Lectric XP 3.0

The Lectric XP 3.0 is the latest version of the brand’s original flagship folding e-bike and among the most talked about folding bikes online.

Instead of releasing an XP 4.0, Lectric updated the 3.0, adding hydraulic brakes and fine-tuning the motor’s performance.

In this review, we will put the latest XP 3.0 to the test to see if it lives up to the hype. Keep reading to see what this popular bike is capable of and how the newly upgraded hydraulic brakes perform.

What Is the Lectric XP 3.0?

The XP 3.0 is a folding commuter e-bike, a category loaded with options and one of the most popular for urban travel.

Lectric has built on the successes of its previous models, upgrading and changing components to improve performance while maintaining its noteworthy value.

The upgraded XP 3.0 has hydraulic brakes, a more powerful motor, and improved controller programming over the model’s original release.

The ride is smooth and comfortable, thanks to the 3″ tires, suspension seatpost, and 50mm suspension fork. This bike also has all the accessories required for commuting.

The feature-rich design and low price make the Lectric XP 3.0 stand out in a crowded segment.

Pros

Comfortable Ride Quality

The Lectric XP is very comfortable. I was immediately impressed with how pleasant it was to ride and pedal, given it’s a folding bike, which can have poor geometries and pedaling positions.

The XP 3.0 feels like a regular bike when riding. It has good adjustability in both the seatpost and stem, which allows the rider to find a comfortable position. This also helps the bike fit a wide range of heights.

The suspension fork, suspension seatpost, and 3″ tires deliver a comfortable ride on paved roads and light dirt paths, soaking up vibrations from bumps, potholes, and small curbs.

Accessories

Lectric includes a full set of accessories with the XP 3.0. It has everything needed for commuting, including fenders, lights, and a rear rack.

The rear rack can accommodate up to 150lb and is compatible with a range of accessories, including a passenger seat kit (included with our test model).

Lectric currently offers its “Go Package” for free with the XP 3.0. It includes an extra-bright “Elite” headlight, a phone mount, and a portable folding lock. However, this may not always be included.

Pricing and Value

Lectric’s XP 3.0 offers excellent value. The features, performance, and build quality together outperform the entry-level pricing. The company includes free accessory kits from time to time, like those mentioned above, to increase the value offering further.

Given that, it’s easy to see why Lectric XP 3.0 reviewers and owners rate it highly.

Cons

Braking Distance

The XP 3.0 recently received an upgrade to its braking ability with a change from mechanical to hydraulic disc brakes. However, the stopping distance is still longer than average.

Better for Low Speed

The Lectric XP 3.0 ships as a Class 2 e-bike, and riding at 20mph feels comfortable and safe. However, at speeds above 20mph, the 20″ wheels felt less stable than I would like.

Key Location

The XP 3.0 is one of the only e-bikes we’ve reviewed that requires a key for operation.

If you press the power button without the key inserted, the bike won’t turn on. The keyhole is hidden on the underside of the frame beside the external wiring. I found it awkward and frustrating to insert.

The key also has to be left inserted during use, and while it’s unlikely that it’ll fall out, I couldn’t help but feel nervous with it dangling below while riding.

What Does It Do Best?

The XP 3.0 succeeds as an affordable commuter, offering practical accessories, well-rounded performance, and convenient folding. Urban dwellers who want a cheap folding e-bike should consider it.

It demonstrated solid performance in our range test and good acceleration, but its most notable features are the ride comfort and practicality. Overall, the Lectric XP 3.0 is very competitive in its class and price range.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

We recommend looking elsewhere if you don’t need a folding e-bike. Riders seeking high performance should also look elsewhere, as 500W motors aren’t ideal for extended hill climbing or very steep gradients. This utility-focused bike has decent performance, but comfort is the priority.

Conclusion

The XP 3.0 is a comfortable utility e-bike that impressed me with its ride quality and overall value. It certainly lives up to the hype, and after testing, it’s clear why so many riders rave about it. Anyone looking for a cheap folding e-bike for urban riding should consider the XP 3.0.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2 or 3
Warranty: 1-year
Battery Weight: 7lb
Total Weight: Claimed: 64lb – Actual: 68lb
Motor Brand: Lectric-branded
Motor Type: Rear hub
Motor Nominal/Peak Output: 500W nominal, 1000W peak
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V – 10.4Ah (500Wh)
Range Claimed: 17-45 miles
Range Tested: 25.05 mi – 1246 feet – 13.2 avg.
Top Speed: 28mph
Throttle: Yes – Twist-style
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 54.6V – 2A
Charge Time: 4-6 Hours
Display: LCD – Backlit
Waterproof Rating: IPX65
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 50mm coil suspension
Brake Levers: Hydraulic
Brake Calipers: 2-piston hydraulic
Brake Rotors: 180mm front + rear
Chain: KMC
Crankset: 170mm aluminum
Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Shifter: Shimano Tourney – TX-50
Freewheel: 11-28T
Rims: 20” aluminum
Tires: 20” x 3” – puncture-resistant + slime installed
Fenders: Aluminum, front + rear
Lights: Upgraded “Elite” LED headlight, integrated taillight
Grips: Rubber grips
Seatpost: Suspension
Saddle: Lectric sprung saddle
Handlebar: 25” wide
Kickstand: Yes, single-sided
Pedals: Folding – platform
Max. Total Capacity: 330lb
Rack Capacity: 150lb

Frame and Geometry

The battery is integrated into the frame and can be removed when the bike is folded. The frame, pedals, and handlebars fold, allowing the bike to fit in most car trunks or a closet at home.

The three-step folding process is easy. Start with the pedals, which fold up or down. Next, the handlebars fold down by unclipping the latch on the stem. Finally, release the frame latch to complete the process.

Unfortunately, there is no mechanism to keep the bike closed after folding, but a bungee cord would suffice.

Seat Tube: 14.5” (37cm)
Reach: 22” (56cm)
Stack: 26” (66cm)
Stand Over Height: 24” (61cm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 26.5” (61cm)
Min Saddle Height: 32” (81cm)
Max Saddle Height: 42” (107cm)
Wheelbase: 45.5” ( 1156mm)
Recommended Rider Height: 4’10” – 6’5”

Motor

The 500W Lectric-branded motor has a max torque of 55Nm and a peak power of 1000W. The power is impressive with a full battery (high battery voltage).

I enjoyed the acceleration and speed on flat pavement and found the motor capable of handling gradients of up to 16%.

Though performance was good at high battery levels, I found this diminished as the charge dropped. The top speed reduces to 16mph or below when the battery falls below 60%. This controller programming helps extend battery life but will also slow your commute.

Cockpit and Control

For the XP 3.0 to function, the key needs to be inserted. This is one of the only bikes we’ve reviewed with this requirement.

The key has two functions depending on how you turn it after inserting it: starting the bike or unlocking the battery for removal.

The cockpit is uncomplicated and easy to use. A large backlit display takes center stage, showing speed, battery level, pedal assist level, and an odometer. Owners can cycle through additional metrics using the control pad.

The control panel is a simple three-button touchpad. Holding the ‘plus’ button turns the integrated lights on and off. Holding the ‘minus’ button activates Walk Mode. Holding down the power button turns the bike on and off.

The XP 3.0 has a half-twist throttle on the right side and a TX-50 trigger shifter beside it. This is a beginner-friendly shifter that shows the selected gear.

Battery

The 10.4Ah internal battery is integrated into the frame and locked with the key. Lectric also offers a 14Ah battery, “Long-Range” XP 3.0.

The XP 3.0 hit 25 miles at max pedal assist in our range test, exceeding the brand’s stated range for its maximum assist level of 17 miles.

It’s great to see Lectric offering realistic range estimates, and I feel confident they are accurate after testing.

Charger, Battery Removal, Keys

The XP 3.0 must be folded to remove or install the battery, but it can also be charged via the external charge port on the frame.

Once folded, the battery must be unlocked with the key. Ensure the locking pin is disengaged so it can slide out. The key slot for locking and unlocking the battery is located on the underside of the frame.

Drivetrain

The XP 3.0 has a Shimano Tourney drivetrain. The 11-28t cassette and large chainring are adequate up to the Class 2 max speed of 20mph, but traveling at over 20mph results in ghost pedaling.

The basic shifter and derailleur result in clunky shifting at times, but overall, they should be functional for most users.

Brakes

The XP 3.0’s most recent update swapped mechanical disc brakes for improved 2-piston hydraulic discs with 180mm rotors.

Despite this upgrade, the bike demonstrated below-average stopping power during our braking test.

Wheels and Tires

The Lectric XP 3.0 has 3″ tires on 20″ wheels. These roll faster than the typical 4″ fat tires seen on these bikes and can still float over some looser terrain than a narrower tire.

The tires have some tread and are suitable for pavement or easy dirt and gravel paths. They offer good traction on dry terrain but can slide on wet surfaces.

However, the small-diameter wheels result in a slightly less enjoyable riding experience, especially at high speeds. The faster you go, the less confident you feel. Again, the XP 3.0 is most comfortable and capable at speeds up to 20mph.

Safety

The XP 3.0 we received has a very bright upgraded headlight, which is shipping with all models at the time of writing. The bike also has an integrated taillight with brake activation for additional safety. Lectric also chose brakes with motor inhibitors to assist with stopping.

Kickstand

The XP 3.0 has a standard single-sided kickstand, which I found slightly less stable than other stands with a larger foot.

Contact Points

Grips

The rubber grips are pleasant and cause no problems. However, they could slip on the bars as they are not locked.

Saddle

The saddle is wide and plush, with elastomer springs. I found it comfortable, and it didn’t affect pedaling in any way. Lectric also includes a suspension seatpost that adds cushioning, which you notice when you hit bumps.

Pedals

The XP 3.0 has standard platform pedals that fold to reduce the footprint further. These can be slippery in wet conditions because of their small pegs.

Accessories

Our test model came with an upgraded headlight, a rear rack with a passenger seat and hand, fenders, and a lock. These are just a few of the accessories available from Lectric. There are even more options available from the Lectric store.

The XP 3.0 has a range of attachment points for fitting the various accessories.

The XP 3.0 is a reliable and useful e-bike at a great price. It has a motor that produces more torque (than the 2.0), a drivetrain with more high-end, a rear rack with more carrying capacity, brakes with more power, a battery with more charge and a suspension fork with more travel. In our range test, we covered 33  mi.

There are very few e-bikes that are as capable as this. While I don’t rate the bike quite as high as customers’ 4.9/5 stars on Lectric’s product page, the bike was a blast to ride and one of my test passengers enjoyed it enough to want to stay seated even after I was done testing.

I usually stuck to level 3 and hovered around 13-14 mph… This netted me an average of 15 miles on a single charge. If your living situation involves a lot of stairs, I strongly suggest avoiding the Lectric XP 3.0. Still feels clunky to fold. It’s still annoying to maneuver… Otherwise, it’s a smooth ride… and it doesn’t break the bank.

The Lectric XP 3.0 Step-Thru isn’t just a great value; it’s a quality folding e-bike with performance that we feel exceeds the asking price.

I’ve reviewed a whole variety of electric bikes from premium brands and would place the Lectric XP 3.0 right there alongside two other very nice folding e-bikes, the Aventon Sinch, and the RadExpand 5…

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike.