Third Wheelin’ – Electric XP Trike Review – CleanTechnica Tested

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Third wheel’s a attraction! The oldsters at Lectric generously offered their Electric XP Trike so I might give it a whirl and share my experiences. I used to be given the ground mannequin e-bike at a micromobility event within the San Francisco Bay Space, so the bike was already assembled and able to trip. Thus I didn’t get to expertise Lectric’s unboxing pomp and circumstance, in order that isn’t a part of this evaluation, because it usually is for all issues CleanTechnica-tested.

Lectric’s aim is to create accessible electrical bikes for the lots, and the XP trike is a good addition to their fleet. People with steadiness points usually unable to trip a two-wheeled bike will discover the steadiness of a tricycle the distinction between driving a motorbike or not. And we at CleanTechnica help any e-bike that will get individuals on the market pedaling!

Preliminary Ideas On The XP Trike

Using this electrical trike takes a little bit of getting used to, although solely due the truth that it’s a tricycle. I’m a long-time bike owner, although traditionally I solely trip two-wheelers, so having an additional wheel was wild at first. As soon as I obtained used to maneuvering it, the steadiness of the trike was distinctive and the trip was very clean. The comfortable, adjustable help seat with a large saddle and backrest offers the trip an opulent, cruiser-esque really feel. The show isn’t something to jot down dwelling about — I truly discovered it kind of visually outdated, in comparison with the fashionable, erector-set vibe of the e-trike’s design and aesthetic.

One thing concerning the XP Trike I cherished proper off the bat and was capable of see first hand because the Lectric of us helped me load the trike into my automobile: this e-bike is foldable! I’ve a compact hatchback automobile and the XP trike folded compactly to suit comparatively simply into the again of my hatchback with the again seats folded down. Unsurprisingly, the bike is on the heavy aspect, although not too dangerous for its measurement and sturdiness. Whereas it’s not a commuter-friendly foldable e-bike you’d tackle the metro with you, the foldable function is a good contact for storage or transport by car. 

First Attempt: Womp-Womp

My accomplice has a winery in Sonoma County, CA (shameless plug!), and I believed the trike may very well be an important, compact work car for zippy journeys to haul instruments and light-weight tools across the winery, because the cargo basket on the again is properly made and powerful. We charged up the XP Trike and spun that sucker across the winery, by the rows of vines and up the driveway…properly, nearly up the driveway. That is once I realized the XP Trike isn’t as off-road prepared as I hoped, a minimum of relating to steep inclines. Whereas its rugged wheels did nice on the bumpy grime, gravel, and grass, the steeply-inclined driveway was an excessive amount of for it. The bike wasn’t highly effective sufficient to cost up the driveway from the winery to the storage, in order that eradicated the e-bike as a workhorse-type car, a minimum of for a winemaker’s functions on this setting.

Nonetheless, the trike is fairly enjoyable to trip round a winery…

Second Attempt: Success!

To redeem the wounded ego of this e-bike, I introduced the XP Trike out to Ocean Seaside, the place I stay in San Francisco. The cement and asphalt paths had been, in fact, no drawback in any respect for the XP’s strong wheels. So I took the trike out over the sand all the way down to the seashore. The throttle took a little bit of getting used to, although it actually offers your pedaling some further juice whenever you want it. Typically, the trip is clean, and the XP Trike took to the sand like a champion, nearly as if it had been made for cruising down a stretch of seashore. 

Whereas I didn’t take a look at out the weight-bearing capabilities of the trike, Lectric boasts the XP is full with a sturdy rear hub motor setup with a differential axle. This gives a whopping 65NM of torque, accommodating even the heftiest of payloads and not using a drawback. Take a look at extra specs under:

Lectric XP Trike Specs:

• 500W nominal, 1092W peak planetary geared brushless motor 
• 48V, 14Ah lithium ion battery
• 4-6 hour cost time 
• Battery lasts as much as 60 miles
• 180 mm entrance and rear hydraulic brakes, plus two parking brakes for added security (cherished this!)
• 14 mph prime velocity
• 5 ranges of Pedal Help and Throttle
• 20 x 2.6 inch tires (nice for the sand and tough terrain)
• 36 x 16 tooth single velocity drivetrain
• Absolutely foldable 6061 aluminum

General Ideas On The XP Trike

It is a enjoyable, clean, comfy electrical trike to trip, with added bonuses of a particularly comfortable seat and foldable body. It’s undoubtedly particular, because the tricycle issue means it’s not appropriate for all makes use of. It doesn’t fairly have the ability I wish to see in an e-bike, however the assisted pedaling and throttle actually make a distinction for minimizing the pedal wrestle. Except for seashore or avenue cruising, with not-too-steep off-roading an possibility, the third wheel permits the e-trike to be extra accessible than its two-wheeled cousins, which we totally help. If you happen to’re available in the market for a tricycle, take a look at the Lectric XP Trike!

Lectric offered the XP Trike to the creator freed from cost for the aim of this evaluation.