E-Bike Overview
With its funky looks and great riding geometry, the Lectric XP Lite is among the best affordable foldable e-bikes on the market. Its 300-watt electric motor can get you up to 20 mph on the throttle (and faster downhill if pedaling!).
Though the lighter 48-volt battery provides less range than Lectric’s other models, you can still cover a big distance in a day’s riding when pedaling. And recharging the battery without removing it is easy thanks to the external charging port.
Reasons to Buy
The thinner profile tires allow you to wheel through traffic and around other street obstacles with ease. Being able to turn on a dime makes the bike ideal for city riding when you have to navigate sudden pedestrians in your path.
Another thing we like about this machine is its weight. At just 46 pounds, this e-bike could be used as part of a multi-modal commute between buses, trains, and cabs without putting too much strain on your arms. If you live or work in an office block, you might even feel comfortable taking it off the street away from potential bike thieves.
The XP Lite’s integrated lights and disc brakes are great for safety in bad weather and after dark. The disc brakes on 160mm rotors will slow you down safely in heavy rain, while the lights will enable others to see you when the skies aren’t sunny.
Things to Consider
Unlike many of the other models in the Lectric range, the XP Lite lacks a pannier rack. This could be problematic for someone who’s after a utility electric bike that can carry shopping or other loads without using a backpack.
When it comes to power delivery, the bike has no gears — that means hills will require you to adjust the motor power setting if you’re using pedal assist. Overall, this puts a lot of drain on the battery in hillier areas. This is not a bike for riding in San Francisco!
That said, this is a compact and fun little folding e-bike that will suit your needs in rain or shine.
