Velotric Packer 1 Review

Velotric designed a compelling aluminum frame with mixed wheels to give the bike good handling and a low center of gravity. Many of the design aspects feel well thought out and useful, including the lockable cargo box, available modular accessories, and adjustable cockpit. A 20" rear wheel allows the rack to be significantly lower than possible on 26" wheels, and the 3" wide rear tire partially compensates for the loss of comfort typically associated with small wheels. A soft close, center-mount kickstand, and idler-pully equipped drivetrain keep the bike quiet while lights and fenders ready it for rain or nighttime riding. Read on to see how it stacks up against the growing field of electric cargo bikes.

Performance Comparison

Ride

The Packer 1 uses mixed 26/20" wheels, which give it the best of both worlds on the cargo bike: smooth rolling and vibration dampening up front with a low center of gravity in the rear. You sit within the long 1380mm wheelbase (54.3 inches), but the medially stiff aluminum frame isn't forgiving. A 69-degree headtube gives the bike stability and slow steering that never feels twitchy. The tradeoff for the bike's extra length and slack headtube angle is that it's less maneuverable than the shorter bikes we've tested. The cockpit has a fair amount of adjustability with 8.25" of set height adjustment and an adjustable stem that rises to 60 degrees. Swallow-style handlebars give the rider a neutral wrist position, and we found the general ergonomics quite comfortable. Unlike most bikes we've tested for this review, the Packer has a different top throttle speed for each pedal assist setting, with PAS 5 topping out at 23 mph.

Cruising on the Packer 1 is enjoyable; it feels calm and stable on smooth roads, and the tires and suspension fork do a decent job of muting surface imperfections but can't compensate for the bike's incredibly rigid frame. Riding bumpy roads can overwhelm the drivetrain and cause the chain to jump off the idler pulley. The componentry is mostly complimentary with hydraulic brakes and an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain that don't distract from the riding experience. The bike uses a cadence sensor on the cranks to determine when you are pedaling and decide how much power to assist with. This sensor is basic and non-complicated, and its performance follows. The cadence sensor doesn't measure how much input you put into the drivetrain; it only registers the cranks turning. As such, the bike suffers from jumpy acceleration that doesn't always feel predictable. Our testers and passengers complained about the powertrain's lack of refinement. In the bike's lowest pedal assist settings, the assist feels smooth but less helpful than you might want on the 77+ pound platform. In the higher settings, where the amount of assistance feels more appropriate, especially when loaded, the bike lurches and extends its power assistance beyond your input.

Crucial to any cargo bike is how the bike rides when fully loaded, and the Packer didn't impress us here. The bike's frame feels incredibly stiff, but it oddly feels flexy and unstable once loaded to capacity. There is a middle ground of around 220-280 pounds where the bike isn't too much of either but we rarely found ourselves in that sweet spot. The bike has a low step-through, measuring just under 16.5 inches, which makes getting on and off this bike effortless. Inverted tread on the oversized CST tires excel on smooth surfaces but can handle a bit of dirt and gravel. Velotric recommends the Packer for riders from 5'3" to 6' 6", which seems optimistic. With only 8.25" of seatpost adjustment, the Packer worked well for our testers at the bottom end of this spectrum, but our 6'2" tester struggled to get appropriate leg extension at the saddles terminal height. This may not be an issue for every tall user as the bike's abundant assist overrides the need to be at the most efficient height. If you're tall and are prone to knee issues, you'd do better with a longer seatpost or a different bike. An adjustable stem that allows riders to tailor the front end to their liking; with 60 degrees of adjustability, the stem trades reach for height as it swings upward. Wide, lock-on rubber grips and a soft 8.25" wide saddle are nice touch points that we all found agreeable.

Some nice features are included with the Packer 1 that enhance its utility. ABS fenders keep the puddles off of your pants, and a storage box located behind the seat tube is large enough to hold a lock, rain jacket, tools, or even the battery charger. The storage box features a zipper lock that isn't wildly secure but should help to keep honest people honest. A twin-leg, center-mount kickstand deploys and retracts with a soft thud, but it also hangs down exceptionally low, giving this long wheelbase bike a low breakover height of just 5 inches that we dragged over several obstacles while testing. An LED headlamp and tail light with working brake lights provide safety after dark, but the cluster of cables and hoses coming from the handlebars can obscure the headlight's beam.

Range

As with any electric bike, the range is affected by the load you carry and the amount of input you provide. We test all of our cargo bikes with a tester and gear weighing in at 180 pounds. We use the bike's highest power setting and only use the throttle to provide power throughout the course of rolling hills and mixed surfaces. We do this test to provide a worst-case range scenario but also to contrast the often optimistic claims by manufacturers. The Packer's 691Wh battery performed well in this segment; we started our range test with a full charge. The tires were inflated to their maximum recommended pressure of 30 psi in the rear and 65 psi in the front (which isn't the most comfortable). When the bike finally lost power, we had covered 28.9 miles and climbed over 1400 feet.

Power

The Packer uses a 750W hub motor and 48V electrical system to propel the bike. Loaded to 250 pounds, the bike had no issue with starting or inclines using throttle power. As we ramped up the weight, the motor struggled a bit more, but your legs can provide the needed oomph to get it up to speed. What we didn't like about the motor's power was how abruptly it engaged; even with the bike fully loaded, the power felt jerky and disconcerting. Testers had to be very diligent with the thumb-controlled throttle to make the bike's acceleration feel smooth; this feels quite different than the other cargo bikes in this test. At peak power, the 750W motor produced 1211 watts, making it capable of climbing some very steep grades and hauling up to its stated 440-pound capacity.

In our throttle power test, we were able to hit 20 mph in just 8.4 seconds. On our incline test, the bike accelerated to 18.2 mph and slowed to 14.6 mph on the steepest part of our incline course. While not shy of power, the power delivery can affect its ride quality and make the rider feel fatigued.

The Packer has five levels of pedal assistance, and the first two feel like they're not quite enough, while the top 3 feel like they are a bit too much. You get used to riding the Packer, but it lacks the refinement of many of the bikes we've tested, especially those with torque sensors. Some of the bikes we've tested use more complex software-enhanced cadence sensors (PWR or CBC) that lessen the undesired effects. A more advanced cadence sensor or torque sensor on this bike would enhance it's ride quality and power delivery.

Cargo Carrying

The bike's 20-inch rear wheel is stronger than a larger wheel and gives it a lower center of gravity. We found the stated maximum weight capacity of 440 pounds impressive; the rear rack is rated to handle 176 pounds. Testing the bike's maximum capacity required strapping almost 89 pounds to our 175-pound tester. With or without the heavy backpack, we found the bike's handling at the top end of its weight capacity to be poor. There is discernible flex between the front and rear end that is disconcerting. As you lower the amount of weight the bike is carrying, it becomes more stable. We won't argue with Velotric's stated maximum weight capacity, but above 340 pounds, the bike displays an instability that feels undesirable.

The Packer 1's cargo rack measures 28.5" long by 8" wide and uses a bamboo top deck. Cutouts in the deck allow for the attachment of panniers, and Velotric sells some massive bags for this bike at a great price. The bike comes pre-equipped with wheel guards that keep hands, feet, and straps out of the rear wheel. We purchased running boards, a passenger handlebar, and a passenger seat for ours and found the accessories to be good quality and easy to install. Those hauling little kids can use the Child Safety Balustrade that keeps kids contained on the rack, and there is a front rack available for times when the rear end is full.

Velotric sells many useful accessories to help you maximize its carrying capacity. We really liked the onboard cargo box; its combination lock zipper isn't super easy to use or secure, but having a dry compartment to hold things like a lock, rain jacket, or emergency tools is quite nice.

This bike's aluminum frame feels overly stiff when riding solo, but when loaded within 100 pounds of capacity, it loses its stability and composure. The long wheelbase feels stable at most speeds, but that length and the orientation of the rear end prevent this bike from being carried on a bike rack. Removing the battery drops the bike weight to under 70 pounds, but even then, it's not easy to pack the Packer.

Interface

When we talk about the interface on the Packer 1, we're referring to how the rider interacts with the bike's electronics. The main components that affect this score are the remote, throttle, screen, battery, and charger. The screen is centrally located on the handlebar with bright, clear, easy-to-read graphics that are well laid out. The spring-loaded throttle is ergonomic and user-friendly and sits next to the left handlebar grip. The 5-button remote isn't the most intuitive or easy-to-use of e-bike remotes with small buttons and even smaller markings. Using it with gloves proved to be difficult as we regularly hit the wrong buttons and ended up changing our speed settings instead of turning the headlight on or other such actions. The bike's UL-certified battery is removable and lockable. Carrying an IP-X6 waterproof rating, it fits into a recess in the top tube and gives the frame a streamlined look. We like how easily the pack can be removed, so you're not stuck trying to park the bike near an outlet.

The remote has a power button, “+” and “-” minus buttons that adjust the PAS. There is an “i” button in the middle that allows you to cycle through the remote's functions; you can see a trip odometer, current power readout, elapsed time, and total mileage. The “i” button also pairs the bike's built-in tracker with the iOS FindMy app. The fifth button on the remote turns the headlight on and off. A thumb paddle throttle on the left side of the handlebar gives the bike juice and allows you to ride without pedaling or use it when you need a little extra oomph. One thing that is different about the Velotric bikes is that the throttle has a different top speed depending on what pedal assist mode you're in, topping out at 23 mph.

Assembly

Like most of the other cargo bikes we've tested, the Packer 1 arrived in a large, heavy cardboard box at our warehouse. Inside the box, we found a well-packed bike with clear instructions and all of the tools needed for assembly. We cataloged the included items but used our own tools to assemble the bike as they're of higher quality and easier on our hands. As you can see in our assembly time-lapse, the bike is mostly assembled and requires the removal of packaging and final assembly at its destination. You'll install the front fender and wheel, mount the handlebar, and twist the pedals into place. There was nothing about this assembly that required a high level of skill, but the consequences of assembling a bike wrong can be disastrous, especially for a massive cargo bike. If you don't feel comfortable with the tasks, please use a local bike shop.

After assembly and checking the torque of important bolts, we inflated the tires, topped off the charge on the battery, and installed reflectors. A quick twist of the derailleur's barrel adjustment got the shifting dialed, and we adjusted the cockpit to fit. After that, we had a large load of cardboard to recycle and a bike capable of carrying it.

Should You Buy the Velotric Packer 1?

The Packer 1 is impressive in so many ways, but it's not without faults. We love the design and layout of this bike, but it's not the smoothest operator on the dance floor. The ride feels medially rigid even with the suspension fork and less than maximum tire pressure. When loaded, the bike displays too much lateral flex. You could soften its medial stance with a suspension seatpost, but it won't enhance the comfort of your passenger or improve the bike's hauling manners. The bike's cadence sensor is also a low point, but you get used to it and perhaps even adapt, but it's less than ideal for those using pedal assist. This bike works well for a rider and single passenger whose combined weight doesn't exceed 340 pounds and who plans to use the throttle more than the bike's drivetrain. Velotric makes it easy to customize this bike for your needs, and it's been our experience that this style of bike quickly pays for itself with savings of fuel, parking, and time.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?

Our favorite cargo bikes right now all ride on 20" wheels and offer varying comfort levels. The nicest ride quality goes to the Specialized Globe Haul ST. It's super utilitarian but also somewhat sporty and fun to ride, but it's not cheap. The Rad Power RadWagon 5 is a stellar cargo bike that reminds us of a Volvo 240. It's big, sturdy, and has a super stable ride, but it is the other end of the spectrum from sporty. When fully loaded, you hardly notice. The Aventon Abound is wildly useful, inexpensive, and very well thought out. The Abound has impressive range and accessories, but it's limited to 20 mph. This can feel slow after you've dropped the kids off and want to zoom into the office. If you're on a tighter budget or want to devote fewer resources to a cargo bike, the Lectric XP 3.0 is a lot of bike for the money. It's a tad less refined but a great bike with accessories and options galore.