Velowave Forest SM vs Velowave Forest XM
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Velowave Forest SM is 4.1 kg lighter than the Velowave Forest XM. Everything else is below, including where it loses.
Range is our estimate under the reference ride, not the manufacturer's claim. Cost is over 5 years at 3,000 km a year, on the same formula the cost-of-ownership calculator runs. How we work this out
| Spec | Velowave Forest SM | Velowave Forest XM |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 42 km | 45 km |
| Battery | 720 Wh | 780 Wh |
| Weight | 29.5 kg | 33.6 kg |
| Motor torque | 80 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Top speed | 45 km/h | 45 km/h |
| Price | $1,999 | $2,299 |
| 5-year cost | $2,551 | $2,779 |
Where each one wins
- Velowave Forest SM is 4.1 kg lighter.
- Velowave Forest XM is 10 Nm more torque.
- Velowave Forest XM is 60 Wh more battery.
The Velowave Forest SM leads on 1 of these, the Velowave Forest XM on 2. Neither sweeps it, so the choice comes down to which of those you actually use.
Who each one is for
Velowave Forest SM
Suits you if you want:
- 80 Nm of torque, which is steep-hill territory
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 136 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 42 km estimated, which covers a 21 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- fast class, so it is registered and helmeted in most places
Velowave Forest XM
Suits you if you want:
- 90 Nm of torque, which is steep-hill territory
- fast class, which keeps up with city traffic
- rated to 150 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 45 km estimated, which covers a 22 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 33.6 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
- fast class, so it is registered and helmeted in most places
Each line above is read straight from the specification: torque, weight, payload, battery and our range estimate. Nothing here is a preference, and neither bike is being recommended over the other.
What each one costs to own
Over 5 years the Velowave Forest SM costs about 211 EUR less to own, once purchase, charging, servicing, a battery replacement where one is due, and resale are all counted.
That figure moves mostly on the battery. The Velowave Forest SM covers about 38,400 km before its pack is due for replacement; the Velowave Forest XM, about 41,600 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Velowave Forest SM | Velowave Forest XM |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $1,999 | $2,299 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $972 | $972 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-488 | $-561 |
| Total | $2,551 | $2,779 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Velowave Forest XM if you would rather charge less often than carry less weight.
- Pick the Velowave Forest SM if you carry the bike up steps, onto a train, or into a flat.
- Pick the Velowave Forest XM if your route has real hills, or you carry cargo or a passenger.
- Pick the Velowave Forest SM if the five-year total is what you are optimising.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Velowave Forest SM is the better buy, and the Velowave Forest XM needs a reason of its own: a colour, a frame, a shop you trust, a price that moves. None of those are in our numbers, and all of them are legitimate.
Range here is an estimate under one reference ride, not a measurement. Yours will differ with terrain, weight, tyres and weather, which is what the range calculator is for.
Tell me when either of these gets cheaper
One email when a price moves on a bike you are watching. Nothing else.