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Full-suspension electric mountain bikes often come with a steep price tag. The Velowave Forest SM flips that script by delivering a capable ride for under $3,000. As a direct-to-consumer ebike, Velowave can keep costs down, making it an appealing choice for anyone wanting a quality option without the premium price.

But it’s not just about the savings. This Forest SM packs a mid-drive motor with plenty of power and a tunable air-suspension system. Add in a throttle — a rarity for mountain ebikes, an included kickstand, and the option of fenders and a rear rack and you’ve got a dual-purpose machine ready for trails or even a bit of commuting.

If you’re considering the Velowave Forest SM, you can save $200 using our discount code “Ebikeescape” and using our affiliate link to make your purchase supports the work we do at Ebike Escape, at no extra cost to you! Thanks for helping us out!

Velowave Forest SM Video Review

Watch the Velowave Forest SM ride across paved roads, double track, and singletrack trails with our first-person and third-person footage. We’ll also cover its pros and cons to give you a clear picture of the trade-offs when choosing a budget-friendly eMTB. Check out the video now to see it for yourself!

Breaking Down the Components

Motor and Power

The Velowave Forest SM is powered by a Bafang M600 mid-drive motor, kicking out 500W of continuous power and peaking at 760W. Paired with a torque sensor, it adjusts assistance based on how hard you pedal, giving you a natural feel on the trails. Whether you’re crawling up a hill or cruising along a flat path, this motor delivers.

On test rides, it handled everything from gentle inclines in Eco mode to steeper climbs in Boost mode with ease. The throttle is a handy bonus, letting you zip along without pedaling when you need a breather or a quick boost. The M600 is a reliable mid-drive option that has been around for a while. It might whine a little bit louder than a Shimano or Bosch motor, but it’s quieter than many hub-drive motors, which keeps the ride peaceful.

Battery Life

A 48V 15Ah battery powers the Forest SM, offering a range of about 30-40 miles per charge with throttle only, and up to 70 miles on pedal assist Eco, depending on factors like rider weight and terrain. It’s UL 2271 Certified for safety and removable for easy charging. For most trail outings, this range is plenty. If you need more juice, Velowave’s Forest XM model ups the ante with a 20Ah battery and doubles the motor power, though this adds weight and cost.

Suspension Setup

The full-suspension design is a highlight, featuring a 140mm travel air fork with lockout up front and a rear air shock with an external rebound adjustment. While the components aren’t from big-name brands (the fork’s branded Trama with a Velowave sticker), they handle recreational riding well, smoothing out bumps and roots. Just note the fork’s warning against aggressive freeride or downhill use — if that’s your style, you might need upgrades.

Drivetrain and Brakes

Shifting is handled by a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, a reliable choice that keeps gear changes crisp and consistent, even on tough trails. A shift sensor cuts motor power during shifts, reducing wear on the chain and cassette — a thoughtful touch not all mid-drive ebikes include.

Stopping power comes from Tektro two-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. They’re strong enough for most riders, though they might feel a tad less refined than pricier systems if you’re braking hard on technical descents.

Extras Worth Noting

The Forest SM comes with a battery-powered front light (80 lux) and a flashing rear taillight (not a brake light) perfect for evening rides, and a center-mounted LCD display showing speed, battery status, and more — complete with a USB-C port for charging your phone. It comes with a kickstand and you can also add an optional rear rack and fenders, turning it into a commuter or kid-hauler if needed. We plan on removing the kickstand to give extra clearance and using our model mainly for trail use.

Frame and Sizing

The Velowave Forest SM’s aluminum frame is crafted specifically for electric mountain biking, seamlessly integrating the mid-drive motor and battery into its design for a sturdy yet balanced ride on moderate trails. It comes in two frame sizes, 17” and 19”, though the rider range is a bit limited compared to some eMTBs. What sets this frame apart is its internal cable routing, giving it a clean look while protecting the cables, and it’s built to meet eMTB durability standards.

You can choose between two eye-catching colors — Dark Blue or Metallic Brown — each accented with Velowave branding on the downtube and “Forest SM” graphics on the top tube. Check out the sizing specs below to find your match:

Specifications	17" Frame	19" Frame
Standover Height	29.5"	30.1"
Max Load Capacity	385 lbs	385 lbs
Rider Height Range	5'5" ~6'4" | 31" ~35" Inseam	5'6" ~6'5" | 33" ~ 36" Inseam
Manufacturer Stated Weight	64lbs	64lbs

 

Specs Table: Velowave Forest SM

Let’s take a look at how Velowave put together an affordable eMountain Bike. For a quick rundown of the Velowave Forest SM, check out the specs table below:

How It Rides

On the Road

While built for trails, the Forest SM holds its own on pavement. In Boost mode, it hits speeds of up to 28 mph with moderate effort, and the throttle makes quick work of starts or lazy stretches. At 64 lbs, it’s not the lightest, but it feels stable and planted.

On the Trails

This ebike comes alive off-road. On wider double tracks, the suspension eats up rough patches, and the torque sensor keeps the motor’s help in sync with your pedaling. Eco or Tour modes are plenty for cruising, while Sport or Boost tackle climbs or faster sections. The throttle shines here too, giving you a nudge over obstacles.

On tighter singletrack, the weight can make it less nimble, but the mid-drive motor keeps power delivery manageable. It’s happiest on moderate blue trails — think flowy paths with some bumps — rather than hardcore black diamond runs.

Pros and Cons: Velowave Forest SM Review

Who’s It For?

The Velowave Forest SM hits the sweet spot for:

• New or casual riders dipping into electric mountain biking.
• Trail enthusiasts who want fun without spending a fortune.
• Versatile riders needing an ebike for trails and light commuting.
• Parents looking to add a kid’s seat (that suspension helps!).

Advanced riders chasing top components or aggressive trails might want to look elsewhere or plan some upgrades.

Wrapping It Up

The Velowave Forest SM proves you don’t need to spend big to get a capable full-suspension electric mountain bike. Its blend of power, comfort, and value makes it a standout for recreational riders and anyone wanting to explore trails with a little electric boost. It’s not perfect — suspension and brakes could be stronger for hardcore use — but for the price, it’s tough to beat.