The Lectric XP 3.0 is already the best-selling electric bike model in the US. But when the team at Lectric eBikes announced they were planning to make it better than ever with the addition of hydraulic disc brakes, that was the proverbial cherry on top.
The Lectric XP 3.0 is widely considered to be the top bang-for-your-buck electric bike in the US. That hard-earned title is largely thanks to its low cost of just $999, and its surprisingly good reliability and feature set.
Now that the company has upgraded to more premium braking, the XP 3.0 is widening the gap in its lead over the competition.
In my opinion, this is the single best affordably-priced electric bike out there for getting someone back out on two wheels, replacing a car for daily tasks or just having fun outdoors.
Check out my testing of the latest edition of the hot-selling e-bike below, then keep reading for my full thoughts!
Lectric XP 3.0 video review
Lectric XP 3.0 tech specs
Motor: 500W (1,000W peak) geared hub
Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
Range: Up to 72 km (45 mi)
Battery: 48V 10.4 Ah (460 Wh)
Weight: 29 kg (64 lb)
Max load: 150 kg (330 lb)
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Extras: Large LCD display with speedometer, wattmeter, battery meter, PAS level indicator, odometer and tripmeter, front and rear LED lights, 5 pedal assist speed settings with true current-based limits, half-twist throttle, removable and lockable battery, and robust rack & fenders included standard
We’ve talked before about the advantages of hydraulic brakes over mechanical brakes. Basically, they’re stronger and more reliable since they don’t require the same level of maintenance that mechanical cable brakes need.
Since there’s no cable to stretch, hydraulic disc brakes simply stay perfectly tuned. For sporadic and recreational riders, you might only need to change your brake pads once a year. For daily riders and commuters, that maintenance step may need to be taken 2-3x times a year depending on your mileage, but that’s still much better than 2-3x per month.
That reduced maintenance is a major upgrade over mechanical disc brakes that can sometimes need to be adjusted every couple of weeks when the bike is ridden often, especially with heavier riders that require more braking power at stops.
Impressively, Lectric eBikes didn’t increase the price of the XP when adding the higher end hydraulic disc brakes, keeping the price tag at the industry leading $999 figure that we’ve come to know and love.
But of course there’s so much more to the bike than just the new hydraulic brakes.
With a 500W motor that puts out a true 1,000W of peak power, the Lectric XP 3.0 offers excellent acceleration and hill climbing power. It comes out of the box with a 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit, but you can unlock the Class 3 operation with 28 mph (45 km/h) of speed by adjusting the settings.
You’ll need to pedal a bit to go past 20 mph, since most states in the US require class 3 e-bikes to only surpass 20 mph when the rider is pedaling, not on throttle only. But even just throttling up to 20 mph is still plenty fast and a lot of fun; plus, it’s great for on those long rides when your legs are tired and you just want to head back home quickly.
The 500 Wh battery also offers decent range, though there’s a longer range battery that you can opt for with 40% capacity for just an extra $200.
The standard battery is still good for around 20 miles (32 km) on throttle only, but you’ll get closer to 30 miles (51 km) with the longer range battery. Of course you can stretch that range out even more if you pedal. You’ll get up to 45 miles of range with the standard battery or 65 miles of range with the long range battery if you keep it in pedal assist level 1, though that also means you’re doing most of the pedaling work.
That brings me to the Lectric XP 3.0’s pedal assist design. It’s still cadence sensor-based, so it’s not as fancy as having a true torque sensor (though not as pricey, either). But they sort of “cheated” their way to having performance similar to a torque sensor by using current-limiting programing for the pedal assist levels. That means the pedal assist feels less jerky and offers lower power in the lower settings, yet still gives good power in the higher settings. It’s a nicely executed model that feels great when you try it.
Next, check out all the features you get with this bike. The rear of the frame is actually the rack itself. That means there are no bolted connections, and you get the strongest construction for a rack. In fact, the rear rack is rated for 150 lb (68 kg). You can carry an adult back there. And I have!
When I first tested the Lectric XP 3.0, it was at Lectric’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The company’s CEO Levi Conlow took me for a spin on back, and then it was my turn to take the bars as he rode in the rear. For a relatively small and unassuming e-bike, it’s a great two-person ride. The optional passenger kit makes it easy to bring a friend, significant other or child (hopefully yours) with you.
Then there are all the other considerations. Full metal fenders so you don’t have cheap plastic bouncing around. LED lighting for visibility. Front suspension (and optional seat post suspension for your butt/spine). Front cargo mounting options. The list goes on and on.
Look, this isn’t the nicest quality e-bike out there. It’s decent, even quite good. It’s not great, and I never expected it to be. I’ve ridden $5,000 e-bikes that knock its socks off. But I also don’t really want to shell out $5k for an e-bike. For $1k, this is a steal of a deal. It’s all that most people need. And that’s its secret to having become the best-selling e-bike in the US. It’s not really a secret at all – just a good bike at a great price, matched with a helpful US-based team out in Phoenix to support it.
There’s something beautiful there in the simplicity. It works, and it works pretty darn well. It gets the job done, whether that’s commuting, utility riding, or just plain old fashioned recreational riding for fun. At $999, I really can’t complain about much here. Well played, Lectric.
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Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments on it. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been waiting for the interest rates on auto loans to drop, you’re in luck: there are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing this March … and that includes a zero percent Tesla deal!
UPDATE: some American icons return to the list, and we’ve got more bonus cash offers, too!
I’ve done a couple of these now, so you probably already know that there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
The 2024 Acura ZDX uses a GM Ultium battery and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you’ll get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and 0% financing for up to 72 months makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover deals in the business.
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All the electric Chevy EVs (again)
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.
As the auto industry transitions to electric, Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash, will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot.
These days, that’s the new electric Charger – and you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retrotastic ride with a $3,000 rebate plus 0% financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze edition; via Ford.
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown, above). Through March 31st, you can get $2,500 in bonus cash, a free L2 home charger installed, plus 0% financing for up to 72 months. Tesla owners can also get an additional $1,000 in conquest cash, bringing the hood money total to $3,500.
The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of 2024s, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV and Sierra Denali EV a test drive.
Honda Prologue
2024 Honda Prologue; via Honda.
Despite the Honda Prologue was one of the top-selling electric crossovers last year by combining GM’s excellent Ultium platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay, Honda upgraded the 2025 model with slightly more EPA range. Even so, there’s still some remaining 2024 inventory out there and dealers are ready to deal (that’s what they do, after all). To make room for the 2025 models, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on the remaining 2024s.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
IONIQ 5 record-setting performance; via Hyundai.
Hyundai is still offering 0% financing for 60 months on all versions of the hot-selling 2024 IONIQ 5 crossover, making it hard to overlook in the five-passenger segment. It’s worth noting that Hyundai is also offering the 5 with $7,500 bonus cash in select markets, but that offer can’t be stacked with the 0%, so do some math before deciding which way you want to go.
The Niro’s bigger siblings are getting the 0% treatment, too, for a longer 72 month term.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV; via Mitsubishi.
One of the first three-row plugin cars to hit the market (and a frequent addition to these 0% lists), Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV offers up to 38 miles of electric range from its 20 kWh li-ion battery, making it a great “lily pad” vehicle for suburban families who want to drive electric but still worry about being able to find a charging station when they need one.
Nissan Ariya
2024 Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With great discounts available at participating dealers, Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for their remaining 2024 Ariya crossovers.
Subaru Soltera
2023 Subaru Soltera; via Subaru.
Despite being something of a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your kayaks to the river. The company is hoping to help clear out its remaining 2024 models with big discounts and 0% financing for up to 72 months.
Tesla Model 3
Model 3 Highland; via Tesla.
Say what you will about Elon Musk – and I say plenty over on the Quick Charge podcast – the fact remains that we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
Volkswagen ID.4
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and (for 2024) a Chat-GPT enabled interface. To keep ID.4 sales rolling, VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 customer cash bonus to stack with it.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 09MAR2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Following approval from Transport Canada, EV startup Workhorse will be bringing the W56 and W750 model electric delivery vans to commercial truck dealers in Canada as early as this spring.
“This is a major step forward for Workhorse,” says Josh Anderson, Workhorse’s chief technology officer in a press statement. “Pre-clearance from Transport Canada opens up a large new market for our products throughout Canada, including with fleets that operate across borders in North America.”
Despite that uncertainty, Workhorse execs remain upbeat. “We’re excited that our electric step vans can now reach Canadian roads and highways, providing reliable, zero-emission solutions that customers can depend on,” added Anderson.
Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
FedEx electric delivery vehicle; via Workhorse.
There’s no other way to say it: the Trump/Musk co-presidency is disrupting a lot of companies’ plans – and that’s especially true across North American borders. But in all this chaos and turmoil there undoubtedly lies opportunity, and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.
The new Liebherr S1 Vision 140-ton hauler is unlike any heavy haul truck currently on the market – primarily because the giant, self-propelled, single-axle autonomous bucket doesn’t look anything like any truck you’ve ever seen.
Liebherr says its latest heavy equipment concept was born from a desire to rethink truck design with a focus only on core functions. The resulting S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle with two powerful electric motors sending power to a pair of massive airless tires designed carry loads up to 131 tonnes (just over 140 tons).
The design enables rapid maintenance, as important components easily accessible for quick servicing. Wear parts can be replaced efficiently, and the electric drive significantly reduces maintenance work. This helps to minimise downtimes and increases operational efficiency.
LIEBHERR
Because of its versatility, durability, and ability to perform zero-turn maneuvers that other equipment simply can’t, the Liebherr S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, mining, and even agriculture. There’s also a nonzero chance of this technology finding applications supporting other on-site equipment through charging or fuel delivery.
The S1 accomplishes that trick safely with the help of an automatic load leveling system that ensures maximum stability, even on bumpy or rough terrain. The company says this technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping while providing smooth and secure operation across various environments.