The subject of ride quality is an overall measure of how a bike feels to ride. It’s influenced by a variety of factors, including sizing, the bike’s geometry and riding position, its motor engagement, its user interface, its overall comfort factor, and many others. I’ll explore and explain these features in detail here.
Starting with sizing, the XP 4 is available in either a high-step or step-thru frame with a 19” standover height. Both models are recommended for riders between 4’10” and 6’3”, which is a wide range for a single frame size, but the bike offers an impressive 10” of saddle height adjustment and 4” of handlebar adjustment through the seatpost and stem, respectively.
At 5’11”, near the top end of the recommended height range, I found a comfortable fit with a good deal of room in both the stem and seatpost above my preferred settings. The long seatpost ensured proper leg extension, while the adjustable handlebars offered some adjustment in riding position and fit.
As is common with folding e-bikes, I felt perched relatively high above the frame, but one of the first things that I noticed with the XP 4 was its improved geometry. The angle of the stem on the previous version of the bike resulted in an unnaturally long reach, forcing my arms in an extended position, while this new version felt more relaxed and ergonomic (read: comfortable).
Another common aspect of folding e-bikes is somewhat twitchy handling. The XP 4 shared this element to some degree because of the small 20” wheels and 660mm handlebars it has in common with other bikes of its style, but its handling was made more balanced and stable due to the bike’s sturdy frame and above-average weight.
Seriously, this bike felt like a tank! In comparison to the XP 3.0, Lectric’s redesigned frame looks more appealing, feels stiffer and sturdier, and brings some much-needed flair to the table. It’s not the lightest or easiest to move around (I recommend an extra set of hands when loading it into a vehicle), but the improvements in ride quality are a worthy trade.
Speaking of improvements, I want to call attention to the fact that this bike simply exceeded my expectations for its feel with many of its trim elements. Previous XP models felt economical, with old-school LED displays, utilitarian button panels, hard rubber grips, etc.
The XP 4’s trim included noticeably higher-quality elements common on more costly e-bikes, such as softer lock-on grips, a control panel with rubberized buttons, integrated brake lights and turn signals, and a custom color TFT display.
In contrast with previous models, where adjusting settings sometimes felt like reading hieroglyphics, the XP 4 also has a custom UI with a user-friendly settings menu! By holding the + and – buttons, users can alter the torque multiplier, the engagement and limitations of the throttle, and the behavior of the lights, in addition to quickly switching between Class settings.
Another new feature are the XP’s custom 20×3” tires. Instead of the common knobby tires, the XP 4’s tires have a hybrid tread pattern made to be efficient on paved surfaces while offering stability when off-roading. I found them generally stable on pavement, hard dirt, and large gravel, though they could be somewhat slippery on sand and pea gravel.
Another element to mention is the XP 4’s cargo rack, which is capable of carrying up to 150 lbs. It’s compatible with a range of accessories for carrying cargo or passengers (including third-party child seating). The best part? Many accessories designed for the XP 3.0 are compatible, making it easy for owners of previous models to upgrade.
Finally, let’s discuss the XP 4’s folding features. Like Lectric’s previous models and those from many other brands, the bike has a hinged frame and a collapsible stem that functioned well and are intuitive to use.
Unfortunately, some areas of the frame contacted each other when the bike was folded and damaged the paint. The addition of rubber bumpers (such as those on other parts of the bike) would likely prevent this from being an issue.
Otherwise, we were highly impressed with the XP 4’s ride quality. It’s a noticeable upgrade from the previous version in nearly all aspects, and when its look and feel is put in perspective with its starting price, we consider any remaining compromises to be more than acceptable.
