Lectric XP4

Anyone who has searched for a folding e-bike in the USA has probably come across Lectric. The company has sold an impressive number of bikes, keeping the price of its flagship model, the XP, at $999 for several years.

The recently launched XP4 is the fourth generation of this popular e-folder, and we’re excited to be testing it. This review will provide a brief overview of Lectric and the XP4 and compare it to its predecessor, the XP 3.0. It’ll also cover the key pros and cons, discuss the bike in greater detail, and compare the bike’s performance in our testing against the competition to offer our assessment of its overall quality and value.

About Lectric

Lectric eBikes was founded in 2019 and has its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. Through its XP series of folding e-bikes, which helped lower the cost of e-bike ownership, the brand has become known for offering affordable, feature-rich e-bikes with a strong focus on value and accessibility. Lectric’s lineup now includes a range of models, from compact commuters to cargo and off-road options. We’ve previously tested the XP 3.0 and XPress 750.

What Is the Lectric XP4?

The Lectric XP4 is a fully equipped folding e-bike designed for urban commuting, RV travel, and utility riding. It builds on the XP 3.0 with several key upgrades, including a torque sensor for smoother pedal assist, Star Union hydraulic brakes with thicker 2.3mm rotors, an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, and a full-color, IPX5-rated TFT display with USB-C charging.

The XP4 comes either with a 500W, 55Nm rear hub motor and 10.4Ah battery or a 750W, 85Nm motor and 17.5Ah battery. Both are available with a step-over or step-through frame. We’re testing the 500W XP4 with a step-over frame.

Lectric chose a low-travel 50mm coil suspension fork and puncture-resistant 20″ x 3″ tires for the XP4. The bike is UL 2849-compliant, and the battery is UL 2271-certified. With this model, Lectric maintains its reputation for value and practicality with an improved folding frame, ergonomic cockpit, integrated lights, and accessories such as fenders and a rear rack starting from just $999.

Pros

Versatility and Ease of Use

The XP4 is a bike that’s easy to ride and operate. The folding frame allows it to be stored in tight spaces or transported in vehicles without the need for a bike rack. Lectric has made the fourth generation of its XP line easier to store by including a removable display, quick-release pedals, and a Velcro strap to stop the frame unfolding.

The bike’s user-friendly features and design make it a versatile choice. The bright, easy-to-use display provides all the essential information with simple navigation through clearly labeled menus. This is a major upgrade from the XP 3.0’s cryptic menu. The XP4 can also be configured for Class 1, 2, or 3, and the throttle can be removed for regions where they aren’t allowed.

The gearing works nicely, and the XP4 has a natural-feeling torque sensor with a well-balanced range of PAS modes. It also comes fully equipped with bright lights, fenders, and a rear rack. Our test bike included Lectric’s LevelUp rack expander, which makes it easy to mount accessories like Lectric’s pannier bags and “Buddy Seat,” as well as aftermarket child seats like the Thule Yepp maxi.

Hill Climbing

The 500W XP4’s ability to climb hills is impressive. It easily outperformed the comparison bikes in both the small and medium elevation hill climbs, even beating the 750W motors on the Velotric Fold 1 and ENGWE EP2. This makes us wonder how much faster the 750W version would be.

Price

Lectric has kept the price of the XP series at $999 for several years, and nothing has changed with the XP4. The base model starts at $999, and the XP4 750, which has a 750W motor and 17.5Ah battery, is only $299 more. I’m impressed with the quality and versatility the XP4 provides at this price, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

Cons

Battery Rattle

Finding fault with the XP4 wasn’t easy, but one unfortunate problem stood out from the first ride: there was a rattle over nearly every bump. After inspecting the bike and checking the bolts and components, I discovered it was the battery.

Over uneven surfaces, the XP4’s battery knocked around inside the down tube. This is annoying enough on broken or bumpy roads, but even louder off-road. It’s a common complaint with the XP4, and given that it’s easy to fix by sticking a small felt pad on the battery, we’re disappointed that Lectric didn’t do it.

Weight

While the XP4 is nearly the same weight as the previous XP 3.0, it stands out for being slightly heavier than most of the other folding e-bikes we’ve tested. The lightest aluminum folding e-bikes come in at around 58lb, with most falling in the 60 to 65lb range. At 69lb, the XP4 can be a bit challenging to lift and maneuver when folded.

The Lectric XP4 in Detail

The Lectric XP4 is Lectric’s popular budget folding commuter and fat-tire utility e-bike, designed for mixed-surface commuting, travel, and utility use.

Frame and Fit

The XP4’s folding aluminum frame is available as a step-over or step-through. Our test bike is the step-over. Both frames have the same stated rider height range of 4′10″ to 6′3″, with a total payload capacity of 330lb and a rear rack rated to carry 150lb.

The bike folds by collapsing the stem and handlebars, removing the quick-release pedals, and unlatching a hinge on the down tube, allowing the frame to fold in half.

Some notable frame features include a built-in carry handle and three sets of bosses for mounting accessories, as well as bosses on the integrated cargo rack. When equipped with Lectric’s “LevelUp” rack expander, as seen on our test bike, the bike easily accommodates a Thule Yepp maxi child seat and other accessories.

The frame is offered in Tempest Grey, Stratus White, and Raindrop Blue for the step-thru, and Tempest Grey or Pine Green for the step-over. The 50mm suspension fork, which has preload adjustment and a lockout, offers modest bump absorption.

E-Bike System and Classification

A common complaint with the XP 3.0 was the need to have the key in the battery lock under the frame in order to use the bike. The XP4 has a new side-access battery lock and includes a power switch for the battery, eliminating the need to insert the key beneath the frame to power it on. It’s great to see a brand addressing complaints from its customers.

The XP4 is powered by Lectric’s Stealth M24 hub motor. This unit has a nominal power rating of 500W, peaks at 1,092W, and produces 55Nm of torque. Pedal assist is managed by a torque sensor, which provides smoother, more intuitive pedal assist than most bikes at this price point that usually rely on cadence sensors. Riders can tune the power delivery by choosing between standard and increased torque multiplier. The thumb-style trigger throttle is mounted under the left handlebar, and the speed limit can be adjusted via the display settings.

The color TFT display is easily removed for tidier storage. It has a USB-C power port, easy menu navigation, and intuitive advanced controls.

Safety Certification and Weatherproofing

The XP4’s electrical system is UL 2849-certified, and the battery is UL 2271-certified. With IPX5 weatherproofing, the display and related electronics can be safely used in the rain.

Wheelset

The 20″ × 3″ fat tires come pre-filled with Slime sealant to prevent flat tires. The hybrid tread features a smooth center rib and more aggressive shoulders for use on light gravel and dirt. This smoother tread pattern replaces the knobby tires found on the XP 3.0 and reduces rolling resistance. The tires are mounted on double-wall aluminum rims, and both wheels have nutted axles.

Drivetrain and Brakes

The drivetrain is 8-speed Shimano Altus, with an Altus underslung trigger shifter, a 56t chainring with double-sided chainguard, and an 11–32t cassette.

Braking is handled by Star Union hydraulic disc brakes with two-piston calipers and 2.3mm-thick, 180mm rotors.

Cockpit and Touchpoints

At the front end of the bike, we have a 660mm riser handlebar with lock-on ergonomic rubber grips and a telescoping, collapsible stem. Quick-release platform pedals reduce the bike’s footprint when folded. The sport saddle is mounted to a long seatpost, providing plenty of adjustability for riders of different heights.

Accessories

The XP4 comes with fenders, a kickstand, and integrated lights that include a 90-lumen headlight and a taillight with turn signals and brake activation. Bosses on the integrated rear rack are designed to take Lectric accessories such as the LevelUp Rack or Buddy Seat for children. Optional accessories include a 5A fast charger, cargo baskets, pannier bags, a suspension seatpost, a lock, and Lectric’s Elite headlight.

Testing the XP4

The XP4 was a pleasure to ride throughout testing, and its performance was impressive, especially considering it comes with an unremarkable 500W motor and 10.4Ah battery.

Hill Climb Tests

Scooting to the top of our small hill climb in just three minutes and two seconds at an average speed of 18.9mph, the XP4 outpaced the four other folding e-bikes in this test. This showcases the 500W motor’s muscle, as it easily defeated not just the other 500W motors but also the 750W motors in the Velotric Fold 1 and ENGWE EP2 Pro. Also, the XP4 was 40 seconds faster than the XP 3.0, an impressive achievement considering they both have the same 500W, 55Nm motor.

The XP4 was equally impressive in the medium hill climb, again outperforming all of the other bikes in this comparison. It also climbed the hill 22 seconds faster than the XP 3.0.

Acceleration Tests

The strong performances continued in our 0–20mph acceleration tests, with the XP4 hitting 20mph in just eight seconds using pedal assist, between one and three seconds faster than most of the competition. This was an excellent result, matched only by the 750W ENGWE EP2 Pro. Once again, the XP4 outperformed its predecessor, cutting two seconds off the XP 3.0’s times in this test.

Range Tests

As many of the other folding e-bikes I’ve tested have larger batteries, we chose to compare the XP4 against regular e-bikes with 500W motors and 10.4Ah batteries. Despite the XP4’s impressive acceleration and hill-climbing speeds during these tests, it still managed good range for a 10.4Ah battery. And because it offers a nice spread of assist levels between PAS Boost and PAS Sport, it’s easy to extend that range without giving up too much performance.

The PAS 5 (Boost) range test result was impressive. The XP4 managed to travel just over 24 miles, beating the C11 and Retrospec by over a mile. The XP 3.0, with its less-aggressive motor output, lasted slightly longer.

Undeterred, the XP4 delivered a solid performance in the PAS 3 (Sport) test. The motor maintained a good average speed of over 16mph while extending its range by almost 15%. The 500W motor was working hard, though, and fell slightly short of the 35-mile range achieved by the competition.

Brake Tests

The Star Union 602 brakes felt plenty strong, and other reviews have reported braking distances in the 16 to 17-foot range, so I was expecting the XP4 to do well in the braking test. However, in our tests, the brakes easily locked the wheels, overcoming the grip provided by the smooth tread. I repeated the brake test five times, getting an average distance of 19 feet. The difference compared to other reviews may be due to the road surface I tested on or me weighing more than the other reviewers. This result is perfectly acceptable for safety and closely matches the braking performance of comparable bikes. It’s also a massive improvement over the XP 3.0, which needed 25.5 feet to stop from 20mph when we tested it.

Riding the Lectric XP4

The overall quality of the XP4 and how nicely it rides for a folding e-bike impressed throughout testing. With most e-bikes at this price point, the flaws are obvious, but we had to look very closely to find any weaknesses with this bike.

The XP4 seems well-made, and it’s easy to fold and assemble. The hinges lock securely, and there’s no excessive play. The frame felt solid, powering the bike to the Class 3 top speed of 28mph. The new power switch and side-mounted key make it much easier to unlock and remove the battery, and this eliminates the need to have the key dangling under the bike while riding.

The XP4 offers a great range of adjustment, with a long seatpost that will likely fit riders taller than the claimed 6’3” maximum. The handlebars adjust between 45 and 48 inches from the floor, making it easier to find a comfortable riding position. The straight-backed ride style is easy to get along with, and all of the touchpoints are comfortable.

The XP4 also handles well for a folder, feeling confident when cornering at speed and riding over light trails. The 20” wheels and long stem still give it that folding e-bike feel, but overall, it is stable and comfortable.

The short-travel coil suspension fork may leave something to be desired, but most folding e-bike riders aren’t looking for storming off-road performance. The fork smooths out light bumps and offers preload adjustment and progressive lockout. It’s not a standout feature, but for the laid-back cruising and commuting most riders do, it’s absolutely fine.

Another highlight is the display and its functionality. The high-contrast screen is easy to see and provides great info across three screens that are easily accessed by tapping the power button while riding.

Finally, the five PAS levels provide a good spread of speed and range. Boost mode delivers strong acceleration and hill-climbing power, and assistance reduces gradually through Sport+, Sport, Eco+, and Eco. It’s easy to maintain 16 to 17mph in Sport mode, extending range while providing power when needed. Eco and Eco+ provide much lighter assistance suitable for getting more exercise or maximizing range on flat terrain.

Conclusion

The Lectric XP4 delivers a blend of performance, features, and affordability that’s hard to beat in the folding e-bike category. Smooth pedal assist, customizable top speed, and upgraded display make this bike far more refined than its predecessor.

The hill-climb and acceleration tests show the XP4 can outperform even more powerful competitors. The build quality and included accessories add to its real-world practicality.

The rattling battery and above-average weight detract slightly from an otherwise well-executed package. With a starting price of $999 that’s unlikely to change any time soon, the XP4 lives up to Lectric’s claims by raising the bar in the budget e-bike space and offering exceptional value for commuters, RV trippers, or those who need a versatile folder.

Score Breakdown

• Build quality: 95
• Performance / Innovation: 90
• Design: 95
• Ride quality: 90
• Price / Value: 95

Overall: 93

Detailed Specs

Electric Bike Class: 1, 2, 3
Warranty: One-year limited
UL Certification: UL 2849 – UL 2271
IP Rating: IPX5
Battery Weight: 7lb
Total Weight: Claimed: 69lb – Actual: 69lb
Motor Brand: Lectric M24
Motor Type: Rear Hub
Motor Nominal Output: 500W
Motor Peak Output: 1,092W
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V 10.4Ah (500Wh)
Range Claimed: 50 miles
Range Tested (PAS 3): 32.76 mi – 909 ft. – 18mph avg.
Range Tested (PAS 5): 24.69 mi – 988 ft. – 16.7mph avg.
Top Speed: 20mph, 28mph
Throttle: Thumb-style
Pedal Assist: 5 levels
Charger: 2A
Charge Time: 6 hours
Display: 3.5” TFT LCD
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 50mm coil suspension
Brake Levers: Wuxing Star Union 602
Brake Calipers: 2-Piston Wuxing Star Union 602
Brake Rotors: 2.3mm, 180mm
Chain: KMC Z8
Crankset: 56t – 170mm Aluminum
Derailleur: Shimano Altus 8-speed
Shifter: Shimano Altus
Cassette: 11-32t
Rims: 20” Aluminum spoked rims
Tires: 20″ x 3” Lectric
Fenders: Full-coverage plastic
Lights: 90-Lumen headlight, rear light with turn signals and brake activation
Grips: Lock-on ergonomic rubber
Saddle: Lectric custom, padded
Pedals: Quick-release aluminum platforms
Handlebar: 635mm width – Adjustable stem height
Kickstand: Single-sided
Payload Capacity: 330lb
Rack Capacity: 150lb

Geometry Details

Seat Tube: 14“ (355.6mm)
Reach: 18” (457.2mm)
Stand Over Height: 24” (609.6mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 15” (381mm)
Handlebar Height: 45-48”(1143 mm – 1219.2mm)
Min Saddle Height: 29.5” (749.3mm)
Max Saddle Height: 42” (1066.8mm)
Wheelbase: 45” (1143 mm)

Folded Dimensions:

Length 37” (939.8mm)
Width 17” (431.8mm)
Height 29” (736.6mm)

The Lectric XP4 already offers a mix of features, specs, and versatility that few e-bikes at this price point can match. But with the upgraded XP4 750W, you’re getting even more performance and value…

It’s not perfect, and our testing has identified areas for improvement, but in most cases, we believe they are acceptable trade-offs for the price… Otherwise, the bike has performed well in the testing we have conducted so far…

While there are still some minor points, like the basic suspension and kickstand, the core package, especially when you consider that starting price, offers stronger value than ever.

Despite this gripe, the XP4’s upgrades, performance, and unbeatable price make it a no-brainer for urban riders, casual adventurers, or anyone wanting a folding bike that punches way above its weight.

No, the 750-watt M24 motor and torque sensor combo isn’t on the level that you get from a high-end mid-drive motor from Specialized or Trek, but is one of the better motors (and strongest) we’ve tested in this price point.

It’s definitely a calm, relaxing ride, but if you want it to be a little more aggressive, you can turn it into turbo mode and crank things up.