Do you want to get a Lectric but can’t decide between the two popular models offered by the brand? In this Lectric XP 3.0 vs XP Lite comparison, we’ll highlight and explain the differences between these folding ebikes so you can decide which one suits your needs and budget.
Lectric XP Lite comes with a 300W rear hub motor and without any suspension. The XP 3.0, however, offers a more powerful 500W motor, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes.
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Best Alternatives to Lectric XP 3.0
1. Velotric Fold 1
Velotric’s Fold 1 is the best value-for-money option in the market if you are shopping for a foldable ebike in 2024. Take a look at the impressive specs below:
Key Features:
- Powerful 750W Hub Motor
- UL-2849 Safety Certified
- Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain
- Dual Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- 55 Miles of Max Range
- 28 mph Top Speed
- 440 lbs Payload Limit
- 48V 608Wh, Detachable Battery
- 20″ x 3″ Puncture-resistant Tires
2. Heybike Mars 2.0
With a 750W powerful motor and an improved rear rack, the new Heybike Mars 2.0 is a great folding ebike on a budget.
Get a Special Discount of $50 on any Heybike ebike using our Discount code “Mag50”
Key Features:
- 750W Rear Hub Motor
- 48V 12.5Ah Battery
- 45 Miles of Max Range
- 28 mph Top Speed
- USB Charging Port
- App Support
- Rear Rack with Pegboards
- Front Fork Suspension
- 20″ x 4.0″ Fat Tires
- Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain
Recommended Accessories for Lectric XP 3.0 and XP Lite
Since both of these Lectric models lack rear suspension, we highly recommend adding a suspension seat post and a comfortable saddle. We have handpicked these highly-rated accessories for these Lectric models.
The diameter for the Lectric seat post is 31mm. So, make sure you are choosing the right size if you decide to get the Suntour suspension seat post or any other seat post for your Lectric ebike.
Lectric XP 3.0 vs XP Lite: Electrical Specs & Key Features
| Feature | Lectric XP 3.0 | Lectric XP Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 500W Peak Power: 1000W | Rear Hub Motor Nominal Power: 300W Peak Power: 720W |
| Top Speed | 28 MPH | 20 MPH |
| Battery | 48V 10.4Ah (500Wh) Removable Battery | 48V, 7.8 Ah (374Wh) Removable Battery |
| Maximum Range | 45 Miles (Pedal Assist) 20 Miles (Throttle only) | 40 Miles (Pedal Assist) 15 Miles (Throttle only) |
| Sensors | Cadence Sensor | Cadence Sensor |
| Pedal Assist | 5 Levels | 5 Levels |
| Throttle Mode | Twist Throttle | Twist Throttle |
| Charging Time | 4-6 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Charger | 48V 2 Amp | 48V 2 Amp |
| Ebike Class | Class 3 | Class 2 |
| Headlight | Integrated Headlight | Integrated Headlight |
| Taillights | Integrated Rear Light | Integrated Rear Light |
Motor Power:
The most notable difference between the Lectric XP 3.0 and XP Lite is the motor power. The Lectric XP 3.0 features a more powerful 500W nominal rear hub motor with a peak power of 1000W. In comparison, the Lectric XP Lite has a 300W motor with 720W of peak power.
Due to a more powerful motor, the Lectric XP 3.0 has a higher maximum speed of 28mph. However, the XP Lite is a Class 2 ebike with a top speed limited to 20mph.
The difference becomes significant when you are riding a Lectric on steep hills. So, you can ride on steeper hills faster with the XP 3.0.
Battery & Range:
The standard variant of the Lectric XP 3.0 has a battery capacity of 500Wh. With this removable battery, you can get a maximum range of 45 miles on pedal-assist mode. In pure-throttle mode, you’ll get 20 miles on XP 3.0.
The Lectric XP Lite, however, has 5 miles less range in both modes. So, the difference in range is not that much if you go for the standard variant of XP 3.0. The long-range model, however, increases the maximum range to 65 miles on pedal-assist and 30 miles on throttle-only mode respectively.
The Lights:
Let’s talk about the lights now. Although both Lectric XP 3.0 and XP Lite come with integrated front & rear lights, the lights are of better quality in XP 3.0.
The headlight of XP 3.0 is much bigger and brighter than the cheap headlight that comes with the XP Lite. The same is the case with the rear light as the XP Lite features a rear light that is not even activated with brake.
Lectric XP 3.0 vs XP Lite: Dimensions, Design, & Weight Limits
| Feature | Lectric XP 3.0 | Lectric XP Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Frame | Step-Through Step Over | Step Over |
| Color Options | Black White | Arctic White, Midnight Black, Lectric Blue, Sandstorm |
| Bike Weight | 64 lbs | 46 lbs |
| Max Payload | 330 lbs | 275 lbs |
| Rear Rack Capacity | 150 lbs | 55 lbs |
| Rider Height | 4’10″ – 6’5″ | 4’8″ – 6’2″ |
| Stand Over Height | 24” | 22” |
| Min Seat Height | 32” | 28” |
| Max Seat Height | 42” | 40” |
Frame Type:
The Lectric XP 3.0 offers both step-thru and step-over frames. In comparison, the XP Lite comes with only a step-over frame. There is only one size for each frame type of these two models from Lectric.
But the good part is that the handlebars and saddles can be adjusted for height in both models. Still, the Lectric XP 3.0 is more suitable for tall people with a height above 6′.
Lectric XP Lite, however, offers more color options than the XP 3.0 which only has two colors: Black & White.
Weight & Payload:
The Lectric XP Lite is very lightweight at just 46 lbs. This makes the XP Lite extremely portable in case you want to fit this ebike into your Sedan.
However, the Lectric XP 3.0 is relatively heavier at 64 lbs. So, lifting the XP 3.0 is not as easy as XP Lite but the XP 3.0 can easily fit in your SUV as well, thanks to the full folding capability offered by the Lectric.
Although the XP 3.0 is a tad heavier, it also offers a higher maximum payload capacity than the XP Lite. The rear rack of XP 3.0 has a maximum capacity of 150 lbs offering you the option to carry a passenger with you!
A dedicated passenger seat compatible with the XP 3.0 is available on Lectric’s website. But you have to pay an extra $99 to get the passenger package.
The XP Lite has no such feature to offer as its rear rack can only support a load of up to 55 lbs.
Lectric XP 3.0 vs XP Lite: Other Components
| Feature | Lectric XP 3.0 | Lectric XP Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm rotors | Mechanical Disc Brakes 160mm rotors |
| Drivetrain | 7-Speed Shimano Tourney | Single Speed Drivetrain |
| Tires | 20” x 3” Fat Tires | 20” x 2.4” Tires |
| Suspension | Front Suspension with 50 mm travel | None |
| Seatpost | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Rack | Included | Included |
| Fenders | Included | Included |
Brakes:
This is where the comparison starts getting interesting. The Lectric XP 3.0 offers hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. Initially, the XP 3.0 was also launched with mechanical disc brakes but now the brand has upgraded the brakes to hydraulic ones at the same price!
Lectric XP Lite, however, features Zoom mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors. The mechanical brakes on XP Lite perform decently but the hydraulic brakes offer a much better braking experience.
Drivetrain:
To keep the ebike lightweight and affordable, Lectric has decided to offer no gears with the XP Lite. Instead, the XP Lite comes with a single drivetrain that offers a minimalist biking experience.
But the Lectric XP 3.0 offers you an improved drivetrain with Shimano 7-speed tourney derailleur which offers a smoother riding experience.
Suspension:
The Lectric XP 3.0 offers a front suspension of 50mm that absorbs a lot of bumps during your rides. On the other hand, the XP Lite has no front suspension.
Both of these Lectric electric bikes lack rear suspension as well. So, the XP Lite cannot offer you a good off-road riding experience. You can, however, add a suspension seat post on both these ebikes to get some cushion of sorts.
Tires:
Another reason the XP Lite is not suitable for rough terrain is the fact that it lacks fat tires. Instead, it comes with either 2.6″ or 2.4″ wide tires which are definitely not fat tires. So, you can commute only on paved roads with the XP Lite.
The Lectric XP 3.0, however, features 3″ fat tires which offer a more convenient ride than the XP Lite. Slime comes pre-installed in all tires on Lectric models nowadays.
Rear Rack and Fenders:
The original XP Lite doesn’t come with a rear rack or fenders at the retail price tag. However, Lectric is offering these essential accessories for free these days to keep this model attractive for potential buyers after the release of XP 3.0.
The XP 3.0 comes with a rear rack and fenders without any additional payment.
Lectric XP 3.0 vs Lite: Price Difference
| Lectric XP 3.0 | Lectric XP Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Price | $1305 | $946 |
| Sale Price | $999 | $749 |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
The regular prices of both these Lectric models are higher than the current sale prices. But we’ll compare the current sale price of these affordable electric bikes.
The Lectric XP Lite is $250 cheaper than the XP 3.0. At the current sale price, you can get the XP Lite for $749. The XP 3.0 is now available for $999.
To be honest, both of these Lectric XP models offer great value for money. But if you are still confused between Lectric XP 3.0 vs Lite, here comes our verdict.
Lectric XP 3.0 vs XP Lite: Which Ebike to go for?
For just an extra $250, the Lectric XP 3.0 offers hydraulic disc brakes, a powerful 500W motor, front suspension, a 500Wh battery, a higher maximum range, brighter lights, higher payload capacity, a step-though frame option, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, fat tires, and the ability to carry a passenger with you!
The only advantage of getting the Lectric XP Lite is that it’s lightweight. But even if you can’t lift 64 lbs easily, some options make this process more convenient. For instance, you can get a tote to load the ebike in your SUV without a hassle!
So, we highly recommend spending the extra $250 on the XP 3.0 and you’ll get an electric bike that you can keep riding for a couple of years!
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