The best sub-$900 electric bike this year?

From almost the moment that Phoenix-based electrical bicycle startup Lectric Bikes first unveiled the Lectric XP last year, the inexpensive little folding e-bike rocketed to the forefront of the finances e-bike market. And now that the corporate has added the Lectric XP Step-Thru because the second mannequin within the lineup, much more riders are discovering the enjoyment of an e-bike that provides large thrills for a small value.

After spending time driving the $899 Lectric XP Step-Thru for this evaluation, I feel it is likely to be my new favourite mannequin from Lectric Bikes because it’s much more snug to make use of than the unique Lectric XP.

Let’s begin with the tech specs so you will get an concept of what you’ll discover on this e-bike. If you happen to’re already acquainted with the usual body Lectric XP, you’ll possible discover that the Step-Via model shares primarily equivalent specs. It merely provides a brand new step-through body for elevated accessibility and extra snug mounts/dismounts.

Lectric XP Step-Via tech specs

• Motor: 500 W (800 W peak) geared rear hub motor
• High velocity: 28 mph (45 km/h)
• Vary: 25-50 miles (45-80 km)
• Battery: 48V 10.4 Ah (500 Wh)
• Cost time: 4-6 hours
• Weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg )
• Max load: 275 lb (125 kg)
• Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Extras: Massive easy-to-read LCD show with speedometer, wattmeter, battery gauge, PAS degree indicator, odometer and tripmeter, entrance and rear LED lights, 5 pedal help velocity settings, half-twist throttle, detachable battery, rear rack, and steel fenders (rack and fenders included!)

Lectric XP Step-Via video evaluation

Seeing is believing, proper? So watch my evaluation video under to see the Lectric XP Step-Via in motion. Then hold studying for my full ideas on this superior little deal-of-an-e-bike!

Lectric XP Step-Via folding e-bike: The important thing factors

Look, I’m going to put out the primary level of this bike right here pretty merely: The Lectric XP Step-Via (and the usual Lectric XP, for that matter) isn’t designed to be a top-of-the-line e-bike. There may be precisely nothing concerning the bike that may be thought of premium.

And but the bike continues to be an amazingly enjoyable trip with its thrilling efficiency.

So what offers?

Primarily, the Lectric XP Step-Via is an e-bike with all the fitting compromises. It provides a strong 800W peak-rated motor and a high velocity of 28 mph (45 km/h) whenever you add a little bit of pedal energy, or a decrease high velocity of 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle solely.

And with these fats tires, it’s enjoyable for driving on each pavement and off-road trails — or simply chopping proper throughout the park.

But it surely does make sensible compromises, like with a considerably smaller battery. At 500 Wh, the battery capability is round common or perhaps a bit under common compared to much of the industry.

For many leisure riders, that’s nonetheless loads of capability. I discover that I can get round 20 miles (32 km) of vary when pushing it laborious, or greater than that after I trip simpler or add in some pedal help.

Subsequent, there’s no suspension. So don’t count on to do any spectacular jumps. Or trip comfortably on rutted-out trails.

That doesn’t imply you possibly can’t depart the manicured streets behind, although. I’ve performed loads of driving on grass and gravel trails, however I additionally make some extent of lifting out of the saddle a bit after I see the path is about to get further bumpy. So whereas I do know moving into that I’m not getting suspension, the reminder that this e-bike solely prices $899 soothes my issues. And further air quantity in these fats tires soothes my behind.

Lastly, not one of the elements are tremendous good. You get easy Tektro brakes, easy Shimano 6-speed transmission, and a easy Shimano SIS shifter. That is all lower-tier stuff, nevertheless it all works completely tremendous. If I used to be a contest rider, I’d have to improve. But when I simply need to have an pleasing trip on an e-bike with “adequate” high quality elements, that is the ticket proper right here.

So whereas compromises had been made, all of them appear to have been made in the fitting locations to protect sufficient high quality, consolation, and worth to make this a severely superior e-bike.

It’s quick and highly effective, it could trip on diversified terrain with these extensive tires, and it folds for straightforward stowage in a trunk, RV, boat, or wherever else you should stuff a motorcycle.

You even get an included rear rack, full steel fenders, and a pair of entrance and rear LED lights — all elements that may typically value further on different finances e-bikes!

And for these anxious about legality points, if 28 mph (45 km/h) speeds aren’t allowed in your space, you possibly can simply restrict the bike again all the way down to Class 2 speeds of 20 mph (32 km/h).

In truth, it comes programmed in Class 2 mode, and it’s as much as the rider to unlock the Class 3 high velocity if she or he chooses.

The underside line

The underside line is that this: I don’t understand how anybody can beat the Lectric XP Step-Via at this value. It brings all the identical worth of the unique Lectric XP, but drops the body even decrease to make it simpler and extra snug to mount.

There’s nonetheless a spot on the market for premium electrical bicycles. I own one and I love it. It offers me options and elements I don’t have on the Lectric XP. However at 3 times the value, it’s not for everybody.

The Lectric XP, then again, is a superb entry into the world of electrical bikes for anybody that wishes a high-performance e-bike with no excessive price ticket.

FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.

---

Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.