Lectric XP Lite Review: Slimmer, Lighter, Annoying
Once it’s folded up, it’s not snug to hold; the wheels don’t keep closed collectively (not like the Montague M-E1) and the seize deal with is tiny, so my knuckles bang towards the metallic body. Yowch. It’s nice that I can fold this ebike up and retailer it in my lounge, however I simply want it was simpler to handle.
You can take away the battery from the Lectric XP Lite when it’s in its folded state, which is a pleasant perk in case you don’t need to carry the bike inside. While you can cost the XP Lite with out eradicating the battery, the charging port frustratingly sits on the within of the body when it’s folded, and it is a tight match to squeeze the charger into the port. You must unfold the ebike open a little bit to make some room, which looks as if a foolish design flaw.
The firm nonetheless has a bodily key it is advisable insert into the underside of the bike to show the battery on, although you begin the ebike with the ability button on the handlebar. I don’t thoughts having a key—it makes me really feel like I’m about to rev up a bike, like Captain America—it’s simply so not cool looking for the spot to insert the important thing, hunched down and searching up on the underside of the body like some type of avenue goblin.
Fat Tires
The driving expertise isn’t difficult in any respect as a result of the Lite is a single-speed ebike. You don’t have to fret concerning the derailleur locking up or having to change gears, simply select the extent of pedal help you need (one via 5) and journey. There’s additionally a throttle in case you need to make issues even simpler.
There’s no suspension right here, however I didn’t thoughts. The fats tires, which aren’t as fats as on the Lectric XP, are nonetheless thick sufficient to soak up these bumps and dents within the highway, so I by no means felt uncomfortable, even on some really terrible roads right here in Brooklyn. Just be certain that to get some fenders in case you plan on driving in moist situations. (You shouldn’t journey it within the rain, however the elements are IP65 water resistant, so it will possibly deal with some splashes.)
Lectric makes use of a 300-W rear hub motor, and the identical flaw I’ve seen on almost all rear hub motors nonetheless exists: The motor retains working for just a few seconds even after you cease pedaling. It’s straightforward to get the hold of, however you simply want to pay attention to it so you possibly can hit the brakes on the proper time. Speaking of, I’ve had no bother coming to a full cease on this factor. The brakes are fairly dependable.
That is perhaps as a result of it doesn’t go very quick. I cruised at 16 to twenty miles per hour on the unique Lectric, however I normally went about 13 mph on the XP Lite at degree three pedal help. You can in all probability get to 16 or 17 miles per hour at its quickest pace setting, however that may drain the battery actually quick. At degree three, which was zero effort on the unique Lectric, the Lite will make you are feeling a tingling in your quads as you pedal and your coronary heart price will go up, particularly uphill. It’s simply not as highly effective, so don’t count on a sweaty-less journey. Unless you simply set it to degree 4 or 5, however then you definately’ll be fairly aware of the battery.
