I rode the unique Lectric XP electric bike for six months in the course of the pandemic in 2020. It was a salve, a approach to really feel the breeze on my face throughout quarantine and go farther than common with out hopping on public transportation. I’ve a little bit of a mushy spot for it. Lectric’s intention was to ship a foldable, highly effective fat-tire ebike for beneath $1,000, and that is nonetheless true with model 3.0 of the XP three years later.
I’ve seen extra Lectric ebikes right here in New York Metropolis than I can rely. I get it—the Lectric XP is among the most affordable foldable ebikes, and it comes with lots of extras. I would nonetheless by no means purchase it myself—I stay in a walk-up and do not need to take care of such a heavy, cumbersome factor. That does not imply I do not admire this chunky automobile. Within the third iteration, Lectric has made some small however good tweaks to the system, leading to a extra refined and useful fat-tire ebike that is nonetheless enjoyable to journey.
XP Achieve
I examined the usual Lectric XP, however as common there is a Step-Thru model if you need a neater time clambering onto the seat. A lot of what I mentioned in my evaluate of the Lectric XP 1.0 is identical for the XP 3.0. This factor comes fully assembled, so all it is advisable to do is take it out of the field and unfold it. It is nonetheless freakin’ heavy (in reality, it is 1 pound heavier at 64 kilos), however I discovered it simpler to unfold than the cheaper and lighter Lectric XP Lite—the hinge is so much smoother.
It is nonetheless annoying to maneuver and carry. I want there was a approach to affix the tires to one another when the Lectric is folded up, à la the Montague ME-1, which has tires that may be hooked collectively in order that the entire ebike can roll round like a trolley. The XP 3.0 is cumbersome, so carrying it’s a ache even with the steel deal with close to the seat submit. There’s nearly at all times one thing jabbing my legs as I stroll down my steps.
Be sure to select the Elite Bundle whenever you purchase, because it comes with a bigger seat, suspension seat submit, bike lock, and Elite headlight. These are all actually useful equipment. As a 6’4″ man, I a lot favor the enormous seat over the unique saddle; it is extra snug. That is my first time making an attempt a suspension seat submit, and think about me a convert. It makes these sudden bumps on the street simpler on the butt. The headlight will get pretty vibrant, although its place tends to maneuver round if the roads are tough, so you’ll have to readjust it occasionally. I admire the choice to put in storage for the included bike lock, although it was somewhat difficult with the slim area on the body. At the very least I needn’t deliver a bag to hold the lock.
Three years on and I am nonetheless not a fan of the way you energy the ebike. Lectric makes you stick a key into the underside body of the downtube. Twist it to show the battery on to be able to press the ability button on the handlebar and produce the XP 3.0 to life. In the event you plan to park it open air usually, the important thing additionally unlocks the battery, permitting you to take it indoors for security and recharging. I simply hate continuously having to succeed in the underside of the body. Do you assume James Bond can be hunting for the keyhole earlier than he hopped on a bike? So uncool.
{Photograph}: Lectric
