Lectric ONE Review, 2024
This high-tech commuter SHOULD be $5k. How is it only $1,999???
There’s ONE word (pun intended) that exemplifies this bike’s importance: Pinion. Next-level bike geeks may have an idea of what this means, but for the vast majority of our American audience, the word – and company name – will likely be unfamiliar, as the brand has traditionally equipped e-bikes from European manufacturers.
Pinion: Not Your Granddaddy’s Gearing
As crazy as it sounds, the costliest top-tier models combine the bike’s gearing with a motor in a single mid-drive-sized unit. The brand’s simpler components (still only previously found on bikes that are staggeringly expensive for the average consumer) exclude the propulsion system and rely on a separate motor.
“Costly” and “expensive” are not words in Lectric’s lexicon – as evidenced by the full catalog of Lectric e-bikes we’ve reviewed – so why are we mentioning Pinion in conjunction with this manufacturer of ubiquitous and affordable e-bikes and trikes?
The Lectric ONE combines a 6-speed Pinion C1.6 gearbox with a 48V, 750W rear-hub motor and a Gates Carbon belt, thereby serving effectively as America’s introduction to this premium European technology.
Low Maintenance, Low Stress
The combined forces of the Pinion and Gates components have a number of benefits. First, the gearbox itself uses Pinion’s Smart.Shift technology; this electronic shifting system allows for fast (0.2 seconds) gear changes at the push of a button while moving, stationary, and under load.
The system can also shift automatically based on the rider’s cadence. Once set through the Pinion Smart.Shift app, the gearbox will downshift when going uphill or upon stopping, upshift when moving downhill, and also adjust when coasting. Our phone had some trouble connecting to the system (likely an Apple problem instead of a Pinion problem) to test the automatic shifting features, but the manual shifting was slick, quick, and quiet.
Additionally, the system’s design is incredibly low-maintenance. The enclosed nature of the gearbox protects all of the gearing from impact damage and intrusion from dirt or water. With no chain or cassette, there is less overall wear, and fewer parts that require replacement. Pinion recommends that the internal oil bath be changed annually or every 6,200 miles, and they expect the gearbox itself to last for more than 60,000 miles.
Finally, the Carbon Belt connecting the motor to the gearbox requires no lubrication, and can last up to twice as long as a chain. Owners can use the Gates Carbon Drive app to sonically check for proper belt tension. Considering that, unlike a chain, the belt does not stretch with use, we expect the need for adjustments to be infrequent.
Power in Spades: A Speedy, Sprightly Ride
We quickly fell in love with the ONE’s torquey, punchy motor – as well as its level of customizability. The bike can be set to either Class 2 or Class 3 speeds, and the intensity of its pedal assist power can be tuned for either full-force acceleration or a reserved, gradual build.
In Class 3 mode with maximum intensity, the ONE accelerated swiftly and powerfully thanks to its 85 Nm of torque and peak output of 1300+ watts of output. We had no trouble reaching speeds above 25 mph in a short stretch of parking lot! Its throttle was similarly effective and fun.
The ONE’s motor felt remarkably responsive. Where all of the other e-bikes in Lectric’s lineup use just 12 magnets for their cadence sensors, the ONE is equipped with a whopping 96 magnets for near-instantaneous engagement.
The bike also features Lectric’s PWR programming, which limits the amount of current to the motor instead of limiting the bike’s speed in each PAS setting. Based on our brief testing of the ONE and our previous experiences with this system, it’s as natural-feeling as a rear-hub/cadence sensor combo can get without the increased price of a torque sensor.
Premium Tech, Budget Price
With the additional cost of a frame, battery, motor, display, etc. — not to mention the prices of other e-bikes with Pinion’s technology, which are sometimes well above $10k for the highest models – we wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been listed for $5,000. Somehow, Lectric managed to slash the ONE’s price tag down to just $1,999.
This has massive implications for the future of the e-bike industry, as the brand is effectively raising the bar yet again for what is possible at a specific price point.
Technically, there are multiple price points, as Lectric is offering the bike with three battery size options. At the time of writing, the lowest-tier option which carries the aforementioned price includes a 48V, 499 watt-hour (Wh) battery and a range estimate of up to 45 miles. Lectric estimates the 672 Wh battery of the Long Range mid-tier option should last for up to 60 miles; this version is priced at $2,199.
Finally, while it will not be available at launch, a third “Max Pack” option will be offered for a price of $2,399. This massive battery (perhaps a dual-battery option?) will have a capacity of 912 Wh – and if the math checks out, a maximum range of 80-ish miles.
Fully Loaded: Appreciated Extra Features
As we would expect based on Lectric’s broad upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes last year, the ONE includes a hydraulic brake system with 180mm rotors. These brakes felt solid when we rode the bike, and we measured a significant increase in stopping power when we tested the new-and-improved XP 3.0. Based on these factors, we would expect similarly good performance from this top-tier model.
On Lectric’s previous models, simple black-and-white displays have been effective but clearly budget. The ONE includes Lectric’s first color LCD, which we think looked quite slick. This well-organized readout showed a red/yellow/green battery meter, a power meter for the motor, an odometer, and blue-ringed speedometer, and PAS setting indicators.
The ONE is advertised to fit riders from 5’2” to 6’4”. We found it very comfortable, but as preferences vary from person to person, it offers a high degree of fit customization. An adjustable stem allows for fast, easy changes to handlebar height and reach, and 8” in saddle height means that a wide range of riders can find a comfortable riding position with proper leg extension.
While the ONE’s frame does not fold like the majority of the brand’s other e-bikes, its stem does collapse to reduce the bike’s overall height. This may not be as practical for some users, but it’s an appreciated attempt at making transport or storage easier. Its weight is definitely manageable, however, at around 55 lbs without the battery, and 63 lbs with the power source installed (we assume this is the lowest-capacity option).
Finally, it’s worth noting that preorders of the ONE will include fenders, a cargo rack, and a headlight; Lectric states this is a $220 value. We liked that the headlight was attached to the fender – despite looking somewhat unusual, this means that illumination follows the steering, instead of the delayed effect that happens when the light is mounted to the head tube.
Remaining Questions
With that in mind, we look forward to completing our full scope of standard testing after we get the bike in. We expect the bike to perform well in our Speed, Brake and Hill Tests, but of course, some aspects require more time to understand fully.
In particular, we are anxious to evaluate the full functionality of the Pinon Smart.Shift app; the gearbox and its electronic, semi-automatic shifting felt incredible, but the ability to tune it to fit personal preference is essential.
We’re also curious about the bike’s range in relation to Lectric’s estimates. It is unclear at the moment what size battery our test bike will be equipped with, but our 80-mile estimate of the ONE’s potential with the Max Pack option is certainly alluring.
If the thought of a smooth, responsive, fast, and stress-free ride is as appealing to you as it is to us, please make sure to sign up for our email list! We look forward to publishing our full Lectric ONE commuter e-bike review in the near future.
Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Lectric ONE down in our comments section.
Groucho says
Yes, I’m impressed. It has most of the features I would look for. It’s very similar to the Hercules Rob Fold R5, but at a much lower price. The Hercules seems to have better bars/riding position, but a trial ride would be needed to prove either way. This sort of bike with a front motor and hub gears could probably bring the price down. Bafang do a 3-speed auto hub, which seems promising. I do like the idea of belt drive. It all seems to be heading in the right direction! (Sensible tyres, as well).
jb says
What is manual shifting like? I won’t own an ebike that must be connected to a phone to operate it, that’s absolutely a deal killer for me. I hated the Tern HSD’s automatic shifting, hopefully manual shifting is all you need. This bike is interesting, otherwise.