Lectric One

Overview

Lectric has a well-earned reputation as one of the biggest e-bike brands in the US, largely due to their killer value. I've reviewed many lightweight folding e-bikes, but the Lectric One represents a major step up in both tech and price. At $2,200, this is easily Lectric's most expensive bike yet.

You really have to ask yourself what that kind of money buys you in a market flooded with budget options. In my testing, I found out the short answer is: a whole lot. This model ditches standard gearing for a premium electric shifter and a belt drive, delivering an experience that feels incredibly modern.

Real-World Performance

When it comes to speed, the Lectric One does not disappoint. I pushed the 750W motor up to pedal assist level five and easily hit 28 mph. If you just want to cruise using the throttle, you'll be electronically capped at 20 mph.

The acceleration on this bike caught me completely off guard initially. If you aren't leaning forward when you hit the throttle, that front wheel will easily pop right up. Thankfully, I was able to dive into the settings and adjust the power delay up to three seconds, which tamed the initial hit and made the power delivery remarkably gentle.

Hill climbing is another major highlight. The motor cranks out 85 Nm of torque, and I took it straight up a half-block hill with a 15% grade. The bike treated that steep incline like it was completely flat ground.

Design & Build Quality

Weighing in at a manageable 55 lbs, the Lectric One balances power and portability nicely. The riding posture is excellent; I'm 5'11" and can keep my back straight while comfortably reaching the grips. The highly adjustable cockpit easily accommodates riders anywhere from 5'2" to 6'4", supporting a payload of up to 330 lbs.

There is no suspension on this frame, which is usually a red flag for me. However, Lectric outfitted the bike with Chao Yang 20 x 2.5-inch street tires featuring Shark Skin sidewalls and pre-installed Slime for puncture resistance. Even without a suspension fork, I found it rides pretty comfortably on pavement.

As for braking, the bike comes equipped with hydraulic brakes running on mineral oil. The 180mm rotors provided excellent stopping power during my test rides, and I appreciate the built-in motor cut-offs that kill the power the second you pull the levers.

Key Features

The absolute star of the show is the Pinion smart shift system. This electric shifter gives you six gears, and I am completely sold on it. Unlike a traditional derailleur, I could shift gears while completely at a standstill or while putting heavy pressure on the pedals.

The companion app takes this even further with an automatic shifting mode. I set the app to drop down to first gear whenever I come to a stop, meaning every time I started pedaling again, I was already in the perfect gear. It even shifts automatically when you are just cruising on the throttle.

Pairing that Pinion gearbox with a Gates carbon belt drive is a brilliant move. I loved how quiet the setup was—Lectric claims the motor itself is 400% quieter than similar motors—and the belt drive means absolutely no chain grease or routine maintenance. Powering it all is a 48V 14Ah battery tucked under the saddle, which carries two UL certifications and is rated for up to 60 miles of range.

Who It's For

I'd point daily commuters and tech enthusiasts toward the Lectric One for its flawless automatic shifting and low-maintenance belt drive. The seamless downshifting and grease-free drivetrain make it incredibly intuitive, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.

Who Should Skip It

If you regularly ride off-road trails or suffer from severe back issues, you should skip this model. The lack of suspension means you will inevitably feel the bumps, and budget-conscious buyers can easily find cheaper standard-chain alternatives.

How It Stacks Up

While I've tested a mountain of lightweight folding e-bikes, the Lectric One stands entirely in its own class for this price bracket. Most bikes in this segment rely on clunky, entry-level derailleurs and standard chains that require constant cleaning. By incorporating the Pinion smart shift and a carbon belt drive, Lectric has brought premium, high-end commuter tech down to a relatively accessible tier.

Final Verdict

The Lectric One is the first e-bike I've tested with this specific electric shifting system, and it fundamentally changes the riding experience. Despite the firm ride from the lack of suspension, the hill-climbing power and zero-maintenance drivetrain make it a massive winner. Even with its premium $2,200 price tag, I feel it genuinely gives you the best bang for your buck in the high-tech commuter space.