From practically the moment that Phoenix-based electrical bicycle startup Lectric Bikes first unveiled the Lectric XP last year, the reasonably priced little folding e-bike rocketed to the forefront of the finances e-bike market. And now that the corporate has added the Lectric XP Step-Thru because the second mannequin within the lineup, much more riders are discovering the enjoyment of an e-bike that gives massive thrills for a small value.
After spending time driving the $899 Lectric XP Step-Thru for this overview, I feel it could be my new favourite mannequin from Lectric Bikes because it’s much more comfy to make use of than the unique Lectric XP.
Let’s begin with the tech specs so you may get an concept of what you’ll discover on this e-bike. Should you’re already conversant in the usual body Lectric XP, you’ll probably discover that the Step-Via model shares basically equivalent specs. It merely presents a brand new step-through body for elevated accessibility and extra comfy mounts/dismounts.
Lectric XP Step-Via tech specs
- Motor: 500 W (800 W peak) geared rear hub motor
- Prime pace: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Vary: 25-50 miles (45-80 km)
- Battery: 48V 10.4 Ah (500 Wh)
- Cost time: 4-6 hours
- Weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg )
- Max load: 275 lb (125 kg)
- Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Extras: Giant easy-to-read LCD show with speedometer, wattmeter, battery gauge, PAS stage indicator, odometer and tripmeter, entrance and rear LED lights, 5 pedal help pace settings, half-twist throttle, detachable battery, rear rack, and steel fenders (rack and fenders included!)
Lectric XP Step-Via video overview
Seeing is believing, proper? So watch my overview video beneath to see the Lectric XP Step-Via in motion. Then maintain studying for my full ideas on this superior little deal-of-an-e-bike!
Lectric XP Step-Via folding e-bike: The important thing factors
Look, I’m going to put out the primary level of this bike right here pretty merely: The Lectric XP Step-Via (and the usual Lectric XP, for that matter) isn’t designed to be a top-of-the-line e-bike. There’s precisely nothing concerning the bike that will be thought-about premium.
And but the bike remains to be an amazingly enjoyable experience with its thrilling efficiency.
So what provides?
Basically, the Lectric XP Step-Via is an e-bike with all the suitable compromises. It presents a strong 800W peak-rated motor and a prime pace of 28 mph (45 km/h) once you add a little bit of pedal energy, or a decrease prime pace of 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle solely.
And with these fats tires, it’s enjoyable for driving on each pavement and off-road trails — or simply reducing proper throughout the park.
But it surely does make good compromises, like with a considerably smaller battery. At 500 Wh, the battery capability is round common or perhaps a bit beneath common compared to much of the industry.
For many leisure riders, that’s nonetheless loads of capability. I discover that I can get round 20 miles (32 km) of vary when pushing it laborious, or greater than that after I experience simpler or add in some pedal help.
Subsequent, there’s no suspension. So don’t count on to do any spectacular jumps. Or experience comfortably on rutted-out trails.
That doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t go away the manicured streets behind, although. I’ve carried out loads of driving on grass and gravel trails, however I additionally make a degree of lifting out of the saddle a bit after I see the path is about to get further bumpy. So whereas I do know entering into that I’m not getting suspension, the reminder that this e-bike solely prices $899 soothes my issues. And additional air quantity in these fats tires soothes my behind.
Lastly, not one of the parts are tremendous good. You get easy Tektro brakes, easy Shimano 6-speed transmission, and a easy Shimano SIS shifter. That is all lower-tier stuff, nevertheless it all works completely high-quality. If I used to be a contest rider, I’d must improve. But when I simply need to have an pleasant experience on an e-bike with “adequate” high quality components, that is the ticket proper right here.
So whereas compromises have been made, all of them appear to have been made in the suitable locations to protect sufficient high quality, consolation, and worth to make this a severely superior e-bike.
It’s quick and highly effective, it could possibly experience on assorted terrain with these huge tires, and it folds for straightforward stowage in a trunk, RV, boat, or wherever else it’s essential stuff a motorbike.
You even get an included rear rack, full steel fenders, and a pair of entrance and rear LED lights — all components that may typically value further on different finances e-bikes!
And for these apprehensive about legality points, if 28 mph (45 km/h) speeds aren’t allowed in your space, you’ll be able to simply restrict the bike again right down to Class 2 speeds of 20 mph (32 km/h).
In truth, it comes programmed in Class 2 mode, and it’s as much as the rider to unlock the Class 3 prime pace if she or he chooses.
The underside line
The underside line is that this: I don’t know the way anybody can beat the Lectric XP Step-Via at this value. It brings the entire identical worth of the unique Lectric XP, but drops the body even decrease to make it simpler and extra comfy to mount.
There’s nonetheless a spot on the market for premium electrical bicycles. I own one and I love it. It provides me options and parts I don’t have on the Lectric XP. However at 3 times the worth, it’s not for everybody.
The Lectric XP, however, is a superb entry into the world of electrical bikes for anybody that wishes a high-performance e-bike and not using a excessive price ticket.
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