Lectric XP 4
Lectric
If you want a Class 3 (28 mph) folding e-bike under $1,000 with throttle, the Lectric XP 4 is genuinely the only honest answer. The 624 Wh battery, hydraulic brakes (on the upgraded trim), and torque sensor are upgrades the previous XP series didn't have. The fold is bulkier than a Brompton — but the Brompton costs four times as...
Key specs
- Motor Watts
- 750
- Motor Type
- hub
- Motor Torque Nm
- 65
- Battery Wh
- 624
- Range Miles
- 60
- Top Speed Mph
- 28
- Ebike Class
- 3
- Weight Lbs
- 64
- Payload Lbs
- 330
- Is Folding
- 1
- Folded Dimensions
- 37" × 18" × 28"
- Is Step Through
- 1
- Passenger Capable
- 0
Pros
- + Class 3 (28 mph) with throttle at $999 — genuinely unbeatable on price
- + Hydraulic disc brakes (upgraded trim) — rare at this tier
- + Torque sensor — smooth, intuitive power delivery
- + 624 Wh battery — top of class for sub-$1k folders
Cons
- - Folded size is car-trunk-friendly, not train-friendly — bulkier than a Brompton
- - 64 lb is heavy if you need to carry the folded bike up stairs
- - Single-passenger only — no rear-seat capability
What surprises us about this bike
Lectric has owned the sub-$1,000 folding-bike segment in the US for five years now, but the XP 4 is the first XP-series bike where the spec sheet stops feeling like compromise. Hydraulic disc brakes, a torque sensor (not cadence), 624 Wh battery, and Class 3 capability — all at $999 — would have been a $1,400 bike two years ago. The volume Lectric ships lets them price aggressively.
Power and battery
The 750W rear hub puts out a respectable 65 Nm of torque for a folder. The torque sensor is the meaningful upgrade over the old cadence-sensor XP 3.0 — power ramps with your pedalling effort instead of switching on/off. 624 Wh delivers a Lectric-claimed 60-65 mi at PAS 1; r/Lectric owners cluster at 35-45 mi at the more realistic PAS 3 with throttle bursts. Class 3 (28 mph) throttle is genuinely the fastest you'll go legally on a $999 folder.
Folding and transport
Folded dimensions are 37" × 18" × 28" and the bike weighs 64 lb. That fits in most car trunks and behind most apartment doors, but it is not a train-friendly fold like a Brompton. If you need to carry your folded bike up stairs, this isn't the right bike — get a Brompton Electric or a Tern BYB. If your fold use is car-trunk + RV + occasional storage, the XP 4 is the right tool.
Build quality and what gives
Hydraulic brakes are the standout build upgrade. The frame is steel where the Brompton is steel, the Tern Vektron is aluminium — heavy but durable. The display is functional but small. The kickstand is single-leg and tips loaded; the standard upgrade is a centre stand. Tyres are house-brand puncture-resistant and adequate. There's no IP rating on the controller; ride in moderate rain, not standing water.
Who should buy it (and who should skip)
Buy this if you want a Class 3 folder with throttle for occasional fold use (car trunk, RV, storage) at a $999 price. Skip this if your fold is daily train + stairs + office storage (get a Brompton Electric instead — the fold and weight justify the price), or if you live somewhere Class 3 throttle is illegal and you're paying for capability you can't use.
Best for
- - RV / van-life riders — folds into existing storage
- - Multi-modal commuters who drive + ride (car trunk fold)
- - Apartment dwellers without a dedicated bike storage room
- - Buyers who want Class 3 capability at the value tier (and where Class 3 is legal)
Is the Lectric XP 4 actually Class 3 (28 mph)?
Yes — out of the box it's configurable up to 28 mph throttle in Class 3 mode. The bike ships in Class 2 (20 mph) by default, and you toggle Class 3 in the display settings. Note that Class 3 throttle is illegal or restricted in some US states — check your state DOT before riding above 20 mph.
How long does the XP 4 battery actually last?
Lectric claims 60-65 mi at PAS 1, flat terrain, 150 lb rider. r/Lectric owner reports cluster at 35-45 mi at PAS 3 with occasional throttle bursts (the realistic riding mode). Cold weather under 40°F drops range another 15-20%. Throttle-only riding can drop range to 18-25 mi.
XP 4 vs the older XP 3.0 — is the upgrade worth it?
If you own an XP 3.0 in good condition, no — keep it. The XP 4 adds a torque sensor (vs cadence), bigger battery (624 Wh vs 460 Wh), and hydraulic brakes (upgraded trim) over the 3.0. Real upgrades, but not enough to justify selling and re-buying. If you're shopping fresh, the XP 4 is the one to get.
Can the XP 4 fit in a car trunk?
Yes — 37" × 18" × 28" folded fits in most sedan trunks and all SUV cargo areas. It does NOT fit upright in a typical sedan trunk; lay it on its side. Many owners use a fitted Lectric folding-bike bag to keep dirt off interior upholstery.
How does it compare to the Brompton Electric?
Different tools for different jobs. Brompton Electric ($3,800-4,500): smaller, lighter (~37 lb), train-and-stairs friendly, slower (15.5 mph EU / 20 mph US Class 2). XP 4 ($999): bulkier fold, heavier (64 lb), Class 3 (28 mph) throttle, 4× cheaper. For daily train + office storage, Brompton. For car trunk + RV + occasional fold, XP 4 wins on every other axis.
Is the XP 4 waterproof?
Lectric publishes no IP rating, which generally means IPX4-equivalent (splash resistant) but not waterproof. Riding in moderate rain is fine; standing water, deep puddles, and pressure-washing are not. r/Lectric owner reports of controller failure after sustained wet riding are uncommon but not absent — store indoors.
Can two adults ride the XP 4 together?
No — the XP 4 is rated for a single rider (330 lb total payload). The rear rack is rated for cargo only, not passengers. If you need two-up capability, you need a cargo bike (Lectric XPedition, Tern GSD), not a folder.