REVIEW – Fads come and go in life, bear in mind JNCO denims? As a lifelong bicycle rider and former bike mechanic throughout school, you see fads come and go within the bike business as effectively. I noticed electrical bikes as the brand new air fryer. Everyone seems to be making one however my microwave, toaster oven, and regular bikes all work nice so why do I would like one? Let’s see if the Lectric XP Lite can change my thoughts.

What’s it?

The Lectric XP Lite is Phoenix, AZ-based Lectric’s lightest and least costly folding electrical bike providing 300W of energy to propel you as much as 20mph with as much as 40+ miles of vary. It’s a single-speed, battery-in-frame design that weighs in at a scant 46 lbs with the battery.

What’s within the field?

• Lectric XP Lite eBike
• Charger
• Guide
• Two keys

Specs

• Weight: 46lbs complete with battery
• Battery weight: 7 lbs
• Battery: Lithium ion 48v 7.8ah with a 4-6 hour cost time
• Body materials: Aluminum
• Fork materials: Metal
• Max pace: 20mph
• Vary: As much as 40+ miles primarily based primarily based on weight load, terrain, climate, and so on
• Capability: 275 lbs payload
• Rear rack capability: 55 lbs
• Dimensions unfolded: 63 x 25 x 41.5 in
• Dimensions folded: 36 x 16 x 27 in
• Brakes: 160mm mechanical disc brakes
• Motor: 300W (720W+ peak) rear hub
• 5 pedal help ranges and throttle solely mode
• Class 2 Capabilities
• Vary estimates, throttle solely: 15 miles
• Vary estimates, pedal help: PAS1-40 miles, PAS2-31 miles, PAS3-22 miles, PAS4-18 miles, PAS5-15 miles
• Spare battery price: $249.00
• Drivetrain: Single pace 16 tooth rear BMX cassette, 52 tooth entrance ring
• Tires: Chao Yang 20 x 2.6
• Standover top: 22 inches
• Ingress Safety: IP-65, mud tight, protected in opposition to jets of water, restricted ingress permitted
• Seat top: Min- 28 in, Max- 40 in
• Standover top: 22”

Design and Options

I wished to attempt the Lectric XP Lite as a result of I used to be getting a folding bike for tenting and journey and I used to be truthfully inquisitive about electrical bikes because it appears they’re all over the place now. Lectric’s XP 2.0 and XPremium bicycles have longer vary and better payload capability however they weigh in at 64 and 75 lbs respectively which is numerous weight to pedal round and so they price extra so I made a decision to attempt the lighter and cheaper XP Lite.

The Lectric XP Lite folding ebike arrived effectively packaged and adequately protected with foam and cardboard. A paper handbook was included and it was refreshing to carry a bodily handbook when setting it up and there’s no app required which was additionally good since every little thing today appears to require an app together with air fryers. It’s endorsed to completely cost the bike earlier than your first trip and there’s a disclaimer within the handbook to have a licensed bicycle mechanic examine the bike earlier than your first trip.

I’d additionally advocate that as a result of I did expertise some points proper off the bat. The entrance and rear wheels weren’t true. The entrance a lot that I felt a noticeable wobble at 20 mph. The entrance brake pads have been additionally rubbing fairly a bit. Since it is a folding bike that’s shipped just about absolutely assembled there is no such thing as a purpose why this couldn’t be fastened with a great closing tune earlier than being shipped and I noticed a bunch of high quality management stickers on the bike and on the wheels so possibly the transport was somewhat tough or they only missed these two. Identical with brake pad adjustment. It’s a easy examine and simple repair earlier than it will get folded and packed up for transport. The handlebar alignment was about 2 levels off from straight so I fastened that as effectively. Not an enormous deal however I seen simply due to my expertise. The chain stress was spot on and the brake lever attain was excellent so every little thing else was correctly adjusted. All in all only a few minor changes however the rims although mustn’t have slipped via. 

I’ll say that for the reason that battery alone prices $249 you might be basically paying $550 for the bike itself and in that regard it is a nice bike. I didn’t count on a lot however was pleasantly shocked by the standard of the bike. The paint was good and clean and I appreciated the body being absolutely painted on the within within the battery compartment. The welds have been all clear and stable and I preferred the standard mild mounts and though nothing spectacular the drive prepare and brake elements appear effectively constructed and will maintain up wonderful.

To show the Lectric XP Lite folding ebike on you insert a key into the underside of the body and switch so the hot button is parallel to the body. Then simply lengthy press the ability button on the left handlebar management module and the display screen will activate. 

Going via the totally different pedal help (PAS) ranges from 0-5 was straightforward with the left hand controls + and – buttons and so long as the PAS stage is above 0 you’ll be able to twist the throttle to get some additional energy at any time. The ability did kick in easily and I didn’t really feel any jerkiness in the course of the transitions. The ability button additionally permits you to cycle via the odometer, Journey A, voltage, present, and journey timer.   

There are 21 complete settings you’ll be able to modify by urgent the + and – buttons concurrently. This allows you to change the display screen brightness, distance items, tire measurement, and so on however Lectric solely gives definitions for 10 of these settings within the handbook. They advocate not adjusting the 11 which can be excluded for security causes.

I’m 6 ft tall and weigh 195 lbs. I usually trip a 19” body which is a big measurement body for a mountain bike with 29” tires however I didn’t really feel cramped on this bike for the reason that seat put up has 12” of adjustment. The handlebar top can also be adjustable by 4.5”. The motor by no means felt slowed down even carrying me and a backpack with water, bike lock, and munchies; the bike nonetheless felt fairly nimble and maneuverable. 

The one pace drivetrain is straightforward which reduces upkeep and weight in comparison with a multi gear setup. I discovered I may cruise at round 16mph on flat terrain with the one pace gearing. If I went up a hill I may simply activate the pedal help or twist the throttle to get the additional energy wanted. With that capability additional gears aren’t actually needed.

The general efficiency of the Lectric XP Lite folding ebike was nice and on a 30 mile journey I left it in PAS 1 primarily for the primary half however did cycle via the totally different ranges as much as PAS 5 to get a really feel for them. Doing that I used only one bar of battery. On the 15 mile journey again I used numerous throttle and PAS 4 to see how a lot battery it might deplete and once I bought again I nonetheless had 7 bars out of 10 left so not unhealthy in any respect. I discovered PAS 4 essentially the most sensible help stage as I may pedal together with it to keep up 20mph very simply. PAS 5 wished to help a lot that once I tried to pedal there was no resistance so I didn’t use it very a lot. On the greater ranges as effectively if you pedal you want to be prepared for the sudden surge of energy. I forgot I used to be in PAS 4 and began pedaling in a flip and the abrupt help nearly brought on me to wipe out. You’ll be able to modify how robust the motor comes on within the settings and what number of rotations it takes to kick in so you’ll be able to wonderful tune to your liking which is good.

What I like

• Simple to make use of controls
• Nice vary and energy choices
• Looks like a traditional bike

What I’d change

• Add water bottle braze ons (minor gripe however proper on the highest of the downtube would have been an ideal spot)

Remaining ideas

At $799 the Lectric XP Lite folding ebike is cheap and enjoyable. I like the straightforward single pace setup and though somewhat heavier than a traditional bike it’s fairly mild for an electrical. As a former bicycle mechanic, I’m extra important on the subject of reviewing bikes however I believe the Lectric XP Lite is a good possibility for these desirous to dip a toe within the electrical bike fad with out spending a fortune and in case you are searching for a folding bike for downtown residing or RVing it is a nice possibility. Kudos to Lectric for producing a stable folding electrical bike below $1,000. I could should get an air fryer now.

Value: $799 with free transport
The place to purchase: Lectric web site
Supply: The pattern for this evaluate was offered by Lectric.