Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Last year, the Lectric XP 3.0 made headlines as the third best-selling electric vehicle in the United States—trailing only two Tesla models. This milestone is a testament to Lectric's unique blend of innovation, sheer value, and stellar customer service. We've recommended their bikes to everyone from casual cruisers to serious commuters, including many who initially planned to spend much more or didn't even realize they wanted a folding bike until they saw how practical it was.
The XP4 builds on that successful foundation, further polishing it and directly addressing the few critiques we had of its predecessor. Available in both Step-Thru and Step-Over frames, the XP4 now offers a choice of two motor and battery combinations to fit your specific needs. The 20-inch wheels are wrapped in new 3-inch hybrid tires, paired with the front suspension fork, delivering a much smoother ride. Ergonomics have also been improved with a new zero-degree stem that tightens the cockpit reach for better control. It remains affordable, arrives fully assembled, and packs in high-end features that continue to set the bar for the competition.
Ride
The Lectric XP4 may be a folding bike, but it certainly doesn't feel like a compromise on the road. While you'll always feel the characteristic feedback of smaller wheels, the actual ride dynamics are so stable you'd never guess the frame can split in half to fit in your trunk.
One of the biggest improvements involves the bike's geometry. The previous XP model felt a bit oversized, with a long reach that could be intimidating for smaller riders. For the XP4, Lectric swapped the old 12-degree stem for a zero-degree stem, effectively shortening the cockpit reach by 2 to 3.5 inches (depending on your seat height). This change allows for a much more natural, upright seated position. Although Lectric's official sizing guide hasn't changed, our most petite testers—some as short as 5'0"—noted that the XP4 feels significantly more comfortable and manageable than the XP 3.0.
The XP4 introduces several high-performance upgrades, headlined by a new torque sensor that makes the pedal assist feel smooth and intuitive rather than jerky. The cockpit is anchored by a brilliant new full-color TFT display, and for the first time, riders can opt for a more potent 750W motor paired with a high-capacity 17.5Ah battery for serious hill-climbing power. To ensure a smooth and reliable ride, the bike rolls on custom-designed, low-noise 3-inch hybrid tires. Lectric has focused heavily on durability here: the tires are puncture-resistant and come pre-loaded with Slime-filled tubes, a combination designed to make flat tires a thing of the past.
A lockable suspension fork smooths out road imperfections, and an optional suspension seatpost adds comfort to the rear end. The 71-degree headtube angle provides the bike with a sporty, agile steering dynamic that is most comfortable at speeds under 25mph.
With a 45.5-inch wheelbase, the XP4 feels nimble enough for tight city streets yet stable enough for relaxed bike paths. While it can feel a little “twitchy” during high-speed descents, the Star Union 602 hydraulic brakes and 180mm rotors provide plenty of stopping power to keep things under control. Our test bike arrived with the Comfort Package, but the upgraded saddle and suspension post actually felt a bit too soft for our team. After a couple of test rides, we swapped back to the standard saddle and post, which provided a more balanced and supportive feel that we preferred.
While the step-through and step-over frames share the same geometry, their physical designs are distinct. On the step-over version, the bottom bracket sits below the main tube, whereas on the step-through, it's integrated directly into the down tube. We're big fans of the accessibility on the step-through model, which features a low 19.5-inch stand-over height.
Both versions come equipped with the new “Level-UP” rack, a heavy-duty system rated for 150 pounds. It's fully compatible with Lectric's ecosystem of accessories, including the popular Yepp child seat. Several core specs remain consistent with previous generations, such as the 330-pound total weight limit and a rider height range of 4'10" to 6'3". Adjustability is a strong suit here. The telescoping seatpost offers a massive 19.5 inches of travel, while the handlebar height can be tweaked by 3.5 inches. As a 5'10" rider, I found it incredibly easy to dial in a position that felt perfect for urban commuting.
The XP4 is far from a bare-bones offering. It arrives fully equipped for daily use, featuring lightweight, rattle-free polypropylene fenders and a comprehensive lighting system that includes both a brake-responsive tail light and integrated turn signals. One of the more practical updates is Lectric's new quick-release pedal system. It's a significant upgrade over the folding pedals found on older models, making it much easier to prep the bike for stowing in a trunk. However, for those planning high-mileage touring or serious training, you might still consider switching to standard pedals; the quick-release mechanism has a tiny bit of “play” that might bother riders who prioritize a perfectly rigid pedaling platform.
Real-World Range Test Results
Lectric offers the XP4 in two distinct power configurations. The standard model pairs a 500-watt motor with a 500Wh battery, while the high-performance version steps up to a 750-watt motor fed by a massive 840Wh (17.5Ah) long-range battery. Both bikes operate on a 48V system, but the internal hardware varies to handle the extra muscle. While the standard bike uses a 20-amp controller, our 750W test unit features a beefier 24-amp controller. This setup gives the XP4 750 a significant edge in torque and acceleration, though that extra punch naturally draws more power from the battery when you're pushing the pace.
During our range testing of the XP4, we initially thought the battery was a miracle of efficiency—the display stayed pinned at 100% for an unusually long time. We eventually realized this is because the readout tracks the state of charge in 10% increments (e.g., 100, 90, 80). Once the numbers did start to drop, however, the results were genuinely impressive. We managed to cover 37.2 miles on a single charge before the battery finally hit zero. Perhaps more notably, our tracking apps showed that those miles included over 2,000 feet of total elevation gain, proving that the XP4 doesn't just go the distance—it has the stamina for serious climbing, too.
It's important to note that our range tests were conducted using the throttle alone; adding even a bit of pedal effort will significantly extend your mileage. Lectric's claim of “up to 85 miles” is likely achievable if you're helping out with your legs on flatter ground—a range that currently outclasses every other folding e-bike we've put to the test. For charging, the XP4 includes a standard 2-amp charger that takes about 9 hours to complete a full cycle. If you're looking for a faster turnaround, the bike is compatible with a 5-amp fast charger that slashes that time to just 3.5 hours.
Power
The XP4 750 is a powerhouse in a compact frame. On the dynamometer, it generated a peak of 1,263 watts and 45 Nm of torque—figures that outclass almost every other folding e-bike we've tested. This muscle translates directly to real-world performance: during our hill test, the bike hit 19.1 mph on a 9% grade and never dropped below 17 mph, even at the steepest point. If you're in a hurry, the throttle will take you from a dead stop to 20 mph in just 7.5 seconds.
The riding experience is further refined by a new torque sensor that provides smooth, proportional power based on how hard you're pedaling. The bike is also highly adaptable to local laws, offering four distinct software classes:
Class 1: Pedal assist only (up to 20 mph).
Class 2: Adds throttle functionality (up to 20 mph).
Class 3: Unlocks pedal assist up to 28 mph.
California Class 3: 28 mph assist but disables the throttle for specific trail compliance.
Notably, Lectric has swapped the traditional twist throttle for a left-side thumb lever. While this frees up the grip for a more secure hold, it can be a bit sensitive to modulate at high power settings, so we recommend pairing the throttle output to your current PAS level for smoother control.
The XP4 750 is a powerhouse, but that muscle comes with a learning curve. While you can sync the throttle to your current PAS level for more control, using it in “Turbo” mode delivers a surge of power that can feel startlingly intense. In the top two assist levels, the acceleration is borderline “jumpy,” easily catching you off guard if you don't have a firm grip.
Even at lower settings, the motor provides a very strong push—our 180-pound lead tester found it more than adequate. Because of this aggressive power profile, we wouldn't recommend the 750W version for e-bike beginners or very lightweight riders. However, if you are a larger rider or plan to utilize the 150-pound rack for passengers and heavy cargo, you'll appreciate having that massive torque on tap.
Interface
The XP4 features a centrally mounted 3.5-inch TFT color display that represents a massive leap forward for Lectric. With high-contrast graphics and a clean layout, it provides real-time data—including wattage, cadence, and trip metrics—in a format that is among the most legible in the industry, regardless of price point. Navigation is handled via an intuitive five-button controller on the left handlebar. While the menu logic is straightforward and easy to master, the buttons themselves are relatively small and sit close together. We found that they can be somewhat difficult to operate with precision if you are wearing thick winter riding gloves.
Gone are the days of needing a “magic decoder ring” to navigate cryptic menus. The XP4 settings are written in clear, plain language, making customization feel as intuitive as using a modern smartphone—even without a touchscreen. Our only minor grievance is the battery gauge. Because the display updates in 10% increments, it lacks the granularity of a true percentage readout; you won't see the difference between 25% and 15%, for example, as both simply show “20%.” This can make it difficult to gauge exactly how much “fuel” is left when the battery starts to get low.
The 840Wh battery is neatly integrated into the front half of the down tube and can be removed by folding the frame. A major quality-of-life improvement on the XP4 is the new “Keyless Riding” feature; unlike previous models that required the key to remain in the ignition while riding—a significant security and aesthetic concern—this version allows you to start the bike with a button and keep your keys safely in your pocket. The battery itself now includes an on/off toggle next to the charging port, both of which are protected by a snug rubber door to keep out water and road grit. While the battery can be charged either on or off the bike, extraction is a bit of a process due to its tight fit within the frame. On the scales, the high-capacity battery weighs just over 9 pounds, bringing the total weight of the bike to roughly 71.5 pounds.
Assembly
As a direct-to-consumer brand, Lectric has streamlined the assembly process for the XP4. Most of your time will simply be spent removing protective packaging and fine-tuning the seat and handlebar height to your preference. Because the bike is foldable, it arrives in a relatively compact box—a clever design choice that keeps shipping costs down. Fortunately, that's a benefit for the brand rather than your wallet, as Lectric continues to offer free shipping throughout the continental U.S.
Unboxing and assembly are remarkably straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes from opening the carton to the first ride. The process isn't complex; most people who can follow basic instructions will find it easy to get the bike road-ready in no time. Of course, if the task feels daunting or you aren't mechanically inclined, a quick visit to a local bike shop for a professional setup is always a great option.
After assembly, our test bike had several disconcerting rattles that we had to address. We silenced the battery shifting in the frame with adhesive foam tape and resolved a metallic chatter in the folding latch by following adjustment instructions from Lectric's responsive customer support. The final fix was for the “floating” motor controller in the down tube; we simply wedged a small piece of a pool noodle into the cavity to hold it secure. With these quick DIY tweaks, the bike became remarkably quiet.
Value
While the XP4 500 remains an incredible value at just under $1,000, the XP4 750 offers a significant performance jump for those who need the extra range and hill-climbing muscle. Lectric is famous for its “bundle” sales, and our test unit arrived fully loaded with an Elite headlight, a suspension seatpost, a comfort saddle, and the heavy-duty Level-UP rack. Given the power and range on tap, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more competitive deal from a reputable brand. And for those who still have an XP 3.0, don't worry—while the XP4 brings meaningful refinements, the 3.0 remains a fantastic, highly capable machine that is far from obsolete.
Conclusion
If you're hunting for pure value, Lectric remains the brand to beat. While the initial rattles were a bit frustrating, we were able to silence them completely with just a few cents' worth of DIY materials and a little detective work. The XP4 is a phenomenal value proposition; its exceptional range makes it a legitimate car-replacement candidate for those in bike-friendly climates. The folding design adds further savings, as you can skip the expensive bike rack and store the unit in far less space than a traditional e-bike. That said, the 750's weight is its primary drawback—it's heavy enough to make folding and lifting a bit of a chore. If you are new to e-bikes or don't need to haul heavy cargo, the XP4 500 is likely the better choice for casual use. But if you need a high-performance workhorse that won't break the bank, the XP4 750 stands in a class of its own.
| Awards | Best Value Folding Electric Bike |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,399 List Check Lectric eBikes (on sale!) |
Overall Score ![]() |
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| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This quality capable folding electric bike is highly versatile, can be run in Class 1,2, or 3, and it's an incredible value |
| Pros | Incredible range, Quick tool-free assembly, 28mph pedal assist, Abundant torque, Rack can hold 150 lbs |
| Cons | Too much power for casual riders, Rattles inside frame, Very Heavy |
| Rating Categories | Lectric XP4 750 |
| Ride Quality (25%) | |
| Real-World Range Test Results (25%) | |
| Hills (25%) | |
| Interface (15%) | |
| Assembly (10%) | |
| Specifications | Lectric XP4 750 |
| Wheel / Tire size | 20 x 3" |
| Battery Size | 840 Wh |
| Measured Distance Range | 36.7 miles |
| Weight Limit | 330 lbs |
| Average Hill Climbing Speed | 18 mph |
| Measured Power | 1,263 Watts |
| Sensor Type | Torque |
| E-bike Class | Class 1, 2, or 3 |
| Stated Motor Power | 750W |
| PAS Settings | 5 levels |
| Top Speed Throttle | 20 mph |
| Top Speed Pedal-Assist | 28 mph |
| Charging time | 8.8 hours |
| Measured Weight | 72 lbs |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Altus 8-speed |
| Brakes | Star Union Hydraulic Disc |
| Accessories | Polypropylene fenders, welded rear rack, front and rear lights with turn signals, folding design, front suspension, mounting points for front rack |
| Warranty | One Year |














