Lectric’s Popular XP Lite Folding E-Bike Gets 2.0 Update At $799

Now that’s good timing: Just ahead of the pandemic, Lectric eBikes co-founders Levi Conlow and Robby Deziel designed their first electrified bike, the XP commuter, and quickly found market success as people itched to find socially distant activities – like bicycling. At the same time, e-bike tech and design were gelling nicely and Lectric had a hot seller on their hands with the XP, which the company claims is “the third most popular EV in America behind only the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.” Judging by the number of XPs I see on the streets of Portland, I’d say that’s accurate.

Since 2019, Lectric has grown and diversified its lineup but the XP remains, including the lighter, simpler XP Lite. Now, Lectric has updated the XP Lite with the XP Lite 2.0, which includes a number of improvements. I was able to ride an XP Lite 2.0 for a couple of weeks before the new model was announced.

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Overview

The basic ideas behind the XP are simplicity, affordability, portability and performance. The XP Lite 2.0 builds on those ideas with some improvements over the old Lite model while holding the line on price at $799 for the base version of the bike. My $1,099 review model came with a Gates carbon belt drive (+$100) instead of the typical chain and rear derailleur, as well as a longer-range 14 Amp-hour battery (+$200) for a claimed 80 miles of range.

The XP Lite 2.0 is a Class 2 ebike with pedal assist and a twist throttle. Top assist and throttle speeds are 20 mph. Because of the belt drive, the XP Lite 2.0 I received was a single-speed e-bike backed by a 250-Watt rear hub motor with a 500-Watt peak capability. Differences from the regular XP include regular forks instead of suspension forks, no rear rack as stock, no fenders and some other minor differences. All XP bikes feature a primary center folding point that allows access to the battery, fold-down handlebars that can also telescope in height, and a seat and seatpost that easily removes. The pedals also fold up for easier portability.

The XP Lite 2.0 features several upgrades over the previous XP Lite, including hydraulic disc brakes, a new color LCD display, more street-oriented tires for improved grip, a revised rear wheel dropout system, and a new BMX-style handlebar design. A small pod on the left bar controls assist level, lights and power, as well as LCD screen data points. My review bike arrived painted a natty glossy black. An LED headlight and tail light that run off the main battery are standard features.

XP Lite 2.0 Setup

Since it ships folded up, the XP Lite 2.0 arrives in a smallish box (for a bicycle) if you choose to have it delivered. Setup is largely tool-free except for backing out one screw to allow the battery to slip into the frame (customer bikes will typically arrive with the battery already in the frame). The wheels are already attached but the tires will need inflation.

Setup includes removing the easily recyclable cardboard packaging, unfolding the frame, slipping in and settomg the handlebars and seat, unfolding the pedals, and then closing the clamps and quick releases. Lectric XP bikes do have one quirk in that you have to turn the battery “on” with a key through a hole in the bottom of the frame rail – and then leave the key there while riding, much like a car. Don’t worry, it won’t fall out and get lost (and it comes with two keys). When the key is taken out, the bike’s electrical and motor systems are turned off. However, it can still be pedaled like a normal bicycle, so be sure to get yourself a good lock for security.

If you have any doubts about assembly, have a bike shop do it for you. It may cost a small fee but you’ll at least know it’s been set up to spec. But on balance, it’s a very simple setup routine and I had the XP Lite 2.0 ready to ride in 15 minutes.

Ride Time

For a small folding bike, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 thankfully “rides large.” By that I mean that even someone my height, 6 foot 1, with a 34-inch inseam, can comfortably pedal and ride the XP Lite 2.0, even though it feels a bit smaller than the regular XP (which is also a folding bike).

Part of that is due to the XP Lite 2.0 having a lot of latitude as far as the seat height goes, and also the adjustable height handlebar, both of which can be quickly adjusted with quick-set levers, no tools required.

The XP Lite 2.0 also includes a motorcycle-style twist throttle, and while acceleration isn’t brisk, it will get to 20 mph in the flat on its own accord in assist levels 2 and above. For maximum range, I suggest Level 1, which still supplies a fair bit of assist. Also, if you happen to run the battery out for some reason, it’s an easy bike to pedal unassisted, save for very steep hills. At that point, you could also fold it up and carry it. If you do have steep hills on your commute or riding route, consider the geared version of the XP Lite 2.0, which is $100 less but gives you the options out back for different ratios.

If your riding area is fairly flat, the Gates belt drive, while just the one speed, is pretty much silent, maintenance free and simplifies the drivetrain. You can use the assist levels like gears as need be. The XP Lite 2.0 rides well with good tracking on pavement and sidewalks despite the 20-inch wheels and no suspension; street tires seem to be a good match for it.

Riding the XP Lite 2.0 at 20 mph on the pedals results in a lot of RPMs for your legs. The pedal assist system will still supply assist power to 20 mph even if you “ghost pedal” at a slower rate. Or, you can just turn the throttle and enjoy the ride.

The new hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors are a big improvement over cable types, with better feel, better power, nothing to adjust and silent operation. In slow going, it’s easy to turn the bike while on the pedals and the smaller stature means the ground is close by for shorter riders’ feet. Unlike the regular XP, fenders and a rack are not included, but can be added easily enough. At night, the front LED headlight is quite bright with a nice throw of light down the road, and the rear red LED light is large and bright but just a marker only with no brake light function.

The new color LCD screen is an improvement over the old (and too bright at night) duotone display, and shows power output in Watts along with the usual metrics including speed, assist, odometer and trip meter. A clock function would have been nice, as would a bike bell as standard, maybe next time. Lectric does not use an app for its bikes, which is refreshing in some ways. Just get on and ride.

Conclusions

Overall, the XP Lite 2.0 is another solid offering from Lectric when it comes to price and performance. Having the option of belt drive is nice, but it limits pedaling dynamics to a certain extent and is best suited for flatter riding environments. The larger capacity battery is a good option for those that have longer commutes or rides in mind. The new brakes are a marked improvement, and the bike folds and unfolds simply and easily as needed — a real space saver for many people.

I would like to see a brake light function for safety, and every ebike should have a bike bell on it. Otherwise, the XP Lite 2.0 is a fun and easy bike to ride, and feels both well-built and solid going down the road. While it’s more of a dedicated commuter, the roomy ergos and adjustability make it a good general purpose fun machine as well, adding to its value and utility. Plus, in that glossy black paint, it’s a bit of a looker as well.

Highly recommended.

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