While I personally are likely to gravitate towards lighter ebikes with stealthy motor techniques, these are likely to have weaker motors and drive up the worth. Sometimes you simply desire a highly effective electrical bike that gained’t break the financial institution — however that additionally doesn’t make big sacrifices on high quality. For that, the Lectric XP 2.0 has you coated.
Lectric has taken the American ebike market by storm since its launch in 2019. The firm solely actually sells one ebike, the folding Lectric XP, however it is available in customary and step-through frames for many who’d choose a decrease standover peak (I examined the latter). Now in its 2.0 iteration — which provides a suspension fork and barely narrower tires — the ebike delivers a critically compelling mixture of energy and options at a worth of $949 (on sale from an MSRP of $1,099), with delivery included.
Some fundamental specs and key options first:
- 500W (850W peak) geared rear hub motor
- 460 Wh detachable built-in battery with a claimed vary of 45+ miles with pedal help
- 5 ranges of pedal help and twist throttle
- Tektro 160mm mechanical disc brakes
- 20″ x 3″ puncture-resistant, knobby CST fats tires
- 7-gear Shimano tourney drivetrain
- Class 3 designation permits a max pedaling velocity of 28mph and a max throttle of 20mph (velocity restrict will be adjusted to suit native laws)
- 12-magnet cadence sensor
- Integrated headlight and tail mild
- Large handlebar show
- Adjustable hydraulic oil suspension fork
- 330 lbs payload capability
- Beefy 75lb-rated rear rack included
- 64 lbs total weight
- Folded dimensions: 37 x 18 x 28 inches
- Arrives absolutely assembled
- 1-year guarantee
- Available in white or black
- Ships solely to the contiguous 48 US states and Canada (the latter is an further $200)
- Optional equipment embrace a brighter headlight ($50), a suspension seatpost ($89), entrance racks and baskets, and extra
The very first thing that struck me in regards to the Lectric XP upon unboxing — it arrives absolutely assembled — is simply how properly put collectively it feels. The construct high quality feels a notch above its worth level, and the cables are additionally neatly managed whereas nonetheless being accessible for repairs.
Though I might do with out the conspicuous branding, the paint job has a very nice shiny end that feels a lot classier than many low cost ebikes. Notably, Lectric even paints the suspension fork to match the remainder of the bike; most different ebikes this worth don’t even trouble.
While I typically fear about how some cheaper bikes will maintain up over time, the Lectric XP 2.0 gives the look of a motorcycle that isn’t meant for the junkyard in two years. The proof is within the pudding, after all — the corporate has solely been round just a few years, in spite of everything — however it’s a optimistic first impression.
It ought to go with out saying by now that this isn’t the kind of ebike you get if you would like one thing that largely rides like a daily bike with a little bit of help. While it may be pedaled comfortably, you’ll wish to have the motor engaged for something aside from leisurely strolls by flat terrain — and I anticipate many will use this bike extra like a moped.
It’s an excellent factor, then, that this motor has loads of energy. The beefy 500W motor might readily energy my heavy self up hills, even when simply utilizing the throttle. Of course, you’ll get essentially the most profit whenever you put in some work of your personal, however you don’t want to.
The bike solely provides a fundamental cadence sensor (versus a torque sensor), so the pedaling expertise isn’t something to put in writing dwelling about. This isn’t a knock in opposition to Lectric, thoughts you — I’ve by no means examined an ebike under $1,000 that does have a torque sensor, and so they normally don’t present up till you cross the $2,000 threshold.
But in any case, the Lectric is clearly tuned to be on the zippier aspect of the spectrum, with the help kicking in fairly quickly, versus the extra gradual help of some cadence-based ebikes. It takes about half to a full pedal rotation earlier than you actually really feel the motor kick in, which might be an situation at a pink mild or on the backside of a hill if not for the throttle.
As with many throttle-enabled ebikes, I discovered that as an alternative of adjusting gears once I got here to a cease, I’d merely speed up utilizing the throttle, earlier than returning to pedaling as soon as I hit a snug velocity. It’s a a lot welcome possibility even when, like me, you do choose to pedal, as I’m capable of simply get the soar on vehicles from a pink mild, serving to me really feel safer on the roads.
The XP 2.0 additionally provides a a lot cushier trip than most 20-inch wheels — or many bikes normally — due to the beefy tires and a good adjustable suspension fork. The proven fact that my assessment unit included a suspension seatpost makes using the Lectric XP absurdly cozy.
![Lectric XP 2.0 Step-Thru ebike latch and key](https://cdn0.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2021/12/Lectric-XP-2.0-Step-Thru-5-of-7.jpg)
That’s all nice in case your major purpose is consolation whereas using your ebikes — for a lot of, that’s an accessibility situation — however I hope Lectric considers increasing its ebikes with lighter choices sooner or later. For my private tastes, I believe all of the chunky tires and suspension are slightly overkill and add their very own inconveniences, particularly for metropolis dwellers.
For one, the fats tire rims imply it is going to be more durable to seek out tire substitute when the eventual flat occurs; in my expertise, bike retailers typically don’t even inventory some of these fats tires and usually tend to be reluctant to work on fat-tire ebikes. Good outdated balloon tires on a extra conventional slim rim would nonetheless provide a considerable diploma of cushioning whereas offering a extra nimble trip and making it simpler to discover a substitute.
For one other, the beefy parts additionally imply the bike finally ends up among the many heavier ebikes I’ve examined at 67lbs, regardless of the small wheel diameter. Having examined just a few dozen ebikes in a small NYC house, I’ve come to comprehend that even with ebikes, it’s helpful to shave off kilos right here and there.
It’s not an issue in case you intend to maintain the bike in a storage or can in any other case lock it up in a safe ground-level location, however it turns into much less handy for a metropolis dweller who might need to typically lug the bike up the steps to the house, or for multi-modal commuters who may wish to carry the bike onto a practice. It’s additionally not the kind of folding bike I’d throw in a buying cart to carry contained in the grocery story retailer with me, like I’d with the svelte Brompton Electric or Fiido D11.
![Lectric XP 2.0 Step-Thru ebike folded](https://cdn0.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2021/12/Lectric-XP-2.0-Step-Thru-7-of-7.jpg)
To be truthful, this is additionally the case for each fat-tire folding bike I’ve seen, so it’s not only a dig at Lectric. And I acknowledge that for a lot of clients, the fats tires are a professional, not a con. But given the corporate solely sells the XP in the mean time — I hope the corporate considers lighter choices sooner or later.
I also needs to notice that I a lot recognize the ‘handle’ welded in the midst of the body. It’s positioned proper on the bike’s middle of gravity and makes an enormous distinction for lugging the bike round in comparison with different heavy ebikes which might be additionally awkward to carry.
Given the bike’s weight, it’s an excellent factor you shouldn’t need to pedal the bike typically on an empty battery. Lectric claims 45 miles of vary, and based mostly on my expertise, that appears practical on the decrease help ranges — which nonetheless present ample energy — so long as you don’t use the throttle typically.
![](https://cdn0.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2021/12/Lectric-XP-2.0-Step-Thru-2-of-7.jpg)
With a mixture of pedaling and throttle in help degree 5 for a 260lb ish rider, I discovered I might nearly attain 20 miles of vary in largely flat NYC terrain. Nearly omitting throttle use and dropping down to help ranges 2 and three will increase the vary dramatically; I discovered I might full the identical 20 mile journey with half the battery left. A lighter rider ought to be capable to exceed 45 miles on degree 1, which nonetheless gives a noticeable degree of help. I additionally actually recognize that Lectric gives 10 ranges to its battery indicator, versus the 4 or 5 on most ebikes.
And as a result of I don’t know the place else to stay it on this assessment, I undoubtedly advocate the headlight improve. I don’t know the way good the default headlight is, however for $50 extra, the premium headlight is brighter and has a greater beam sample than some $2,000+ ebikes I’ve examined.
The Lectric XP isn’t going to blow your thoughts with its options or the smoothest pedal help, however it provides great worth in a beefy construct that belies its worth. As lengthy as low weight and essentially the most genuine pedaling expertise aren’t excessive in your precedence checklist, the Lectric XP 2.0 strikes me as among the best bargains within the ebike market.