Velowave Forest SM vs Velowave Rover
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Velowave Forest SM is 13 km/h faster than the Velowave Rover. 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 Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 42 km | 52 km |
| Battery | 720 Wh | 720 Wh |
| Weight | 29.5 kg | 29.5 kg |
| Motor torque | 80 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Top speed | 45 km/h | 32 km/h |
| Price | $1,999 | $1,499 |
| 5-year cost | $2,551 | $2,173 |
Where each one wins
- Velowave Forest SM is 13 km/h faster.
- Velowave Forest SM is 20 Nm more torque.
- Velowave Rover is 10 km further on range.
The Velowave Forest SM leads on 2 of these, the Velowave Rover on 1. 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 Rover
Suits you if you want:
- 60 Nm of torque, enough for rolling ground
- rated to 136 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 52 km estimated, which covers a 26 km each-way commute
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 Rover costs about 350 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 Rover, about 38,400 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Velowave Forest SM | Velowave Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $1,999 | $1,499 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $972 | $972 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-488 | $-366 |
| Total | $2,551 | $2,173 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Velowave Rover if you ride to the edge of the battery and dislike planning around it.
- Pick the Velowave Forest SM if your route has real hills, or you carry cargo or a passenger.
- Pick the Velowave Forest SM if your commute has fast stretches where the assist cutting out matters.
- Pick the Velowave Rover if the five-year total is what you are optimising.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Velowave Rover is the better buy, and the Velowave Forest SM 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.