a rideable bike, the process felt well thought out.

Charging Port

Riding the Velotric GoMad: Performance and Everyday Use

More Than a Commute

The GoMad has changed the way we think about getting to work. My wife and I both find ourselves trying to claim the bike for our morning commute. That probably says more about the GoMad than any description can. Our normal drive to work involves a highway and traffic. Riding the GoMad gives us another option. We can take the bike along the river and turn the commute into something we actually look forward to. Instead of watching traffic, we get to watch the river, the weather, and what is happening around us.

Cruising Along The River

There is also a mindfulness component to riding that I didn’t expect. The trip takes a little more time, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It gives me a chance to slow down and pay attention to where I am. I arrive at work feeling like I have already had a few minutes outside rather than sitting in a vehicle. And then there are the unexpected encounters. On some rides we see wildlife along the river. Seeing a moose or even a bear on the way to work can completely change the day. It is hard to complain about a commute when you get to start the morning with something like that.

Morning Moose

Five Levels of Pedal Assist

One of my favorite things about the GoMad is how much control I have over the ride. There are five levels of pedal assist, and each one changes how much help I get from the motor. That makes a bigger difference than simply having a throttle and a single power setting. Eco and Trail Modes are probably my favorite settings for normal commuting. They give me enough assistance to take the edge off the hills while still making me pedal. On flatter sections of the river trail, Eco lets me settle into a comfortable rhythm without feeling like the motor is doing all the work. Trail is perfect for bumpy conditions with obstacles. Both of these settings let me stretch the battery when I don’t need much assistance.

Zippy Modes of Pedal Assist on the Velotric GoMad

Tour is a nice middle ground. It gives me more support without making the bike feel overly powerful. It is a good setting for longer rides or changing terrain when I want the motor to take some of the workload while still contributing a fair amount of effort myself.

Tour Mode

Sport is the other mode I use a lot. This is where the GoMad’s power really becomes noticeable. Sport is my choice when I am carrying a heavier load, climbing a hill, or simply want to get somewhere with less effort. Even with a kid and a bunch of gear on the bike, the GoMad has plenty of power to keep moving uphill.

Sport for a Bit More Pep

The higher assist settings are there when you really need them. I don’t use maximum assistance all the time, but having it available is reassuring especially on the steep hill up to my house. When the bike is loaded or the hill gets steep, it is nice to know I have more power available with the push of a button.

Uphill Time!

Torque or Cadence? You Choose

The five assist levels are only part of the equation. The GoMad also lets me choose between torque and cadence sensing. That gives the bike two noticeably different personalities.

In torque mode, the bike responds to how hard I am pushing the pedals. If I push harder, the motor responds with more assistance. If I ease up, the motor eases up with me. I really like this mode when I am riding on gravel, climbing hills, or moving through areas where I want more control over the bike’s power.

Torque mode also feels more natural to me. It makes the motor feel like it is working with me rather than simply giving me a predetermined amount of power. When I am riding for exercise or just enjoying the ride, this is the mode I tend to choose.

Cadence mode has a different feel. The system responds to the fact that I am pedaling and provides a more consistent level of assistance. I like cadence mode when I want to relax and let the bike do more of the work. It works particularly well on a straightforward commute when I am not looking for a workout.

Cadence Mode

Being able to switch between the two is a feature I ended up using more than I expected. A flat stretch of pavement might call for cadence mode. A loose gravel section or a hill might have me switch back to torque.

The Velotric GoMad is a Bike You Can Dial In

Between the five pedal-assist levels, the two sensor modes, the three class modes and the eight-speed drivetrain, there are a lot of ways to personalize the ride.

This means the bike doesn’t really have one personality. You can make it feel like a fairly traditional bicycle with more rider input, or you can turn up the assistance and let the motor handle much more of the work.

My Zippy Around Town Mode

That is important because not every rider wants the same thing. I may want Eco and torque sensing when I am riding for exercise. My wife may want a different combination when she is commuting. A loaded ride with a kid might call for Sport and more motor assistance. A flat ride home might be perfect for cadence mode. The GoMad can be dialed in to fit the rider, the terrain, and even your mood that day. That is a big part of what makes the bike so versatile.

Smooth Power

All of these settings would be less useful if the motor felt abrupt. Fortunately, the GoMad’s power delivery has been smooth in my experience. I never feel like the motor is suddenly taking over the bike. The assistance builds in a predictable way, which is especially important when riding around other people or carrying a passenger. The motor has plenty of power available when you need it. The difference is especially noticeable when the bike is loaded. A hill that would require some serious effort on a traditional bike becomes a manageable part of the ride. I have also appreciated this when starting from a stop with a load. The GoMad doesn’t feel like it is struggling to get everything moving. Once the motor engages, the bike builds speed smoothly.

Choosing the Ride Experience

Carrying a Load

The carrying capacity has been one of the biggest benefits for us. Our commutes aren’t always just one person riding with a backpack. Often there is a kid, work gear, groceries, or other supplies involved. The GoMad’s 500-pound total payload capacity is a huge bonus. The rear rack itself is rated for 176 pounds, so there is a lot of room for carrying gear or adding passenger and cargo accessories.

Obviously, I am not routinely putting anywhere close to 500 pounds on the bike. What I like about that number is the margin it gives you. Carrying a kid, a load of gear, and other supplies doesn’t make the bike feel like it is operating at its limit. The motor also makes a loaded bike much more manageable. Even when we are carrying a significant amount of weight and heading uphill, the GoMad has plenty of power. This is another situation where Sport mode earns its keep. For a utility bike, this is a big deal. The ability to carry a large load means I don’t have to think of the GoMad as just a recreational bike. It can actually replace some vehicle trips.

In addition to the power on the uphills the disc braking system is more than capable of smooth safe stops. Even on the steepest descents stopping is effortless and smooth.  My future plans include a bike trailer and possibly a hunt trip and these brakes are more than capable of stopping the additional weight.  

Ride Quality

The GoMad is a very comfortable bike. The upright riding position works well for commuting and longer rides. I don’t feel stretched out over the handlebars, and I can easily look around and take in the ride. A big part of that comfort comes from the 100mm of travel in the front suspension fork. That travel is noticeable when the road gets rough. It takes a lot of the impact out of potholes, cracks, uneven pavement, and rough trail surfaces. I notice it most on the bridges along our commute. Some of these bridges have pretty significant bumps and uneven transitions. Instead of hitting those bumps and getting a jolt through the handlebars, the suspension fork absorbs much of the impact. I can stay seated, keep my hands comfortable on the bars, and continue riding without slowing down as much.

No Problem with Bumps

The suspension also works well with the GoMad’s wide tires. The two work together to create a surprisingly smooth ride for a bike with this much carrying capacity. The fork handles the larger impacts while the 4-inch tires help smooth out the smaller bumps and provide a lot of traction.

Loose Gravel No Problem

The fat tires are a major part of the ride quality as well. They keep the bike planted on the ground and provide a lot of confidence when the surface changes. This becomes particularly noticeable on loose gravel. Narrower tires can make loose surfaces feel twitchy or unpredictable. The GoMad’s fat tires provide a much more stable feeling. The bike tracks well and feels planted even when the gravel gets loose. That stability is especially useful when carrying a passenger or a heavy load. The bike feels solid rather than nervous. You know there is a lot of bike underneath you, but that is actually part of what makes it comfortable.

Cruising the Gravel Trails

The combination of the 100mm suspension fork, wide tires, upright riding position, and substantial frame gives the GoMad a very forgiving ride. It doesn’t matter if I’m cruising along smooth pavement, crossing a rough bridge, or heading onto a loose gravel road. The bike feels controlled and comfortable.

How Far Can the Velotric GoMad Go?

So far, the GoMad’s range has lived up to Velotric’s claims for my use. My actual range changes depending on the terrain, rider and cargo weight, temperature, and how much assistance I use. For our normal use, I generally need to charge the bike every few trips rather than after every ride. That has worked well for commuting. I can ride it several times and then put it on the charger when the battery needs it. The five assist levels also make it easy to manage the battery. If I know I have a longer ride ahead, I can spend more time in Eco. If I am tired or loaded down, I can use Sport and accept that I will use more battery.

Replacing Short Car Trips

One of the biggest benefits has been using the GoMad instead of the car. A lot of our everyday trips are relatively short. Those are exactly the trips where an ebike makes sense. Instead of starting the vehicle, driving through town, finding a parking spot, and driving home, I can hop on the GoMad and go. I get outside, get some exercise, and don’t burn gasoline.

There is also the environmental side of it. Every short car trip that becomes an ebike trip means less gasoline used and less CO2 produced. I’m not going to pretend one ebike is going to solve transportation emissions, but replacing some of those short vehicle trips is a tangible change. For me, this is where the GoMad has become more than a fun piece of gear. It has become a practical transportation option.

One Bike, A Lot of Uses

The versatility of the GoMad is probably what I appreciate most. I can ride it in Eco and torque mode on a quiet morning commute. Later, I can switch to cadence mode when I want a relaxed cruise. When the going gets tough I can move up to Sport when I am climbing a hill with a heavy load. The ability to adjust the five assist levels and choose between torque and cadence sensing means I can make the bike fit the ride instead of changing how I ride to fit the bike.

It can carry a kid and our work gear while handling pavement and loose gravel. It has enough power to make hills manageable, and the wide tires and suspension keep the ride comfortable. Most importantly, it has made us want to ride more. My wife and I actually compete for who gets to take the GoMad to work. That is not something I expected when I started the review.

There is something pretty great about choosing the river path instead of the highway. The trip becomes part transportation and part time outside. You get some exercise, save some gas, reduce your carbon footprint, and sometimes get to see a moose or bear before you even get to work. That makes the GoMad feel less like an alternative way to commute and more like a better way to enjoy the ride.

Velotric GoMad Passenger Kit

One of the accessories I added to the GoMad was the GoMad Passenger Kit. This has been a great addition for our three-year-old. It gives her a comfortable place to ride and makes it much easier for us to include her on our everyday trips around town.

Passenger in Tow

The passenger setup feels secure and well thought out. She can sit comfortably while we ride, and I don’t have to worry about her trying to balance herself on the bike. It has turned the GoMad into a practical family transportation option rather than just a bike for carrying gear. One feature I particularly like is the dual kickstand included with the passenger setup. It provides a very stable platform when loading and unloading a child. With a three-year-old, having the bike stay solid while getting her settled is important. I can put the bike on the dual kickstand, get her situated, and then get on and ride without having to balance the bike at the same time.

Comfy Passenger Seat

Handrails

Foot Pegs

The Velotric GoMad Passenger Kit Can be a Bit Tricky To Take On and Off

The only gripe I have with the passenger kit is that it can be a little cumbersome to take on and off. This isn’t something I would want to do every time I ride. The reason I have to remove it is that our ten-year-old or another adult may occasionally be the passenger. Having the ability to change the setup is useful, but it takes a little time and effort. For us, that is a relatively minor inconvenience.Once the passenger kit is installed, it works really well. Being able to safely and comfortably bring our three-year-old along adds another level of versatility to the GoMad. It gives us the option to make a family trip by bike instead of taking the car, which is exactly the kind of everyday use where this bike has really stood out.

Riding the Trails

Final Thoughts on the Velotric GoMad

After spending time with the Velotric GoMad, I have found myself looking for more reasons to ride it. What started as a bike for commuting has become a regular part of how we get around town. My wife and I both find ourselves wanting to take it to work, and the ability to travel along the river instead of the highway makes the commute something I actually look forward to.

The GoMad also fits well into the way we live. We can carry a kid, gear, groceries, or a combination of all three. The 500-pound payload gives us a lot of flexibility, and the motor has enough power to handle those loads even when the road heads uphill. Add in the fat tires, suspension, and different pedal assist levels and sensor settings, and the bike can be adjusted to fit the ride instead of forcing the ride to fit the bike.

The passenger kit has made it even more useful for our family. Being able to take our three-year-old along means another short trip can happen by bike instead of by car. That saves a little gas and reduces some of the short trips we would otherwise make by vehicle.

What I like most about the GoMad is that it doesn’t feel limited to one job. It works as a commuter, a gear hauler, a family bike, and a capable ride on gravel and rougher surfaces. It has enough power for loaded rides but can still be ridden in a way that gives me some exercise.

The Velotric GoMad is Just Enjoyable!

For me, that is what makes the GoMad stand out. It is not just an ebike that happens to work for commuting. It is a practical transportation tool that has made it easier for us to replace some car trips with bike trips. And when a bike can get you where you need to go while making the journey more enjoyable, that is a pretty good reason to keep riding. For more info or if you are interested in checking one out for yourself, visit velotric.com.