Lectric XP4 has dropped

[Smaug]

Stock photo ↑

https://lectricebikes.com/collections/xp4-ebikes

I think they're a little premature in calling it the "best-selling bike in the US, but this is exciting news.

Some things I notice right off the bat:

• + Integrated rear subframe appears to be more sturdy, but not usable on its own as a rack. It has a bolt-on standard rack that is always included. I assume they did this so the rack can be removed and other accessories can be bolted directly on in its place.
• + 7 lb. weight loss, compared to XP 3.0
• + Fully safety certified
• + Amber side lights added
• + Multi-use tread tires are now standard; thank you! (At 3", they're still wide enough for gravel and hard-packed dirt; just deflate them a bit for more traction)
• + Elite headlight is now standard
• + The outgoing XP 3.0 with the long range battery option is now on close-out for $1k. (was $1200 or $1300 before)
• + Two motor options: both nominally rated 750 W, but 1092 W or 1310 W peak. Battery is 10.4 Ah or 17.4 Ah. 55 or 85 Nm of torque. Lectrics are known for being torquey, so I bet either one will run at its peak power for quite awhile and have beefy controllers to go with.
• + Derailleur is upgraded to Shimano Altus. This is a big upgrade, IMO.
• + It now has turn signals
• + Quick release pedals instead of folding
• + Lock-on grips are now standard
• = The step-over model looks a bit less feminine to my eye; a bit more angular.
• = The rear fender has less coverage out back than before; will roost riders behind you, but still protect you. The new rear fender seems to be directly mounted to the frame; no fender stays needed.
• = TFT color display is now standard. (I thought the original one was fine. I'm not watching TV here...)
• = It has a torque sensor now, replacing their smart cadence sensor
• = Shorter reach stem
• - They're now keyless. I find this to be a shame, as needing the hard key for ignition made them better against theft without electronic complications like an app required to unlock them. A really good grinder-resistant lock is now DOUBLY important

Launch price is $1k for the base version (including only the rear rack) or $1300 for the higher power, higher range version with some nice accessories.

If the One is any indication, it may increase in price shortly. (The One went from $2100 to $2400 after the promotional launch period)

 

[Smaug]

Micah's Electrek review. I find his reviews to be brief and spot-on.

 

[Unit59]

I love the green color and the 0 degree stem, it's what that bike needed all along.

 

[Colin1230]

I find it incredible that Lectric can offer this bike (500 watt version) for the same price that I paid for my XP3. It certainly checks a lot of the 'really nice to have' boxes.
I was wondering how long it would take before someone mentioned the release of the Lectric XP4. Thanks Smaug.

 

[Hakaman99]

Impressive, I want one! A couple local bike shops around town don't seem to carry this brand? They say 500 bike shops around the country to assist, but I wonder how to find them? I have a Velotric Discover 2, full size, and would love to have a small tired bike.

 

[Colin1230]

@Hakaman99 Lectric sells direct to consumer only. The 500 dealers have agreed to provide service for repairs and warranty when needed. In other words, they will work on Lectric bikes.

Oops, wait a minute. I forgot that a few Best Buy stores are offering Lectric bikes but not everything in their lineup.

 

[Smaug]

Impressive, I want one! A couple local bike shops around town don't seem to carry this brand? They say 500 bike shops around the country to assist, but I wonder how to find them? I have a Velotric Discover 2, full size, and would love to have a small tired bike.

This is a "small-tired bike", but remember that 20" wheels with 3" tires = 26" outer diameter. It will transport more easily than a fixed frame bike, if you can lift it. But I don't think it's going to change your world or anything. I'm a pretty fit 48 year-old and I about broke my back lifting my 65 lb. Portola into the back of my CR-V.

In my opinion, consider these types of heavy folding bikes to be a "two man lift" or to be used with a ramp up into a pick-up's bed. Having to get it in a hatchback or SUV is tricky, because not only does one have to lift the weight, but also maneuver it around while supporting it, trying not to bang up your interior too much.

 

[bradybunch84]

I have the foldable XPremium right now and love it but with all these new changes on the XP4 I just couldn't resist. My XP4-750 rainbow blue should arrive at my house tomorrow. My XPremium is a beast to put into my car and feels pretty big when I'm out on the trails. I get looks from people and I don't know why. Not sure if it is because the XPremium is such a large bike or what. It sure is quiet, that's for sure. I do love the torque sensor. But this XP4 is lighter and I do think it will make a difference on my back as I load it into my car. I do take out the batteries and locks first before I pick it up. I also strap the tires together so they can't move. That's a big help. I can do it but my back complains the next day all day long. I am 68 and I really didn't have any back problems before this. I am so glad Lectric went with thinner smoother road tires. The noise from my knobby tires on the XPremium were way noisier than the noise from the motor. Couldn't hear the motor, just that roar of those tires! I changed the tires to an aftermarket tire and that helped things a whole bunch. I am so excited. I had me eye on the XPress but I wanted all those new upgrades so I didn't wait and took a preorder out on the XP4. I am going to take my pedals off the bike every time I park and lock the bike up.

 

[BiggKidd]

This is a "small-tired bike", but remember that 20" wheels with 3" tires = 26" outer diameter. It will transport more easily than a fixed frame bike, if you can lift it. But I don't think it's going to change your world or anything. I'm a pretty fit 48 year-old and I about broke my back lifting my 65 lb. Portola into the back of my CR-V.

In my opinion, consider these types of heavy folding bikes to be a "two man lift" or to be used with a ramp up into a pick-up's bed. Having to get it in a hatchback or SUV is tricky, because not only does one have to lift the weight, but also maneuver it around while supporting it, trying not to bang up your interior too much.

Are you sure about your math on the wheel size? I am not sure here but aren't most "20" tires actually on 16" rims ? Making the actual tire size somewhat less than 26"? Maybe more around 22"

 

[Hakaman99]

Are you sure about your math on the wheel size? I am not sure here but aren't most "20" tires actually on 16" rims ? Making the actual tire size somewhat less than 26"? Maybe more around 22"

I don't know about the math issue you're asking about, but I think 65 or 70 lb is still difficult to lift regardless of the wheel size. I think what was alluded to was that even though it is a smaller diameter Wheel and tire, it's still going to be a "you know what buster". I have a 65 to 70 lb full size ebike, and it is still difficult to get it on my bike rack. There aren't any grips made specifically for lifting the bike, you just have to pick your points and heft away. With the front wheel wobbling back and forth It's hard to lift one foot off the ground into the slots to get it tied down to my rack. I got to imagine that a smaller wheeled bike is going to be pretty close in difficulty. Even when you fold it to put it in the back of an SUV say, a 60-70lb ebike is a lot of weight to lift up for one individual. It would be interesting to get different people's input on which is the most portable folding ebike, easiest to lift, and gets the most miles from a charge. Somebody please tell me what ebike is the winner in this sort of category?

 

[BiggKidd]

Sorry I can't help with a folding bike.

 

[Smaug]

I don't know about the math issue you're asking about, but I think 65 or 70 lb is still difficult to lift regardless of the wheel size. I think what was alluded to was that even though it is a smaller diameter Wheel and tire, it's still going to be a "you know what buster". I have a 65 to 70 lb full size ebike, and it is still difficult to get it on my bike rack. There aren't any grips made specifically for lifting the bike, you just have to pick your points and heft away. With the front wheel wobbling back and forth It's hard to lift one foot off the ground into the slots to get it tied down to my rack. I got to imagine that a smaller wheeled bike is going to be pretty close in difficulty. Even when you fold it to put it in the back of an SUV say, a 60-70lb ebike is a lot of weight to lift up for one individual. It would be interesting to get different people's input on which is the most portable folding ebike, easiest to lift, and gets the most miles from a charge. Somebody please tell me what ebike is the winner in this sort of category?

Ride1UP Roadster v3 and Aventon Soltera are probably the lightest eBikes that are affordable at 40 lbs. They don't fold though.

Then, we have Lectric XP Lite 2.0, which folds, but is more like 50 lbs. You can get it with either a normal or long range battery. It doesn't roll as efficiently ad the above two fixed frame bikes because it has smaller, fatter tires, but it has more battery. Single speed too. If you won't be doing a LOT of hills, this would fit the bill, loaded in a big Rubbermaid tote, so parts aren't flopping around as you try to load/unload it.

You can get more range, but they either get heavier (as discussed earlier in the thread) or more expensive and exotic. (road bikes starting around $4k and going up from there, like Trek Domane+)