Lectric XP Trike Review, 2023

By performing our Range Test and pedaling the XP Trike in both its highest and lowest pedal assist settings until its 48V, 692 Wh battery expired, we determined a reasonable bracket of distances riders could expect to travel on a single charge. Based on our real-world tests, we measured between roughly 40 and 54 miles.

Lectric advertises a range of up to 60 miles on the trike, which was determined by their own tests on flat ground with a payload of approximately 180 lbs. Our tests were performed on a network of local multi-use paths, with a multitude of hills; this is a likely contributor to the difference of a few miles in our PAS 1 test. We gained over 1,000 feet of elevation in our test, which required more energy from the battery than a test on flat ground would have.

Our results in PAS 5 were significantly better than the 20 miles that Lectric advertises, but there is a significant factor that extended the distance we were able to travel. The trike ships in “Beginner Mode,” which limits its speeds in PAS 1 and 2 to 5 mph, and those in PAS 3-5 to 12 mph.

These limitations can be removed through the settings menu to increase its maximum speed to 14 mph in all PAS settings, but due to the trike’s unique handling, we would advise users to stick with the safer limitations of Beginner mode. I’ll discuss this in greater detail in the Ride Quality section below, but the XP Trike (and all tricycles in general) requires slower cornering to avoid tipping up on two wheels.

We tested the XP Trike as it shipped, which limited the power output of the motor and required less energy overall, thereby extending its range. While this effectively reduced the breadth of its pedal assist system to just two settings, greater range in lower PAS settings is an added benefit to leaving the trike in Beginner Mode!

This limitation also extended the amount of time we were able to ride the XP Trike in our testing. Based on the specs of its motor and battery, we would expect about an hour and 20 minutes from the trike in PAS 5, but our test ran for nearly three and a half hours! We dive more into this topic in our article explaining how to calculate range on e-bikes.

In Beginner Mode, we measured a time of 3 minutes and 41 seconds to the top of Hell Hole Trail with only throttle power, and maintained an average speed of 4.9 miles per hour. Pedaling in PAS 5, our travel time dropped to 2 minutes and 34 seconds, with an average speed of 7 miles per hour.

When unlocked, the XP Trike’s capabilities increased dramatically. Using the throttle, we measured 1 minute and 51 seconds up the hill, at 9.8 miles per hour – nearly double the average speed and almost two minutes faster. When pedaling, we measured 1 minute and 40 seconds, with an average of 10.8 miles per hour.

The differences between throttle results line up closely with the XP Trike’s differences in controller amperage between Beginner Mode and unlocked settings. When set to PAS 5 (the throttle power is tied to the PAS system) the controller allows 10 amps from the battery to the motor in Beginner Mode, and 20 amps when unlocked. This equates to a motor output of 480 watts vs 960 watts, respectively; with more watts, the trike was able to climb the hill faster.

By using the method explained above, we evaluated the safety and performance of the XP Trike’s Star Union hydraulic disc brake system, which includes 180mm rotors. The trike has one rotor standardly placed on the front wheel, with the second located centrally on the rear axle.

After three trials, the average stopping distance we calculated for the XP Trike was 13’-2”. Again, we do not have a large pool of similar models to compare to – in fact, there is not an abundance of electric trikes from reputable brands on the market. The single other electric tricycle we have data for had a large number of differences affecting brake performance, so a comparison would not be fair to either model.

In terms of feel, the XP Trike performed well in our test. I found the trike to be stable when braking, and its brake system effectively slowed and stopped it in the time/distance I expected. Even when fully loaded with cargo weight, the system functioned well when traveling downhill as well.

As an electric tricycle, the XP Trike’s ride quality is significantly different from a two-wheeled e-bike. The primary factor is its handling when making turns; as I mentioned previously, with the XP Trike and any tricycle, it is important to slow down!

The trike requires a different way of carrying oneself when turning which involves working some core muscles not usually involved on a bicycle. To avoid coming up on two wheels and potentially tipping, it’s important to lean into the turn with your upper body, which keeps weight on the inside wheel. This is the primary reason for our recommendation to leave the XP Trike in Beginner Mode; the vehicle is simply safer to operate when traveling slower. And at slow speeds, the trike can turn on a dime thanks to its two rear wheels!

Lectric advertises that the Trike can accommodate riders from 4’-10” to 6’-4”. We found that taller riders may get less leg extension than those of short or average height, both to maintain a comfortable position in relation to the handlebars and to keep the center of gravity relatively low. This is another factor affecting the bike’s stability and turning ability, with stability decreasing as the center of gravity is raised higher. Following the practices described above, our riders around 6’ tall encountered no problems, but it is something to be aware of.

In our testing, the Lectric XP Trike proved to be a great option for budget-conscious seekers of a quality e-mobility solution. It provides a functional and comfortable method of getting around – and offers the ability to transport a surprising amount of cargo weight – while remaining firmly in an affordable price range. One might even argue that Lectric (once again) redefined the scale of affordability by offering an electric trike at an unimaginably low price.

Considering that this is Lectric’s first stab at a trike, we expected to see a greater number of areas needing improvement, but we were thoroughly impressed by the overall package. Instead of points of critique, we feel only that it’s important to mention a couple of considerations to keep in mind; both involve comparisons to two-wheeled bikes. First, as a tricycle, there are significant differences in terms of handling, and learning/adapting to those is essential. Second, taller riders may need to sit lower than expected, which will likely result in less leg extension when pedaling.

With the XP Trike, Lectric has reinforced its position as a powerhouse in the e-bike industry. Many of the brand’s e-bikes have placed consistently on our list of the best electric bikes; their products offer some of the best dollar-for-dollar value available, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Lectric has truly raised the bar when it comes to offering a practical, safe, and feature-rich trike at an affordable price!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Lectric XP Trike.