Three Weeks and 180 Miles Later
The Lectric XP 4.0 is the most impressive sub-$1,000 e-bike we've tested. Full stop. After three weeks of daily riding -- commuting, grocery runs, weekend trails -- this bike earned its spot as the value benchmark every other folding e-bike gets measured against.
Lectric has sold over 400,000 XP bikes across three previous generations. The XP 4.0 addresses every major complaint from those earlier models while keeping the price at $999 for the 500W version and $1,299 for the 750W.
The Torque Sensor Changes Everything
Previous XP models used a cadence sensor. You pedaled, the motor kicked in at a fixed level. It worked, but it felt like an on/off switch. The XP 4.0's torque sensor measures how hard you're pushing and matches your effort proportionally. Push harder up a hill, the motor pushes harder with you. Ease off on the flats, the assist dials back.
This is Lectric's fourth-generation torque sensor, and they got it right. The transition between your power and motor power is smooth enough that you forget the assist is there. The bike just feels... fast. Not jerky, not laggy. Fast and natural.
Brakes and Display
Custom Star Union hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors replace the mechanical discs on the XP 3.0. These rotors are 28% thicker than the previous generation. In practice, braking is confident and linear from gentle slowing to full emergency stops. Loaded with 20 pounds of groceries on a steep downhill, we never felt under-braked.
The new 3.5-inch color TFT display is removable and features five ride modes (Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+, Turbo). The old P-settings menu that confused half the XP 3.0 owners is gone, replaced by an intuitive settings interface. There's a USB-C port for phone charging, which is a genuinely useful feature for navigation on longer rides.
Geometry and Fit
Lectric swapped the 12-degree stem for a zero-degree stem, shortening the cockpit reach by 2 to 3.5 inches. This is a meaningful change for shorter riders. Testers as short as 5'0" reported the XP 4.0 feels significantly more comfortable than the 3.0. Taller riders (6'+) still fit fine -- the saddle height adjusts high enough.
Range and Performance
The 500W model delivered about 48 miles in mixed riding (some hills, PAS 2-3, 185-pound rider). The 750W version with the larger 17.5Ah battery pushed past 60 miles in similar conditions. Lectric claims 50 and 85 respectively, which tracks if you're lighter and riding mostly flat in eco mode.
Top speed is 20 mph in class 2 mode, 28 mph in class 3. The 750W version hits 28 mph faster and holds speed better on inclines. Hill climbing on both versions is solid -- a 10% grade at a reasonable cadence is no problem.
The Fold
Fold time: about 12 seconds once you get the hang of it. The bike drops to roughly 37 x 18 x 28 inches folded. Weight is 62 pounds for the 500W, a bit more for the 750W. It fits in most car trunks and you can carry it short distances, but "portable" is generous for anything involving stairs.
What Could Be Better
No front suspension. On smooth roads this doesn't matter. On potholed city streets, your wrists notice after 10+ miles. The fat tires absorb some of it, but a fork would help. Also, 62 pounds is heavy for a "portable" bike. If you need to carry it daily, consider the XP Lite 2.0 instead.
The rear rack is functional but basic. Upgrading to the LevelUp rack adds cargo versatility.
The Verdict
At $999, the Lectric XP 4.0 delivers torque-sensing pedal assist, hydraulic brakes, a color display, and a solid 50-mile range. That combination simply doesn't exist at this price point from any other brand. The 750W version at $1,299 adds meaningful power and range for $300 more.
If you're shopping for a folding e-bike under $1,500, start here. You might not need to look further. For how it stacks up against the competition, see our best folding e-bikes of 2026 roundup or our head-to-head with the RadExpand 5 Plus.