How Do Electric Bikes Work?
Electric bikes seem to be the talk of the town. Whether you’ve seen your neighbors riding them, had your food delivered on them, or you’ve heard the buzz about them on your national and local news channels, there is no doubt that the eBike “revolution” is in full swing. As the buzz about eBikes only continues to grow, riders new to the eBiking game may be wondering: “How do electric bikes work?” Electric bikes really are the way of the future and can be beneficial to the environment, your health, and the greater well-being of city infrastructure. Let’s take a look into how they work!
Electric Bike Design
Each brand name and type of electric bike brings its own standards and benefits, but all of them include two important components: A long-lasting battery and a powerful motor. eBike batteries are typically removable and must be inserted while you ride to allow the motor to engage. They take about 4-6 hours to charge fully, and mileage ranges vary depending upon multiple factors including battery amperage, rider weight, terrain type, and more! Without a battery, the eBike’s motor would have no way of engaging, and the bike would function as a conventional bicycle. Motors for electric bikes can range from 250-1,000 watts. There are hub motor eBikes, as well as mid-drive motor eBikes, and each of them comes with its own perks and benefits. Regardless of motor wattage and type, the motor is the primary “muscle” of an eBike, and it is what gets your wheels turning from the get-go. In terms of Lectric eBikes specifically, co-founders Levi, Robby, and Brent each had differing focuses when it came to their core eBike design. Brent wanted an affordable price point, Robby wanted efficiency in terms of engineering, and Levi wanted the design to be accessible to the masses. They achieved all three of these focuses with the design of Lectric XP series!
Electric Bike Throttle
As simple as it sounds, riders who are unfamiliar with electric bikes often wonder “do you have to pedal an electric bike?” The reality with throttle-enabled electric bikes is that you actually do not have to pedal if you do not wish to. The throttle will allow you to propel your eBike forward with the twist of your wrist. By twisting the throttle, the eBike’s motor engages with a specified amount of power, depending upon how much torque is applied by the rider, and propels your wheels forward. Throttle-powered eBikes are great for folks who like to be able to take off on a whim or enjoy the feeling of riding a moped, and having the power of a 500W motor at their fingertips.
Electric Bike Pedal Assist
Another way for the rider to engage the motor of an eBike is by using a pedal assist function. With pedal assist, the rider controls the motor through their pedaling. You can think of this similarly to how the throttle works, but the trigger is pedaling instead of twisting your wrist. How does the bike know how often and hard you’re pedaling, you may ask? Devices called cadence and torque sensors inside the eBike motor measure how fast and how hard the rider is pedaling, thus providing the perfect amount of power to your ride. As in Lectric eBikes, there are often multiple levels of pedal assist, designed to provide the rider with the ideal amount of assistance that they seek on any given adventure. Pedal assist options make electric biking a great resource for riders enduring rehabilitation, struggling to make it up hills and tougher terrain on a conventional bicycle, or simply looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.
Electric Bike Classifications
When it comes to eBikes, there are three different “classes” recognized by nearly two dozen US states. Each of these classifications has to do with the two main electric power options on an eBike: Pedal assist and throttle. It is important to verify electric bike classification requirements before using certain trails, visiting national parks, and exploring certain cities! See below for an outline of each eBike classification:
Lectric eBikes2311 West Utopia RoadPhoenix, AZ 85027
Currently experiencing high call volume
Affordable and fun to ride, but heavy. Best for budget-conscious city riders
Tom’s Guide Verdict
The Lectric XP 2.0 is a fun and inexpensive folding electric bike, but it’s not without its flaws.
Cons
Why you can trust Tom’s Guide?
Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what’s best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
Battery: Lithium-Ion 48V, 9.6ah Max estimated range: 45 miles Max assisted speed: 20 mph (class 2); 28 mph (via change on display to class 3) Motor: 500W (800W peak) brushless geared rear hub, 5 pedal-assist levels; class 2 and 3 capabilities Gearing: 7-speed Shimano Wheel diameter: 20-inch Weight: 64 pounds (advertised)
When my father-in-law took the Lectric XP 2.0 folding e-bike for a test ride around the neighborhood, I could hear him hooting and laughing a block and a half away. It’s that kind of bike: It looks a bit odd, it’s smile-inducing just to sit on it, and once you figure out all the different ways you can go fast on this bad boy, you’ll be hooting and laughing too.
Lectric touts the XP 2.0 as a “full transportation solution and your gateway to adventure.” That’s a big promise, and the XP 2.0 looks outwardly that it can deliver on much of that. This unique folding bike comes with a suspension fork, big 3-inch tires, plenty of mounts for racks and other accessories, front and rear lights, and cable-actuated disc brakes. Adventure-worthy? I suppose that depends on what your definition of adventure is.
Still, the XP 2.0 outwardly has plenty of promise as a mobility solution. The question is whether it rides like one. Read the rest of our Lectric XP 2.0 review to find out.
Lectric XP 2.0: Price and availability
The Lectric XP 2.0 costs 1,100 and is available for purchase through Lectric’s website. According to the Lectric website, the company currently has a 2-week supply of bikes, which is pretty good considering all the supply chain issues the bicycle industry has experienced during the Covid pandemic. Lectric also mentions that all of its bikes come with a 1-year warranty.
Add-ons are available on the website as well. You can choose the comfort pack (Giant seat and suspension seatpost) for an additional 99, the Cargo Pack (front rack, small basket, and large basket) for an additional 149, or the Comfort Cargo Pack that combines the previous options for an additional 248.
Lectric XP 2.0 review: Design
The XP 2.0 folding e-bike comes in a standard frame option and a step-through option. I tested the standard option.
The XP 2.0 battery lives in the boxy down tube. There is a charging port on the left side of the frame so you can charge the battery without removing it. And a key hole is positioned on the bottom of the down tube; you’ll need to insert the key and turn it to activate the battery. The key stays in the slot while you are riding the bike.
The bike came in the box folded. To unfold it, simply push on either side of the joint. A silver lever on the drive side allows you to lock the two halves in place with a simple push. The handlebars then fold upward and secure in a similar fashion. You can adjust the height of the handlebars using the quick-release lever on the front of the shaft that connects the bars to the head tube. You can adjust your seat height with a quick release lever as well. It’s all very quick and easy.
Once it’s all set and locked into place, just turn the key, turn on the head unit, and pedal away. The user experience is quite good in that respect.
The 500W (800W peak) brushless geared rear hub motor offers more than enough pedaling assist in the Class 2 mode. In the Class 3 mode, it offers enough power to get you in trouble if you’re not careful.
In the pedal-assist (non-throttle) mode, there is a slight lag time between pedaling and the assist kicking in. A Shimano shifter lets you cycle through the seven gears smoothly and quickly; it’s a nice tactile experience, with a large lever to shift in one direction and a positive button to shift in the other.
Lectric XP 2.0 review: Performance
There’s no doubt the Lectric XP 2.0 is a blast to ride. The big, 3-inch tires allow you to rocket off-pavement if you want to, and because those tires are so balloon-like, they offer plenty of compliance to create a comfortable ride.
Which in turn makes the front suspension superfluous. In fact, the fork performed so poorly that I would say it’s a detriment to the build. I was able to whip through the entire travel very quickly and bottom it out (with a disconcerting clunk).
There are two ways to get a boost from the Lectric XP 2.0: pedal-assist, and the throttle. These two overlap somewhat and I’m not sure both are necessary, but the throttle sure does make this bike a lot of fun to rip around city streets. Of course, that also means you can overdo it easily, so be sure to get a feel for the power before you pull that throttle all the way back.
I prefer the pedal-assist mode, which kicks in as you pedal and gives you the boost you need to get up hills. There is a bit of a lag — about one second — between pedaling and the boost kicking in, which isn’t ideal, especially when starting from a dead stop (think stop lights). And once you stop pedaling, another second or so passes before the assist deactivates. You’ll need to stay alert when using the assist modes, because they don’t immediately respond to your pedaling input.
I also found myself without any assist at all at random times. The display did not indicate any errors or issues when this happened, and I’m still unclear why the power would just disappear. It’s possible I was overwhelming the battery by using the throttle too much, but if that’s the case, there was no indication on the display to let me know as much.
Using the handlebar-mounted controls for the display is easy enough. The display itself feels a bit crowded, but it’s easy to navigate and gives me all the information I need during my ride and then some. Reading through the owner’s manual opens up a lot of configuration possibilities that aren’t difficult to access on the bike.
The key location is a problem. You must find the key hole blindly, since it’s on the bottom of the down tube. It’s difficult to get the key in the slot, which I found annoying every time I went to ride the bike. Once it’s in, there’s no issue; the key stays in place. Of course, when I reached my destination, I often forgot to pull the key out. Out of sight, out of mind. A better location for the key would be a significant upgrade.
My test bike came with the optional comfort pack, but I never ended up using it. The stock saddle and seatpost felt plenty comfortable to me. I think that’s largely due to the massive 3-inch tires that you can tailor for comfort by adjusting tire pressure.
Lectric XP 2.0 review: Range and battery life
The battery has a range of 45 miles or more, based on how you use the bike (loaded, unloaded, what mode you’re using, etc.). And it charges fully in about 4 to 6 hours. It’s a Lithium-Ion, 48-volt, 9.6 amp-hour battery that lives in the down tube of the bike. To remove it, simply unfold the bike and slide the battery out.
I took the bike out for a ten-mile ride and used the highest assist level possible. I also used the throttle primarily. I burned through about half of the battery life in those ten miles, which is in keeping with the estimates given by Lectric in the owner’s manual. At lower assist levels and with less consistent use of the throttle, 45 miles or more certainly seems possible.
Lectric XP 2.0 review: Competition
At 1,100, the XP 2.0 is a great deal compared to some of the other folding e-bikes on the market, like the Brompton Electric (3,400) and the GoCycle GX4i (5,999). But the XP 2.0 is nearly twice as heavy as its competition.
That said, it also has a quick charging time, and two assist modes to choose from (class 2 or class 3). So it’s fairly versatile, and at the price, it’s hard to count the XP 2.0 out if you’re on a budget.
Lectric XP 2.0 review: Verdict
If you’re an apartment dweller and you want to commute through the city without a car, the Lectric XP 2.0 may be a good choice for you. Keep in mind, though, that this is no featherweight, so if you’ve got to hoof it up a few flights of stairs, the weight may be a big issue.
You could toss this in the trunk of a car pretty easily, which makes the XP 2.0 a fun choice for getting around town once you reach your destination on a business trip, for example. You could also get this on a train easily, though you wouldn’t be able to lift it into an overhead storage space. It wouldn’t fit up there anyway.
But my father-in-law’s hoots and laughs should speak volumes here. The XP 2.0 is a blast to ride, despite some shortcomings. I think Lectric could stand to eliminate the suspension fork, which doesn’t work very well and would cut down on weight anyway.
Ultimately, buy this bike if you’re looking for a fun ride around the city and you live on the ground floor of your apartment building. Skip it if you’ll be toting your bike up several flights of stairs.
Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, bike lights, and other bike accessories for Tom’s Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family.
Lectric XP 2.0 Long-Range Review: Quash Your Range Anxiety!
With a 45% more range and priced at just 1,199, the Lectric XP Step-Thru 2.0 Long-Range bike carries out the details from a reputable ebike brand. The Lectric XP 2.0 was already a folding ebike high on our recommended folding ebike list, but with the introduction of the Lectric XP Long-Range, Lectric now has everyone covered. No more range anxiety!
Read on for our Lectric XP 2.0 Long-Range written review or check out our video review below
Lectric Long-Range Review Video
The total weight of the bike with a battery is 64lbs. Without the battery stands at 57lbs. Designed for those compact travelers this foldable e-bike measures 37 x 18 x 28 inches. Unfolded measurements, this beauty is 67″ x 25″ x 47″. A bonus is the handlebars are vertically adjustable depending on your height.
Electric Specs
With a backlit monochrome LCD, the basic screen can be seen easily in the sunlight. Numbers are large and easy to see as are the odometer, voltage, and current trip. Holding down the and – pedal assist buttons at the same time will allow you to adjust the advanced settings. Be sure to always check the Lectric manual first if you are not familiar with these ebike settings.
Both the long-range step-thru and long-range high-step models boast 48V 14Ah (672 watt-hours) batteries (compared to 9.6 Ah on the 999 Lectric XP 2.0). And the range estimates are significantly different. Up to 45 mile range on the 9.6Ah on the standard Lectric battery and up to 65 mile range on the long range. Even more impressive is the 30-mile throttle-only estimate on the Lectric long range. The bike comes with a 2 amp charger so it will take a full 7 hours to charge up the long-range battery from empty.
This beaut has a 500-watt nominal, 850-peak motor, capable of handling the steepest of hills (check out the review video above). The ebike comes shipped as a Class 2 ebike with a 20 mph top speed either while pedaling or while using the right-hand twist grip throttle. The speed can be overridden in the advanced settings of the display to put it in Class 3 mode (albeit with a throttle). Be sure to follow all your local laws and regulations.
Lectric XP 2.0 Long-Range Components
Fat Chaoyang 20 x 3 tires are a nice part of this ride as they’re not too thin but provide more comfort that can help on the road. 160mm rotors paired with mechanical Tektro disc brakes. provide the stopping power. The bike comes with a rear rack but for more cargo capability you can add the cargo package for 149 at checkout. A Lectric branded saddle is included and provides a decent amount of comfort but a comfort bundle can be purchased for 99 which includes a “giant seat” (their words, not ours) and a suspension seatpost. For more options for saddles or suspension seatposts check out our popular ebike accessories list.
Both front and rear integrated lights are included on the Lectric Long-Range. Similar to other ebikes they offer increased visibility though the rear light could be improved upon. Mounts behind the seatpost allow for a folding ebike lock to be mounted, also available from Lectric. Check out Lectric’s full list of accessories available on the XP 2.0 Long-Range.
In the rear is a 14-28 tooth freewheel with an extra-large 52 tooth front chainring allowing the rider to better provide human power at faster speeds. A basic Shimano 7-gear thumb shifter that we see on many electric bikes controls the gears on the right. Finishing out the cockpit are the ergonomic grips, non-locking with palm rests.
Pricing: Lectric XP Long Range vs. Standard
The XP Long Range at 1,199 is only 200 more than the “non-long-range” or standard Lectric XP 2.0 model at 999. If you want to buy the battery standalone it’s 500 (299 for a 9.6Ah battery). Thus our recommendation is to purchase the Lectric XP long-range due to its better value if you’re worried at all about range. Note that the high step and step-thru batteries are not cross-compatible. Our suggestion: buy two of the same if buying multiple Lectric ebikes]
Conclusion
The Lectric XP original 2.0 has a 9.6 Ah battery that did not compete as well with the folding e-bikes which had bigger batteries. This meant if you wanted more range your only option was to purchase a secondary ebike or another folding ebike entirely. With this updated long-range version, however, it’s at top of our list for a folding ebike with the best overall value on the current market. Looking for more options from Lectric? Check out our reviews of the Lectric XP Lite and Lectric XPremium.
Lectric XP 3.0 E-Bike Review, 2023
3 Комментарии и мнения владельцев
We could hardly wait for our Lectric XP 3.0 review and it’s no mystery as to why. The XP 2.0 has been one of the most popular e-bikes in the e-bike world in the last year. The reasons why it has been so popular are easy to see. It folds up smaller than a dorm fridge. It’s more affordable than a vacation and more fun than a dog on vacation. With an e-bike that is so easy to recommend, what did Lectic Bikes do? They introduced its update: the XP 3.0.
In our Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 review we will look at the many updates the XP 3.0 received and what they add up to, as well as what they don’t—which is any sort of price increase.
The watchword for this e-bike and this review is “more.” Compared to the Lectric XP 2.0 which we also reviewed, the XP 3.0 has a motor that produces more torque, a drivetrain with more high-end, a rear rack with more carrying capacity, brakes with more power, a battery with more charge and a suspension fork with more travel. And for anyone who wants more range than the new battery offers, Lectric offers a long-range version of the XP 3.0 with an even bigger battery.
One big gain with the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 is the ability to ferry a kid to school, sports practice/games and playdates. Not needing to get in a car every time we take our kids someplace is a huge help for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint and be outside more.
Let’s dig into our in-depth review of the Lectric XP 3.0, along with it’s many updates. You can also click on the link below to check current pricing on the XP 3.0.
Pro’s
- If we were to sum this bike up with a single word, it would be “more.” There’s more of everything that made the XP 2.0 such a great e-bike, yet you pay the same price.
- The motor goes from 500W with a peak of 850W and producing 35Nm of torque, to 500W with a peak of 1000W and producing 55Nm of torque, which improves acceleration and hill performance
- The gearing has increased in range from 14-28 to 11-28, which also gives the XP 3.0 a bigger high gear, which means riders don’t have to pedal furiously to reach 20 mph
- While the brakes are still mechanical discs, the rotor size has grown from 160 to 180mm, which improves brake response notably
- Travel on the suspension fork grew from 40mm to 50mm, a 25 percent increase, which makes roads feel even smoother
- The rear rack has increased from a 75-lb.-max capacity to a 150-lb.-max capacity, which makes it sturdy enough to carry a kid.
Con’s
- Like with the 2.0 it’s still not possible to remove the key and ride the bike; they key has to be in for the bike to be on
- The grips on the XP 3.0 are better than those on the XP 2.0, but not enough to satisfy our previous criticisms of the grips
- Battery: 48V, 499Wh lithium-ion
- Display: LCD
- Motor: 500W brushless hub motor producing 55Nm of torque
- Headlight: Included
- Taillights: Included
- Peal Assist: 0-5
- Range: 45 Mi. Estimated, 65 Mi. with extended battery
- Throttle: Twist throttle
- Claimed weight: 64 lbs.
- Maximum rider weight: 330 lbs.
- Maximum load on rear rack: 150 lbs.
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors
- Fenders: Front and rear fenders included
- Fork: Suspension fork with 50mm travel
- Frame: 6061 aluminum, folding
- Drivetrain: 7-speed Shimano, 11-28 freewheel
- Grips: Rubber
- Saddle: redesigned, slimmer
- Handlebar: Allow
- Kickstand: Included
- Pedals: Plastic, folding, with reflectors
- Tires: 20 x 3 in.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Bike Overview
Shoppers who previously considered the XP 2.0 may wonder just how much it differs from the XP 3.0. Considering the XP 3.0 carries the same retail price as the XP 2.0, people may be inclined to wonder if the XP 3.0 is just smoke-and-mirrors different.
In short, it’s not. It’s a substantive improvement, enough that any rider who rode the two bikes side by side would find the XP 3.0 to be the superior e-bike.
If we strip the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 down to its barest details, this e-bike is impressive. It’s a folding e-bike that weighs 64 lbs., has a 500W brushless hub motor that produces a hill-conquering 55Nm of torque, stops well thanks to 20-in. wheels sporting 180mm rotors, has a high enough high gear to be able to pedal comfortably at 20 mph, a 50mm-travel suspension fork, a suspension seatpost to smooth the road and a rear rack that can support a 150-lb. payload.
Without knowing the XP 3.0’s price, we might be inclined to guess that it would go for 1299. That would be a fair price for anything this well-equipped. However, considering Lectric Bikes the XP 3.0 much closer to 1000, this isn’t just a nice e-bike that presents shoppers with good value; it offers an impressive value.
The Lectric XP 3.0 offers versatility as it can hit paved or dirt roads
The new wider-range email now offers the high-end to be able to pedal at 20 mph.
The new rear rack can support a load up to 150 lbs. to allow for a child passenger.
The Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 isn’t a perfect e-bike. That’s not a thing. However, Lectric has so thoroughly maximized value that when we consider the few details we would like to see changed, the obvious result would be to increase the cost of this e-bike.
We aren’t given to fawning, nor are we given to exaggeration. The fact remains that we don’t think this e-bike would be possible without placing a massive order with their factory. This must have been the mother of all purchase orders; we simply didn’t think you could shoehorn so much value into a folding e-bike.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Motor Performance, Speed and Acceleration
Arguably, one of our biggest criticisms of the Lectric Bikes XP 2.0, and some other Lectric e-bikes we’ve reviewed, was that its high gear wasn’t high enough to pedal at 20 mph. By the time a rider reached 18 mph, it was difficult to pedal fast enough to accelerate any further. Lectric has given the XP 3.0 a substantially higher high gear, replacing the 14t small cog with an 11t small cog. Three teeth may not seem like a big change, but it results in a roughly 25 percent higher gear.
Our one-mile circuit test features a hill that climbs 40 feet and four right turns. It was difficult not to constantly compare the performance of the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 to the XP 2.0. Without comparing, we can say that the XP 3.0 performed well with a noticeable increase in assistance each time we went up a PAS level.
Our initial, unpowered lap yielded an average speed of 13.2 mph. This isn’t a great e-bike to pedal without any assistance due to the small wheels and fat tires. Once we began laps with assistance our average speeds climbed consistently: 13.6, 15.2, 18.2, 20.7 and 21.1 mph. We found the gearing to be spaced at good intervals relative to the pedal-assist levels and the increased gearing range combined with the higher gear made it easy to reach 20 mph and above.
We also noticed that the cadence sensor is more sensitive than the previous one. Where it previously required nearly a complete rotation of the pedals to trigger the motor, now it takes about a half a pedal stroke. That may not sound like much but when starting from a stop it makes a big difference.
With the suspension fork, larger tires, and optional suspension seat post, the 3.0 is equipped to absorb rougher rides to make it easier on the rider.
The XP 3.0’s brushless hub motor got an upgrade in torque; the motor now produces 55Nm as opposed to 35Nm.
The optional upgraded plush saddle and suspension seat post combo is VERY comfortable, but a bit springy too.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Range Test Battery Performance
With its fully integrated battery, the Lectric Bikes XP 2.0 wasn’t the long-range king, but it did okay, considering its constraints, such as a battery fully hidden inside the frame. With the XP 3.0, Lectric Bikes pitches it as offering greater range. The XP 2.0 had a 460Wh battery, whereas the XP 3.0 now comes with a 499Wh battery. That’s not a huge jump, but it’s an almost 10 percent gain in capacity.
In our range test, the new battery extended the XP 3.0’s range. We covered 33 Mi. in PAS 2 and 23 Mi. in PAS 5. The PAS 5 result was a notable tick up from the XP 2.0. It’s a solid result for someone wanting to make quick work of their commute.
We appreciate that these numbers are modest, especially when considering some of the e-bikes spec’d with very large-capacity batteries. For anyone needing to cover substantial mileage between charges, Lectric still offers its 672Wh long-range battery, which it estimates will give riders up to 65 Mi. of range per charge.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Hill Test
The purpose of our Hell Hole hill test is less a test of absolute power than it is a test of just how much torque the motor produces. With a regular bike, the analog would be a test of the drivetrain to see if the lowest gear was low enough for us to ascend the hill. A motor that produces lots of torque is like having a really low gear.
On our hill test up Hell Hole the Lectric XP 3.0 made the 1-Mi. climb in 1:17, four seconds faster than the XP 2.0 and with the throttle it ascended in 1:34, a full 12 seconds faster than the XP 2.0. We attribute these results largely to the motor’s increase in torque, from 35Nm up to 55Nm.
Bearing in mind that this is an e-bike that retails for closer to 1000 than 1500, these results are very impressive.
The upgraded commuter accessory package (larger hedalight, suspension seat post, moore plush saddle, and a folding bike like) help the XP 3.0 feel like a daily commuter.
The clean cockpit features brake levers with motor cutoff switches, the controller on the left and the shifter on the right.
Despite being a simple LCD display, we love the size and readability of the XP 3.0’s display, particularly the energy bar at the top.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Safety, Brakes and the Brake Test
We’ve been redoing some of our brake tests because our previous protocol was more aggressive than we think would reflect a rider’s experience in the real world. In redoing our test of the Lectric Bikes XP 2.0, our results gave a distance of roughly 27 feet to stop from a seated position. Considering the XP 2.0 is equipped with mechanical disc brakes and 160mm rotors, it’s not a terrible result, but it’s not by any means a selling point.
With the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0, Lectric is still spec’ing the same mechanical disc brake, but they have replaced the 160mm rotors with 180mm rotors, which increases braking power notably. The difference was easy to feel at the lever and showed in our test by yielding a stopping distance of 22 ft., 10 in. A 4-ft. decrease in stopping distance is a real testament to just how much rotor size matters. We believe riders will be well-served by this change. Many of the changes from the XP 2.0 to the XP 3.0 are terrific value-adds, but the new rotors genuinely increase a rider’s control and safety.
One obvious question every potential buyer has regarding a folding bike is just how fool-proof the folding and locking mechanisms are. With the Lectric Bikes e-bikes, the spring-loaded latches snap into place. There doesn’t seem to be any opportunity to unfold the bike and have it hold its shape if the frame and handlebar mast aren’t locked into place. There’s no sitting on the saddle if it’s not ready to be ridden.
The warranty on the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 is one year on the frame, fork, all parts and factory labor. It’s a thin warranty as they go, but Lectric Bikes is by no means alone on this.
Regarding customer service, in looking at buyer reviews of both the XP 2.0 and 3.0, we don’t see any glaring issues that buyers are consistently complaining about and when people have had an issue, they praise the customer service response, even if supply chain issues make getting a replacement part slower than they’d like.
Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 Review: Ride Comfort, Handling and Cockpit
One of the only features we saw consistently criticized on the XP 2.0 was the saddle. Not everyone liked the shape or the padding. The XP 3.0 is equipped with a new saddle and we found it to be a more comfortable alternative. And while a better saddle is nice and certainly contributes to overall comfort, Lectric Bikes has taken bigger steps to increase rider comfort on the XP 3.0. There are two other major changes.
The 40mm-travel suspension fork on the XP 2.0 has been replaced with a suspension fork with 50mm of travel. Now, 10mm may not sound like much—it’s about the width of a fingernail—but it represents a 25-percent increase in travel for the fork. What this does is make the first part of the fork’s travel more supple, making the ride feel even smoother. It’s a meaningful change.
The new grips offer better hand support for more comfort.
The twist throttle gives fine control on speed for riders with tired legs.
Lectric’s locking latch for the folding frame is foolproof, so far as we can tell.
The XP 3.0’s 3-in.-wide tires feature a cushy ride and enough tread and traction to ride on natural surfaces.
The XP 3.0 is also spec’d with a suspension seatpost. Set up correctly, a suspension seatpost will only compress when the bike hits a bump, like going over a driveway edge or speed bump. The travel is short enough that generally people don’t even feel them move. They are usually adjustable by inserting an Allen wrench in a nut at the bottom of the seatpost.
One of our only points of criticism of the Lectric XP 3.0 is that the reach to the handlebar isn’t adjustable beyond raising and lowering the handlebar mast. Smaller riders may be frustrated by a reach that is long enough to keep larger riders happy. We would have less issue with the reach were this not a one-size-fits-all frame. Unfortunately, the standard frame and the step-thru version share the same reach; often, we can recommend an e-bike’s step-thru version as a way to increase comfort for riders who are smaller and/or less flexible.
The Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 is a very zippy-feeling e-bike. It’s nimble and is terrific at steering around kids and strollers on bike paths, not to mention dogs on retractable leashes. On the open road, it’s most comfortable between 10 and 15 mph; above 20 mph it can feel rather nervous and a bit quick-reacting.
The 20 x 3 in. tires offer a smooth ride and plenty of comfort. Running them at lower pressure—40-50 psi—can calm the handling and increase comfort, not to mention making the most of the traction they offer.
Lectric Bikes Review: Summary / Where to Buy
The Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 is what happens when an e-bike company makes an e-bike with massive appeal (the XP 2.0) and finds that they suddenly have more buying power with their factory. When a company’s order grows tenfold, their pricing improves significantly. Many companies would choose to take those savings and pass them on to investors as profits.
Lectric Bikes chose to move in the opposite direction and pass those savings on to the people who made them the success that they are—their fans. To our eye, Lectric Bikes accomplished something we didn’t entirely think was possible. We see very few e-bikes with a suggested retail price below 1000 that we are willing to recommend. Not only has Lectric Bikes produced a reliable and useful e-bike at a great price (the XP 2.0), they managed to increase how far their buyer’s dollar goes with the XP 3.0.
We appreciate any effort by an e-bike company to increase the value they deliver to their customers by spec’ing better parts. We’re not accustomed to seeing an update consist of a better motor, better battery, better drivetrain, better brakes, better rack and better comfort. We count eight notable upgrades to the XP 3.0 from the 2.0, which makes for a significant gain for the consumer.
Don’t get us wrong—this isn’t the perfect e-bike. We’d still prefer hydraulic disc brakes, a greater ability to dial the rider’s fit (in particular a way to adjust the reach to the handlebar) and the ability to remove the key from the lock when riding—that such a great bike could have such a easy-to-fix flaw proves nothing is perfect.
One word of caution for parents: The rear rack on the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 has a carrying capacity of 150 lbs., but the length of the rear rack is too short to carry more than one child. So while it can carry the weight of a 40-lb. child and a 60-lb. child, there isn’t room enough to carry two kids safely. It’s a minor point and not a criticism; every good product has its limits.
The Lectric Bikes XP 3.0 is remarkable for its broad-based appeal. Sure, it appeals to anyone looking for an e-bike that is easy to store. It’s also great for anyone needing to get around with a little person in tow. For the commuter who needs to get junior from an after-school program or sports, the XP 3.0 represents a chance to get some fresh air and save on gas. Thanks to the new higher gear on the XP 3.0, it is a more capable commuter as well, thanks to its greater ability to go 20 mph—or faster, should someone choose to ride it as a Class 3 e-bike.
This is also an easy e-bike to recommend to anyone on a tight budget. Perhaps the best thing we can say about the XP 3.0 is that it asks the question, “Why spend more if it’s not necessary?”
‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our Комментарии и мнения владельцев section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Lectric Bikes XP 3.0.
Lectric XP Step-Thru Spare Battery
NOTE: Riders should become familiar with their average battery use based on typical weight load, terrain, weather, and other conditions.
Product Specifications:
Compatibility:
Note: Battery Charger sold separately or with a purchase of an eBike
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
- battery
- bike
- Lectric
- rides
- range
- price
- delivery
- stock
- power
- company
Great customer service
Carried the battery “just in case” on a long ride. Regular battery lasted, great peace of mind.
Spare battery
I haven’t used it yet. I bought it because I don’t ever want to be unable to ride if my battery is dead!
Battery Back up
I purchased this battery as a back up to the one that came with my bike purchased in August 2021. This allows me to take longer rides with the confidence that I can return given that the original battery has some degradation. It was also nice that Lectric was offering the battery at a reduced price. Changing batteries is easy and while it does add some weight to carry a spare with you, it isn’t a big problem.