The best selling ebike in America just got better with its latest refresh and was able to do so without raising the price. The LECTRIC XP 2.0 is the most-sold ebike in the US. LECTRIC greatly improved on the weaknesses of their best selling XP 2.0 with the XP 3.0 and surprisingly kept it at the same low price of $999. The 3.0 may look similar to the 2.0 but a closer look and you will see there are some pretty significant changes. The XP 3.0 is by far my favorite budget ebike due to the components, ride quality, portability, and US based customer service. In this review, I will tell you what I love and hate about the LECTRIC XP 3.0. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP Step-Thru 3.0. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP 3.0.
What changed on the LECTRIC XP 3.0 compared to the XP 2.0?
- Built-in rear rack with larger capacity
- Ability to add a passenger seat
- More powerful motor with 55 Nm of torque vs 35 Nm
- Custom saddle for Lectric
- Larger controller 20 amps vs 18 amps
- Tires come pre-slimed
- 11-28T upgraded freewheel compared to 14-28T
- Better cable management
- Squishy grips vs hard grips
- Front suspension is 50mm of travel vs 40mm
- Larger 180mm brake disc vs 160mm
What I love about the LECTRIC XP 3.0?
- Great acceleration
- No delay with pedal assist
- Built in rack with ability to add a passenger seat
- foldable and portable
- US based after sales servicing
- Budget friendly
- Metal fenders
- Soft and plush handlebar grips
- Cable management
- Great pedal efficiency
- Suspension doesn’t bottom out easily
- Great stopping power
- Great hill climber
- Display can easily be read in direct sunlight
The LECTRIC XP 3.0 Rack is Upgraded
What is the weight limit of the rack on the LECTRIC XP 3.0? The rack on the LECTRIC XP 3.0 now has a weight capacity of 150 lbs. The new rack is welded to the frame instead of bolted on, making it a lot more universal due to the added weight capacity. You can now add a seat and pegs to the rack and rear to carry an extra passenger, something that the previous models could not do. There are also great options for storage bags if you happen to be a food delivery driver. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP Step-Thru 3.0. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP 3.0.Does the LECTRIC XP 3.0 have a torque sensor or cadence sensor?
The XP 3.0 features a cadence sensor just like the XP 2.0 but it is a good cadence sensor. We have tested a lot of ebikes with cadence sensors. Many have a huge pedal assist delay which can give the ebike a surging ride feel which can feel unnatural for a bike. I have not been a fan of the delay in the pedal assist on the 2.0, but I was surprised that the 3.0 doesn’t have the same delay. The 3.0 cadence sensor is a lot more responsive and makes the bike riding experience a lot more enjoyable.What size is the motor on the LECTRIC XP 3.0?
The XP 3.0 features a 500-watt motor with 55 Nm of torque. The XP 3.0 motor is the same watt size as the XP 2.0, but it offers 20 more Nm of torque. I can feel a huge difference in the acceleration curve when starting and going up steep hills. I am surprised that LECTRIC can offer such a powerful motor on a budget ebike. We have ridden ebikes with 1000-watt motors that have a slower acceleration curve than the 500-watt motor on the LECTRIC XP 3.0. Be careful when making selections based on motor watt ratings because they can be deceiving.What is the suspension travel on the LECTRIC XP 3.0?
The XP 3.0 features 50mm of suspension travel in the front. You can lock it out and adjust the preload. I love the much improved suspension on the LECTRIC XP 3.0 and it doesn’t bottom out under my 200 lb. frame. The XP 2.0 suspension was lackluster and would bottom out anytime I went off a curb making a clanking noise. The 3.0 suspension is of higher quality and doesn’t have any clanking noises as it eats up cracks and crevices on the road.The LECTRIC XP 3.0 Will Have Fewer Flat Tires
LECTRIC is now putting slime in all their bike tires before shipping them to customers. I think it is smart for LECTRIC to put slime in the tires because it helps prevent flats and helps the tubes hold air longer. You will still want to check your PSI as soon as you receive the bike and weekly to ensure correct tire pressure. A properly inflated tire is the best way to prevent flats which can be a real buzz kill.What type of brakes are on the LECTRIC XP 3.0?
The LECTRIC XP 3.0 features mechanical disc brakes with a 180mm brake disc. The brake disc on the 3.0 is 20mm bigger compared to the 160mm brake disc on the 2.0. The larger size brake disc helps increase stopping power. The mechanical brake discs on the LECTRIC XP 3.0 work great and offer plenty of stopping power.Where is the company LECTRIC based out of?
LECTRIC’s headquarter is in Phoenix, Arizona. I had a chance to sit down with their customer service manager when I attended media day for the XP 3.0 release and was blown away by their after-sales servicing setup. Most budget friendly ebike companies are utilizing overseas customer service from the Philippines, China, India, and Central America. LECTRIC’s entire customer service team is in Phoenix and works at their headquarters. LECTRIC gives their employees full benefits and gives them 2 bikes as soon as they start working. I love that the service team gets bikes from day one to have fun on them and get to know the bikes. I find a lot of PEV companies have customer service members who have never ridden the product. Jimmy and I often hear complaints about PEV companies failing to offer good after-sales servicing, but we never hear that about LECTRIC. It helps that the customer service team is well trained, happy, and quick to respond. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP Step-Thru 3.0. Click here for the current pricing on the LECTRIC XP 3.0.What I hate about the LECTRIC XP 3.0?
- Front light needs an upgrade
- Smaller battery
- Key has to remain in the bike while in use
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Black and white display