Lectric XP 3.0 vs Lectric XP 2.0: Spec Review
Motor
XP 3.0: 500W producing 55Nm of torque
XP 2.0: 500W producing 35Nm of torque
Rider benefit: The nominal wattage is the same, but the new motor also peaks up to 1000 watts. The increase in wattage will grant the XP 3.0 better acceleration to top speed, resulting in less wear and tear on the motor. The more than 50 percent increase in torque means that the XP 3.0 should dust the 2.0 on hills. In theory, this version will climb faster on lesser hills and will make short work of steep hills.
Freewheel
XP 3.0: 7-speed, 11-28
XP 2.0: 7-speed, 14-28
Rider benefit: We like the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain used on the XP 2.0. It has proven to serve well on a number of e-bikes in the $1000-$2000 range. Where the XP 2.0 suffered was with regard to reaching top speed, due to its 20-in. wheels (smaller wheels need a bigger gear to go as fast as a larger wheel). One of the handful of real flaws we found in our review of the Lectric XP 2.0 was that its top gear is too small for most riders to comfortably pedal the bike at 20 mph, let alone higher speeds. With an 11t cog for its high gear, the XP 3.0 enjoys a roughly 25 percent gain in high-gear development. This is substantial, but what is truly terrific about this is that the XP 3.0 loses none of the low-end gearing of the XP 2.0.
Suspension Fork
XP 3.0: 50mm travel
XP 2.0: 40mm travel
Rider benefit: Increasing the suspension fork’s travel by a single centimeter may not seem like much, but that 10mm gain gives the fork a 25 percent improvement in travel. Practically, that will play out in making the initial travel a little more supple, giving riders an even more comfortable ride than they enjoyed previously.
Brakes
XP 3:0: Mechanical disc brakes with 180mm rotors
XP 2.0: Mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors
Rider benefit: It bears saying that we weren’t particularly critical of the mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors found on the XP 2.0. Why? Smaller wheels like the 20-in. ones found on the XP 2.0 don’t require as much braking power to bring them to a stop. Still, any braking upgrade is welcome as it gives riders a greater degree of control. The larger 180mm rotors increase braking power notably and will be especially appreciable by anyone riding off-road or going down steep hills.
Rear Rack
XP 3.0: Welded to the frame; 150-lb. weight limit
XP 2.0: Bolted to the frame; 75-lb. weight limit
Rider Benefit: While the frame of the XP 3.0 looks essentially identical to the old one, there is one notable change. The rear rack is now integrated into the frame, rather than bolted on. What this does is strengthen both the rack and the frame. In doing so, the XP 3.0 enjoys a doubling of its rack’s cargo capacity. Rather than being limited to carrying no more than 75 lbs. on the rear rack of the XP 2.0, the XP 3.0 can carry up to 150 lbs., which makes it capable of carrying kids.
