The concept of a foldable electrical bike appears gimmicky. Before attempting the Lectric XP Lite, I used to be skeptical that an e-bike would be capable of journey like a conventional bike, present uphill energy and nonetheless fold as much as a compact dimension. Well, the Lectric XP Lite does all these issues and for a compelling $799 worth.
The Lectric XP Lite appears like a snug (and adjustable) BMX-style bike or maybe a compact mountain bike that solely has one gear. While you grip the handlebars and relaxation your ft on the pedals, it is arduous to inform that there is something distinctive concerning the bike. This is a good factor. It’s simple to get acclimated to it immediately. Even the electrical pedal help and throttle feels very pure in contrast with different e-bikes’.
Once you are completed using, although, you’ll be able to fold it in half and break down the handlebars to retailer or transport it. Even although the bike is a cheap 46 kilos, I personally cannot carry it very far folded up and do not consider many individuals may. So consider its folding as a characteristic to assist hold it out of the way in which when it is not in use. Or think about it a approach to transport the bike in a automobile to a place you would not be capable of journey it in any other case. Whereas I used to be as soon as skeptical, this Lectric bike has utterly modified my thoughts.
TL;DR
Pros:
- Sturdy construct high quality
- Folds down in lower than 30 seconds
Cons:
- About 15-mile vary at full speeds
- Still heavy to hold regardless of its compact dimension.
Buy at Lectric.
How Do Folding Bikes Work?
Tyler Hayes
I discovered the Lectric XP Lite to be very thoughtfully designed. The bike folds in two predominant areas. It has a joint in the midst of its body and one on the backside of the handlebar pole. There are choose clear rubber discs caught to the bike’s body. I did not perceive their function till folding the bike and seeing these areas the place potential impacts may happen. It all began turning into clear.
To show you how to fold the bike with out damaging it, there’s an extra steel a part of the body for the bike to relaxation on. The piece helps shield the gear crank. The battery even inserts into the body on the joint to make the most of the opening the folding creates.
If your alternative is between a small e-bike, just like the Jetson Bolt Pro, or a extra full-size one which folds, I might select the bigger, folding possibility. The smaller bikes are nonetheless greater than 40 kilos however do not present the identical using consolation or larger high speeds.
The Price of an E-Bike
![Lectric XP Lite](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2035963/lectric-xp-lite.jpg?w=790&f=bbd24fbb54fa1e6a7417d46885bb6878)
Tyler Hayes
Out of all of the completely different e-bikes I’ve tried, the XP Lite was the least costly. I used to be anticipating a downgraded expertise due to this, however there have not been as many compromises as I assumed there could be.
The XP Lite is a Class 2 e-bike, so it has a throttle that may go as much as 20 miles per hour. It additionally has 5 ranges of pedal help, which allow the electrical motor so as to add energy to your pedaling. The first three ranges felt a little weak to me. But the fourth and fifth ranges each had some giddyap. I discovered myself dwelling within the final two ranges and suspect most different folks will need to, as effectively.
The XP Lite makes use of a 300-watt rear hub motor with a 720-watt peak. While it will possibly do a high velocity of as much as 20 miles per hour on the throttle, a steep hill or prolonged use will hold it from consistently hitting that degree. Pedaling will assist the bike retain extra energy. Whereas I used the throttle nearly completely on the $3,500 Super73-R Brooklyn, on the XP Lite I solely used the throttle for brief bursts or hills.
The throttle is discreet and blends into the rubber handgrip. To activate it, you rotate it downward. It’s much less handy than a button you press together with your thumb. It’s not arduous to make use of, however may be a little difficult to make use of at a second’s discover.
Lectric lists a vary of 15 miles utilizing solely the throttle—the identical vary utilizing the Level 5 pedal help. This vary was near my first 14 miles earlier than the battery died on me. Lectric lists an prolonged 40 miles of distance at a Level 1 pedal help, which is a velocity of 6 to 7 miles per hour. That’s a nice quantity, besides 6 mph is fairly gradual.
The electrical vary will solely be a issue relying on the bike’s function. At full velocity, you’ll be able to actually solely count on to journey about 7 miles, a method. If you propose on carrying the charger or an additional battery, you could possibly double that.
![Lectric XP Lite](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2035960/lectric-xp-lite.jpg?w=790&f=afdc1db5da04a6da9db16301a0139ee2)
Tyler Hayes
If you’ll be able to keep within the first two ranges of pedal help, the XP Lite gives a nice vary. For me, there are too many hills the place I’m situated to journey a single gear bike with solely minimal electrical help. Regardless of specifics, nevertheless, I do not assume most individuals particularly shopping for an e-bike will spend a lot time within the decrease ranges. The candy spot might be Level 3, with a acknowledged vary of twenty-two miles.
Interestingly, regardless that the battery is detachable, it will possibly solely be charged whereas within the bike. Also, a spare battery will run you about $250 for the XP Lite. A entrance mild comes with the bike and may be toggled from the pedal help controls. The mild will likely be indicated on the big LCD display.
While the knowledge display is not contact succesful, I do like its look. The display shows a lot of useful metrics unexpectedly at a snug studying dimension. There’s no cell app that connects to the bike, however I’m OK with that. In basic, I do not assume many e-bike companion apps present sufficient utility. Overall, I feel the XP Lite does a good job of balancing its options with its worth.
![Lectric XP Lite](https://d.newsweek.com/en/full/2035954/lectric-xp-lite.jpg?w=790&f=24b8496de42fae34d563f14fdb9d0a93)
Tyler Hayes
Should You Buy the Lectric XP Lite?
Even should you by no means fold the Lectric XP Lite, it is nonetheless value contemplating. It’s a succesful e-bike and a nice worth at $799. I feel its pedal help is clean and makes most rides simple to deal with.
One of the most important advantages of a bike that folds, nevertheless, is the flexibility to pack it in a automobile’s trunk. This makes it sensible to take a bike locations you usually would not be capable of. Even although I’ve a bike rack, it is type of a ache to placed on and take off repeatedly. I might be extra prone to fold up the XP Lite to stay in my small SUV’s trunk.
I want the Lectric XP Lite had a little extra vary at high velocity, however so long as you recognize that restrict entering into, that is a actually nice bike that is additionally electrical and foldable.
Buy at Lectric for $799.
Newsweek could earn a fee from hyperlinks on this web page, however we solely suggest merchandise we again. We take part in varied internet online affiliate marketing packages, which suggests we could receives a commission commissions on editorially chosen merchandise bought by our hyperlinks to retailer websites.