Commuter
Tern Vektron Q9
$2,999
Price
50 Nm
Torque
400 Wh
Battery
48.3 lb
Weight
Tern Vektron Q9 vs Velotric Discover 3
Two commuter e-bikes at $1,999–$2,999, every published spec lined up. Nothing here is estimated: a figure the manufacturer does not publish is shown as “—”.
Where they differ
- The Discover 3 carries 330 Wh more battery.
- The Discover 3 carries 164 lb more total load.
- The Discover 3 costs $1000 less.
- The Discover 3 makes 25 Nm more torque.
- The Discover 3 assists 8 mph faster.
- The Vektron Q9 is 12.7 lb lighter.
- The Discover 3 claims 10 more miles of range.
- The Vektron Q9 is mid-drive; the Discover 3 is rear hub.
- The Vektron Q9 is rigid; the Discover 3 is hardtail (front only).
- The Vektron Q9 has no throttle; the Discover 3 has a throttle.
- The Vektron Q9 ships as class 1; the Discover 3 ships as class 2–3.
Every spec, side by side
| Vektron Q9 | Discover 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline | ||
| Price | $2,999 | $1,999 |
| Category | Commuter | Commuter |
| Price per Wh | $7.50 per Wh | $2.74 per Wh |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Motor | ||
| Torque | 50 Nm | 75 Nm |
| Motor power | — | 750 W |
| Peak power | — | 1100 W |
| Drive | Mid-drive | Rear hub |
| Motor make | Bosch Active Line Plus | Velotric |
| Drive system | Bosch | — |
| Sensor | — | Torque + cadence |
| Battery & range | ||
| Battery | 400 Wh | 730 Wh |
| Voltage | — | 48V |
| Capacity | — | 15.2 Ah |
| Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
| Range (claim) | 70 mi | 80 mi |
| Range as stated | 35-70 miles (400Wh) | Up to 80 miles |
| Est. real range | 25 mi | 37 mi |
| Estimate assumes | 16 Wh per mile | 20 Wh per mile |
| Weight & capacity | ||
| Weight | 48.3 lb | 61 lb |
| Max load | 276 lb | 440 lb |
| Rack capacity | 60 lb | 66 lb |
| Class & speed | ||
| Ships as | Class 1: pedal assist to 20 mph, no throttle | Class 2: throttle, assist to 20 mph |
| Unlocks to | Class 1 | Class 3 |
| Class | Class 1 | Class 2–3 |
| Throttle | No | Yes |
| Top assisted speed | 20 mph | 28 mph |
| Build | ||
| Gears | 9-speed | 8-speed |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Alivio 1x9 (11-32T) | Shimano |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Front rotor | — | 180 mm |
| Rear rotor | — | 180 mm |
| Suspension | Rigid | Hardtail (front only) |
| Fork travel | Rigid | 80 mm |
| Rear travel | None | None |
| Front suspension | No | Yes |
| Tires | 20 in Schwalbe Big Apple (55-406), puncture protection, Reflex | 27.5 x 2.4 |
| Display | Bosch Purion | 3.5" color, Bluetooth, NFC, USB-C |
| Frame | 7005 aluminium | Aluminum alloy |
| Sizes | One size | Regular, Large |
| Step-through option | — | Yes |
| Included | ||
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Fenders | Yes | Yes |
| Rack | Yes | Yes |
| Kickstand | Yes | Yes |
| Safety | UL 2849 | UL 2849* |
| Safety certification | UL 2849: full system | UL 2849: most models, confirm this one |
| As the maker states it | Tern ebikes use e-bike systems that are certified to UL 2849 | Most Velotric e-bikes are UL 2271 Recognized and UL 2849 Certified |
| Warranty | — | 2 yr |
| Warranty terms | — | 2 Year Warranty |
Specs transcribed from www.ternbicycles.com on 09/30/2026 and electricbikereview.com on 09/19/2026. Manufacturers revise specs without notice: confirm before buying.