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Velotric Discover 3 & Discover 3M Review — What You Need to Know (+ First Ride Footage)

Written by Larry Lynch | Feb 3, 2026 7:10:04 PM

Introduction

 

Velotric just unveiled the next generation of their best-selling commuter electric bikes — the Velotric Discover 3 and the Velotric Discover 3M, and we were among the first to ride them. In this video review, we go beyond specs to share what these bikes actually feel like on the road and how they stack up to the popular Discover 2. This is exclusive footage from a top Velotric dealer who got early access to both models — including first rides, hands-on testing, and real-world impressions.

 

Watch the video above for our complete walkthrough and ride impressions. 👆

What’s New: Velotric Discover 3 & Discover 3M

 

Velotric’s Discover series has been one of the brand’s most successful commuter lines, and the 2026 refresh brings significant upgrades that appeal to both daily commuters and riders who want more performance out of their e-bike.

 

Discover 3 — The Next Generation Commuter

 

The Discover 3 succeeds the Discover 2 as Velotric’s core commuter model. According to Velotric’s official pre-launch info, this updated bike is focused on comfort, power, and everyday versatility.

  • ComfortMax™ Redefined: New saddle, suspension seatpost, and 80 mm air suspension fork make for a more forgiving, comfortable ride.
  • 750 W Motor (1100 W Peak): Smooth, predictable power delivery for city and suburban riding.
  • Up to 80 miles of Range: Expanded battery capacity for longer rides and daily commutes without anxiety.

 

This blend of features reinforces what made the Discover 2 so popular — comfort, reliability, and real-world utility — while modernizing the ride feel for 2026.

 

Discover 3M — The Mid-Drive Elevation

 

The Discover 3M (sometimes referenced simply as “Discover M” on Velotric’s site) introduces a new mid-drive platform with Velotric’s proprietary VeloCore™ mid-drive system.

  • VeloCore™ Mid-Drive: Provides a more natural, bike-like assist than traditional hub motors.
  • 500 W Motor (960 W Peak) & ~100 Nm Torque: Higher torque for confident hill climbing and responsive throttle feel.
  • Shimano 9-Speed Drivetrain: Gives riders more gear range and better control across varying terrain.
  • Range Up to ~95 miles: Extended battery performance for commuters, touring riders, and long weekend trips.

 

The mid-drive setup on the Discover 3M marks a meaningful shift for Velotric, offering a ride character closer to traditional bicycles with the added benefit of electric assist.

How These Compare to the Discover 2

 

The Discover 2 has been a standout in Velotric’s lineup thanks to its balance of power, comfort, and feature set — including a 750 W motor, ~75 Nm torque, hydraulic brakes, integrated lighting, and a 705 Wh battery capable of ~75 miles of range.

 

Key differences you’ll notice with the new models:

  • Discover 3 improves comfort and ride quality with comfort-focused geometry and suspension components.
  • Discover 3M adds mid-drive performance, more torque, and extended range compared to the Discover 2’s hub-drive setup.
  • Both new models incorporate updated hardware and ergonomic improvements aimed at daily riders and long-distance commuters.

Our Ride Impressions

 

In the video above, we ride both the Discover 3 and Discover 3M back-to-back. Here are a few takeaways:

  • Discover 3 feels familiar if you’ve ridden a Discover 2 but noticeably smoother over bumps and longer stretches.
  • Discover 3M’s mid-drive offers a completely different feel — more engaging pedaling and superior torque delivery, especially on climbs.
  • Both bikes maintain the commuter strengths Velotric is known for: intuitive handling, reliable power, and versatility.

 

If you’re considering an upgrade from the Discover 2, or you’re new to Velotric and want to know which bike suits your riding style, our review breaks it all down.

Who These Bikes Are For

  • 🛣 Everyday Commuters: Riders who want a reliable, smooth commuter with strong range and comfort — mostly favor the Discover 3.
  • Performance-Oriented Riders: Those who want mid-drive responsiveness and torque for hills, longer tours, or variable terrain may lean toward the Discover 3M.
  • 🚲 Discover 2 Owners & Fans: If you love the Discover 2 but wished for more balance and power, both new models offer compelling improvements.

Wrap-Up

 

Velotric’s 2026 Discover series represents a thoughtful evolution of one of their most popular bikes. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or looking for your first commuter e-bike, the Discover 3 and Discover 3M provide options that balance performance, comfort, and technology.

 

Make sure to watch the video above for hands-on impressions and real-world testing. If you have questions about which model fits your needs best, drop a comment — we’re happy to help!

Velotric Discover 3 & 3M FAQ

 

Is the Discover 3 replacing the Discover 2?

Yes. The Discover 3 replaces the Discover 2 as Velotric’s core commuter model, improving comfort, range, and overall ride quality.

 

Is the Discover 3M a mid-drive e-bike?

Yes. The Discover 3M features Velotric’s mid-drive motor system, offering higher torque and a more natural pedaling feel than hub-drive models.

 

Which bike is better for hills?

The Discover 3M performs better on hills due to its mid-drive motor and higher torque output.

 

Are these bikes good for daily commuting?

Both models are designed for daily commuting, with integrated lighting, comfortable geometry, and long-range batteries.

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