X-LAB SP5+ E-Bike
URL: https://electricrevolutionreviews.com/reviews/x-lab-sp5-plus-e-bike
Published: 2026-10-29T17:02:46.997+00:00
Updated: 2026-10-29T17:02:47.092256+00:00
Category: Electric Mobility
Keywords: x-lab sp5+ review, x-lab e-bike, lightweight electric bike, mid-drive e-bike, best lightweight commuter e-bike, electric mobility, x-lab sp5 plus

I tested the 37-pound X-LAB SP5+ to see if going ultra-lightweight means sacrificing performance. I found a nimble mid-drive e-bike that demands a real leg workout.

The good:
- Incredibly lightweight at just 37 lbs, making it feel like a traditional road bike.
- Instant motor reaction time as soon as I applied pressure to the pedals.
- Quick 3-hour recharge time using a slick magnetized charging cord.
- Hit 22 to 23 mph with just a casual, normal pedaling cadence.
- Includes a throttle, which is a rare and welcome feature on a mid-drive bike.

The trade-offs:
- I had to pedal aggressively in the highest gear just to hit 27 mph, falling short of the 28 mph claim.
- No front suspension means you feel every bump on rough patches of the trail.
- Battery removal is a major pain that requires taking components off to slide it out.
- The 250W motor feels slow off the line and struggles up steep hills.

Specs:
- Weight: 37 lbs
- Motor: 250W
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Charge Time: 3 hours
- Range: 18.62 miles
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 1.5 inch

Review:
Overview

When you start shopping for an electric bike, you quickly realize how heavy they can get. I recently set out to find out what exactly happens when you ditch the massive 80-pound fat tire platforms for something ultra-lightweight. Enter the X-LAB SP5+. This bike tips the scales at a remarkably light 37 pounds. I wanted to see if X-LAB sacrificed essential features to keep the weight down, or if this is just a matter of utilizing better quality, lighter parts across the board.

The most obvious difference right out of the gate is the frame. Interestingly, both this bike and the heavier bikes I regularly test are made from aluminum. The difference lies purely in how much aluminum they used. The tubing on the X-LAB is slim and minimalist, saving a massive 10 pounds on the frame alone compared to a standard fat bike. 

Rather than an oversized hub motor, the SP5+ relies on a compact 250W mid-drive system. These types of motors are much smaller, weighing only about 4 to 5 pounds, which saves another 7 pounds right off the bat. It is designed and styled like a traditional road bike, meant for riders who still want to feel like they are cycling, rather than just twisting a throttle on a moped.

Real-World Performance

X-LAB claims this bike can hit 28 mph, so my first order of business was testing that top speed. I set the bike to the highest of its three speed modes and hit the pavement. When I was casually pedaling with my normal cadence, I comfortably cruised at 22 to 23 mph. To push for that 28 mph claim, I really increased my cadence, dropped it into the highest gear, and gave it everything I had. I was completely out of breath and could only get it to 26 or 27 mph. You definitely have to earn your speed on this machine.

Range was another major test. I took the SP5+ on a mixed-use route alongside a heavier e-bike to keep my average speed and elevation gain identical. After riding throughout the city, I clocked exactly 18.62 miles and returned home with 18% battery life left. That is an impressive range for such a small battery, though I noted that I was significantly more tired after 20 miles on this bike than I normally am. You have to put in a lot more manual effort because the motor doesn't do all the heavy lifting for you.

Hill climbing is where the lower wattage really shows its limits. Climbing up a local canyon, I found the bike quite slow. The motor helps power you to the top, but my legs were definitely feeling the burn. You absolutely have to utilize all your mechanical gears to make it up steep inclines. Conversely, on the downhills, the thin tires pick up speed incredibly fast. At one point on a descent, I was effortlessly flying along at 35 mph.

Design & Build Quality

To hit that 37-pound curb weight, X-LAB had to make a few calculated sacrifices, and the biggest one is the lack of front fork suspension. Road bikes typically do not feature front suspension, so I understand the design choice, but it does change the ride dynamics. Instead of heavy shocks, they equipped the SP5+ with a rigid carbon fiber fork. This fork weighs just 1.5 pounds, saving roughly 6.5 pounds compared to a standard 8-pound suspension fork.

As a result, a more comfortable ride is something you give up. While most of my 18-mile range test was smooth, especially when I stuck to dedicated bike lanes, hitting rough patches of road or trail was noticeably bumpy. You feel the terrain through the handlebars. The tires also contribute to this road-bike feel. At roughly 1.5 inches wide, they are drastically thinner than the 4-inch tires on fat bikes. I personally love these narrower tires for road riding because they are incredibly quiet and stable, but they won't absorb potholes for you.

Battery integration is another area where design impacts usability. The 4-pound battery is hidden within the frame, but unlike many e-bikes where you can just pop it out with a key, this one is frustrating to remove. You have to take components off and slide it out from the bottom, which is a bit of a pain. The LCD screen is integrated directly into the handlebars, keeping the cockpit clean and saving a few extra ounces over a bulky external display.

Key Features

Despite the small 250W mid-drive motor feeling a bit sluggish off the line, the motor reaction time is genuinely insane. As soon as I put any pressure on the pedals, the assist kicks in immediately. There is no frustrating lag between starting your pedal stroke and feeling the motor engage.

One unique feature that a lot of mid-drive e-bikes omit entirely is a throttle. The SP5+ actually includes one. While it isn't overly powerful and tops out at about 15 mph, it is incredibly handy for getting rolling from a dead stop at an intersection before you start pedaling.

Charging is also a massive bright spot. The SP5+ only takes 3 hours to fully charge from empty. I really appreciated the charging interface as well; the flap covering the port is magnetized, and the charging cord itself snaps in magnetically, which is a huge step up from the cheap rubber flaps and standard plug-in chargers I usually see.

Who It's For

I recommend the X-LAB SP5+ to fitness-minded commuters and cycling purists who want to take the edge off their ride without losing the workout. If you have smooth roads or trails nearby, appreciate a nimble 37-pound frame you can easily carry up stairs, and don't mind feeling a burn in your legs after a long ride, this bike is an excellent fit.

Who Should Skip It

If you want an e-bike that does all the work for you, skip this model. Riders who regularly tackle steep hills, rely heavily on throttle-only cruising, or want plush suspension to absorb rough city streets will find this bike underpowered and too rigid.

How It Stacks Up

I tested the X-LAB directly alongside a standard 80-pound fat tire e-bike featuring a 750W hub motor. The contrast couldn't be sharper. The fat bike carries you effortlessly down the road and powers up hills without breaking a sweat, but it takes 11 hours to charge and is a nightmare to pedal without assist. The SP5+ saves 10 pounds on the frame, 7 pounds on the motor, 7 pounds on the battery, and 6.5 pounds on the fork. It charges in just 3 hours and rides like a traditional bicycle. However, it gives up the plush comfort of front suspension and the raw off-the-line torque that a 750W hub motor provides.

Final Verdict

The X-LAB SP5+ didn't sacrifice overall performance to cut weight, but it definitely shifted the burden of effort from the motor back to the rider. It performed very well across all my speed and range tests, provided you are willing to put in the work. If you want a lightweight, road-style e-bike that provides a great workout with just enough electric assist to extend your range, I highly recommend it.

Questions & Answers:
Q: How fast does the X-LAB SP5+ go?
A: The bike is advertised to hit 28 mph, but in my testing with the highest gear and maximum pedaling effort, I could only reach 26 to 27 mph. When casually pedaling, it held around 22 to 23 mph.

Q: Does the X-LAB SP5+ have a throttle?
A: Yes, despite being a mid-drive e-bike, it does include a throttle. However, it is not very powerful and tops out at around 15 mph.

Q: How long does it take to charge the X-LAB SP5+?
A: It only takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery. It also features a convenient magnetized charging cord and port flap.

Q: Is the X-LAB SP5+ good for steep hills?
A: The 250W motor is quite slow up hills. It will help power you to the top, but you will definitely need to use your gears and expect a real burn in your legs.

Q: Can you remove the battery on the X-LAB SP5+?
A: Yes, but it is not convenient. You have to take parts off the bike and slide the 4-pound battery out, which is kind of a pain to do regularly.

Source video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ph6LjiEKEw

Disclosure: This is a paid review. The manufacturer paid Electric Revolution Reviews up front to test and publish this review. The opinions expressed are based on hands-on testing and remain editorially independent.

Read the full review at https://electricrevolutionreviews.com/reviews/x-lab-sp5-plus-e-bike