Lectric XP4 First Impressions: A Folding E-Bike That Actually Feels Purpose-Built
May 6, 2025
I took the new Lectric XP4 out for a real ride in the Grand Canyon area—pavement, packed paths, some loose stuff, and the kind of rolling inclines you actually deal with on trips and day rides. The XP line has always been about practical value, but the XP4 feels more polished and more intentional, especially in the way the assist delivers power and how the bike fits different riders.
There are two main flavors: a 500W and a 750W rear hub option, plus step-through and high-step frames. I rode both the 500W step-through (Raindrop Blue, which is easily my favorite) and the 750W high-step back-to-back.
Design and everyday usability
The first thing I noticed is how clean the frame looks. The lines are symmetrical and the whole bike has that industrial, well-thought-out vibe.
On the step-through, the integrated carry handle isn’t just a “nice touch”—it doubles as a stabilizer. I’m always looking for that on step-through cargo-style frames, because when bikes skip that reinforcement, the frame can start to feel flexy once you load up the rear rack.
The XP4 also keeps the practical stuff in mind:
Integrated lighting (front and rear)
Turn signals
Integrated rear rack (Lectric calls it the Level Up rack) rated to carry up to 150 lbs
Polypropylene fenders that can flex without permanently deforming
It’s clearly built for commuting, camping, and “throw it in the vehicle” life.
The ride position: that 0° stem matters
Lectric switched to a 0° stem, and the bars sit closer in a way that immediately felt more natural for me. As a shorter rider, I appreciated how quickly I felt centered on the bike instead of stretched out. Both the step-through and high-step fit me fine, which surprised me a bit on the high-step.
Tires and where the XP4 shines
The 20x3 tires give the XP4 a BMX-ish, easy-to-flick feel. They’re a mixed-terrain hybrid tread: smoother down the center with more bite on the edges.
In real riding, that translated to confidence on pavement and hardpack, and “good enough” grip when the surface got dusty or loose. But I’ll be straight: smooth pavement is where the XP4 feels best. It’s not trying to be an off-road e-bike, and I wouldn’t buy it expecting true trail performance.
Pedal assist feel: the torque sensor is the big story
Lectric’s custom torque sensor setup is the reason the XP4 feels more refined than a lot of budget folding e-bikes.
In Eco and Tour, I still had to pedal with intention, which I liked—those modes feel like you’re riding a bike first and using assist as a helper. In Sport, the bike started to hit the sweet spot for me: natural support without feeling jumpy.
Sport+ was the mode I kept coming back to. It gave me quick response without turning every pedal stroke into a surge.
Then there’s Turbo.
Turbo is a real step up. The assist ramps faster and feels like it’s meant for covering ground—longer straightaways, open paths, fewer stop-and-go moments. It’s also the mode where the XP4 starts to feel more “zippy” than you’d expect from a folding commuter-style bike.
Throttle use: easy to blend when your legs want a break
I like using throttle as a supplement—especially when I’m trying to relax my legs, reset after an incline, or just cruise through an awkward stretch.
On the XP4, modulating between pedal assist and throttle felt intuitive. The only personal adjustment for me was the throttle being on the left side, which is different from what I’m used to. It wasn’t a dealbreaker—I adapted quickly—but it’s worth knowing.
500W vs 750W: what I felt back-to-back
I spent time on both versions, and here’s the real-world difference I noticed:
The 500W version feels stronger than you’d expect. It doesn’t ride like a weak “entry motor.” It felt punchier off the line than the spec sheet would suggest.
The 750W version adds a noticeable bump in off-the-line torque, especially when you hit the throttle.
If you’re a more experienced rider, you ride in the city, or you routinely deal with inclines and want that extra shove when traffic lights change, the 750W option makes a lot of sense.
Braking and control
The Star Union hydraulic disc brakes (602) felt solid and confidence-inspiring, especially when I pushed speed a bit and then grabbed a firm stop. The bike stayed stable and predictable, which is exactly what I want on a heavier folding e-bike—especially one that can be set up to carry cargo or even a passenger.
Drivetrain feel and the “commuter reality” test
The 8-speed Shimano Altus setup felt snappy, and the gearing range was more than enough for casual cruising and small climbs.
On mild inclines, the 750W bike handled it well with pedal assist alone, and if I wanted a little more, throttle filled the gap. That’s the exact use case for a commuter: you can still pedal and feel like you’re riding, but you’re not punished by every slope.
Folding and portability (with a smart pedal solution)
Folding the XP4 was straightforward: release the frame latch, fold the stem, align the pedals, and bring it together. There’s also a little stand point on the bottom of the frame when it’s folded, which helps it settle.
The standout for me is the quick-release pedals. Instead of fiddly folding pedals (the kind that can pinch fingers), these pop off with a sleeve mechanism. For transport, storage, or tight RV/van packing, that’s a genuinely useful upgrade.
Display and controls: cleaner, smarter, more modular
The detachable TFT display is a practical win. Shipping damage happens, and making the display modular is just smart. I also liked how clean the interface felt—no clutter, but still a surprisingly deep set of ride data if you want it.
You get multiple assist modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, Turbo), plus a settings menu with lots of customization available.
Turn signals are integrated into the control layout, and the on-screen indicator makes it easy to confirm you actually triggered them.
Security and small details that add up
I liked the updated key/charging area on the side and the option for keyless riding. It’s the kind of daily-use detail that makes the whole bike feel more modern and less fussy.
Who I think the Lectric XP4 is for
After riding it, the XP4 makes the most sense for:
Commuters who want a foldable e-bike that feels stable and natural (not twitchy)
Campers/van-life riders who need compact storage and easy transport
Riders who liked the XP Lite concept but want more heft, rack utility, and power options
If you’re shopping for a true off-road machine, I’d look elsewhere. But if your “off-road” is the real-world mix of pavement, packed paths, loose dirt patches, and campsite roads, the XP4 feels right at home.
What We Like
Torque sensor feel is smooth and natural, especially in Sport and Sport+
Turbo mode delivers a noticeable step up when you need to cover ground
500W feels stronger than expected; 750W adds real torque off the line
Stable braking feel from the Star Union hydraulic setup
Hybrid tread 20x3 tires feel nimble and confident on pavement and mixed paths
Quick-release pedals are genuinely useful for transport
Detachable display is a smart, practical design choice
Integrated lights plus turn signals add everyday safety
Rear rack capacity (150 lbs) opens up real utility
Things To Consider
This bike shines most on pavement and mixed-use paths, not technical off-road terrain
Throttle placement on the left may take a little getting used to
Turbo mode is significantly more aggressive than Sport+ (great when you want it, but it’s a jump)
If you’re shorter than me, the step-through will likely feel more confidence-inspiring than the high-step
Final Thoughts
The Lectric XP4 feels like a meaningful evolution of the XP formula: still practical and approachable, but with a more refined ride experience and better day-to-day usability.
What stuck with me most was how easy it was to settle into a comfortable pace. The assist didn’t feel herky-jerky, the bike stayed composed when I pushed speed and then scrubbed it off, and the whole package felt like it was built for the way people actually ride—commuting, camping, casual exploring, and weekend errands.
If you want a folding e-bike that rides more “normal” than most in this price-friendly category, the XP4 is absolutely worth a look.
Links
Lectric XP4: https://lectricebikes.sjv.io/4G5zd9
Bell Super 3R MIPS Bike Helmet: https://amzn.to/3TJ1vTR
Fox Racing Bike Gloves: https://amzn.to/40P5SyQ
Fox Racing Hip Bag: https://amzn.to/3xmW4mT
Hafny Handlebar Bike Mirror: https://amzn.to/3FVubmN
Veeape Electric Air Pump: https://amzn.to/3LPLTf9
Denlix Military Sling Bag: https://amzn.to/3LTKN2c
Lamicall Bike Phone Mount: https://amzn.to/3LXmD6O
Onvian Wireless Bike Alarm: https://amzn.to/42KUgyE
RunPlayBack Merch: http://shop.runplayback.com/