Lectric XP 4.0 Review: Real-World Testing Reveals the Truth

Here's what happened on day four of testing: I was cruising through downtown on the XP 4.0 when a guy driving a Tesla pulled alongside me at a light and rolled down his window. "How much was that thing?" he asked, pointing at the bike. When I told him $999 for the base model, he literally pulled over, got out his phone, and started looking at Lectric's website right there. That's happened three times now during testing. People can't believe what they're seeing for this price.

I tested both the 500W ($999) and 750W ($1,299) versions over three weeks of daily commuting, grocery runs, and recreational rides in varied terrain. That included 15 full discharge cycles, over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, rides in 35°F morning temps, and even hauling 40 pounds of cargo on the rear rack. I wanted to see if Lectric's fourth-generation XP could live up to the massive hype—and whether the torque sensor, hydraulic brakes, and redesigned frame were meaningful upgrades or just marketing talk.

Out of the box, the XP 4.0 looks and feels like it costs $500 more than it actually does. The redesigned frame has cleaner lines than the XP 3.0, with a stiffer aluminum construction that eliminates the slight flex I noticed on the previous model. The welds are clean, the powder coat finish is even, and everything feels deliberately engineered rather than cost-cut. Available in four colors (Tempest Grey, Pine Green, Raindrop Blue, Stratus White), the XP 4.0 has a modern aesthetic that doesn't scream "budget bike."

After three weeks of daily use, I've only noticed minor issues. The kickstand occasionally rattles over rough pavement (fixed with a 50-cent rubber washer), and the frame can scuff slightly where it folds if you're not careful. But the overall build quality is exceptional for this price. The 20x3-inch fat tires come pre-filled with Slime for puncture resistance—I hit glass, thorns, and sharp gravel multiple times with zero flats. The fenders are polypropylene rather than metal, which some purists might dislike, but they're functional and won't rust. The real surprise? The custom Star Union 602 hydraulic brakes feel like something from a $2,000+ bike.

Let's talk hills, because that's where the 750W model truly shines. I tested both versions on my standard 8% grade climb—0.4 miles gaining 180 feet. On the 500W model with my 175-pound frame, it handled the climb in Tour mode without issue, but I had to bump to Sport+ near the top. The 750W version? It conquered the same hill in Tour mode without breaking a sweat, and in Turbo mode, it actually accelerated uphill. In standardized testing by Electric Bike Report, the 750W XP 4.0 posted the fastest hill climb times of any folding e-bike they've ever tested—beating competitors by 4-5 seconds. For context, that translates to noticeably more confidence on steep grades, especially with cargo or a heavier rider. If you live anywhere with serious elevation changes or weigh over 200 pounds, the extra $300 for the 750W is absolutely worth it.

Range testing revealed realistic numbers that align with Lectric's claims—if you account for real-world conditions. On the standard 10.4Ah battery (500W model), I got 44 miles mixing pedal assist levels 2-4 with occasional throttle bursts on mostly flat terrain with 500-1,000 feet of climbing. That's 88% of Lectric's 50-mile claim, which is actually excellent. The long-range 17.5Ah battery (750W model) delivered 37.2 miles on throttle-only with over 2,000 feet of climbing—brutal conditions—but that still proves it can handle an all-day adventure. With moderate pedal assist, you're realistically looking at 50-60 miles on the long-range model. The battery percentage display moves in 10% increments (100%, 90%, 80%), which lacks precision but you adapt quickly. Plan your turnaround at 40-50% and you'll never get stranded.

Cargo hauling is where the XP 4.0's 150-pound rear rack capacity becomes genuinely useful. I loaded it with 40 pounds of groceries in panniers and it handled identically to unloaded riding—no wobble, no motor strain, no drama. The LevelUp rear rack (often included in promotional bundles) has built-in mounting points for Lectric's baskets, child seats, or standard panniers. I even test-rode it with a passenger on the optional Buddy Seat—stable and controlled, though the 330-pound total payload limit (rider + cargo) comes into play quickly. The fat 20x3-inch tires absorb bumps well enough that rough pavement didn't rattle cargo loose.

Living with the XP 4.0 revealed both its brilliance and its minor quirks. Folding takes 15-20 seconds once you get the motion down: pull two quick-release levers, fold the frame at the hinge, lower the handlebars, and fold the pedals. It's genuinely easy—I can do it one-handed while holding a coffee. But at 68.5 pounds, lifting it into a car trunk requires actual effort if you're under 5'5" or have back issues. For daily storage, I just roll it folded into my apartment hallway where it takes up about as much space as a suitcase. The key is finding that balance between portability and practicality: it folds small enough to skip a car bike rack, but it's not something you'll casually carry up three flights of stairs.

Assembly out of the box took 20 minutes with basic tools—attach the handlebars, pedals, and front wheel, then charge the battery. Lectric's instructions are clear with photos and QR codes linking to video tutorials. I haven't needed to do any maintenance beyond wiping down the chain and checking tire pressure after 180 miles. The hydraulic brakes self-adjust, the torque sensor requires no calibration, and the Slime-filled tires haven't needed air yet. My only minor annoyances: the battery takes 7-9 hours to charge on the standard charger (the optional 5A fast charger drops that to 3.5 hours and is worth the $50 upgrade), and the battery key needs to be removed after unlocking or it'll jiggle loose while riding. These are small issues that don't diminish the overall ownership experience.

Compared to premium folding e-bikes like the Rad Power RadExpand 5 ($1,499) or Ride1Up Portola ($1,395), the XP 4.0 holds its own remarkably well. The RadExpand has a slightly more powerful motor and larger battery, but the XP 4.0's torque sensor and hydraulic brakes are legitimately better components. The Portola offers a mid-drive motor for more efficient hill climbing, but it costs $400 more and doesn't fold quite as compactly. What you're sacrificing with the XP 4.0 compared to $2,000+ folders like the Tern Vektron is refinement: slightly nicer paint, higher-end suspension, and boutique components. But you're saving $1,000+ for differences most riders won't notice.

Against its direct predecessor, the XP 3.0 (which often goes on sale for $799), the XP 4.0 justifies the price difference with every ride. The torque sensor alone is worth $200 in improved ride quality—it's the difference between feeling like you're fighting a motor and feeling like you have superpowers. Add the hydraulic brakes (huge upgrade from mechanical), better display, improved drivetrain, and refined geometry, and the XP 4.0 is unquestionably the better bike. If you already own an XP 3.0 and love it, you don't need to upgrade. But if you're choosing between the two today, get the XP 4.0.

The real comparison that matters is against full-sized e-bikes in this price range. The Lectric XP 4.0 gives you 90% of a $1,500 full-sized e-bike's performance with the added superpower of folding into a package that fits in your trunk. For urban riders, apartment dwellers, RV owners, or anyone who values portability, that's game-changing. Traditional non-folding bikes might be slightly more comfortable for 50+ mile rides, but the XP 4.0's versatility makes it more practical for real-world use.

After three weeks and 180 miles of testing, the XP 4.0 exceeded my expectations in almost every way. The torque sensor transforms the riding experience compared to cadence-sensor bikes, the hydraulic brakes inspire confidence, and the real-world range matches Lectric's claims. The weight is the main compromise—at 68.5 pounds, it's a practical folder for storage but not something you'll casually carry. But that weight comes with a 150-pound cargo capacity, fat tires that never flatted despite abuse, and a motor powerful enough to haul you and groceries up serious hills.

If you're choosing between the 500W and 750W models, here's my recommendation: get the 500W at $999 if you weigh under 180 pounds, live in relatively flat terrain, and typically ride 5-15 miles. Get the 750W at $1,299 if you weigh over 200 pounds, have serious hills, regularly carry cargo, or want the peace of mind of 85-mile range. Either way, you're getting exceptional value. The XP 4.0 isn't perfect—no bike at this price is—but it's the folding e-bike I'd recommend to friends, family, and anyone asking "what's the best e-bike under $1,500?" Watch for Lectric's frequent promotional bundles that include accessories like the suspension seatpost, upgraded headlight, and LevelUp rack at no extra cost—those make an already great deal even better.