Not every bike rider is able to join the two-wheel pedal-assist revolution, and Arizona's wallet-friendly ebike maker Lectric has responded to folks looking for the improved stability offered by a third wheel with the launch of the XP Trike.
Lectric's first e-trike is built around a 6061 aluminum folding frame that can collapse down for between-ride transport, with the whole shebang tipping the scales at just 64 lb (29 kg). When ready to ride, it offers the company's lowest standover height – at 13.8 inches (35 cm)– to make mounting/dismounting easy for a wide range of riders. Rear Wheel Bearing Kit
![Lectric launches XP Trike featuring novel single hub rear drive](http://img4.grofrom.com/uploads/u_file/1811/products/15/00900ca956.jpg.500x500.jpg)
Interestingly, the hub motor is not in the front wheel as you might expect but sits between the rear wheels on a dual differential axle and drives them both – though the setup ensures that each wheel can turn at a different rate for safety in the turns. This 500-W (1,092-W peak) geared brushless motor produces 65 Nm (48 lb.ft) of hill-flattening torque up to a top speed of 14 mph (22.5 km/h) over five pedal-assist levels (via cadence sensor), plus there's twist throttle too.
Mounted behind the seat post is a removable 48-V/14-Ah Li-ion battery that's reported to offer up to 60 miles (96.5 km) of range for every 4-6 hours on charge.
The XP Trike's three wheels wear 20 x 2.6-inch tires rocking a custom reflective strip, and stopping power comes from hydraulic disc braking front and back with 180-mm rotors, plus there's a parking brake as well. A backlit LCD display provides riders with at-a-glance metrics, there's integrated head- and tail-lighting, and it can haul up to 450 lb (200 kg), including the rider. Lectric has also confirmed that the e-trike is compatible with the company's range of optional accessories, and can be upgraded to seating with backrest for added comfort.
![Lectric launches XP Trike featuring novel single hub rear drive](http://img4.grofrom.com/uploads/assets/full/KHA3160-S.jpg)
Hub Assembly And Wheel Bearing Possibly the most compelling aspect of the XP Trike is its ticket price. It goes up for pre-order from February 7 for a suggested retail price of US$1,499 (which includes a free cargo package comprising small and large baskets and a front rack). That's much cheaper than recent three-wheel offerings from Rad Power Bikes and Addmotor. It's expected to start shipping (fully assembled) from April.