Lectric XP 3.0 Review: Clunky but Comfy Leave a comment

I rode the authentic Lectric XP electric bike for six months throughout the pandemic in 2020. It was a salve, a solution 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 tender spot for it. Lectric’s goal was to ship a foldable, highly effective fat-tire ebike for underneath $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 depend. I get it—the Lectric XP is likely one of the most affordable foldable ebikes, and it comes with a number of extras. I would nonetheless by no means purchase it myself—I reside in a walk-up and do not need to cope with such a heavy, cumbersome factor. That does not imply I do not admire this chunky car. Within the third iteration, Lectric has made some small however good tweaks to the formulation, leading to a extra refined and practical fat-tire ebike that is nonetheless enjoyable to trip.

XP Achieve

I examined the usual Lectric XP, however as common there is a Step-Thru model in order for you a better time clambering onto the seat. A lot of what I stated in my assessment of the Lectric XP 1.0 is similar for the XP 3.0. This factor comes utterly assembled, so all it’s essential do is take it out of the field and unfold it. It is nonetheless freakin’ heavy (actually, 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 rather a lot smoother. 

It is nonetheless annoying to maneuver and carry. I want there was a solution 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 metallic 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 you 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 helpful equipment. As a 6’4″ man, I a lot want the large seat over the unique saddle; it is extra snug. That is my first time making an attempt a suspension seat submit, and take into account me a convert. It makes these sudden bumps on the highway simpler on the butt. The headlight will get pretty shiny, although its place tends to maneuver round if the roads are tough, so you will have to readjust it every now and then. I admire the choice to put in storage for the included bike lock, although it was a bit tough with the slim area on the body. At the least I need not convey 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 as a way to press the ability button on the handlebar and produce the XP 3.0 to life. If you happen to plan to park it outdoor typically, the important thing additionally unlocks the battery, permitting you to take it indoors for security and recharging. I simply hate continuously having to achieve the underside of the body. Do you assume James Bond could be hunting for the keyhole earlier than he hopped on a motorbike? So uncool.