u/No_Creme9603

​

I had a post up earlier asking about this bike and deleted it because somehow people lost their minds over the fact that I was asking about it.

So, just to get this out of the way:

I do not work for Ariel Rider. I have no affiliation with Ariel Rider. I didn't make either of these videos, and I don't know the people who did. I'm simply shopping for an e-bike and doing research before spending my money.

The 2026 Kepler caught my attention because, on paper, it looks like a pretty compelling value and seems positioned as a direct competitor to the more Popular Brands in this category.

What I'm really looking for is firsthand experience, not another spec-sheet comparison.

Has anyone here:

Actually bought the new Kepler?

Test ridden one?

Cross-shopped it against other comparable fat-tire bikes?

Bought something else after considering the Kepler?

I'm especially curious about the real-world ride: geometry, upright comfort, handling, weight, power delivery, component quality, brakes, suspension, range, reliability, and customer support.

These are the two videos that initially got me looking at it:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=KpbAvssoqg4

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UhqmvIcClig

Again, I'm not promoting the bike. I'm trying to decide whether I should buy one.

If you've actually ridden or owned one, I'd especially like to hear what you think—and if you passed on it, what you bought instead and why.

[deleted]

​

I’m narrowing my search to these three step-through fat-tire bikes:

Ride1Up Vorsa FT

Velotric Nomad 2

Lectric XPeak2

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who actually cross-shopped or rode more than one of them, rather than just owners recommending the bike they already have.

Which one did you ultimately buy, and what pushed you in that direction?

I’m particularly curious about fit/comfort, riding position, ride quality, power, real-world range, build quality, reliability, and customer support.

And just as useful: what made you rule out the other two?

I attached the comparison graphic for reference. Would really appreciate real-world experiences from anyone who went through this same decision.

Has anyone had an E63 “Abnormal Cadence Signal” error on a Velotric Discover 2 along with these symptoms?

In cadence mode: While I’m continuously pedaling, the motor gives a strong surge of power and accelerates the bike to about 20 mph. Then the motor assistance cuts off completely. I’m still pedaling—not coasting—but the bike is moving only under my own power.

As the bike slows to around 14–15 mph, I can see a small amount of power begin to register on the display. The assistance gradually returns and builds back up until the bike reaches about 20 mph, then it cuts off again. This cycle can repeat several times. Sometimes stopping and restarting my pedaling causes the assistance to suddenly come back.

In torque mode: The assistance pulses instead of providing smooth, consistent power.

The issue seems to happen more often in Boost mode than in the lower assist levels.

I’m looking for firsthand experiences from people who had the same or a very similar problem.

What was ultimately causing it? Was it the sensor, wiring, controller, motor, or something else?

What was replaced or repaired, and did it permanently resolve the issue?

Seems pretty spot on...

​

If two vehicles have similar speed, weight, acceleration, braking demands, and crash risk, why should one follow motorcycle or moped rules while the other gets treated more like a bicycle simply because it uses a battery?

Regulation should be based on what the vehicle can do and where it is operated—not whether the motor runs on gasoline or electricity.

A battery changes the power source. It does not change the vehicle’s speed, mass, stopping distance, or potential to injure someone.

So what is the logical reason an electric motorcycle should face different requirements than a comparable gas-powered motorcycle?

This is the way

I recently bought a New Velotric Discover 2 through Upway, and the entire experience was much better than I expected.

The Discover 2 normally sells for around $1,799 and has recently been listed closer to $1,699. Upway had this one priced at $1,299, and I used a referral code for another $100 off. My final breakdown was:

Bike: $1,199

Shipping: $149

Tax: $119.91

Total delivered: $1,467.91

The bike was apparently purchased by Upway directly from Velotric because of a small cosmetic scratch. The scratch is only about a quarter to half an inch long, and the bike arrived with 0.2 miles on the odometer. For all practical purposes, it is a brand-new bike with one minor blemish. I found matching touch-up paint at AutoZone, so the scratch is not a concern.

Upway’s advertised 15-minute assembly estimate was also accurate. I only had to:

Install the front wheel

Attach the handlebars to the already-installed stem

Install the front fender

Install the pedals

Adjust the bell

The fork, headset, brakes, derailleur and other major components were already installed and adjusted. The instructions initially made me wonder whether I would need to assemble or adjust the headset, but that was not the case.

A friend of mine who is a bike mechanic inspected it afterward. He said the bike was already properly tuned, aligned and ready to ride. Nothing was bent, loose or out of adjustment. I do not know how much of that preparation was done by Velotric versus Upway, but the bike arrived in phenomenal condition.

I suspect Upway’s process helps because the bike is inspected and repacked at its U.S. facility before being shipped to the customer. That eliminates some of the uncertainty of a factory-sealed bike traveling from China, through multiple warehouses and shipping networks, without anyone checking its final condition before delivery.

Another major reason I chose Upway was the warranty. My understanding is that its one-year warranty covers both parts and labor, whereas Velotric’s manufacturer warranty is longer but generally focuses on replacement parts. Upway also told me that service could be handled through a Velotric dealer, although I would still confirm the repair process with Upway before authorizing warranty work.

My only real suggestion for Upway would be to include a basic torque wrench or torque key. There are only a few components to install, but it would help customers tighten everything to the specified values without guessing.

And a better set up video the one that they have shows the person doing this on a stand, I didn't have one and was able to do it without I'm thinking maybe I should put together a video showing. Also a video of how these things are packed just so people aren't intimidated the packing was phenomenal.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied. For someone considering a used or certified e-bike, I would particularly look at Upway’s low-mileage bikes sourced directly from manufacturers. Mine was essentially new, professionally prepared and heavily discounted because of one tiny scratch.

Disclosure: I used a referral code that saved me $100. Upway also has a rewards program that may provide account credit or a gift card when someone uses your referral.

​

Seems to be the trend

This is the way!!

A variation of this is becoming the standard across the United States.

I got a Discover 2 for $1348 plus tax.

UPWAY bought this from the manufacturer because of a scratch during production.

I actually like the UPWAY warranty better since they cover parts and labor for a year at any Velotric dealer and deliver the bike assembled, except for the pedals and putting on the front wheel.

I checked for used ones in my area, and the best I found was $1,200 with 800 miles on it.

If you can find that $100 discount, I don't think you can beat UPWAY for a bike you know is solid. Right now, Velotric is selling this bike for $1799 + tax, which is $1978, compared to $1467.