Known for providing feature-packed e-mobility options without the hefty price tag, Lectric continues this tradition with their XP tricycle.
The XP Trike is a value-packed option with a 500W rear hub motor, a single-speed drivetrain, and a top speed capped at 12 mph (or 14 mph if unlocked). It’s designed for those who need a reliable yet straightforward trike, perfect for commuting or running errands around town. Lectric made clever design choices by placing the motor in the rear, ensuring better traction and stability compared to front-hub motor alternatives.
At just 70 lbs, the XP Trike is lighter than many electric tricycles on the market, and its folding frame makes it easier to store in small spaces. With a suspension seat post and 20-inch tires, the XP Trike provides a comfortable ride, even without a full suspension system. Add in features like hydraulic disc brakes for all-wheel braking and full fender coverage, and you have a well-rounded, user-friendly e-trike built for both convenience and safety.
In this review, we’ll dive into the key features, performance, and real-world experience of the Lectric XP Trike to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your e-mobility needs.
Lectric XP Trike Tech Specs & Features
Battery: Removable 48V 14 Ah lithium-ion (672 Wh) battery for extended rides.
Range: Capable of covering up to 55 miles (96 km) on a single charge, depending on conditions.
Motor: Geared mid-mounted motor rated at 500W, with a peak output of 1,092W.
Top Speed: Maximum speed of 14 mph (22.5 km/h).
Weight: Weighs 69.5 lbs (31.5 kg) with the battery attached, or 62.5 lbs (28.4 kg) without.
Payload Capacity: Supports a total load of 415 lbs (188 kg), including a maximum rider weight of 330 lbs (150 kg).
Braking System: Features hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, complete with parking brake levers for added security.
Pedal Assist & Throttle: Comes with 5 levels of pedal assistance and a right-hand twist throttle for extra power on demand.
Display: Large backlit LCD screen that provides real-time data such as speed, power output, battery status, trip distance, and pedal assist level.
Lighting: Equipped with a bright front headlight and three integrated rear taillights for enhanced visibility.
Frame & Build: Constructed with a foldable 6061 aluminum frame, complemented by a steel fork and fenders for durability.
Tires: 20” x 2.6” tires with reflective sidewalls to improve safety during night rides.
First Impressions: Sleek, Simple, and Smart
When I first unboxed the Lectric XP Trike, I was impressed by its streamlined design. The lightweight frame feels both sturdy and approachable, which is important if you’re new to trikes or just want something easy to manage.
The low step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze, and the fact that it’s a folding trike sounds convenient at first. However, I quickly discovered that if you live in an apartment or need to navigate stairs, this 70-pound trike isn’t exactly easy to haul. Even folded, the wide rear tires make it awkward to carry through tight spaces.
That said, the folding feature does come in handy if you need to fit it into the back of a car, offering some convenience for those with access to ground-level storage or garages.
Setting up the trike was fairly straightforward, though attaching accessories like the basket took some patience. Once everything was in place, it became clear that despite its size, the XP Trike is built with both utility and user-friendliness in mind, making it a good fit for those who have the right storage setup.
Motor and Power: Smooth, Steady, and Tunable
At the core of the Lectric XP Trike is its 48V, 500W rear hub motor, designed to offer a more stable and balanced ride compared to front-hub motor trikes. This motor, combined with a single-speed drivetrain, makes the XP Trike straightforward and easy to operate, particularly for those who are new to electric bikes or trikes.
The motor’s top speed is capped at 12 mph, with the option to unlock it to 14 mph for riders who want a little more speed. While these numbers might sound conservative, they’re actually well-suited to the nature of trikes—you definitely don’t want to be speeding around too fast on three wheels!
What truly sets the XP Trike apart is Lectric’s unique pedal-assist programming. Unlike many other trikes that rely on a simple speed limit for each assist level, Lectric’s system adjusts the current flow from the battery to the motor, effectively modulating the power output rather than just the speed.
In Beginner Mode, the XP Trike has two distinct speed settings. In PAS 1-2, speeds are limited to 5 mph. PAS 3-5 allow the motor to reach around 11.5-12 mph. Although PAS 3 already reaches the top speed, higher PAS levels provide more power, helping the trike accelerate faster and maintain speed more effectively when carrying heavier loads or climbing moderate hills.
Additionally, the XP Trike comes equipped with a half-twist throttle, giving you the option to ride it like a mobility scooter if pedaling isn’t your style. The throttle control follows a similar logic with pedal assist.
Range and Battery
The Lectric XP Trike comes equipped with a 672Wh, 48V, 14Ah lithium-ion battery, which provides a strong and reliable range, even when using a combination of throttle and pedal assist. Under typical conditions, you can expect to cover 40-50 miles per charge, which is more than sufficient for most daily commutes or leisurely rides. In ideal conditions—flat terrain, light winds, and minimal throttle use—the trike is capable of reaching up to 60 miles on a single charge.
Of course, the actual range will depend on factors such as terrain, rider weight, and how frequently you engage the throttle. Steeper hills and heavier loads may reduce the range.
In addition to its strong performance, the battery is UL 2271-certified, ensuring it meets high safety standards. The entire XP Trike system is also UL 2849-certified, offering an extra layer of reassurance for riders concerned about safety and durability.
Ride Quality: Comfort With a Learning Curve
One of the most important aspects of any trike is how it rides, and the Lectric XP Trike offers a solid, though slightly nuanced, riding experience. The 20-inch by 2.6-inch tires provide a stable ride and add a bit of cushion for comfort, but this isn’t a trike designed for rough or sloped terrain.
Lectric emphasizes in their manual that you should avoid using the pedal assist or throttle when making turns, and for good reason—going too fast while turning can cause the trike to tip over. It took me a few tries to get the hang of slowing down before entering a turn, but once I adjusted to the handling, it felt natural—similar to learning to ride a two-wheeled bike for the first time.
This tipping tendency is not a flaw specific to the XP Trike, but rather a characteristic of tricycles in general. Flat, even surfaces are where the trike performs best. If you primarily ride on sloped or uneven roads, the comfort and control could be compromised. I found the ride to be solid and comfortable on smooth paths, but on uneven or angled roads, it was less than ideal.
In terms of comfort, the trike shines, especially with Lectric’s adjustable seat and backrest. The seat can be raised or lowered to suit your preference, offering extra support and stability on longer rides. While the trike doesn’t boast a full suspension system, the suspension seat post (with around 30mm of travel) helps absorb minor bumps. If you’re looking for an even smoother ride, I’d recommend upgrading to a better suspension seat for added cushioning.
The hydraulic disc brakes are another highlight. Braking was consistently reliable, and even though the XP Trike isn’t built for high speeds, it’s comforting to know that the brakes perform well, even during sudden stops. The inclusion of parking brakes is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to securely park on a hill without worrying about the trike rolling away.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice for Riders Seeking Stability and Value
In conclusion, the Lectric XP Trike offers a lot for its price. With a $1,500 price tag, you’re getting a well-thought-out e-trike that provides both comfort and convenience without compromising on performance. The lightweight frame, reliable motor, and thoughtful design make it a great option for anyone looking to get into the world of electric trikes without breaking the bank.
While it’s not designed for off-road adventures or high-speed thrills, it’s perfect for daily commuting, running errands, or just enjoying a leisurely ride. If you value practicality, portability, and overall ease of use, the Lectric XP Trike is definitely worth considering.