Even though we rarely test a bike model that changes our opinion of e-bikes, it does happen occasionally. Our evaluation of the Lectric XP Lite changed our perception of how inexpensive an e-bike may be while still being worthwhile to suggest.
I’ve been getting around on the Lectric XP Lite for about a month, and even though I have a much more powerful e-bike that costs three times as much, I can’t stop using the XP Lite since it is so enjoyable to ride and fits my basic performance requirements for commuting and going around town.
Although buying a first e-bike isn’t as difficult as buying a car, there are natural issues that individuals have. The key question for most people is: How much should I spend to buy a good e-bike? With the introduction of the new XP Lite from Lectric eBikes, we’ve found an e-bike that manages to come in hundreds below that mark while delivering a combination of function, quality, rider experience, and value that we can heartily recommend. For a while, we’ve thought of $1000 as the entry point for quality.
Lectric presently offers four different e-bike series, but since I know many family members and friends have inquired about e-bikes and don’t want to spend thousands of dollars trying them out, I was interested in learning more about the brand’s entry-level model. At a recent barbecue, I brought out a few electric bikes for the neighbors, and after giving each one a little test ride, they all gravitated for the Lectric XP Lite.
| Battery capacity | 48V with 4-6 hour charge time |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Lights | Front and rear are connected to the battery |
| Payload capacity | 275 pounds |
| Rear rack capacity (option) | 55 pounds |
| Brakes | 160mm mechanical disc |
| Tires | 20"x2.6" |
| Bike weight | 46 lbs with battery. Battery is 7 lbs |
| Folded size | 36 x 16 x 27 inches |
| Motor size | 300W rear hub |
| Pedal Assist | Five levels with the throttle |
| Range | Pedal assist: 40 miles. Throttle:15 miles |
| Top speed | 20 mph |
Lectric XP Lite: Design and Build Quality
The Lectric XP Lite was shipped in the tiniest box I’ve ever seen for an electric bicycle, and it turned out that there were no tools included. The bike comes completely assembled, so all you have to do is take it out of the box, unfold the frame and stem, raise the seat, fill the tires to the proper pressure, fold down the pedals, charge the batteries, and you’re ready to go. Don’t overlook this step since you must have one of the two given keys put into the bike in order to utilize the battery.
The bottom line of a cheap e-bike is extremely particular. Anyone with a job that pays a living wage can probably afford this e-bike. There are several of those available. The XP Lite stands out since it was constructed with sufficient quality by a well-known and reputable brand, causing customers in the e-bike industry to take notice of this capable yet understated machine.
Every feature of the bike is covered in detail in the owner’s manual, including how to change the handlebar height, remove the battery, raise or lower the seat, tilt the seat, and more. There are torque specifications for each bolt. Additionally, the details of display settings and functions are provided.
Usually e-bikes make an effort to include all the extras, including a rack, fenders, and more, as standard equipment on budget commuters. Lectric recognizes that many individuals merely want an e-bike for rides in ideal conditions, so he or she leaves those as optional add-ons.
The XP Lite is available from Lectric Bikes in four colors: Lectric Blue, Arctic White, Midnight Black, and Sandstorm. I got to try out the Lectric Blue model with the main frame’s retro color stripes from the 1980s.
A rectangular tube that can be folded in half makes up the bike’s main frame. From the front forks to the back wheel support, a robust aluminum tube runs the entire length. The latch is attached to a frame ring that surrounds the area where the bike folds. On the bottom of the frame, close to where the bike folds, is the key access.
One benefit of 20-inch wheels is that 160mm rotors provide excellent braking capability; hence, even though 160s might be damaged on motorcycles with larger-diameter wheels, they work well on the XP Lite.
The stem and frame are the only two hinged components on the Lectric XP Lite, and they are both tightly locked together by strong locking latches. Use the stem clamp to raise or lower the handlebars after rotating the stem up into position and locking it in place. Long lengths of time spent riding the bike are made quite pleasant by the expanded palm rests and very nice grips at the end of the handlebars.
A very cozy seat is offered, and it may be elevated to a very tall height. I was able to lift the seat higher than I felt comfortable with while still retaining a stable seat platform even though I am 6’1″.
On an e-bike, you’ll largely find all you need for a fun time, with Lectric skipping the rest to save money and weight.
On the forward side of the handlebars are levers for the front and rear brakes. On the left side of the display control pad are power, plus, and minus buttons. To switch on the LCD display and enable battery power for the hub motor, press and hold the power button. The pedal assist levels are managed by the plus and minus buttons.
Lectric XP Lite: Motor and on the road
The ride is then equipped with a more modest 300W motor and 374Wh battery while being constrained to class 2 speeds. Although the motor and battery are smaller than those in the XP 2.0, they nevertheless provide enough speed and range.
The XP Lite fared fairly admirably on our circuit test. I maintained an average speed of 13 mph on our one-mile no-motor lap, which is a credit to the bike’s low weight of under 50 pounds and how simple it is to ride without a motor. While that may not sound too useful, we have discovered that PAS 1 is very helpful for getting a single-speed bike rolling. It increased rather modestly to 13.3 mph.
In the middle of the front, there is a headlight that is quite brilliant. Although the tires are not very big, they are a little fat and contribute to the comfort of the ride. With my 250-pound body moving forward at 20 mph, I was able to stop within two bike lengths thanks to the front disc mechanical brakes, which stop instantly.
This Class 2 vehicle has a throttle and a 20 mph top speed. Practically, the maximum speed a rider might hope to achieve on a single-speed bike is 20 mph.
We saw slight increases in average speed in PAS 2, 3, and 4, but they were sufficient to be seen. Averaging 19.2 mph, the change from PAS 4 to PAS 5 was more than 3 mph. The PAS 5 lap we captured while conducting our XP Lite assessment speaks for itself. The smaller motor accelerates and maintains speed well up to the class 2 limit, so people shouldn’t discount it.
The Lectric XP Lite’s single-speed drivetrain has the dilemma of needing a gear that is low enough to make it over a hill and yet not so low that a rider can’t pedal fast enough to reach 20 mph since there is only one gear to take the e-bike everywhere it goes. Although there isn’t a perfect gear, a strong motor can make up for a single gear’s flaw.
The bike handles climbs reasonably well in PAS 5. In our hill test, it took us 97 seconds and an average speed of 11.2 mph to climb the coveted Hell Hole test hill. One of the more notable accomplishments of this inexpensive e-bike is perhaps the success of a 300W hub motor.
Lectric XP Lite: Battery and Range
The Lectric XP Lite has 48V with 374 watt hours, and it’s one of the smaller batteries we’ve seen. Lectric decided to go with the higher quality and added a 48V battery; yet, we frequently see more budget-oriented bikes spec’d with a 36V battery. Keeping a 48V battery on hand helps preserve some of the enjoyable acceleration because you lose power and speed with lower voltage.
With a folding bike, a lighter battery—this one weights just 7 lbs.—pays off significantly. It is far simpler to take up a bike that weighs under 50 lbs. than one that weights 60 or 65 lbs. Additionally, storing this e-bike is made much simpler because the battery is simply removed, allowing riders to carry both the bike and the battery in one hand.
We conducted two different range tests to get a sense of how the battery performs in real-world situations. Our test rider completed 35 miles in a leisurely 3:20 when we conducted our low-assistance range test in PAS 3 (where we could actually feel continual motor aid). Our test vehicle traveled 16 miles in PAS 5 at an average speed of 14 mph. That much range provides the rider with considerable freedom.
In addition, the Lectric XP Lite is quick, strong, secure, and well-made. In throttle-only mode, I could travel 17–18 mph on flat ground and 9–10 mph up steep slopes. The bike reached throttle speeds of 12–15 mph up slopes with a little less gradient. Since there are no gears, I never desired to shift gears and instead focused on the excitement of riding the bike thanks to the amazing pedal assistance.
Lectric XP Lite: Conclusions
I didn’t have high expectations when I was told about this bike because of its low cost and collapsible style. Previous folding bikes worked OK but were a bit shaky for my weight and the speed I wanted to ride. Lectric, thank goodness, instantly caused me to reconsider, and for the past month, I have been recommending this bike to family and acquaintances. It is a pure joy to ride, and the vibrant colors and stripes from the 1980s transport me to a younger time.
The Lectric XP Lite has a zippy feel and is surprisingly nimble in urban areas, making it possibly the best-handling Lectric model I’ve tried to date. The bike’s handling and agile feel are both improved by a number of component choices, while some rider comfort has been slightly sacrificed.
The bike stopped quite quickly, which is an excellent safety feature for a bike that travels at 20 mph. The simple controls are clear and easy to use, and the display is big and very easy to read.
Lectric managed to maintain its superb folding structure and concealed battery. To ensure the bike performed effectively, they preserved the 48V design and combined it with an effective motor. The choice of a single-speed design with a belt drive not only made the bike more straightforward, but the belt drive also makes it maintenance-free and keeps the bike cleaner when a rider attempts to fold it. No more soiled chain stains on clothing or hands.
The bike’s welds look excellent, and no part of it creaks or plays; it was steady and reliable for the entire amount of riding I did. I appreciate that it folds up and fits in my car trunk because it has made it possible for me to ride it somewhere because my car lacks a truck or bike rack.
With the XP Lite, Lectric eBikes managed to reduce the cost of its most well-liked model by about 20% while still creating an e-bike that is secure, dependable, and adaptable. It is also less in weight, which is always a selling factor with folding bikes. It’s a noteworthy accomplishment that is simple to put away once the voyage is over.
Many people would benefit much from the Lectric XP Lite, and if you want to enjoy yourself while riding a bike, I urge you to look into it.
