Released on April 7, Velotric's GoMad utility e-bike is great for Apple users, with Find My, Apple Health, and the ability to swap between torque and cadence sensing.
I've tested a lot of e-bikes over the years, and Velotric might be the company that's closest to being perfect for Apple users. The Velotric Nomad 2 had some Apple-focused features that worked well, but it is a particularly large bike.
This time, I got to try out the Velotric GoMad. It's a new utility e-bike from the company with a big cargo load and compact body.
Many of the specs are identical to the Nomad 2, just transposed into this smaller e-bike. Well, I say smaller, but that's mostly thanks to the smaller diameter tires.
My favorite feature also returns — SensorSwap. It lets me switch between cadence and torque pedal assistance modes on the fly.
The name of the game with the Velotric GoMad is customization. There's a ton, plus the Apple-related features we've seen before make a return.
Velotric GoMad review: design
The Velotric GoMad design is fairly standard with its step-thru frame, rear cargo rack, and display on the handlebars. This model has 20-inch diameter tires that are 4-inches thick, which help with stability and supporting those heavy loads.
Velotric GoMad review: it doesn't break the mold but still looks good
The rear cargo rack can hold up to 176 pounds. Velotric even offers a seat add-on to allow passengers.
The default setup includes a zippered bag that sits below the cargo rack. It's a bit awkward to unzip, but it is welcome and perfect for storing my bike lock.
I got the Obsidian color, which is black and flecked with materials so it has this rainbow sheen in certain light.
The tires also stand out thanks to their brown walls. They give the overall look a classic vibe and help differentiate.
Veltoric GoMad review: 4-inch fat tires with brown walls
Velotric has a specific style for its bikes, and the GoMad reflects that. It is mostly utilitarian and doesn't have any specific design choices that would help it stand out in a crowd.
It's not the most unique design out there, but it is pleasant and made in a way that's comfortable to ride. I also appreciate the extra cargo space and weight available.
Velotric GoMad review: features
It seems with each new e-bike, Velotric likes to add a handful of new features to help iterate. One notable addition was the ability to use NFC cards for unlocking and turning on the bike.
Velotric GoMad review: tap an NFC card for some extra security
It adds an additional level of security that would require someone to have an NFC key to power on the bike's motor. Without this feature enabled, anyone can walk up and power on your bike.
While this is a nice addition, I'd love to see it come to the Velotric app and utilize the iPhone's NFC sensor. I am already trying to minimize the number of cards and keys I carry on me, so having this as an iPhone function would be a nice bonus.
It would also further entwine Velotric with Apple's ecosystem of features. The GoMad supports Find My and Apple Health integrations, but more on those in a moment.
Velotric GoMad review: a fully customizable ride
There is a pile of riding customization features and speed settings that will let users make the GoMad into whatever they'd like. It supports Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 riding modes that can be swapped on the fly, plus five motor assist settings, three assist level modes, and the ability to swap between torque and cadence modes.
There's even the ability to take things further with Ride Tuning. Go into the bike's settings and adjust how each little setting affects the bike's performance and assistance level.
Ride Tuning gives you precise control over how much help you'd like versus how much battery you'll be burning on a single ride. There are settings for how much the motor helps you pedal and how quickly assisted start kicks in the motor from a stop.
Veltoric GoMad review: a SHIMANO 8-speed shifter
Cruise Control has also returned, so riders can easily set a speed and have the bike maintain it until the brake is used. It's a nice-to-have but not one I've used much in my rides.
I found that most of the default settings were adequate, though I'm sure I'll go in and adjust some parameters later. The different riding classes are important for local laws, so pay close attention to how you've got those set up, or you could face a fine.
Apple Health
The ability to track your bike ride and log it directly from the Velotric e-bike's memory has returned. As an Apple Watch user, this capability is redundant with tracking the actual workout, so I don't have it turned on.
Velotric GoMad review: simple Apple Health integration
I will reiterate that Velotric could do something really interesting here in the future by adding additional tracked specs. For example, I have to use external cadence and speed sensors attached to the pedals and wheels to get that data from the e-bike.
It would be much preferred if all of this could be incorporated into the e-bike's collected and shared data.
There's another health feature available for those serious about keeping an eye on their heart rate while riding. Whether you have a Bluetooth heart rate tracker or an Apple Watch, you can connect to the GoMad and show that information on the bike's display.
It's a nice-to-have akin to having the Apple Watch rings displayed on Apple Fitness+ during a workout. The integration isn't as straightforward as I'd like, but it works.
Of all of the e-bike brands I review, I think Velotric is the one most likely to take the leap into more Apple Health integrations. It's the one to watch, and I do hope they try and expand their offerings in the future.
For now, what's here works as advertised, though Apple Watch wearers likely can ignore them.
Find My
Apple Find My integration returns and it is joined by Android Find Hub. Just like before, you can add the Velotric GoMad to your Find My app as a trackable and ping-able object in the Apple Find My network.
Velotric GoMad review: Find My is useful as a tool, but it isn't an anti-theft device
This isn't GPS, so don't expect live updates of the location in case of theft. It's also not a theft deterrent, as the Find My functionality does stop working when the bike is completely powered down.
That's the biggest issue. Since there isn't any secondary power supply to keep the Find My network broadcasting, it shows up as what is essentially a dead battery in the app.
The good thing is when I go and hold the power button for 2 seconds, the bike springs back into Find My immediately. So, this is going to be a good function for specific outings where the bike is never completely powered down, not for tracking a missing bike.
I know it might seem odd to have Find My in a product that can be powered off, but there is some use to the feature. But just like how an AirTag can be removed from a backpack, the feature isn't foolproof.
If you'd like to ensure you always have Find My functionality, slipping in an AirTag into a reflector or bike seat isn't the worst idea. I do hope that Velotric can provide a proper continuous power supply to Find My in future models, even if it's a coin cell battery somewhere on the bike's body.
Riding the Velotric GoMad
I tend to lean towards the non-folding e-bikes with larger, fat tires. They always just feel more sturdy and substantial, but that doesn't mean the GoMad isn't.
Velotric GoMad review: a bonus storage bag is included and already installed
The BMX-style handlebars and low-ride form factor made for a very comfortable ride. It was easy for me to just relax and pedal around town and lean into the throttle as needed.
In the middle of testing this e-bike, I moved houses and ended up injuring my knee. It was enough that I couldn't bend it properly for a while, but I still wanted to test the e-bike.
Luckily, I got some regular rides in before the injury, but now I've also experienced using it without the full motion of my left leg. I made it downtown with the occasional single-leg pedal, but I mostly utilized the throttle to keep me rolling.
Velotric GoMad review: the throttle can keep you moving
To be clear, this isn't a motorcycle, and the throttle isn't intended to be used as such. I still pedaled when I could, even with one leg awkwardly stretched out, and throttled too.
Thankfully, the ride was smooth enough and easy to balance in spite of my injury. Riding to town and back home on the bike is a short trip that only adds a few miles to the odometer.
Even when leaning on the throttle more than I normally would, I didn't see too much battery depletion. It's good to know that I have the option, as it is easier to cruise to town on the e-bike than attempt to drive my vehicle when my unbent leg can't quite fit inside.
Obviously, this is something I could have done with any e-bike. What makes the Velotric GoMad stand out here is its efficiency.
Velotric GoMad review: automatic headlight, turning signals, and a taillight
I'm not sure I'd see the same battery results from other e-bikes. The throttle zapped the battery in some models, but that could be attributed to how the motor was set up.
This isn't the most powerful motor I've ever used at 750W, but that 1,300W peak is nothing to sneeze at. It also has an 85Nm torque, which is needed to get that jump from a stop even with a cargo-laden bike.
Its expected range is 75 miles with pedal assist and 50 miles on the throttle. I found that it easily met these ranges during my use, though I don't find myself traveling that far in one go.
Generally, I might ride a few miles to head downtown. However, there are days I like to go on longer, leisurely rides. These tend to be about 20 miles total in each direction, which pushes me into the last quarter of battery life in a single ride.
Veltoric GoMad review: front fork suspension keeps the ride smooth
While I appreciate the long range, it translates to less maintenance rather than longer trips. For me anyway, I'm happy to make multiple trips into town on a single charge before plugging it in to top off the battery.
I don't feel like I need to dive deep into SensorSwap. It's a returning feature that lets you switch between the torque and cadence sensing pedal assist modes.
I prefer torque sensing, as it is closest to how it feels to ride a non-e-bike, where how much you pedal relates to how fast you go. Cadence sensing enables you to hit a preset speed with ease, which requires a bit less effort.
Veltoric GoMad review: get around town and go off road as needed
I'm just happy that I get the chance to switch between the modes on the fly. It adds to the overall level of customization available.
There's really not much else to say on riding this e-bike. It is the perfect blend of size, utility, and feature set that leans heavily into the Apple ecosystem.
The frame and motor are most of the weight, so it still weighs plenty at 77 pounds in spite of the smaller 20-inch tires. I also appreciate the utilitarian nature of the on-bike display.
Veltoric GoMad review: easy to assemble, a pleasure to ride
Another wish that I've had for years now that will surely never come to pass is some kind of wireless CarPlay for e-bikes. I would love nothing more than to turn on my e-bike and have it pair to my iPhone in my bag and show my apps for Fitness, Maps, Music, and Podcasts on a 5-inch touch display.
Perhaps one day Apple's green-energy initiatives will make it realize it should support e-bikes in some way, directly. That, or some company could attempt to create such an interface themselves, but I'm not sure if it would stand up to expected quality and execution.
A utility e-bike for Apple fans
The Velotric GoMad is yet another near-perfect option from the company that I've tested. They offer solid construction and great features for the price.
Veltoric GoMad review: an e-bike for any situation
Of course, you can get an e-bike for half the price, but you're getting the bare-minimum spec and feature set. Velotric is competitive with its price, but it is competing with other premium e-bikes, so keep that in mind.
I'm critical of the included Apple-focused features because I want them to be great. There's definitely room for improvement, but Velotric seems to have one of the better implementations of Apple-focused features.
Velotric GoMad - Pros
- Smaller overall size, but still sturdy
- SensorSwap continues to be a killer differentiating feature
- Find My, Apple Health, and Apple Watch integrations
- More than enough range and comfort
- Powered headlight, taillight, and turn signals
Velotric GoMad - Cons
- e-bikes are heavy and expensive!
- Apple integrations are improved, but could always be improved further
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Velotric is expanding its modern offering of Apple Health and Find My-equipped e-bikes, but I'd still like to see better integrations. Perhaps it is a bit too much for a third-party focused on e-bikes, but I can hope.
It's an excellent e-bike with smaller tires and a utility focus versus the Nomad 2. Both are excellent options and the choice depends on your needs.
Where to buy the Velotric GoMad e-bike
Get the GoMad utility e-bike from Velotric's website for $1,999. It is available in sage, obsidian, and dark amber.
