Lectric XP Trike Review 2024

Intro

Adult trikes have been around for ages; what’s relatively new is the creation of adult e-trikes. Adding a motor to a trike is a genius application of e-bike technology. While anyone may choose to buy an e-trike, these new models being introduced by companies like Lectric and Rad Power are especially well-suited to some riders.

Aging doesn’t really work out all that well. We lose strength. We lose range of motion. And we can also see a loss in our sense of balance. An e-trike addresses all of these issues. In our Lectric XP Trike review we will look at what makes this e-trike suitable to riders who might struggle to ride an e-bike, what makes it a good design as well as the versatility of use it enjoys.

Thanks to a very low standover height, narrow overall width, limited top speed and optional backrest, the Lectric XP Trike offers all the features that we would want to see in an e-trike, were it being designed specifically with older riders in mind. There’s nothing we would want to see included that it lacks.

Moving an e-trike can be a bit of a production, even if, like the XP Trike, it isn’t especially heavy. To make managing the XP Trike easier, Lectric made the XP Trike foldable. The frame folds to reduce its size, while the handlebar mast can be folded as well and the seat can be lowered. For those looking for an easier transportation solution; Lectric markets a hitch rack that can carry the e-trike. And like other Lectric e-bikes, the XP Trike enjoys a host of different accessories including front and rear racks and baskets to make running errands by e-trike easy.

Let’s take a look at what makes the Lectric XP Trike such a great option for people who want an e-bike with three wheels, rather than two.

E-Bike Category: E-trike

Who the Lectric XP Trike Electric Bike Is for:

The Lectric XP Trike is an ideal solution for anyone who is concerned that a lack of strength, range of motion or loss in balance may prevent them from riding an e-bike.

Lectric XP Trike E-Bike Specs

• Battery: 672Wh Lithium-ion
• Expected Range:
• Charger: 2A
• Motor: 500W brushless, geared hub motor
• Pedal Assist: 5 PAS levels
• Throttle: Included
• Display: Black and white LCD
• Headlight: Included
• Taillight: Included
• Frame: 6061 Aircraft Aluminum
• Fork: Steel
• Fenders: Included
• Kickstand: N/A
• Handlebars: Alloy
• Grips: Rubber, lock-on
• Drivetrain: Single-speed with differential
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
• Pedals: Alloy with reflectors
• Saddle: Padded
• Tires: 20 x 2.6 in.

In-Depth Lectric XP Trike Review

Lectric XP Trike Review: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Qualities

E-trikes are often favored by riders who have challenges in balance, mobility or strength—sometimes all three. This makes them great for seniors who have struggled to find good ways to remain active.

The Lectric XP Trike offers the lowest standover of any model that Lectric makes, just 13.8 in. This helps to lower the XP Trike’s overall center of gravity, making it less likely to tip in a turn. Lectric also limited the XP Trike’s maximum speed to 14 mph, which also helps to reduce the possibility of tipping .

The XP Trike features a very upright seated position and should a rider need support on their rides Lectric offers an optional saddle with a back support. With a 30.5-in. overall width, the XP Trike has the potential to be used as a mobility device when out and about. It’s narrow enough to fit through most commercial doorways and with a wheelbase of 43.75 in., the XP Trike is fairly nimble, especially at low speeds.

Lectric XP Trike Review: Motor, Battery, and Drivetrain Performance

The 500W brushless, geared hub motor used in the Lectric XP Trike gives riders plenty of power for getting around. While this hub motor offers a bit less power than some hub motors we see in e-trikes, it’s important to bear in mind that this isn’t the sort of machine the average rider will want to feature blazing acceleration, plus it has a top speed of 14 mph, for stability. That said, with 65Nm of torque, the motor has the muscle necessary to help riders get up hills.

The 672Wh battery powering the XP Trike is estimated to offer riders up to 60 mi. of range on a single charge. That seems realistic considering both the motor size and the e-trike’s weight, which is just 69.5 lbs.—light for an e-trike.

E-trikes have the potential to be somewhat complicated where the drivetrain is concerned. That’s because unless the motor is mounted in the front wheel, it will operate best with a differential that will allow the two rear wheels to turn at a slightly different rate in turns. The Lectric XP Trike does feature a rear differential but it does simplify part of the drivetrain by going with a single speed.

What riders need to understand about a single-speed drivetrain combined with a cadence sensor is that starting from a dead stop will take some effort. The XP Trike’s motor is plenty powerful but the motor will take somewhere between a half and ¾ of a pedal stroke for the motor to come to life. Once it does, the rider won’t have to work especially hard to reach a reasonable cruising speed. Fortunately, riders concerned about the effort necessary to get going can sidestep this issue with the aid of the throttle. No effort necessary.

Lectric XP Trike Review: Braking, Safety & Warranty

The Lectric XP Trike weighs in the same range as many e-bikes with hub motors and while many Lectric e-bikes are equipped with mechanical disc brakes, Lectric gave the XP Trike hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors. This means that riders will be able to stop the XP Trike promptly and scrub speed in turns.

The big question where safety and e-trikes is concerned always concerns the fear of tipping in a turn. Thanks to its 30.5-in. width and 14 mph maximum speed, unless someone is trying to ride circles around a fire hydrant, tipping is unlikely, even difficult.

The folding mechanism used for the XP Trike is the same one used on Lectric’s other folding models. Unless the frame and handlebar mast are fully locked into position, the frame will begin to fold, making it unrideable. In other words, if it looks like a trike, it’s safe to ride.

The warranty is a full year on all parts and factory labor. While there are better warranties out there, this is pretty common in the direct-to-consumer space.

Lectric XP Trike Review: Recommendation/Final Verdict

We don’t presume that the only potential buyers of the Lectric XP Trike are elderly. People may have any number of reasons to choose to ride an e-trike. What we want to stress with XP Trike is its ability to allow someone to ride who might otherwise have concluded that a physical limitation was preventing them from enjoying riding.

Lectric includes full fenders and front and rear lights on the XP Trike, but baskets, racks and other accessories will be add-ons. The sheer number of cargo options make the XP Trike worth considering by anyone looking for a cargo e-bike.

Between its low standover height, ability to start with just the push of a throttle button, narrow width and terrific stability, the Lectric XP Trike gives riders a mobility solution that goes beyond getting around the store.

If the 14 mph top speed seems under-cooked, don’t worry. We can attest that while 14 mph is noticeably slower than 20 mph, it’s quicker than people might think. This is faster than a world-class marathoner runs. We think limiting the top speed is a good idea, especially if older adults prove to be the XP Trike’s biggest demographic of purchasers.

Complicated features tend to drive up the cost of an e-bike. The Lectric XP Trike features a somewhat complicated frame, three wheels and a differential in the drivetrain. All of these details have the potential to drive up the price on an e-trike, but the XP Trike proves that an e-trike need not be expensive to be impressive.

Thank you for reading through our review of the Lectrick XP Trike. Still have further questions? Wondering how it compares to a similar e-bike we’ve reviewed? Let us know in the comments below!