The Lectric 2.0 electric bike has carved out a significant space in the market, particularly for those seeking an affordable entry into the world of electric mobility. As someone with 19 years of experience owning a bike shop, I decided to take a closer look at the Lectric 2.0 to offer a balanced perspective. While it presents a compelling price point, it’s crucial to understand both its strengths and weaknesses. This review dives into the realities of owning a Lectric 2.0 Lectric Electric Bike, outlining the good, the bad, and essential tips for potential and current owners.
The Downsides of the Lectric 2.0 Electric Bike: Areas for Improvement
Let’s address the less glamorous aspects first. It’s important to have realistic expectations, and acknowledging the shortcomings upfront is key to an informed decision.
Build Quality and Components: Crude but Functional
Firstly, it’s undeniable that these lectric electric bikes are built to meet a price point. The construction is best described as crude, and they are undeniably heavy. If you’re operating under the illusion of securing a $2000 bike for under $1000, it’s time for a reality check. My own experience started with pedal installation woes – the pedal threads were heavily coated with thread locking compound, making initial pedal removal excessively difficult.
Folding and Portability Issues: Not as Seamless as Advertised
The folding mechanism, a key selling point, presents several challenges. The key location is arguably the most inconvenient imaginable, positioned beneath the frame, right next to the folding hinge. This placement creates a risk of bending or breaking the umbilical cable attached to the key. Furthermore, be prepared for the battery to detach and fall out when attempting to fold the bike – a design flaw that requires caution. Finger pinching is almost guaranteed during the folding and unfolding process. And while it folds, “flat” is a generous term; expect a folded thickness of around 20 inches.
Bike Rack Compatibility: A Frustrating Search
Transporting the Lectric 2.0 can be another hurdle. Finding a compatible bike rack is surprisingly difficult. The bike’s fenders rule out any rack that clamps onto the tires. Similarly, most racks that secure to the seat post or top tube are incompatible due to the bike’s frame design and weight. I eventually resorted to purchasing a Thule EasyFold XT Bike Carrier, along with long fat tire straps, at a combined cost nearly equaling the price of the lectric electric bike itself. If you plan to transport this bike, prioritize racks with ramps due to its substantial weight. The clamp on the EasyFold XT does fortunately fit onto the small structural tube/handle present on both frame styles.
Alt text: Thule EasyFold XT bike rack securely holding a folded Lectric 2.0 electric bike, demonstrating a compatible transportation solution for this e-bike model.
Handling and Stability: A Top-Heavy Feel
There’s a noticeable high center of gravity on these lectric electric bikes. This characteristic makes them somewhat prone to feeling unstable and wanting to tip over, particularly at low speeds during starts and stops. This is something to be mindful of, especially for less experienced riders.
Component Concerns: Seat Post, Handlebars, and Brakes
Several component choices raise concerns. The seat post diameter is 31.8mm. Ignore misleading online videos suggesting a smaller 31.6mm post; using an incorrect size risks frame damage at the post clamp. The handlebar height is notably high and non-adjustable, seemingly designed for taller riders, perhaps around 6 feet. The cable pull brake system is also quite basic and offers marginal stopping power, especially considering the bike’s weight and potential speed. Even the step-through model, intended for easier access, retains a high frame due to the large battery housed within the frame tube, which can still pose a challenge for shorter individuals to mount and dismount comfortably. Finally, the control screen is non-removable and positioned in a vulnerable spot, highly susceptible to damage or being snapped off when the bike is folded or during transport.
The Good News: Strengths of the Lectric 2.0 Electric Bike
Despite these drawbacks, the Lectric 2.0 lectric electric bike does offer some redeeming qualities. Its appeal lies primarily in its performance and certain user-friendly features.
Power and Performance: Strong Motor and Assist
The standout positive is the powerful motor. The Lectric 2.0 boasts both a strong throttle and robust pedal assist. This translates to brisk acceleration and ample power for tackling hills and headwinds. For riders prioritizing power and ease of riding, the motor performance is a significant advantage.
User-Friendly Features: Practical Touches
The control screen, despite its vulnerability, is easily readable, providing essential ride information at a glance. The kickstand placement near the rear wheel is a thoughtful design, allowing the bike to be rolled backward without the kickstand interfering with the crank arms. Folding pedals are included, which is a nice space-saving feature, although care is needed to avoid finger injuries during folding and unfolding. The seat post and handlebars offer smooth adjustability, allowing for some degree of customization for rider comfort.
Alt text: Close-up of the folding pedals on a Lectric 2.0 electric bike, highlighting a feature designed to reduce the bike’s folded profile.
Tips for Living with a Lectric 2.0 Electric Bike: Maximizing Ownership
For those who choose to own a Lectric 2.0 lectric electric bike, here are some practical tips based on experience:
- Spare Keys: Keep a spare set of keys readily available.
- Key Safety: Never attempt to fold the bike with the key in the lock to prevent damage.
- Securing Folded Bike: When transporting a folded Lectric 2.0 inside a vehicle, use bungee cords to secure it and prevent accidental unfolding during lifting.
- Two-Person Folding: Ideally, folding and unfolding should be a two-person operation, with one person dedicated to catching the battery as it tends to detach.
- Pedal Removal for Folding: Invest in a Park Tools pedal wrench (available at most bike shops) and learn to remove the pedals for folding. This makes the folded package significantly smaller and easier to manage, and also prevents pedal damage to the bike or your vehicle. Be prepared for significant force to be needed for the initial pedal removal.
- Thread Tapping: Consider having a bike shop use pedal taps to chase the threads in the crank arms to ensure smoother pedal installation and removal in the future.
Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Entry with Caveats
The Lectric 2.0 lectric electric bike offers an accessible entry point into the e-bike market, primarily due to its competitive price and powerful motor. However, potential buyers should be fully aware of its limitations, including its crude build quality, folding and portability challenges, component compromises, and handling quirks. With realistic expectations and by implementing the suggested tips, owners can mitigate some of these drawbacks. Ultimately, the Lectric 2.0 is a budget-friendly option that prioritizes power over refinement.
