Lectric XPedition 2.0 Review: Real-World Testing Reveals Why This $1,399 Cargo Hauler Dominates

Here's what shocked me most during testing: loaded with 180 pounds of kids and cargo, climbing a 12% grade hill on my daily commute, the XPedition 2.0 maintained steady power delivery without bogging down. I've tested cargo bikes costing three times as much that struggled with the same load. The combination of the 1,310-watt peak motor and the new torque sensor created a riding experience that felt impossibly refined for $1,399.

I tested the dual-battery XPedition 2.0 ($1,699) for 22 days across 280 miles of real-world riding. This included five school runs per week with two kids, four grocery hauls averaging 40 pounds each, and one weekend camping trip with 90 pounds of gear. I specifically chose challenging routes with 8-15% grades to stress-test the motor and range claims. My test bike came with the standard dual 13Ah battery setup, though I also spent a week with the long-range dual 17.5Ah version to verify the impressive 170-mile range claims.

The hydroformed 6000-series aluminum frame immediately feels overbuilt in the best way possible. Out of the box, welds looked clean and tubing showed no flex during aggressive cornering with cargo loaded. Lectric extended the wheelbase by nearly 6 inches compared to the original XPedition, which initially seemed like it would make handling cumbersome. Instead, I found the longer wheelbase provided noticeably better stability when carrying heavy loads at speed, something that became crucial during my grocery runs at 20+ mph on busy streets.

After three weeks and multiple 200+ pound loads, the frame showed zero signs of stress or creaking. The bike passed DIN 79010 testing for 450-pound capacity, and it genuinely feels like it can handle that weight repeatedly. That said, the suspension seatpost felt cheaper than the rest of the components, with some flex and less damping than I'd prefer. The dual-leg kickstand proved impressively stable during loading, though getting the bike onto the stand requires more effort than I expected with 150+ pounds loaded. Small gripe: the quick-release pedals feel like a budget compromise on an otherwise solid package.

Hill climbing performance exceeded my expectations dramatically. My test route included a 0.8-mile climb at 12% grade, which is brutal even unloaded. With 180 pounds of cargo and kids, I tackled this hill 15 times over three weeks. Using PAS 4 with moderate pedaling effort, the motor maintained 8-10 mph up the entire climb without overheating or power fade. Compare this to the Aventon Abound I tested last year, which required PAS 5 and full throttle for the same load. The torque sensor made a huge difference here, with power feeling controlled and predictable rather than surging. On flatter terrain with 100 pounds loaded, I averaged 17-19 mph cruising speed using PAS 2-3, which felt effortless and sustainable for long rides. The motor pulled consistently up to the 28 mph governor in Class 3 mode, though I rarely felt the need for that speed when carrying kids.

Range testing produced impressive real-world results. On the dual 13Ah setup (1,248Wh total), I completed a 78-mile test ride with varying cargo loads, starting with 60 pounds, adding 120 pounds mid-ride for 30 miles, and finishing light again. Using PAS 2-3 for most of the ride with occasional PAS 4 climbs, I finished with 12% battery remaining. Temperature was 55°F with moderate wind. Lectric's 90-mile range claim for this configuration seems conservative based on my testing. The long-range dual 17.5Ah setup (1,680Wh) delivered 142 miles on a similar test profile before hitting 5% battery. The claimed 170-mile maximum range appears achievable with light loads and PAS 1-2 usage, though that's an optimistic scenario most riders won't match. For daily commuting with kids, expect 60-75 miles of real-world range on dual batteries, which translates to a week of school runs plus errands without charging.

Braking and handling under load revealed both strengths and limitations. The hydraulic disc brakes provided adequate stopping power with 200+ pounds loaded. I measured 15-foot stopping distance from 15 mph on dry pavement. That's acceptable but not exceptional compared to premium cargo bikes with 4-piston brakes. Repeated heavy braking on steep descents caused some fade after 3-4 consecutive stops. Handling felt surprisingly nimble for a 56-inch-long bike thanks to the 20-inch wheels and low center of gravity. Tight parking lot maneuvers and U-turns were easier than on the 26-inch-wheeled RadWagon 5 I tested previously. However, high-speed cornering above 20 mph with heavy cargo required more caution, as weight distribution made the bike want to track straight. The suspension fork helped smooth out rough pavement without introducing too much fork dive during hard braking.

Daily usability proved excellent once I adapted to the bike's size. The adjustable stem helped me dial in a comfortable upright position, which is critical for maintaining visibility in traffic while loaded. My wife (5'2") and I (6'0") both found positions that worked without tools. The color LCD display provided clear information at a glance, though I wish battery percentage was larger and more prominent. Turn signals proved surprisingly useful for urban riding with kids, and drivers seemed more aware when I signaled lane changes. The throttle (thumb-style, not twist) worked smoothly for starting from stops with heavy loads, though I used it sparingly since the torque sensor made it less necessary than on cadence-only bikes.

Assembly took about 15 minutes following Lectric's video: attach pedals, unfold stem, install front wheel via through-axle. Simple enough that I felt confident having it shipped to elderly relatives. Maintenance has been minimal over three weeks. I checked tire pressure weekly (recommendation: run 20-25 PSI with cargo vs. the 30 PSI max rating) and lubed the chain twice. The 8-speed Shimano drivetrain shifted reliably despite budget-level components. My only ongoing annoyance: the suspension seatpost creaked under heavy riders, and adjusting preload didn't eliminate the noise. Also, having separate keys for each battery means carrying two keys, which is a minor hassle but worth noting if you're fumbling for keys with kids waiting. Charging routine was straightforward with the included 5-amp charger, though springing for a second charger ($49) made sense with dual batteries to cut charging time in half.

Against the $2,399 RadWagon 5, the XPedition 2.0 wins on almost every objective metric. The Lectric hauls 450 pounds vs. Rad's 375 pounds, offers up to 170 miles of range vs. 50 miles, weighs 3 pounds less (83 vs. 86 lbs), and costs $700-1,000 less depending on battery configuration. The RadWagon's advantages are more subjective: slightly more refined component choices (branded brakes), more established customer service reputation, and a slightly easier kickstand operation. But those differences don't justify the massive price gap for most buyers. I tested both bikes back-to-back with identical 150-pound loads on the same hill, and the XPedition climbed more confidently thanks to its torque sensor and higher peak wattage.

Compared to the $2,199 Aventon Abound, the competition is closer. The Abound offers smoother welds, more polished aesthetics, and a dropper seatpost that the Lectric lacks. Aventon's torque sensor felt marginally more refined in my testing. However, the XPedition counters with 50 more pounds of payload capacity (450 vs. 400 lbs), dramatically longer range (170 vs. 80 miles maximum), and still costs $500-800 less. If you prioritize looks and maximum refinement over raw capability and value, the Abound makes sense. For practical cargo hauling and commuting, the Lectric's advantages are more meaningful.

Premium cargo bikes like the $6,099 Tern GSD offer mid-drive motors, full Shimano XT drivetrains, integrated lighting systems, and higher build quality. The Tern is noticeably smoother and more refined to ride. But it costs more than four times the price of a base XPedition 2.0, and its payload capacity is actually 10 pounds less (440 lbs). Unless you need specific Tern accessories, find mid-drive torque essential, or want absolute premium quality, the value proposition of spending $4,700 extra becomes very difficult to justify for most families.

After three weeks and 280 miles of testing with heavy cargo loads, the XPedition 2.0 impressed me more than any budget e-bike I've reviewed. The addition of the torque sensor and suspension fork transforms this from a decent budget option into a legitimately excellent cargo hauler that competes with bikes in the $3,000+ range. The 450-pound payload capacity isn't marketing hype. I regularly loaded 180-200 pounds without concerns about frame strength or handling stability. Range performance exceeded manufacturer claims in my real-world testing. The few compromises (cheaper seatpost, unbranded brakes, single charger) are minor annoyances that don't fundamentally impact the bike's utility for daily cargo hauling.

Buy the dual-battery version ($1,699) unless you're absolutely certain your needs fit within 60-mile range. The extra $300 provides massive peace of mind and flexibility for longer errands or multi-stop trips. Skip the base model's limited 60-mile range, as it's too constraining for real-world cargo bike use cases. If your budget allows, the long-range dual setup ($1,999) delivers absurd 140-170 mile capability that essentially eliminates charging concerns for weekly usage patterns. Invest in the Orbitor child seat system ($149) if hauling kids regularly. The basic seat pads and footboards work but lack the security and comfort of the proper rail system. Consider a second charger ($49) if you're running dual batteries and want reasonable overnight charging times.