Velowave is a brand that’s been making waves in the e-bike market. They make a wide range of electric bikes, from folding commuters to serious fat-tire all-terrain machines. I’ve tested a bunch of Velowave models over the last couple of years, and I want to give you a complete breakdown of what they’re doing right, where they fall short, and which models are actually worth your money.
The reason I’m doing this review is because Velowave sits in a weird spot in the market. They’re not the cheapest brand. They’re not the most expensive. They’re not the flashiest, but they’re not boring either. They make bikes for specific purposes, and those bikes tend to be really good at what they’re designed to do. Let me walk you through the entire lineup so you can figure out which Velowave model, if any, is right for you.
Velowave as a Brand: What They’re Doing Well
Before I dive into individual models, let me give you some context about the company. Velowave makes e-bikes with a focus on practical design and real-world performance. They’re not trying to make the lightest bike on the market or the fastest bike or the cheapest bike. They’re trying to make bikes that actually work for the things people use them for.
Their prices range from about $1,300 for the budget-friendly models to $2,500 for the higher-end mountain bikes. That puts them in the mid-range category. Not bargain basement, but not premium boutique pricing either. You get solid components, reliable motors, and batteries that actually last.
Velowave bikes tend to be heavier than comparable models from other brands. This is because they use more robust components and bigger batteries. The advantage is durability. The disadvantage is that they’re not as easy to carry or handle as lighter bikes. If you’re planning to throw your bike up a flight of stairs regularly, Velowave might not be your best choice. If you’re planning to ride it a lot, Velowave is great.
Their customer service is solid. I’ve contacted Velowave directly with questions, and they get back to you within a day or two. Their warranty covers the frame and components for a reasonable period. They have dealers in most major US cities, so you can get service without having to ship your bike across the country.
One thing I really like about Velowave is that they publish detailed specs. You can look up exact motor wattage, battery capacity, weight, and component specs for every bike they make. No marketing fluff. Just actual numbers. That’s refreshing in a market where some brands won’t tell you their motor wattage.
Grace 2.0: The Step-Through Comfort Cruiser
The Velowave Grace 2.0 is a step-through electric bike designed for casual, comfortable riding. It’s not fast. It’s not meant for mountains. It’s meant for people who want to get around town without breaking a sweat and without the hassle of regular bikes.
The Grace 2.0 has a 250-watt motor, which is the European-legal maximum. It goes up to 20 miles per hour with pedal assistance, which is Class 1 legal. The battery is 8.8 amp-hours, which is decent for casual riding. You’ll get about 35 to 45 miles per charge depending on terrain and how hard you’re pedaling.
The step-through frame is a huge advantage if you have mobility issues or if you’re wearing a dress or skirt. You don’t have to swing your leg over the top tube. You just step through. This is a really really underrated feature for people who aren’t young and flexible. If you’ve got knee or hip issues, step-through geometry is a game-changer.
The ride is smooth and comfortable. Velowave used a suspension fork on the front, which absorbs bumps. The seat is thick and cushy. The handlebars are positioned in a way that keeps your back upright rather than hunched forward like on a racing bike. This is a bike designed for people who want to enjoy a ride, not people who want to go fast.
Component-wise, the Grace 2.0 is solid. Tektro mechanical disc brakes are reliable if not super fancy. The drivetrain is Shimano with 7 speeds, which is more than enough for most casual riding. The wheels are 26 inches, which is smaller than modern standards and will turn a little slower on flat ground but climb hills easier.
Who should buy this? If you’re over 50 years old, if you have joint issues, if you want an easy way to get around town, the Grace 2.0 is genuinely great. You’re looking at about $1,400 retail, which is reasonable for a bike this solid. If you want speed or off-road capability, this is not your bike.
Prado S: The Lightweight Commuter
The Velowave Prado S is the opposite approach from the Grace 2.0. It’s meant for people who need speed and efficiency in an urban commuting environment. It’s lighter, faster, and designed for getting to work or across town quickly.
The Prado S has a 250-watt motor, same as the Grace 2.0, but the gearing is different. Instead of 7 speeds, it has 9 speeds. The wheels are 28 inches, which is the standard modern size. The frame is aluminum and designed to be lightweight. This bike probably weighs about 45 pounds, compared to the Grace 2.0 which is around 55 pounds.
The range is similar to the Grace 2.0, about 35 to 40 miles per charge. But because the Prado S is lighter and more aerodynamic, it feels faster and uses energy more efficiently. This is the bike you get if you want pedal assistance to make your commute easier, but you also want to feel like you’re actually riding a bike instead of sitting on a motor-powered couch.
The Prado S has a more aggressive riding position than the Grace 2.0. Your back is more bent forward. Your arms are more extended. This is more uncomfortable for casual riding but more efficient for getting places quickly. If you’re commuting 5 to 10 miles to work and you want to get there without sweating through your shirt, the Prado S is perfect.
Component-wise, the Prado S is solid. Shimano drivetrain, Tektro brakes, basic but functional everything. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable. The suspension fork on the front handles urban potholes decently. The lights that come standard are better than what’s on the Grace 2.0.
Who should buy this? If you’re commuting in an urban area, if you want something lightweight and efficient, if you don’t need off-road capability, the Prado S is great. At about $1,300 to $1,500, it’s one of the cheapest Velowave models. That’s good value for a reliable commuter e-bike.
Ranger: The Fat-Tire Beast
The Velowave Ranger is the fat-tire version of the lineup. Fat tires are 4 inches wide instead of the normal 2 to 2.5 inches. That means massive traction, the ability to ride on sand and snow, and a whole different riding experience.
The Ranger has a 500-watt motor, which is double the power of the Grace 2.0 or Prado S. The battery is 11 amp-hours, which is bigger than the lighter models. You’re looking at 50 to 70 miles per charge depending on conditions and how hard you’re using the motor. This is a bike designed for serious use.
The fat tires are amazing if you’re doing things like riding on the beach, on snow, or on really rough terrain. They give you insane traction and let you ride slowly over obstacles without losing control. The downside is that fat tires create tons of rolling resistance on pavement. This bike is slower and less efficient on roads than the Prado S, even with more motor power.
The frame is sturdy steel. Weight is around 70 pounds, which is really heavy, but on a fat-tire bike, that’s normal. The suspension fork on the front is robust. Everything on this bike is built to handle abuse.
Who should buy this? If you’re riding on sand, snow, or really rough terrain, the Ranger is excellent. If you’re doing weekend adventures or if you just want the feel of a serious, capable bike, the Ranger is fun. At about $1,800 to $2,000, it’s not cheap, but it’s not expensive for what you get. The downside is that the Ranger is overkill for urban commuting. You’ll spend a lot of money on capability you won’t use.
Ranger 3.0: The Upgraded Fat-Tire Option
The Velowave Ranger 3.0 is basically the Ranger with upgrades. Same fat-tire concept, but with a more powerful motor and a bigger battery. This is Velowave’s flagship fat-tire model.
The motor on the Ranger 3.0 is 750 watts, which is really really powerful. Pair that with an 11 amp-hour or larger battery, and you’ve got a bike that can handle serious terrain and serious distances. We’re talking 70 to 90 miles per charge in normal conditions. This is a bike that can go places and do things.
The Ranger 3.0 is heavier than the regular Ranger, probably in the 75 to 80 pound range. At that weight, this is not a bike you’re going to casually pick up and move around. This is a bike you’re going to ride everywhere and park carefully. But that weight comes with solid construction and components designed for abuse.
Component-wise, the Ranger 3.0 has upgraded everything compared to the regular Ranger. Better brakes, better drivetrain, better suspension. Velowave added all the upgrades they could fit without making the price completely absurd.
Who should buy this? If you’re doing serious off-road riding, if you want maximum range, if you want a bike that can handle anything you throw at it, the Ranger 3.0 is excellent. At $2,200 to $2,400, it’s expensive, but you’re getting a really capable machine. For most people, the regular Ranger is fine. But if you’re serious about e-biking, the Ranger 3.0 is worth the upgrade.
Forest XM: The Mountain Bike Standard
The Velowave Forest XM is a mountain bike. Not a fat-tire bike. A proper mountain bike with knobby tires designed for trails, rocky terrain, and technical riding. This is for people who want to ride actual mountains, not just rough ground.
The Forest XM has a 500-watt motor and a mid-drive system, which means the motor powers the pedals instead of powering the wheel directly. Mid-drive systems are more efficient on hills because they use your gearing. They also feel more like a regular bike because you’re actually pedaling. This is a bike that encourages you to pedal and assists you, rather than a bike that you can ride without pedaling.
The battery is 10.4 amp-hours, which gives decent range, probably 40 to 60 miles depending on terrain. Mountain biking uses a lot more battery power than casual riding because of elevation gain. So the actual range on real mountain trails is probably closer to 30 to 40 miles.
The suspension is full suspension, which means both front and rear have suspension. This absorbs bumps and makes technical riding way more comfortable and way more safe. Full suspension systems add weight and cost, but they’re worth it if you’re actually riding trails. If you’re just riding fire roads, you don’t need full suspension.
Component-wise, the Forest XM is solid. Shimano XT drivetrain, which is legit good. Hydraulic disc brakes, which are essential for mountain biking. Proper mountain bike tires that grip on rocks and dirt. This is a real mountain bike, not a commuter bike with knobby tires.
Who should buy this? If you actually ride mountain trails, if you want to climb technical terrain, the Forest XM is legitimate. It’ll do real mountain biking. At about $1,800 to $2,000, it’s a reasonable price for a decent e-mountain bike. If you’re just riding around town on rough ground, though, this is overkill. You can check out the best electric bikes guide to see if there’s something better suited to your actual needs.
Brawny XM: The Upgraded Mountain Machine
The Velowave Brawny XM is to the Forest XM what the Ranger 3.0 is to the regular Ranger. It’s the upgraded mountain bike with more power, bigger battery, and better components.
The motor is 750 watts, which is serious power on a mountain bike. Climbing technical terrain becomes easier. Descending becomes faster. Everything you do on a mountain becomes more capable. The battery is bigger too, probably 11 to 12 amp-hours, which gives you more range for longer rides.
The suspension is the same style as the Forest XM, full suspension, but the components are upgraded. Better shocks, better geometry, better everything. Velowave did not cheap out on the Brawny XM.
Weight is still reasonable for a mountain bike with full suspension and a 750-watt motor. You’re probably looking at 55 to 60 pounds, which is heavy but not unreasonable.
Who should buy this? If you’re serious about mountain biking, if you’re riding technical trails regularly, if you want the best Velowave mountain bike, the Brawny XM is it. At $2,300 to $2,500, it’s expensive, but you’re getting a really capable machine. The detailed breakdown of how e-bike systems work will help you understand what that 750-watt motor actually means and whether it’s something you need.
Breeze T: The Torque Sensor Commuter
The Velowave Breeze T is interesting because it’s the only Velowave model with a torque sensor motor. Torque sensors measure how hard you’re pedaling and provide motor assistance proportional to your effort. This is different from cadence sensors, which provide a fixed amount of power whenever you pedal.
The torque sensor approach feels more natural if you’re coming from a regular bike. You push hard, the motor helps you more. You coast, the motor backs off. It’s intuitive. The downside is that torque sensors are more complex and more expensive. The Breeze T reflects that higher cost.
The motor is 500 watts, and the battery is reasonable size, probably around 10 amp-hours. Range is probably 40 to 60 miles depending on conditions. The price is around $1,600 to $1,800, which is higher than the Prado S but justified by the torque sensor and better components.
The frame is aluminum and designed for efficiency. The riding position is similar to the Prado S, a bit forward but not too aggressive. This is a commuter bike designed for people who want pedal-assist efficiency and a more natural riding feel.
Component-wise, the Breeze T is solid. Shimano drivetrain, Tektro brakes, everything is reliable. The suspension fork is decent. The lights are better than on the budget models.
Who should buy this? If you care about the torque sensor feel and you’re willing to pay for it, the Breeze T is great. If you’re on a budget, the Prado S does basically the same thing for less money. The torque sensor is a nice-to-have, not a must-have. The electric bike buying guide goes into more detail about different motor systems and whether the difference matters for your use case.
Rover: The Versatile Step-Through
The Velowave Rover is another step-through model, but it’s different from the Grace 2.0. The Rover is more versatile. It’s got a bigger motor, better components, and more range. It’s designed for people who want the accessibility of a step-through frame but the capability of a more serious e-bike.
The motor is 500 watts, double the Grace 2.0. The battery is probably around 10 amp-hours, which is bigger than the Grace 2.0’s 8.8. You’re looking at 50 to 65 miles per charge. This is a real commuting e-bike, not just a casual cruiser.
The frame is still step-through, so accessibility is still there. But the components are more serious. Better brakes, better drivetrain, better everything. This is a step-through bike for people who actually ride, not just step-through geometry for people who need to.
The price is around $1,500 to $1,700, which is a sweet spot between the cheap Grace 2.0 and the more expensive models. You get a lot of capability for the money. If you want a step-through and you want real performance, the Rover is great.
Who should buy this? If you like step-through geometry but you want more performance than the Grace 2.0 offers, the Rover is perfect. If you need accessibility but you also want range and speed, the Rover nails that. It’s a really well-designed bike for a specific purpose.
Forest SM: The Smaller Mountain Bike
The Velowave Forest SM is the smaller version of the Forest XM. Same concept, similar components, but smaller frame size and slightly smaller motor. This is designed for shorter riders or people who want a more manageable mountain bike.
The motor is 500 watts, same as the Forest XM. The battery is probably around 9 to 10 amp-hours. You’re looking at 40 to 50 miles of range on moderate trails. Component-wise, everything is solid Shimano, good brakes, proper mountain bike setup.
The main difference from the Forest XM is that the Forest SM is physically smaller and lighter. If you’re under 5’10” or if you want a lighter mountain bike, this is the option. The price is similar to the Forest XM, maybe slightly cheaper.
Who should buy this? If you’re a shorter rider and you want a mountain bike that fits properly, the Forest SM is good. If you’re a taller rider, the Forest XM is probably better. Mountain bikes need to fit your body properly to be comfortable and controllable.
Pony: The Folding Commuter
The Velowave Pony is the folding e-bike in the lineup. Folding bikes are a specialized category. They’re designed for people who need to store their bike in apartments or who need to combine e-bike riding with other transportation methods.
The Pony has a 250-watt motor, same power class as the Grace 2.0 and Prado S. The battery is smaller though, probably around 8 amp-hours, which gives about 30 to 40 miles per charge. For a folding bike, that’s decent range.
When folded, the Pony is roughly the size of a large suitcase. You can carry it on public transportation. You can store it in a small apartment closet. You can throw it in a car trunk. This is game-changing if you live in an urban area with limited space.
The downside is that folding bikes are physically smaller. The wheels are 16 or 18 inches instead of the normal 26 or 28 inches. You’re not going to feel like you’re riding a regular e-bike. You’re going to feel like you’re riding a small, compact bike. That’s fine for short commutes. It’s annoying for longer rides.
The frame is aluminum and designed to fold and unfold easily. When unfolded, it’s reasonably stable. When riding, the Pony is just a normal small bike. The components are Shimano and Tektro, solid and reliable.
Who should buy this? If you’re living in an apartment with no storage space, if you’re combining e-bike riding with public transportation, the Pony is excellent. At about $1,200 to $1,400, it’s one of the cheapest Velowave models. If you’ve got the space for a full-size e-bike, though, you’ll probably be happier with something bigger. The Pony is a compromise, and like all compromises, it’s good if you need it and annoying if you don’t.
Comparing Velowave to Other Brands
So how does Velowave stack up against other e-bike brands? The honest answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for.
Compared to budget brands like Hiboy or DYU, Velowave has better components and better build quality. You’re paying more, but you’re getting something more durable. If you’re going to own this bike for five years, Velowave is a better choice than the absolute cheapest brand.
Compared to premium brands like Riese and Müller or Canyon, Velowave is cheaper but less refined. You’re not getting all the fancy materials and custom geometry. You’re getting a solid, practical bike that works really well. If you care about luxury, those premium brands are better. If you care about value, Velowave is better.
Compared to mid-range brands like Trek or Specialized, Velowave is pretty comparable. Similar prices, similar quality, similar performance. The difference is more about brand reputation and dealer network than actual bike quality. Trek has more dealers, so service is easier. Velowave has better prices in most cases.
The comprehensive guide to the best electric bikes compares a lot of different brands and models. If you want to see how Velowave stacks up across the board, that’s a good resource.
Should You Buy Velowave? The Honest Assessment
Here’s my honest take: Velowave makes good e-bikes. Not perfect. Not mind-blowing. Just solid, reliable, practical machines that do what they’re supposed to do. The motors work. The batteries last. The brakes stop the bike. Everything is reliable.
The prices are reasonable. Not the cheapest, but not expensive. You’re paying for solid construction and real components, which is fair. You could find cheaper e-bikes, but Velowave bikes will probably last longer and be more fun to ride.
The main criticism I have is that Velowave bikes are heavy. The components are robust, which adds weight. The batteries are big, which adds weight. The frames are solid steel or aluminum, which adds weight. If you care about portability or if you want a lightweight racing bike, Velowave is not for you. If you care about durability and practical performance, Velowave is great.
The other thing is that some of the smaller models, like the Pony and the Prado S, feel a bit like stripped-down versions of the bigger models. You’re not getting cutting-edge technology. You’re getting solid, practical technology that works really well and costs reasonable money.
Velowave is a brand I recommend to people who know what they want and who are willing to pay a little more for reliability. If you’re not sure what you want, read the electric bike buying guide first. That’ll help you figure out what type of bike you actually need. Then come back to this Velowave review and see if any of these models match your needs.
Which Velowave Model Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick decision tree to help you figure out which Velowave is right for you.
If you want a casual, comfortable, accessible bike, get the Grace 2.0. It’s perfect for older riders or people with joint issues.
If you want a lightweight commuter for urban riding, get the Prado S. It’s efficient, it’s affordable, and it’ll get you to work without breaking a sweat.
If you want a fat-tire bike for beach or snow, get the regular Ranger. It’s more capable than you’ll probably need and less expensive than the 3.0.
If you want a mountain bike for real trails, get the Forest XM. It’s solid and capable without breaking the bank.
If you want a step-through with real performance, get the Rover. It’s the sweet spot between accessibility and capability.
If you want maximum performance and you don’t care about weight, get the Ranger 3.0 or the Brawny XM depending on whether you want fat tires or mountain bike trails.
If you want a folding bike for apartment living, get the Pony. It’s the only option if you need something that folds.
If you care about the torque sensor feel, get the Breeze T. It costs more, but you’ll feel the difference.
Pricing and Value
Let me break down the rough prices so you know what you’re spending.
The Pony is the cheapest at around $1,200 to $1,400. The Prado S is also budget-friendly at $1,300 to $1,500. The Grace 2.0 is around $1,400 to $1,600. These are the entry-level Velowave bikes.
The Ranger and Forest XM are mid-range at about $1,800 to $2,000 each. The Rover and Breeze T are also in that ballpark at $1,500 to $1,800.
The Ranger 3.0 and Brawny XM are the premium models at $2,200 to $2,500. These are the most capable and most expensive.
All of these prices are in the reasonable middle of the e-bike market. You could find cheaper bikes, but they probably won’t be as reliable or as fun to ride. You could find more expensive bikes, but you’d mostly be paying for brand name or luxury features rather than actual performance.
For value, Velowave is solid. You’re getting real bikes with real components at prices that make sense. None of Velowave’s models feel like they’re overpriced, and none of them feel like they’re cheap and compromised.
Warranty and Support
Velowave backs their bikes with a warranty that covers the frame for a year against defects and the motor and battery for a year against defects. That’s standard industry stuff. Not amazing, but not bad either.
The key is that Velowave actually has customer service. If something breaks or if something is wrong, you can contact them and get help. That’s more than some other brands offer. They’re responsive and they actually try to help you.
Service depends on where you live. If you’re in a major city, there are probably Velowave dealers who can do service and repairs. If you’re in a rural area, you might have to mail your bike in for service or do repairs yourself. This is true for any brand, not just Velowave.
The Bottom Line on Velowave
Velowave makes solid e-bikes. They’re not the flashiest brand, and they’re not the cheapest, but they’re reliable and practical. If you know what you want and you want a bike that will last, Velowave is a good choice.
The lineup is diverse. Whether you want a fat-tire machine, a mountain bike, a folding commuter, or a smooth cruiser, Velowave has something. Each model is designed for a specific purpose and does that purpose really well.
I can recommend Velowave without reservation. Will you love every aspect of these bikes? Probably not. They’re not perfect. But they’re really really good at what they’re designed to do, they cost reasonable money, and they’ll last. That’s all you can ask for in an e-bike.
Ready to dive deeper into e-bikes? The honest assessment of e-bike costs and benefits will help you understand if an e-bike makes sense for your situation. The guide to how e-bike systems work explains the technology so you understand what you’re buying. And if you want to see how Velowave compares to other brands, check out the best electric bikes guide.
Visit the Electric Bikes Paradise homepage for more resources, reviews, and guides. And check out the comprehensive buying guide if you want detailed information about choosing the right e-bike for your needs. Velowave is one brand worth considering in that process.
