I rode the unique Lectric XP electrical bike for six months throughout 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 gentle spot for it. Lectric’s purpose 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 depend. I get it—the Lectric XP is likely one of the most reasonably priced foldable ebikes, and it comes with a variety of extras. I would nonetheless by no means purchase it myself—I reside in a walk-up and do not wish to take care of 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 method, leading to a extra refined and purposeful fat-tire ebike that is nonetheless enjoyable to journey.

XP Achieve

I examined the usual Lectric XP, however as common there is a Step-Through mannequin if you’d like a neater time clambering onto the seat. A lot of what I mentioned in my evaluation of the Lectric XP 1.0 is identical for the XP 3.0. This factor comes fully assembled, so all it’s worthwhile to do is take it out of the field and unfold it. It is nonetheless freakin’ heavy (in truth, 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 quite a bit 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 metallic deal with close to the seat publish. There’s virtually all the time one thing jabbing my legs as I stroll down my steps.  

Ensure you select the Elite Bundle whenever you purchase, because it comes with a bigger seat, suspension seat publish, bike lock, and Elite headlight. These are all actually useful equipment. As a 6’4″ man, I a lot choose the enormous seat over the unique saddle; it is extra comfy. That is my first time making an attempt a suspension seat publish, and take into account me a convert. It makes these sudden bumps on the highway simpler on the butt. The headlight will get pretty brilliant, although its place tends to maneuver round if the roads are tough, so you’ll have to readjust it from time to time. I admire the choice to put in storage for the included bike lock, although it was somewhat tough with the slender house on the body. At the least I need not carry 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 with the intention to press the facility button on the handlebar and produce the XP 3.0 to life. For those who plan to park it open air typically, the important thing additionally unlocks the battery, permitting you to take it indoors for security and recharging. I simply hate continually having to achieve the underside of the body. Do you suppose James Bond could be attempting to find the keyhole earlier than he hopped on a motorbike? So uncool.