Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Building high-value, direct-to-consumer bikes since 2018, Lectric e-bikes have become ubiquitous. The XP Lite is their most basic offering, but it doesn't feel cheap or lacking. In fact, we love this bike's simplicity and find its compact, lightweight approach to e-mobility refreshing.
Ride
The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 proves that a single-speed design is a massive benefit rather than a drawback, as removing the derailleur and shifter creates a lighter, virtually maintenance-free ride that is incredibly easy to master. Because the 300W motor provides plenty of low-end torque, you're never caught in the wrong gear, and the responsive Class 2 throttle is always there to handle steep inclines or quick starts. While the frame folds in half for effortless storage in closets or trunks, the ride quality remains surprisingly rigid and stable, concealing its portability behind a solid, confidence-inspiring feel that makes it one of the most capable “grab-and-go” commuters on the market.
The XP Lite maintains a sporty, nimble feel, though its rigid steel fork and 20-inch wheels mean it's best suited for smooth pavement and trails rather than fun shortcuts. While the 2.5-inch tires and updated saddle provide just enough isolation for short commutes, comfort isn't necessarily the top priority here; instead, the bike excels in its impressive adjustability, offering 65mm of stem movement and a massive 280mm of seatpost range to accommodate riders up to 6'2" and 275 pounds. Despite its entry-level cost, the build quality feels remarkably sturdy and far from cheap. The bike has neutral yet quick steering geometry that makes darting through city traffic a blast. It's a purposeful design that prioritizes ease of use and portability, proving that a budget-friendly folder can still feel stable and responsive as long as you keep your adventures on established paths.
The bike features a compact frame but a surprisingly spacious cockpit, providing plenty of reach while still maintaining a tight turning radius. This geometry gives it agility at slow speeds, making it perfect for weaving through tight city corners, but there is a noticeable trade-off at higher speeds. The bike feels a bit nervous when you exceed the top assisted speed of 20 mph.
The XP Lite is only available in one size and style with a 22-inch standover height and a slack 73-degree seat tube angle. This geometry allows most riders to plant their feet flat on the ground at stops while maintaining an efficient saddle height. While the standard ergonomic grips can occasionally twist with the throttle due to their non-locking design, the overall build remains remarkably solid for a 52-pound folder.
Done riding and want to store the XP Lite? You're in luck because this bike can easily be stashed in a closet or the back of a car. This would be a great bike for small plane pilots, RV travellers, or commuters who wanted to stash the bike away in their office. The XP Lite folds down to 36L x 16W x 27H" in less than a minute.
Real-World Range Test Results, How far does the XP lite actually go?
The 300W motor excels in efficiency but predictably struggles on steep, sustained hill climbs, where overheating can occur. While it “sips” power to provide a respectable real-world range, the 2026 software and battery management system still feel unpredictable. The display will occasionally show a full charge before rapidly dropping to 40% over a few blocks. To get the most accurate read on your remaining juice, we found it beneficial to cycle through the display settings and view the “live voltage” reading instead of relying on the colored bars that depict the battery's state of charge. For flat-land city zipping, the motor is impressively quiet and reliable, but if your daily route involves significant elevation, it is more likely to overheat.
Since our range tests rely solely on the throttle without any pedaling, it wasn't a shock to see the 300W motor break a sweat and eventually overheat while pushing our 180-tester up steep grades. After a quick cooling break, the bike knocked out 13.9 miles on the standard 375Wh battery, while the upgraded 672Wh battery cruised an impressive 25.08 miles over 1,000 feet of elevation. Even with the larger battery, the bike stays remarkably portable at 55 lbs 2 oz—just a slight jump from the standard 52-pound build—making it a punchy, lightweight contender for hilly urban commutes.
Power
When you twist the throttle on the XP Lite, you're not met with instant torque and acceleration. Instead, you experience a split-second delay, followed by a gentle pull toward your destination. The motor's power ramps up as the speed does, but it's a mild and gentle assist that never catches you off guard. The 300W (748W peak) appreciates your pedaling input and likely doesn't accelerate as quickly as you could with some sporty legs. I felt perfectly comfortable putting my 9-year-old kid on a ride, knowing the assist was subtle enough that the bike wouldn't be problematic while she cruised the neighborhood.
The bike has five distinct levels of pedal assist that utilize a cadence sensor to deliver power based on your pedaling speed. In a move towards safety and customization for 2026, the chosen PAS level also caps your throttle output; for instance, PAS 1 limits you to a gentle 10 mph, while PAS 5 unleashes the full 20 mph potential in a brisk ten seconds. During our rigorous hill testing, the motor managed a top speed of 13.9 mph on the flats and maintained a steady 9 mph on the steepest sections, proving that while it isn't a specialized mountain-climber, its light 52-pound frame allows the 300W motor to punch well above its weight class.
Interface
This bike has a refreshingly simple cockpit with a vibrant color display and a three-button remote. The interface is fairly intuitive: the power button cycles through metrics such as trip distance and real-time voltage, while the plus and minus buttons control your five assist levels. Long-pressing the “plus” button activates the integrated lights—which are plenty bright for night commutes—and a long-press of the “minus” button engages a helpful walk mode for pushing the bike up ramps. While the tail light lacks a dedicated brake-activation flash, the overall system is pretty impressive for a budget folder, providing all the essentials without requiring a deep dive into the manual.
The color display is clear and backlit, providing trip and battery data at a glance, including a live motor wattage bar and a large speedometer. While it lacks a “range remaining” indicator, it surprisingly includes a Cruise Control feature, activated by holding the throttle and minus buttons simultaneously, which maintains your speed until you engage the brakes or throttle again.
The display includes a handy USB-A port for on-the-go charging, while its internal battery is accessible through the main folding hinge or a dedicated external charging port. The most polarizing design choice is the locking mechanism; the key must remain inserted in the underside of the frame to operate the bike. While this is a non-issue for most people, urban commuters who lock up frequently will find the location beneath the downtube a test of patience.
Assembly
What assembly? The Lectric XP Lite took just 11 minutes to unpack and assemble. Most of that time was spent removing packaging and reading warning labels; even the pedals were already installed. We adjusted the seat and handlebar height, inflated the tires, and charged the battery. By the time I took the cardboard to the recycling, the battery was charged, and the bike was ready to go. I found the chain a bit tight, so it was loosened after the first ride. Otherwise, the bike was tuned and ready to go.
While the Lectric XP Lite arrives fully assembled, the box can be a little unwieldy to move. There are no handles as you'd find on a standard bike box, so I just pushed it across the floor to the assembly location. When I pressed the power button, the bike didn't power up. I had forgotten that Lectric bikes need to have the key in the key slot to power on. It feels strange to ride around with the keys hanging down, but the on position keeps the key from falling from the tumbler.
Servicability / Dealer Network
This bike is particularly simple and only uses a couple of proprietary parts. Any bicycle shop should be able to fully service this bike, and if Lectric is no longer supporting it, there are aftermarket parts that plug-and-play with its electrical system.
Value
The Lectric XP Lite is an outstanding value! I don't use exclamation marks often, but this bike warrants one when discussing value. It's not even a bare-bones offering and still smokes the competition in the value department. A rack, fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, and built-in lights with free shipping; I'm not sure how Lectric pulls it off, but the price tag makes this little foldable bike even more impressive. Lectric has done an outstanding job of keeping prices low; if you're on a tight budget, this is the best value ebike we've come across.
Conclusion
The XP Lite delivers the essential e-bike experience without the “budget-bike” compromise, offering a rock-solid folding frame that defies its low price point. The bike remains a standout for its 52-pound portability, allowing it to vanish into an apartment closet or car trunk without ever feeling flimsy or cheap. By prioritizing a simplified, high-quality build over unnecessary frills, Lectric has created a machine that doesn't require a dedicated rack or a garage. This could be the ultimate “no-excuses” commuter for urban dwellers or RV travelers.
| Awards | Best Electric Bike Under $1000 |
|---|---|
| Price | $799 List Check Price at Lectric eBikes |
Overall Score ![]() |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This little folding bike is surprisingly useful; available with two different-sized batteries, it may be all you need |
| Pros | Value price, no assembly required |
| Cons | Slow throttle response, Underpowered on hills |
| Rating Categories | Lectric XP Lite 2.0 |
| Ride Quality (25%) | |
| Real-World Range Test Results (25%) | |
| Hills (25%) | |
| Interface (15%) | |
| Assembly (10%) | |
| Specifications | Lectric XP Lite 2.0 |
| Wheel / Tire size | 20 x 2.5" |
| Battery Size | 375 Wh |
| Measured Distance Range | 13.9 miles |
| Weight Limit | 275 lbs |
| Average Hill Climbing Speed | 12.4 mph |
| Measured Power | 748 Watts |
| Sensor Type | Cadence |
| E-bike Class | Class 1 or 2 |
| Stated Motor Power | 300W |
| PAS Settings | 5 levels |
| Top Speed Throttle | 20 mph |
| Top Speed Pedal-Assist | 20 mph |
| Charging time | 4 hours |
| Measured Weight | 52 lbs |
| Drivetrain | Single speed |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
| Accessories | Lights, fenders, kickstand, folding pedals |
| Warranty | One Year |










