Velotric Discover 1 vs Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1: Full Comparison

Both the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 by REI Co-op and the Velotric Discover 1 are incredible e-bikes to choose from. Both bikes come with an abundance of features and advanced technology to please any e-bike rider on their daily commute or weekend afternoon family bike ride. It can feel almost impossible to choose which one is right for you, but we’ll go over all the details to help you narrow it down. 

The overall goal for both of these bikes in their design was optimal comfort. The Velotric Discover 1 utilizes ergonomics and provides you with the ability to maintain straight back posture while riding, giving you the best comfort possible on your daily commute. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a similar approach and took a great deal of care in their saddle, handle, and grip design to keep you as comfortable as possible for the duration of your ride. In addition to comfort levels, both bikes also come with removal batteries, hydraulic disc brakes for the best stopping power, and come with both headlights and tail lights included.

The differences in the bikes’ design are rooted more in the details. The first difference you might notice is that the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a top tube included in its design whereas the Velotric Discover 1 does not. The Velotric Discover 1 also comes in a choice of five or six different colors depending on which of two sizes you choose, however, despite only coming in one color, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has three different sizes to choose from. 

Both the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 and the Velotric Discover 1 come with a small LCD display, however, one could argue that the Velotric Discover 1’s display takes the lead in this category. At a size of 3.5 inches, this display is also backlit and can be easily viewed in broad daylight or adjusted for nighttime rides as well. The Velotric Discover 1 display sits in the middle of the handlebars for ease of view and displays the battery life, pedal assistance level, speed, and mileage. In all fairness, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 also displays these categories, just in a simpler black and white LCD screen on the left handlebar. 

The batteries of both bikes are pretty exceptional, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a Bafang 43V/450Wh while the Velotric Discover 1 comes with a 48V/691Wh that is UL 2271 certified. These batteries are removable for ease of charging, which is also a major plus from both options. While the Velotric Discover 1 battery is technically larger, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 actually exceeded manufacturer’s maximum mileage expectations when tested whereas the Velotric Discover 1 actually came up a few miles short compared to the manufacturer’s estimate of 65 miles, so if you’re looking for maximum distance, in the end the batteries make them somewhat comparable. 

The Velotric Discover 1 comes with a thumb-controlled, removable lever throttle while the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 does not come with this feature. There have been positive reports using the throttle but the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 didn’t seem to miss it, so it comes down to personal preference on if this is a desirable feature. In any case, the throttle on the Velotric Discover 1 did exactly as designed, but if you’d prefer to not have it you can always remove it. 

Both the Velotric Discover 1 and the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 are excellent choices for commuters. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 says it has a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs including all gear and the rider while the Velotric Discover 1 has a whopping 440 lbs limit. With the right attachments and safety measures, both bikes could be suitable for grocery runs or even transporting children as long as they are secure and the necessary precautions have been taken, but the Velotric Discover 1 certainly takes the lead in maximum capacity. 

The Velotric Discover 1 is a class 2 electric step-thru bike thanks to its lack of a top tube allowing for ease of mounting and dismounting in a hurry. With size ranges designed for individuals anywhere between 5’0” and 6’9” this bike is adjustable and accommodating all around for pedal assistance or just gliding with the throttle.

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 is a class 1 electric bike and has a rather unique design overall, but is nonetheless appealing. This bike comes in three different size ranges and is designed to accommodate individuals between 5’0” and 6' 3” in height, so still a solid range to choose from. This bike also weighs less by 15-18 lbs, so if you’re looking for ease of transport this one might be the better choice.

Both of these bikes would be excellent choices for any commuters out there looking for a reliable mode of transportation or for leisurely rides around the neighborhood, but neither are really designed for anything too adventurous on rougher terrain. If your average daily commute is ten miles or less, you will likely end up charging both of these bikes an average of two times each week, which is pretty good given the battery sizes and the price points.

Both bikes are designed with peak comfort levels in mind and executed this goal with plenty of similarities and differences. Both the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 and the Velotric Discover 1 are made with Hydraulic disc brakes and 180 mm rotors to go with them. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 comes with FPD alloy pedals and the Velotric Discover 1 is made with alloy platform pedals, although the Discover 1 also has reflectors for added safety and precaution.

Both the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 and the Velotric Discover 1 come with 36h, double-walled rims but the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 used their own manufacturing while the Velotric Discover 1 simply uses an aluminum alloy model. The Velotric Discover 1 also comes with a KMC-Z7 chain, and while the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 also has a KMC chain, it doesn’t specify which type outside of it being for an e-bike. 

The handlebars on these two bikes do differ slightly. The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a Riser Bar shape designed with the Co-op Cycles 6061 aluminum while the Velotric Discover 1 handlebars were designed with aluminum alloy and are 660-680 mm wide depending on the bike size that you choose. Both sets of handlebars come with a few controls for the display screens despite the difference in the display screen locations.

Despite the Velotric Discover 1’s throttle capabilities, both bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph. This isn’t unachievable, but if you’re cruising at this speed for long it will significantly reduce the maximum range in both bikes before a recharge is needed. With that said, that is pretty fast for an everyday commute. The good news is that both bikes are plenty durable and should last you a long time if taken well care of.

The Velotric Discover 1 comes with a heavy-duty wide foot aluminum kickstand to keep your bike off the ground when you’re not on it. In addition to the puncture-resistant tires, the Velotric Discover 1 has front and rear full coverage fenders and is deemed IPX6 Grade Waterproof for optimal durability. While this particular bike may not be destined for mountain slopes, it’s not one that you have to worry about surviving your rainy morning commute.

On the other hand, the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a center kickstand underneath the bike for the best stability when not in use. While the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 tires are also puncture-resistant thanks to their flat protection design, this bike does not come with fenders and instead relies on the durable design of their tires. This bike is also not meant for a life of wild adventures, but it’s plenty reliable to get you to and from where you need to go.

Aluminum alloy, sleek look from battery integrated into frame, low step, upright position geometry, fork

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a frame made of 6061 aluminum with a low stand over height so you’re able to get off and on easily. Despite only coming in one color, this bike does have an appealing design with a top tube and overall smaller physical size for better ease of transportation. While the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 does not have a suspension, the fork on this bike is made of aluminum with a 1-1/8 x 1-1/2 in tapered steel tube for a secure connection.

On the other hand, the Velotric Discover 1 has a frame made of aluminum alloy with internal cable routing and a fully lockable tube battery for optimal theft protection and security. Despite being a potentially larger size, this bike was designed without a top tube for a low step frame allowing you to get off and on quickly, but did not compromise stability when doing so. The Velotric Discover 1 has an 80mm travel, hydraulic suspension and Lock-out capabilities in case you run into a gravel road here and there.

As for what these two bike frames have in common, they were both designed with upright posture geometry for optimal comfort and viewing while riding. Both bikes allow you to sit up straight for adequate comfort and adjustable stems so your hands and arms are always comfortable.

There are several accessories that already come with the Velotric Discover 1, including rear and front reflectors and fenders, a bell, a toolkit, a front light, and the necessary battery and charger. Accessories for additional purchase include a spare battery pack with two color choices, a front or a rear rack, and of course, several helmet choices. They also sell plenty of replacement parts such as an extra charger or a replacement tire should they ever be necessary.

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 is designed by a company called REI Co-op, and they sell just about every accessory for cycling that you could think of. In addition to the normal bike accessories for additional purchase including front and rear fenders, lights, locks, and even child seats, REI Co-op sells a wide array of anything you might need in regards to cycling. They sell all kinds of cycling attire, bike racks for your car or storage, replacement parts, cycling shoes, and so much more. The REI Co-op is truly a one stop shop for all your cycling needs.

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a top tube included in its design whereas the Velotric Discover 1 was designed with a step-down frame

 The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has a Bafang 43V/450Wh 

The Velotric Discover 1 comes with a 48V/691Wh that is UL 2271 certified

The Velotric Discover 1 bike comes with several color options while the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 only has 1

The Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 has 3 size choices but only accommodates riders up to a height of 6’3” while the Velotric Discover 1 comes in two sizes but can accommodate riders up to a height of 6’9”

The Velotric Discover 1 is a class 2 electric bike with throttle capabilities while the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 is a class 1 electric bike with only pedal assistance support

Both batteries take 6 hours to charge, however hypothetically speaking the Velotric Discover 1 has a longer range thanks to a larger battery

Both bikes are desirable for everyday commuters, but the Velotric Discover 1 has a much larger weight capacity for carrying larger loads with you

This is honestly tough to say. Both the Velotric Discover 1 and REI’s Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 are great bikes with optimal features, and both come at a fair price point for what you’re getting. While the Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 comes in a slightly smaller, lighter size, this would be a fantastic choice for anyone who’s looking for a great commuter bike that doesn’t have to be charged too often and comes with a whole slew of accessories to choose from. However, we would determine the Velotric Discover 1 the winner in this scenario thanks to their long distance range, durability, variables in color choices, large carrying capacity, and ease of mounting and dismounting. For the exact same price, you get more bang for your buck with the Velotric Discover 1.

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