Denago City 1 High Step vs Velotric Fold 1
Two commuter e-bikes at a similar price, compared on the same normalized specs. Both scored by us, both reviewed in full.
The verdict
Same price, same Genius score, so this comes down to what you're optimizing for: pick the Denago for a lighter, longer-range standard city bike, and the Velotric if you need more power, higher payload capacity, or foldability.
Buy the Denago City 1 High Step
Buy the Denago City 1 High Step if you want a standard city bike that's lighter (53 lb vs 63 lb), goes a bit farther on a charge (60 mi vs 55 mi), and you don't need to fold it down for storage or transport.
Buy the Velotric Fold 1
Buy the Velotric Fold 1 if you want more shove off the line and up hills (70 Nm vs 50 Nm torque, 750W vs 500W motor), need to carry more weight (440 lb payload vs 300 lb), or need a bike that folds — the 20x3.0" tires and fold format are worth the extra 10 lb.
The differences that matter
- Velotric Fold 1 pulls harder from a stop and on hills, by 20 Nm of torque.
- Velotric Fold 1 runs a 250W bigger motor on continuous power.
- Denago City 1 High Step is 10 lb lighter, which you notice lifting it or carrying it up steps.
Who each one is for
Denago City 1 High Step
Everyday city commuters who want a light, fast, low-fuss daily bike and don't face a lot of steep climbs.
Velotric Fold 1
A daily commuter who wants a compact, foldable bike that can climb, carry a load, and cruise on throttle power when your legs are done.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Denago City 1 High Step | Velotric Fold 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,299 | $1,299 |
| Motor (nominal) | 500W | 750W |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Battery | 652.8 Wh | 608 Wh |
| Claimed range | 60 mi | 55 mi |
| Weight | 53 lb | 63 lb |
| Max payload | 300 lb | 440 lb |
| Motor type | hub | hub |
| E-bike class | Class 3 | Class 3 |
| Brakes | hydraulic disc brakes | 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 7 speed | SHIMANO 7-speed, 11-28T |
| Tire size | 27.5" x 2.2" | 20x3.0" |
Highlighted values are the better of the two where both brands publish the number. Where a spec isn't published we leave it blank rather than guess.
The short version on each
Denago City 1 High Step
What's good
- At 53 pounds it's genuinely light for the class, so handling it off the bike — wheeling it through a doorway, walking it up a ramp — never turns into a workout.
- Keeps pace on faster roads: as a Class 3 bike it assists your pedaling up to 28 mph.
- A big 652.8Wh LG battery that Denago rates at up to 60 miles, plenty for a full commuting week between charges.
What to know
- 50 Nm of torque is on the modest side, so long or steep climbs sap your speed more than a higher-torque commuter would.
- Denago's spec data doesn't confirm whether the City 1 has a throttle, so if riding without pedaling is a must-have, check before you buy.
Velotric Fold 1
What's good
- A throttle lets you ride without pedaling, and you can set the top assisted speed anywhere from 12 to 28 mph
- 70 Nm of torque from the 750W motor gives you enough power for hills, not just flat streets
- Handles a 440-pound payload, one of the higher limits you'll find on a folder this size
What to know
- 20-inch wheels roll over bumps and potholes with less smoothness than a full-size commuter
Full Denago City 1 High Step review → Full Velotric Fold 1 review →