Lectric XP 3.0 Vs Lectric XP Lite

Intro

If it seems odd to pit two of the most popular e-bikes against each other when they come from the same company, don’t be alarmed. We’re here to ask an important question. Let’s say you’re on a budget so tight you’re not even sure you can afford an e-bike more expensive than the $799 the Lectric XP Lite currently goes for. We’re here to ask—and answer—the question, “Why would someone spend the extra $200 for the XP 3.0?”

We’re talking to the buyer who doesn’t want to part with $200 if they don’t have to. We’re not here to make the case that someone needs to spend the extra $200. No, we’re going to address why someone might choose to cough up the extra dough.

Put more simply: What do you get for an extra $200? We’re writing this piece because the value is there; we’ve got reasons to recommend each. Read on and you’ll see when we recommend saving a couple hundred dollars vs. the needs that justify spending more.

Key Specs of the Lectic XP 3.0 vs. the XP Lite

	XP 3.0	XP Lite
Class	3	3
Motor	500W	300W
Battery	499Wh	374Wh
Drivetrain	7-speed Shimano	Single speed
Brakes	Mechanical disc, 180mm rotor	Mechanical disc, 160mm rotor
Notable features	Suspension fork, rear rack can carry child passenger, lights and fenders	Lights

What we like about the XP 3.0:

• The 7-speed drivetrain helps on hills. For people who live in a hilly place, downshifting to an easier gear at the bottom of a hill takes some of the strain off the rider’s legs as well as the motor (increasing its lifespan).
• The rear rack can support up to 150 lbs. With the optional seat and handlebar, the XP 3.0 can carry a kid in back. Perfect for runs to school.

What we like about the XP Lite:

• Weighs just 46 lbs. Sure, the XP Lite has a smaller motor and a smaller battery, but it weighs 18 lbs. less than the XP 3.0. It’s ideal for smaller riders or anyone who wants a lighter e-bike. The lighter weight is especially handy for anyone who might need to haul their folding e-bike up stairs.
• No shifting to worry about. Not everyone likes having to shift gears. Having just one cog simplifies riding the XP Lite; the gear is big enough to pedal comfortably at speeds of 12-17 mph.

Read our review of the Lectric XP 3.0 |Read our review of the Lectric XP Lite

Conclusion

The XP Lite gets a very big thumbs up from us. It’s the only ~$800 e-bike we recommend. We appreciate that for many people the choice may be either buying the XP Lite or not buying an e-bike at all. It’s safe, reliable and performs well for most riders.

The XP 3.0 may be the best-featured ~$1000 e-bike on the market, though. A great many companies produce e-bikes that come close to that price, but almost nothing can compete with it head-to-head.

The upgrades the XP 3.0 features over the XP Lite include: An integrated rear rack that can carry a child, a 7-speed drivetrain that includes a gear high enough to go at least 20 mph, a suspension fork to smooth the roads, larger brake rotors to provide superior stopping power (something worth considering for bigger riders), the choice between a step-over and a step-thru frame, front and rear fenders and 3-in.-wide tires for a more comfortable ride.

Does someone need to find an extra $200 in order to purchase the Lectric XP 3.0 instead of the XP Lite? No. We are happy to recommend the XP Lite to buyers watching their spend. The upgrades Lectric gives the XP 3.0 justify the extra cost, but are they necessary? Maybe for the parent who wants to tote a kiddo along, but not otherwise.