An ebike at a park. Photograph: John Brandon/The Guardian View image in fullscreen An ebike at a park. Photograph: John Brandon/The Guardian Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
This pricey ebike is a gamechanger for going around town, getting groceries and hauling cargo with ease – without paying for gas
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Parking a car in an urban area can be stressful. Spaces are often hard to find, traffic congestion is a pain and it just takes extra time.
An electric bike changes that paradigm – you can roll up on the curb, lock your bike, and walk to your destination. Recently, I tested the Lectric XPedition2 , an electric cargo bike that not only made grocery shopping easier but helped me explore my city stress-free.
Letric XPedition2 eBike $1,399 $1,399 at Lectric View image in fullscreen $1,399 at Lectric Key Specs:
Motor: 750-watts Motor Controller: 24 amp Suspension fork: 50mm of travel Payload capacity: 450lb pounds Top speed/class: 20 mph Class 2 Throttle: Yes Display: Backlit Battery: 624 630 watt-hour battery
Letric XPedition2 eBike $1,399 $1,399 at Lectric Like the competing Aventon Abound and Specialized Haul , the XPedition2 is an electric bike meant to haul cargo. But this one only comes as a long-tail, meaning it has an extended rack on the back for transporting library books, groceries and even little kids.
The Lectric XPedition2 costs $1,399 which is admittedly much more expensive than an entry-level non-electric bike. Yet, it’s such a joy to ride, so stable and balanced, and lasts so long on a charge that I’ve started driving far less, especially in a downtown area. My daily errands such as coffee runs and shopping are less stressful and more enjoyable.
View image in fullscreen Photograph: John Brandon/The Guardian There are three types of electric bikes to choose from. Class 1 bikes do not have a throttle and are speed limited to 20mph. Class 2 bikes max out at that same speed but have a throttle so you don’t even need to pedal. Class 3 bikes are speed limited to 28mph with no throttle (so pedaling required). The XPedition2 ships as a Class 2 ebike to make it legal in 50 states, but includes instructions for boosting its top speed to 28mph in states that allow it.
My test bike was light blue with black accents, with a 36.7in long cargo rack on the front. On the rear of the bike, there are two removable cushions (included for free) for transporting kids. With the cushions removed or kept in place, you can attach cargo bags to each side. I tested this with two water resistant pannier bags from Lectric and both snapped easily into place.
The handlebars (adjustable from 41in to 44in in height) are taller than the adjustable seat by about 6in. Riding the bike made me feel, at times, like the Wicked Witch of the West. (I kept thinking “and your little dog, too!” as I rode.)
My stiff back preferred that upright position. From that vantage point, I could easily see the road in front of me as I pedaled. The XPedition2 has a front light for nighttime rides, a brake light and even a turn signal indicator for letting cars know when you’re turning. (Unlike a car, you do have to turn it off after your turn, so keep that in mind – but it will use barely any battery if you forget.) The bike itse…