Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review | A Great E-Bike UNDER $1K?
In an era of getting less for more the new Lectric XP Lite 2.0 offers better specs at the same crazy low price of the original, but does the ride still hold up?
Almost every purchase I made this year, from groceries to streaming services, has me paying more and seemingly getting less. Prices keep rising in the name of inflation, yet wages struggle to keep pace. It’s a frustrating reality for anyone who remembers when you felt you got some value for money.
Thankfully, Lectric has decided to buck that trend with their latest release, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0. We previously gave high marks to the original XP Lite for its solid performance and affordable $799 price tag. So, when I received the newer XP Lite 2.0 this week, I did a double-take at the spec sheet. They somehow managed to add hydraulic brakes and larger rotors, a more efficient and quiet motor. So, how could the price still be $799?
To me, the math didn’t add up. So, I set out to put this bike through its paces, ready to see if the enticingly small price tag would suddenly come with a much larger asterisk of performance or capability tradeoffs.
Could this be the ultimate budget-friendly e-bike that delivers both quality and value? I began this week’s testing with an open yet critical mind, prepared for the good, the bad, and the potentially ugly. In a time of soaring prices and plummeting value, my mission was clear: Could the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 truly be a bargain?
Class 2 Throttle to 20 mph
- Value! With better components, more range, and new options, and priced at $799, it’s the lowest-priced e-bike we can recommend to you in confidence.
- Upgrades! Buyers can opt for the Carbon Gates Belt Drive which has more life and less maintenance, in addition to an optional long-range battery for up to 80 miles range.
- Kudos to Lectric for making hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, which is nearly unheard of at this price point.
- Folding, moving, and storing is easier than most e-bikes thanks to its 47.5lb weight and folding design.
- A new full-color display that is bright and easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight.
- The tires are quiet and smooth courtesy of the slim 20×2.4” tires.
- Several color options to choose from.
- A tradeoff of single-speed drivetrains: the bike has some ghost pedal qualities above 16 miles per hour
- We love the full-color display, but a battery level indicator in percentages would be a significant improvement over the less-dependable bar meters.
- Battery:48V, 374.4 Watt-hours.
- Display: Full Color
- Motor: 300W (819W peak), 28Nm torque rear hub
- Headlight:LED
- Taillights:LED
- Pedal Assist: 5 Levels
- Claimed Range: Up to 45 miles
- Tested Range: 19-37 miles
- Throttle:Twist throttle
- App:NO
- UL Certification:UL 2879 Certified
- Unfolded Measurements: 64″x41.5″x25″
- Folded Measurements: 36″x27″x16″
- Tested Weight: 47.5 lbs with battery
- Rider height range: 4’8”-6’2”
- Total payload capacity: 275lb
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Fenders: N/A
- Fork: Non-Suspension
- Frame: Alloy
- Drivetrain: Single Speed with a 52T chainring and a 16t rear cog
- Grips: Black rubber
- Saddle: Black cushioned
- Handlebar: BMX Style
- Kickstand: Rear-mounted
- Pedals: Black metal – flat
- Tires: 20×2.4” with a slick tread pattern
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Speed Test
The graph above breaks down my speed test. I can add that PAS 1 goes around 8.5 mph, but that is slower than I could pedal on a fairly mild effort, which is why it doesn’t show in the graph.
This bike uses the Lectric PWR system, which stands for Pedal-Assist and Wattage Regulation. It’s designed to provide smooth and consistent power delivery, adjusting the wattage based on your pedaling effort.
However, the XP Lite 2.0 felt like the power was all-or-nothing in the higher PAS levels. The Lectric PWR system should help balance the power across all levels, but here, it seemed to kick in fully rather than gradually. PASPAS 3, 4, and 5 all hit 20 mph, but the only real difference I could feel was in the amount of assistance on hills. Each level seemed to do a little bit more work when things went more vertical.
As expected, the 300W motor felt like it was designed for simple, relaxed rides. It’s no power house, but it’s got decent pep.
The single-speed gear ratio is practical for pedaling up to about 15-16 mph. After that, you hit what’s known as “ghost pedaling”—at higher speeds, your pedaling doesn’t influence the speed anymore because you’ve outpaced the gearing. It’s fairly common on single-speed e-bikes. One gear for climbing and speeds on flats will have some tradeoffs.
Overall, these results match the theme of the XP Lite 2.0: a straightforward bike meant for relaxed rides where precise cadence and speed adjustments aren’t a priority. It’s a simple bike with power when needed, making it a great option for casual rides, commutes, or everyday errands.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Range Test
The XP Lite 2.0 comes standard with a 48V, 7.8Ah battery totaling 374.4-watt hours, powering a 300W rear hub motor. To see what kind of range we could get, we ran two tests: one on PAS 1 and another on PAS 5, draining the battery completely each time.
In PAS 1, we got 37.2 miles, averaging 9.6 MPH over 3 hours and 48 minutes, with 795 ft of elevation gain. In PAS 5, we covered 19.62 miles at an average speed of 15.6 MPH over 1 hour and 15 minutes, climbing 617 feet.
Considering the XP Lite 2.0’s small battery, these results are impressive. This bike shows that even with a compact battery, it can still deliver a solid range of roughly 20-40 miles on a single charge.
For those looking for even more range, there’s an option to upgrade to a long-range version with a beefier 672Wh battery for an additional $200, which has a claimed range of up to 80 miles.
The bottom line is that keeping with its value-driven theme, the XP Lite 2.0 offers plenty of range for most folks. It’s efficient and practical, giving you plenty of ride time without needing a bigger, heavier battery—or worse, a bigger, heavier (and more expensive) bike.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Hill Test
On the first run using throttle only, the XP Lite 2.0 made it up Hell Hole in 2 minutes and 23 seconds, averaging 7.6 mph. While it wasn’t the fastest climb, we were impressed it didn’t fail altogether like most low-watt e-bikes do on throttle only. In fact, out of 20 bikes with motors ranging from 250-350W and similar battery sizes, this was the only e-bike that made it up the hill on throttle alone.
On the second run, with some leg muscle and PAS 5, the XP Lite 2.0 conquered Hell Hole in 1 minute and 39 seconds, averaging 11.0 mph. This is quite good considering its smaller 300W motor, falling just slightly below the average time of around 90 seconds for all e-bikes we’ve tested (at the time of this writing).
Overall, the XP Lite 2.0 performed surprisingly well on the hill test. It’s not designed to be a hill climber with its single-speed drive and smaller motor; it’s more of a get-around-town bike. However, this test showed it can dig deep and punch above its weight class when tackling the occasional steep hill.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Brake Test
One of the most notable changes from the XP Lite 1.0 to this version is the brakes. The XP Lite 2.0 now comes with hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180mm rotors, a combination rare at this price point. From past tests, this setup usually delivers strong and reliable braking, so we were eager to see the results.
Over three runs, the XP Lite 2.0 stopped at an average distance of 20′ 1″, with individual distances of 19′ 8″, 20′ 2″, and 20′ 6″. These results are impressive and highlight the upgrade over the previous mechanical brakes, which averaged 22′ 7″.
The brakes performed well in tests and felt great on everyday rides, providing excellent control. I even managed to stop safely when a little girl fell over in front of me out on our local trails—thankfully, I avoided turning a minor tumble into a major mess.
The brakes are unbranded, so their long-term reliability is unknown. However, we’ve got no issue with the performance so far.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Ride Quality
Riding the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is a unique experience, thanks in part to its BMX-style handlebar—a nice deviation from the more typical flat bar. I found this design improved handling and control during my rides.
The black rubber ergo-style grips are comfortable, and on the left, you have the PAS and menu control buttons. The new full-color backlit display sits in the middle, showing battery level (though we wish it was percentage-based, as the bars are too vague), PAS level, wattage being used, trip and odo, and current speed.
The seat is a comfy, cushioned, no-frills model with a quick-release lever to easily adjust the height, offering a generous 8.5 inches of adjustability. The tires are 20×2.4″ with a semi-slick commuter tread pattern, providing a quiet and smooth ride—a nice choice for a bike like this.
Folding the bike is one of the best experiences I’ve had. It’s not a new folding method, but the hinge is very smooth, and the tolerances are excellent, making it fold with little effort every time. Kudos to Lectric for this, as we do not often see such seamless folding.
The XP Lite 2.0 comes in four configurations. The standard model, priced at $799, was the one I tested. For $999, you can opt for the long-range version, which features a 14Ah (672Wh) battery with a claimed range of 80 miles. If you prefer a quieter ride, the standard battery bike with a Carbon Gates belt drive is available for $899. Finally, the top-tier model combines the upgraded battery and the belt drive for a total of $1099.
The motor is smooth and incredibly quiet, thanks to Lectric’s M24 Stealth technology—whatever that means, it works! The bike fits riders ranging from 4’ 8” to 6’ 2”, and at 5′ 11″, I found it plenty comfortable even for long rides.
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review: Summary / Where to Buy
That said, there are a few things that could be better. Keeping the key in during rides is a bit annoying. Also, I’d love to see a numerical percentage-based battery meter instead of the current bar system, which can be vague about how much charge is left.
Are either of those enough to talk us out of recommending this bike? Nope.
The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 is just an all-around nice balance of capability, performance, and price, making it (in our opinion) one of the most value-packed e-bikes we can recommend for those shopping e-bikes on a budget.
With plenty of upgrade options, it caters to a wide range of riders and use cases. It’s a great folding bike that doesn’t break the bank and still delivers surprising value.
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 XP Lite 2.0 down in our comments section.
BULLS BIKES USA says
Amazing blog post. Highly detailed and knowledgeable. Keep up the good work.
Bob Burgess says
Awesome Review. Keep up the great reviews. Wondering how a taller rider 6’2”would feel on this as far as leg room. I have a 20 inch BMX bike that I ride but it is an xxxl frame. Thanks
Edward says
First, I’m glad I’ve finally found this site. Such a wealth of knowledge here with all the bikes tested. Second, for the 12% grade PAS5 test hill, how do you gauge how much pressure to put into the pedals? Just enough to keep PAS engaged? Ive got some hills in the neighborhood that are rough with a mechanically-advantaged cheapo non ebike.
Griffin Hales says
It’s a subjective way of doing it as we haven’t found a perfect solution for consistency, but we ride the hill with a “make it to the top, but while allowing the bike to do as much work as it can” sort of mindset is how we instruct all of our testers.
Dan Howard says
Per Lectric response to my query, bike is equipped with a chain , not a belt.
Bill Falls says
How easy is it to remove the battery and carry it with you to deter bike theft? (I live in a city and have had several non-electric bikes stolen.)
John S. Bozick says
Hi Bill, removing the battery requires hinging the frame open. It’s an extra step, but it’s easy enough and the battery could fit in a backpack.