Six Months with the Vello+ Automatic: Between Enthusiasm and Service Frustration

My first folding bike – and straight away the Vello+ Automatic. The Viennese bike manufacturer has made quite a name for itself in recent years, and after six months of daily use, I understand why. At least partially.

Folding bikes are everywhere nowadays. No wonder: they elegantly solve the transport problem. On trains they count as hand luggage, in cars they disappear into the trunk or back seat. The days when folding bikes were just for camping tourists are long gone. Brompton from London is considered the classic, Tern and Dahon dominate the mass market. And then there are premium manufacturers like Vello from Vienna, who want to make folding bikes socially acceptable.

Technology and Riding Experience Convince

With Vello, you notice the ambition immediately. The folding mechanism works flawlessly – no fiddly closures, no rattling while riding. The bike folds in seconds and then stands stable on its wheels. At just under 14 kilos, it's surprisingly light for an e-folding bike. The Zehus motor sits compactly in the rear hub – everything is cleanly integrated, nothing sticks out. On trains it fits easily in any corner, no extra charge. It also finds space on the back seat of my small car. That was exactly the main reason for the purchase: flexibility.

The riding feel surprised me positively. I had no comparison with other folding bikes, but the first meters felt almost like a normal city bike. No wobbly frame, no spongy steering. The Vello+ Automatic also handles bumpy roads and cobblestones without problems – the small wheels are more robust than expected. The motor assists gently but noticeably – especially when starting at traffic lights or on typical Viennese climbs. In turbo mode, which I use continuously, I manage 30 to 40 kilometers. That's easily enough for my daily routes.

Well-Thought-Out Details, Weak Software

Particularly well thought out: Vello relies on standard components instead of proprietary gimmicks. Theoretically, any workshop can service the bike. Practically, it's a different story, but more on that later.

The app is disappointing. It only connects sporadically with the bike, the functions are cumbersome to reach. I installed it anyway – mainly to check the battery level. I don't need more since I always ride in turbo mode and charge regularly. For a premium brand, however, the software is clearly too poor.

Service Disaster and Price Question

Now for the pain point: the service. The gears on my bike were defective from the start – hence the cheap price on Willhaben. The support's first reaction? I'm touching it with my foot, my fault. After persistent inquiries, they admitted: Yes, the gears are broken, that'll be 500 euros. I paid, the bike was repaired – incorrectly, as it turned out. The gears were broken again after two days. Only on the second attempt, this time free of charge, did it work. For a Viennese premium brand, that's abysmal.

The price is its own story. The Vello+ Automatic costs 3,700 euros new – completely overpriced if you ask me. I got mine via Willhaben for 1,000 euros, a bargain. In my opinion, 2,000 to 2,500 euros would be fair. For that you get a well-thought-out city bike with clever details.

Conclusion: Perfect for the City, but...

The Vello+ Automatic isn't really suitable for longer tours. You putter along at about 20 km/h – perfect for the city, but I get impatient on longer rides. I'd rather reach for my road bike then. But for the city? Optimal. The combination of compactness, e-assistance and solid riding behavior makes it the ideal commuter bike. If only the service were better.

After six months, I draw a mixed conclusion. The Vello+ Automatic is a really good folding bike – no question. The motor works reliably, the folding mechanism delivers what it promises, and riding in the city is fun. But the miserable service and the astronomical price cloud the picture. If you find a used specimen, go for it. At the new price, I'd advise against it. For less money you can get a solid e-bike without folding function – and probably better service too.

Further Links

Vello Bike – The official website of the Viennese manufacturer

Vello+ Automatic – Product page with all technical details

Zehus – The Italian manufacturer of the all-in-one motor