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In partnership with Lectric. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
I have spent much of my adult life getting around on two wheels. My first job after college was as an English teacher in Vietnam, and mopeds were the only way to navigate the choked streets of Ho Chi Minh City. When I returned home I continued my thrill seeking ways with a motorcycle phase that culminated in a cross-country trip. In my thirties I opted for the simplicity of the bicycle, then upgraded to an eBike, and then became a mountain biking enthusiast. To put it simply: I’ve spent a lot of time in the saddle.
Each phase of my two-wheeled life has had its pros and cons. Motorcycles were fun but high maintenance and high risk. Bicycling was pure but also not very practical. eBikes are delightful but expensive and not super portable.
Enter the Lectric XP4 750w. It might be the most fun I’ve had on two wheels. It combines everything I love about riding while subtracting everything I don’t. Here’s why the Lectric XP4 is the ultimate adventure package.
Features Galore
Lectric didn’t skimp on the features when it came to outfitting the XP4. The backlit color display is crisp and clear, displaying real time data about your ride. It also shows which of the five modes you are in. The bike is able to ride in Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, and Turbo modes depending on the kind of juice you need for your journey. I’ve been riding mostly in Sport, but toggling to Turbo when I want to get somewhere fast is a nice option.
The components on the bike are high quality as well. Fenders protect you from spray and debris; a 90-lumen headlamp provides plenty of light and visibility; turn signals and a brake-activated light add a nice layer of safety; a charge port allows you to charge the bike with the battery in, or to remove it and charge it; a rear rack can hold up to 150 pounds of cargo; and the thumb throttle is a game changer on hill starts—just press and go when you need a boost.
Considering the XP4 750w costs $1299, it is a feature-rich yet surprisingly-affordable bike. I’ve ridden eBikes that cost much more and have much less to offer.
A Seamless Ride
The XP4 packs a punch. The 750 watt motor has a top speed of 28 mph. On my four mile bike commute to work I found myself enjoying the breezy pace. When I hit the steep hill that marks the final ascent, I was pleased to see that the motor responded well to the challenge. I zipped up the hill, still feeling like I was getting a workout from pedaling, but not arriving to work drenched in sweat.
The battery life on the XP4 is also impressive. The 85 mile range means I only need to charge it every three of four commutes if I’m operating in Sport mode. When I’m biking with my kids, I can switch to Eco to conserve battery and go at a pace more suitable for a family ride.
The 3” tires also add to the smoothness of the experience. In New England, I frequently have to ride through dodgy weather, and these tires are up for the challenge. The tires along with the front suspension fork also allow the XP4 to feel right at home on smooth dirt or gravel, which opens up the potential for exploration even further. I can’t wait to bring the bike to Vermont for backroad exploration.
Off the Charts Convenience
We don’t have a garage, and our shed is full of scooters, a lawnmower, skis, a wagon, and an assortment of bikes. I was worried about adding another one to the mix due to our general lack of storage. Yet with the release of a hinge on the handlebar stem and one on the frame, the bike easily folds, and I was amazed at how easily it could fit in a crowded space.
The foldability also means I can transport it without a bike rack. I can pop it in the trunk and bring it wherever I want to start my ride. Though considering the overall weight of 71 pounds, having two people help lift it is ideal.
Having an eBike that can provide an easy commute and also be a tool for exploration has been a joy. The fact that it also folds up for easy storage and transport is icing on the cake. And the ease of the assembly was the cherry on top (if you eat your cake with cherries, I guess). I’ve spent a lot of time riding bikes, and the Lectric XP4 is the perfect two-wheeled adventure machine.
