Lectric XP Trike 2 Review

Lectric XP Trike 2 Review

Lectric won over a huge audience with the first XP Trike by focusing on approachability and value. The XP Trike2 keeps that promise but fixes the everyday pain points owners talked about the most. Riders now get Star Union hydraulic brakes with easy, one-hand parking locks that are far friendlier for those with limited grip strength, a Cloud 50 suspension fork (50 mm) paired with a suspension seatpost that takes the sting out of broken pavement, and a removable TFT color display that’s bright, legible, and quick to set up.

The hydroformed aluminum frame brings revised geometry—most notably a set-back seat tube and a lower rack height—that helps the trike feel calmer and more centered, while integrated turn signals, a brighter rear brake light, and pre-slimed 20×2.5″ tires round out a package designed for real daily use.

In this review, we turn long-form hands-on testing into a structured evaluation that mirrors pro review sites: setup, features, power delivery, braking, hill performance, ride quality, folding, lighting, and the small quirks that matter when you live with a trike. All impressions, specs, and speeds below come from real-world unboxing and road testing—no speculation, no filler.

Pros

✅ Hydraulic disc brakes with one-hand parking locks dramatically improve day-to-day usability.

✅ Removable TFT display is daylight-readable with clearly labeled PAS levels.

✅ Cloud 50 fork (50 mm) and suspension seatpost meaningfully soften impacts and reduce fatigue.

✅ Hydroformed frame with set-back seat tube and lowered rack yields a steadier, more planted feel.

✅ Dual-differential rear axle powers and brakes both rear wheels together for calm starts and stops.

✅ Still foldable with an adjustable/folding stem; turn signals and a brighter brake light aid visibility.

Cons

❌ Headlight is mounted on the front fender; aim bounces and the beam pattern isn’t great.

❌ Single-speed drivetrain produces ghost pedaling at higher assist speeds.

❌ No reverse.

Lectric XP Trike 2 Specifications

  • Motor: 500W rear hub motor (~992W peak output)
  • Battery: 48V 13Ah (624Wh) removable lithium-ion
  • Range: Up to 50 miles (real-world range varies by terrain, load, and assist level)
  • Top Speed: ~14 mph on flat ground (with pedal assist or throttle)
  • Brakes: Star Union hydraulic disc brakes w/ 180mm rotors and parking locks
  • Drivetrain: Single-speed (36T chainring / 16T freewheel)
  • Tires: 20″ × 2.5″ pre-slimed tires w/ fenders
  • Sensors: Cadence sensor (5 PAS levels: Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, Turbo)
  • Display: TFT color display (removable, backlit, clearly labeled PAS & battery %)
  • Fork & Seatpost: Cloud 50 spring fork (50mm travel, preload, lockout) & suspension seatpost
  • Lighting: Fender-mounted front headlight; frame-mounted integrated rear light w/ brake & turn signals
  • Charger: 54.6V / 2A charger (charges 13Ah battery in ~6.5 hours)

First Impressions & Assembly: Simple Setup, One Predictable Quirk

Out of the box, the XP Trike2 feels closer to “finished” than most trikes in its price class, and assembly is refreshingly light. Riders only handle the front wheel, fenders, and pedals; everything else comes pre-routed and tidy.

The only time-sink is the front fender, because the headlight arrives pre-mounted on that fender, which blocks the easiest path to slide it into place from behind the fork. The quick workaround—remove or loosen the light, seat the fender, then reattach the light—works cleanly and is worth the extra minute.

The switch from metal to plastic fenders is exactly the kind of unglamorous change that saves owners headaches: they’re lighter, resilient, and far less likely to show up bent. Once standing on its wheels, the trike gives a tidy impression with clean cable runs, a true step-through that’s easy to clear, and geometry tweaks that settle the chassis faster over bumps without the pitching and sway the older setup could show.

Design & Features: Everyday-First, Senior-Friendly

Control layout makes sense, and that matters — especially for new riders or when you’re wearing gloves. Left thumb handles turn signals and the headlight. Right side holds the half-twist throttle and second brake lever with lock.

The TFT snaps in or out easily for transport or security. And thanks to labeled PAS levels, you’re never decoding icons or guessing which mode you’re in.

Fit-wise, it’s adaptable: the adjustable/folding stem and suspension seatpost (with a comfy backrest) promote an upright, wrist-friendly posture.

Under the rear deck, the dual-differential axle is doing real work. Powering both rear wheels keeps starts steady. Braking both wheels evenly avoids the weird yaw that can rattle new trike riders.

Small stuff matters too — pre-slimed tires, bright integrated lighting, and smooth throttle response all reduce friction in day-to-day life. It’s the kind of polish you stop noticing because it just works.

Motor & Power: Smooth Help at Sensible Speeds

This trike’s base 500W hub motor is clearly tuned for a smooth ride, and that’s exactly what it delivers. From a dead stop, the assist rolls in without any jolt, and a light pedal stroke is all it takes to get the motor online. I found the half-twist throttle was great for those moments you need a quick burst of power, like getting across an intersection.

I was particularly interested in testing the two distinct riding modes: Beginner and Standard. Lectric advertises that the Beginner mode limits the two lowest assist levels to 5 mph and the overall speed to 12 mph, and my testing confirmed those figures. It gives the trike a very gentle, approachable feel, especially for new riders. The Standard mode, on the other hand, steps up the performance. The three highest assist levels—Sport, Sport+, and Turbo—all reached the advertised 14 mph maximum speed, though each delivered increasingly faster acceleration.

When it comes to the throttle, the trike cruises around 14 mph on flat ground, a sensible top speed for multi-use paths and neighborhood streets. On a mild downhill, it can coast into the high teens (18-19 mph), at which point the single-speed gearing can’t contribute. This is where you experience ghost pedaling.

In day-to-day use, I found two features that really stood out: the cruise control and the feel of the cadence assist. The cruise control is simple to activate—just hold the “–” button while twisting the throttle—and it’s invaluable for steady stretches where you want to give your wrist a rest.

Cadence assist engaged power as soon as the cranks turned, so even light pedaling was enough to keep rolling. Above 12–13 mph the cadence required to add meaningful input became impractically fast, which brought ghost pedaling back, but this is typical for a single-speed trike with upright geometry and moderate top speed.

Riders wanting closer alignment between effort and output can look to the torque-sensor upgrade, which alters response without changing the approachable ride position.

Hill Climbing: Steady Pull on Real Hills

I evaluated the Trike2’s hill-climbing ability on typical neighborhood gradients, and while it’s no rocketship, its performance lines up with what most riders realistically need. With pedal assist engaged, it maintained an average speed of around 8.5–9 mph on short hills, and throttle-only climbs came in slightly slower but still steady. From a dead stop, power delivery was smooth and predictable, with no signs of wheel spin or hesitation.

Thanks to its revised frame geometry—including a more relaxed seat-tube angle and lowered rear rack—the rider’s weight stays centered between the axles. This translated to more stable tracking under power, with none of the rear-end sidestepping that some older delta trikes could show.

Cadence-based PAS kept assistance flowing as long as the pedals were moving, and the half-twist throttle alone had no trouble handling moderate ramps, driveway inclines, or curb transitions. In my view, that’s the kind of daily versatility most riders are after.

For longer or steeper climbs, I’d recommend the XP2 Trike variant with the 750 W motor and torque sensor, which is slated to launch in September. This build provides a noticeable bump in peak output and responsiveness—especially when carrying cargo—and makes the relationship between leg effort and speed feel more natural. If hills are a regular part of your route, it’s a worthwhile step up.

Battery & Charging: Practical Capacity, Predictable Routine

Lectric equips the XP Trike2 with a 48V, 624 watt-hour (Wh) battery (13 Ah), paired with a 2-amp charger that completes a full charge in approximately 6.5 hours. For those who prefer quicker turnarounds, Lectric’s optional 5-amp fast charger can reduce charge time to under 3 hours—making it a worthwhile upgrade for high-mileage users or shared households.

The battery is mounted beneath the seat and removes easily for indoor charging—a convenience not to be understated for apartment dwellers or those storing their trike in a shared space.

Using a mid-level PAS setting on mostly flat terrain, I recorded a total range of just under 40 miles on a single charge. The motor’s power delivery felt consistent throughout, with no unexpected drops or surges, and the trike maintained a steady pace around 11 to 12 mph without pushing the battery too hard. While range will always depend on factors like rider weight, terrain, and wind, this result felt representative of typical real-world usage. For the type of riding most users will do—short trips, errands, and casual cruising—the standard 13 Ah pack delivers enough endurance to avoid daily charging.

Braking Performance: Hydraulic and Predictable

The brakes on the Lectric XP Trike2 truly feel like a significant upgrade, a detail that makes the trike feel “grown up.” The Star Union hydraulic system, now with thicker 2.3mm rotors, delivers a predictable and progressive bite. This system makes for a noticeably more powerful and secure stopping experience.

The standout feature is the one-hand-operated parking locks integrated into the brake levers. On mild slopes, I was able to stop, engage the lock without fumbling, and walk away knowing the trike wouldn’t shift or roll. It’s a small feature that solves a big annoyance, especially for riders with limited grip strength.

The dual-differential rear axle contributed to the confidence, keeping emergency stops smooth and dead-straight. No skidding, no fishtailing—just controlled deceleration even when I braked firmly with added cargo weight in the rear basket.

Ride Quality & Handling: Calmer Chassis, Confidence in Corners

From the saddle, comfort is easily the biggest upgrade. Between the Cloud 50 suspension fork and the suspension seatpost, small bumps and sidewalk seams are handled before they ever reach your spine. The hydroformed frame, paired with updated geometry, doesn’t just absorb impact—it actually settles, instead of pitching or pogoing like older setups sometimes did.

The wide seat and backrest support an upright posture that relieves pressure on my wrists and lower back, while the 20×2.5” tires do a solid job muting road chatter. Handling feels predictable as long as I ride it like a delta trike: ease off the assist before diving into a tight corner, and keep speeds low. Do that, and the Trike2 stays composed. It tracks straight, responds cleanly, and doesn’t feel nervous at neighborhood pace.

The steering radius is compact enough to allow for smooth maneuvering in tighter areas like garages or parking spaces.

Folding & Transport: Smaller Footprint, Still Not Tiny

This isn’t a folding trike in the way a folding bike disappears under your desk. But it does fold, and once you learn the routine, it gets easier. The main frame hinge is solid, and the stem collapses. To get the smallest footprint, I found it best to remove the front wheel using the quick-release skewer.

Out of the box, the pedals, fender-mounted headlight, and main latch all compete for space during the fold. The first couple tries felt clumsy, but after learning the order of operations, it became a quick sequence. I wouldn’t say it ever gets “compact,” but it does store more easily than you’d expect—up against a garage wall, in the back of a hatchback, or tucked into a hallway corner.

Lighting & Visibility: Brighter Rear, Bouncy Front

Rear visibility is one of the stronger points on the Trike2. The integrated brake light and turn signals are bright enough to cut through daylight, and they’re wired cleanly into the system. Anyone behind me can clearly see when I’m stopping or signaling a turn—which isn’t always a given on affordable e-trikes.

Up front, it’s a different story. The headlight is still mounted to the front fender, which means the beam bounces with every flex or vibration. It’s usable, but definitely not ideal—especially when compared to a frame-mounted setup. Depending on the size and position of the rear basket, it’s also possible to partially block the brake light.

Neither issue has been a dealbreaker for me, but if you ride at dusk or load up cargo regularly, it’s worth double-checking light placement before heading out.

Summary / Recommendation

In my experience, the Lectric XP Trike2 builds thoughtfully on the strengths of the original model, while making a number of sensible improvements that enhance day-to-day usability. Key updates like hydraulic brakes with a one-handed parking lock, a suspension fork and seatpost, and a clearer TFT display all contribute to a smoother and more accessible ride. Combined with its more relaxed frame geometry, these features make the Trike2 especially approachable for older riders, those with limited hand strength, or anyone simply looking for a low-effort, stable way to get around.

That said, a few trade-offs remain. The headlight’s fender-mounted position isn’t ideal for rough roads or nighttime riding, folding the trike is easiest with the front wheel removed, and the single-speed drivetrain means some light ghost pedaling at higher assist levels. Basket placement may also need minor adjustment to avoid heel contact. None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth keeping in mind depending on how you plan to use the trike.

For short errands, neighborhood cruising, and casual riding, I found the standard XP Trike2 configuration to be a well-rounded, practical choice. Riders dealing with hills more regularly—or those who prefer a more intuitive link between pedaling effort and speed—may want to consider the upgraded version with a 750W motor, torque sensor, and 17.5 Ah battery. That option maintains the same platform, but adds headroom and responsiveness for more demanding routes.

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