Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 vs Velotric Nomad 2: A Bigger Battery Without the Higher Price
Mokwheel Bikes US-NewThe Basalt 2.0 and Nomad 2 are closely matched on core power, with 750W hub motors and about 90Nm of torque. The bigger differences show up in battery size, suspension setup, and price. At $1,699.99, the Basalt 2.0 costs about $300 less while offering a 940Wh battery and 110mm of front suspension travel, compared with the Nomad 2's 705.6Wh battery and 100mm fork. The Nomad 2 adds a suspension seatpost, a higher 1,300W peak rating, and app-connected features, while the Basalt 2.0 puts more of its value into battery capacity and front suspension at the lower price.

A Close Match on Core Specs
On the basics, the two bikes sit in the same class. Both use 750W rear hub motors, deliver about 90Nm of torque, reach up to 28 mph, and roll on 26 × 4.0-inch . That makes this a useful like-for-like comparison rather than a matchup between two very different performance tiers.
| Specification | Mokwheel Basalt 2.0 | Velotric Nomad 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699.99 | $1,999 |
| Battery | 940Wh (48V, 19.6Ah) | 705.6Wh (48V, 14.7Ah) |
| Motor | 750W hub | 750W hub |
| Torque | 90Nm+ | 90Nm |
| Peak power | 1,100W | 1,300W |
| Front suspension | 110mm, adjustable | 100mm hydraulic, lockout |
| Rear cushioning | Comfort saddle | Suspension seatpost |
| Sensors | Torque + cadence, both active | SensorSwap, switchable |
| Brakes | 2-piston hydraulic | 4-piston hydraulic |
| Display | 2.8" detachable | 3.5" colour, app, OTA |
| Weight | 80 lb | 75 lb |
| Rider height | About 5'7" and up | 5'2"–6'5" |
| Fenders and rear rack | Included | Included |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Quick Decision Guide
The Basalt 2.0 may fit better if you prioritize:
- Larger standard battery: 940Wh, about 33% more than the Nomad 2
- Lower current price, leaving about $300 for a helmet, lock, panniers, or other gear
- More listed front suspension travel: 110mm vs 100mm
- Compatibility with Mokwheel's off-grid inverter and solar setup
- A detachable display you can take with you when you park
The Nomad 2 may fit better if you prioritize:
- Slightly lower bike weight: 75 lb vs 80 lb
- App control, OTA updates, and Apple Find My
- A larger dealer network for riders who prioritize local service
- Suspension seatpost for added cushioning at the saddle

More Battery at a Lower Upfront Price
The Basalt 2.0 carries a 940Wh battery and sells for $1,699.99. The Nomad 2 carries a 705.6Wh battery at $1,999. The Basalt 2.0 holds 234.4Wh more, giving it roughly 33% more battery capacity for about $300 less.
Same 48V system, same 750W motor, same 28 mph. The difference is what you're carrying: 940Wh against 705.6Wh, about a third more energy, for five pounds more bike.
That capacity also supports something the Nomad 2 does not offer in the same way. With the optional Portable Solar Inverter and Panel Kit, the Basalt 2.0 battery can become a portable power source for camp lights, phones, laptops, cameras, projectors, and other compatible devices, while the solar setup provides another way to recharge away from a wall outlet.
Bottom line: In standard configuration, the Basalt 2.0 gives you about a third more battery capacity for about $300 less.
See the 940Wh Basalt 2.0
Full specs, colors, and current pricing are available on the product page.
How They Feel on Rougher Roads
Rough ground is where the two setups begin to feel different. The Basalt 2.0 uses a 110mm adjustable front fork, giving it 10mm more listed travel than the Nomad 2's 100mm hydraulic fork.
The Nomad 2 pairs its 100mm front fork with a suspension seatpost, adding some extra cushioning at the saddle. That can help soften smaller impacts felt through the seat, but it does not provide the same effect as rear-frame suspension. Neither bike is a full-suspension e-bike.
Bottom line: The Basalt 2.0 offers more front suspension travel, while the Nomad 2 adds some cushioning through the seatpost. On rougher roads, both approaches improve comfort in different ways, with no clear overall advantage from suspension layout alone.

How Each Bike Handles Ride Control
Sensors and Power Delivery
SensorSwap on the Nomad 2 lets you choose between torque sensing, where power responds to how hard you push, and cadence sensing, where assistance responds primarily to crank movement. That gives you more control over how the motor reacts to your pedaling.
The Basalt 2.0 runs both sensor types together without asking you to select between them. The difference is straightforward: the Nomad 2 gives you more manual choice, while the Basalt 2.0 keeps the setup simpler with less to configure.The Basalt 2.0 runs a 52T chainring. At 28 mph, it still gives you something to push against instead of leaving the pedals spinning freely.
Neither approach is automatically better. It depends on whether you prefer adjustability or a system designed to work without changing sensor modes.
Brakes
That difference alone does not determine which bike will feel better under braking. Rotor size is only one part of the system, alongside brake pads, tire grip, total load, terrain, and maintenance condition.
Display and Connected Features
A 2.8" detachable display ships on the Basalt 2.0, providing a simple interface that can be removed when the bike is parked.
The Nomad 2 takes a more connected approach with a 3.5" colour display, app control, over-the-air updates, and Apple Find My.
If connected features are a priority, the Nomad 2 has the stronger feature set here. If you prefer a simpler interface with a detachable display and no app dependency, the Basalt 2.0 takes a different approach.

Choosing Between the Basalt 2.0 and Nomad 2
The Basalt 2.0 makes the stronger case when battery capacity and upfront value matter more. Its 940Wh standard battery is substantially larger than the Nomad 2's 705.6Wh pack, while the current price is about $300 lower. Both bikes remain closely matched in core motor output, so the lower price does not mean stepping down to a different performance class.
| Priority | Basalt 2.0 | Nomad 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard battery | 940Wh | 705.6Wh |
| Current price | $1,699.99 | $1,999 |
| Off-grid capability | Inverter and solar compatibility | No comparable first-party setup |
| Bike weight | 80 lb | 75 lb |
| Connected features | Detachable display | App, OTA updates, Apple Find My |
| Motor | 750W rear hub, 90Nm+ | 750W rear hub, 90Nm |
| Fat-tire setup | 26 × 4.0" | 26 × 4.0" |
What Matters Most in the Final Choice
- Choose around the features you will actually use. Lower bike weight or connected features matter most when they solve a specific need rather than simply adding more specifications.
- Value matters beyond the feature count. The Basalt 2.0 keeps the core riding capability closely matched while putting more of the budget toward battery capacity instead of additional digital features.
- Fit can override the spec sheet. Rider height, frame geometry, local service access, and how often you carry or lift the bike can still change which option feels more practical.
Overall, the Basalt 2.0 is the easier choice to justify when battery capacity and upfront value carry more weight than the Nomad 2's additional convenience features.
Still weighing different price tiers and riding priorities across the lineup?
Compare all Mokwheel modelsFAQ
Q1: Does the Basalt 2.0 Include the Inverter and Solar Charging Setup?
The inverter and solar charging equipment are not included as standard with the Basalt 2.0. They are optional compatible accessories that can be added separately, allowing the bike's battery to power selected devices through Mokwheel's portable inverter and, with a compatible solar panel, support off-grid charging.
Q2: What Can the Basalt 2.0 Power at a Campsite, and How Long Does Solar Charging Take?
With Mokwheel's compatible inverter, the Basalt 2.0 battery can power common campsite devices such as lights, phones, laptops, cameras, projectors, and other equipment that stays within the inverter's supported output. Mokwheel currently lists about 5–6 hours to recharge a 48V battery with its 230W solar panel under favorable sunlight. Actual charging can take longer when sunlight is weak, intermittent, shaded, or the panel is poorly positioned.
Q3: Are Two-Piston Brakes Enough on an 80 lb Bike?
Two-piston hydraulic brakes are suitable for normal everyday and recreational riding on the Basalt 2.0. Braking performance also depends on rotor size, brake pads, tire grip, total load, terrain, and maintenance, so piston count alone does not determine how confidently a bike will stop.
Q4: Are These E-Bikes Legal on Bike Paths Where I Ride?
Legality depends on the bike's active speed or class setting and the rules governing the specific route. Both bikes can reach assisted speeds up to 28 mph, but their default settings and controls differ. The Nomad 2 defaults to Class 2 at 20 mph and can be switched to Class 1 or Class 3. The Basalt 2.0 defaults to 20 mph and allows its speed limit to be adjusted in Custom Mode. Class and trail-access rules vary by state, municipality, park, and trail system, so check the rules where you actually plan to ride before selecting a higher-speed setting.
Q5: How Much Range Do I Lose in Winter, and How Should I Store the Battery?
There is no single winter range-loss percentage because temperature, assist level, terrain, rider weight, tire pressure, and battery condition all affect usable range. Cold weather generally makes the reduction more noticeable as temperatures approach freezing. For longer storage, follow the manufacturer's instructions, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or freezing conditions, and do not treat a warm-weather range estimate as a guarantee for winter riding.
Final Thoughts
Hot Selling E-bikes
Featured Blog Posts
Read More
Read More
Read More
Read More
