Lectric XPedition 2.0 Review: 3 Weeks Hauling Everything

Here's what sold me on the XPedition 2.0: watching it power up a sustained 8% grade with my two kids (combined 140 lbs) plus a full grocery load without breaking a sweat. I'd been testing premium cargo bikes that cost three times as much, and honestly? The $1,699 Lectric delivered nearly identical hill-climbing performance. That moment crystallized what this bike represents: genuinely capable cargo hauling at a price that makes electric cargo bikes accessible to normal families, not just the early-adopter wealthy.

I tested the XPedition 2.0 for three weeks in Seattle, which means hills, rain, and real-world cargo scenarios. My test protocol included: 15 full charge cycles with varied loads, daily 6-mile school runs with two kids, weekly grocery hauls averaging 50 lbs, weekend cargo missions up to 200 lbs total weight, and intentional stress testing on steep grades ranging from 6-12%. I logged 287 miles across urban streets, bike paths, and the occasional unpaved shortcut. This isn't a bike I rode once. It temporarily replaced my car.

The XPedition 2.0 looks exactly like what it is: a utilitarian cargo bike that prioritizes function over fashion. The step-through frame is welded cleanly with visible but tidy joints, and the matte finish hides scratches well. That's important for a bike that'll see real work. Out of the box, I was impressed by the integrated rear rack's beefy construction. It's not the sleek, aerodynamic design of a $4,000 Urban Arrow, but the thick steel tubing inspires confidence when you're loading it with kids or cargo.

After three weeks of daily use and intentional abuse testing, the build quality holds up better than expected at this price point. The welds show no cracking, the paint hasn't chipped despite multiple cargo loading mishaps, and the rack hasn't developed any flex or creaking. That said, components show their budget nature. The plastic fenders rattle over rough pavement, the kickstand required retightening after week one, and the saddle leather is clearly synthetic. These aren't dealbreakers for a cargo workhorse, but premium bikes feel more refined in the details. The XPedition 2.0's philosophy seems to be: spend money where it matters (frame, motor, rack), accept good-enough everywhere else.

The hill test revealed the XPedition 2.0's real strength. On repeated climbs of Seattle's Fremont neighborhood (sustained 8-10% grades), the bike hauled me (180 lbs) plus two kids (140 lbs combined) at 11-13 mph in PAS level 4. Motor temperature never triggered thermal cutoffs even on back-to-back climbs. Compare this to my experience with $3,500+ cargo bikes and the performance gap is shockingly small. Maybe 2-3 mph slower than a Bosch-powered premium bike under identical loads. The Lectric's hub motor doesn't have the refined, silent power delivery of mid-drives, but it absolutely gets the cargo where you need it. On 6-8% grades with lighter loads (just me plus 50 lbs groceries), I maintained 15-17 mph comfortably.

Range testing produced real-world numbers you can trust. With dual batteries and mixed cargo loads (averaging 100 lbs extra weight), I achieved 58-62 miles using PAS 2-3 primarily with occasional turbo bursts for hills. Push it hard with constant max cargo (200+ lbs) and sustained PAS 4-5 usage, and range drops to 40-45 miles. Still impressive for a bike hauling serious weight. The single battery configuration is only viable for urban errand running. I tested it specifically and got 28-32 miles with 150 lbs cargo, which feels limiting if you're trying to replace a car. Battery efficiency impressed me most on moderate hills: the PWR mode seemed to optimize power delivery, delivering better range under load than I expected. Cold weather note: I tested one week in 38-42°F temps and saw roughly 15% range reduction.

Cargo handling transformed how I thought about bike capacity. I hauled: two kids in Lectric seats (ages 4 and 7, combined 140 lbs) for daily school runs (bike felt totally stable and kids felt secure); a full Costco run (53 lbs in panniers plus backpack) where the bike handled identically to unloaded riding; delivery simulation with 85 lbs of packages distributed across rear rack (never worried about balance or tipping). The bike's low center of gravity from the step-through design makes loaded riding feel planted and confidence-inspiring. Acceleration under max load obviously suffers. Expect 6-8 seconds to reach 20 mph with 200+ lbs cargo versus 3-4 seconds unloaded. But once moving, the motor maintains speed effortlessly even on moderate grades.

Daily use revealed both smart design choices and budget compromises. The step-through frame makes frequent mounting and dismounting effortless. This is critical when you're loading kids or groceries. The LCD display is basic but readable in all conditions, showing speed, battery, PAS level, and trip data clearly. I appreciated the simplicity: no smartphone app required, no Bluetooth connectivity failures, just turn key and ride. The throttle proved invaluable in specific scenarios: getting started from stops with heavy cargo, powering through intersections quickly for safety, giving your legs a break on long hauls with kids. Quirks emerged: the kickstand requires two-handed operation to retract (one hand holds bike, other lifts stand), the fenders rattle annoyingly over rough pavement, and the saddle needed replacing after week two. The stock seat is genuinely uncomfortable for rides over 30 minutes.

Setup and maintenance proved straightforward. The bike arrived 85% assembled. I attached front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and accessories in about 45 minutes using included tools (though a proper bike stand makes it easier). Initial brake adjustment required minor tweaking after the first ride, typical for hydraulic systems. Ongoing maintenance has been minimal: chain cleaning every 50 miles (it's exposed and collects grime), tire pressure checks weekly (these fat tires hide low pressure well), brake inspection after hauling max loads. The Shimano drivetrain has been trouble-free across 287 miles. One annoyance: the rear fender's mounting points loosened after two weeks of heavy cargo, requiring Loctite to stay tight. This isn't a deal-breaker but reveals where Lectric saved money on hardware quality.

Against premium cargo bikes like the Tern GSD ($5,500+) or Urban Arrow Family ($7,000+), you're trading refinement and features for massive savings. The Tern offers superior component quality, smoother mid-drive power delivery, better integrated accessories, and a more polished ownership experience. The Urban Arrow provides weather protection, more sophisticated geometry, and that effortless European cargo bike feel. But here's reality: for pure cargo hauling capability (getting kids and stuff from A to B), the XPedition 2.0 delivers 85% of the performance for 30% of the cost. You'll miss the premium bikes' attention to detail and refined ride quality. You won't miss their price tags.

Compared to direct budget competitors like the Rad Power RadWagon 4 ($1,999) or Aventon Abound ($1,999), the Lectric holds its own and often wins on value. The RadWagon offers similar capacity but single battery configuration means less range; the XPedition's dual battery option provides genuine car-replacement capability. The Aventon Abound matches the price point with arguably prettier styling but delivers less torque (75 Nm vs 85 Nm) and has a smaller accessory ecosystem. The XPedition's purpose-built cargo focus beats converted longtail designs. The integrated rack and PWR tuning show Lectric actually designed this for hauling, not just added a rack to a regular e-bike frame.

Choose the XPedition 2.0 if you need serious cargo capacity on a budget and can accept utilitarian aesthetics. Choose premium alternatives if you value ride refinement, integrated weather protection, or plan to ride 50+ miles regularly in varied conditions. Their superior components justify the cost for daily heavy use. Choose lighter cargo bikes like the Tern HSD if you need a more compact option or will regularly lift the bike into storage. The XPedition's 77 lbs makes it a ground-floor or outdoor storage bike only. For most families seeking car replacement for local errands and school runs, the XPedition 2.0's value proposition is unbeatable.

After three weeks and 287 miles of real-world cargo hauling, I'm genuinely impressed by what Lectric delivers at $1,699-$1,999. This isn't a bike pretending to do cargo. It's a purpose-built hauler that happens to cost a fraction of premium alternatives. The hill climbing, range, and capacity metrics I achieved matched or exceeded my expectations. Yes, you'll notice the budget components on longer rides. Yes, premium cargo bikes feel more refined. But the fundamental question is: can it haul your kids and cargo reliably? Absolutely, and it does so for a price that makes e-cargo bikes accessible beyond the early-adopter wealthy.

My recommendation: buy the dual battery configuration ($1,999) if you're serious about car replacement or have any regular trips over 10 miles. The extended range eliminates anxiety and provides genuine utility. Skip the single battery version unless you're truly confined to sub-5-mile neighborhood errands. Budget another $200-400 for accessories you'll actually need: better saddle ($50-100), quality panniers or cargo bags ($100-200), additional lighting for night riding ($50-100). At that total investment of roughly $2,200-2,400, you've got a cargo bike that can legitimately replace a second car for local trips and school runs. For families, delivery services, or urban dwellers seeking practical car-alternative transportation without luxury pricing, the XPedition 2.0 is the most compelling value in electric cargo bikes today.