Lectric One e-bike review: a dependable commuter and a fun city bike

By Bruce Brown Published November 13, 2024

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The Lectric One is ideal as a commuter or urban bike — it’s not for off-road or cargo use. While it has a rear rack, it’s not large or long enough to handle heavy loads. The handlebars fold down — a nice feature for compact storage — but it isn’t a folding bike. Weighing 62 pounds with the battery, it’s best suited for riding on pavement, sidewalks, and smooth surfaces. Every aspect of the bike is designed for reliable city or town transportation.

It’s probably not fair to call out a single defining feature that makes the One a standout for urban riders because the entire project was focused on that purpose. However, the Pinion Gearbox is a premium technology previously found only on much more expensive e-bikes. Rather than a gear cassette and derailleur near the rear wheel hub, the six-speed gearbox is enclosed in a weatherproof box near the bike’s center. Conventional shift levers change the gears if you want to shift with the old-school manual method. You can even hear the gears shift in the box with a slight snicking sound.

The real magic, however, happens when you use the Pinion Smart.Shift App. Pair the bike with your smartphone, and then use the app to configure the Pinion gearbox to suit your riding style. You can set a startup gear, so every time you stop, the gearbox automatically resets to your selection. With the app, the gearbox shifts up and down automatically.

I thought this feature was interesting but not a game changer when I first rode the preproduction version of the One at a media event in February. I primarily use e-bike throttles, and I wasn’t taken by the concept. As you’ll read below, my opinion changed while testing the production model several months later.

The One’s second feature that needs special mention is the Gates carbon drive belt. We’ve reviewed other bikes with the Gates belt, such as the Priority Bicycles E-Coast and the Async Pro 1. The Gates carbon drive belt is quiet, doesn’t need maintenance, and lasts two to three times as long as a conventional chain. If the primary feature of the Pinion Gearbox is ease of operation, the Gates belt drive simplifies maintenance and supports durability.

The Lectric bike features a 750-watt continuous motor, peaking at 1,310 watts — significantly higher than average. It delivers 85 Newton meters of torque, providing a solid boost when starting from a stop or tackling steep inclines. In my testing, it accelerated impressively from a standstill on my steep driveway.

The motor is also relatively quiet. Lectric says it is 400% more quiet than earlier Lectric 750-watt motors.

I think the sweetest ride comfort feature is the adjustable handlebar and handlebar stem.

It’s a Class 3 e-bike, reaching up to 28 mph with pedal assistance (I saw 28.7 mph in testing). There are five levels of pedal assistance. To comply with Class 2 regulations, the One is limited to 20 mph when you use the thumb throttle, even if you’re also pedaling fast.

The One has a 14Ah, 48-volt lithium-ion battery with UL 2271 certification, and the entire bike is UL 2849 certified. The battery has a capacity of 672 watt-hours, which the standard 2-amp output charger should be able to charge to fully in about seven hours.

The estimated maximum range per charge is up to 60 miles. However, this depends on factors like throttle or pedal assist use, weight, cargo, speed, acceleration, incline, and temperatures. Realistically, the range may vary from 20 to 60 miles per charge, depending on how you ride it.

The standard Lectric One seat is reasonably comfortable, but as noted below, frequent riders will want an upgrade. I think the sweetest ride comfort feature is the adjustable handlebar and handlebar stem. You can change the rider geometry when you unlatch the handlebar to change the angle.

Paired with the telescoping seat post, the handlebar adjustment allows the One to accommodate riders from 5 feet, 2 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches. You can also adjust the handlebar angle to change your riding posture from tucked over with low handlebars to upright.

The One does not have a front or rear suspension, which means any riding on rough or bumpy surfaces will directly affect your riding comfort. If you buy a One for daily commuting, your butt will appreciate it if you install Lectric’s optional Comfort Seat.

The 20-inch by 2.5-inch city tires have low resistance, which helps with speed and range, but they don’t have enough sidewalls to help with ride comfort. The One’s tires have a 3mm Hippo Skin layer to resist abrasion, Shark Skin Protection on the sidewalls to resist pinch flats, and Slime treatment to prevent flats.

In addition to Lectric One’s UL 2849 and UL 2271 certifications, the e-bike has a bright headlamp and a brake-activated taillight. The tires have reflective strips for side visibility. Stopping power with hydraulic brakes and 180mm brake rotors is excellent for such a lightweight bike.

There are no mirrors, which I firmly believe should be standard on e-bikes for street use, especially bikes marketed and sold for urban riders and commuters. Lectric sells optional bar end mirrors for the One, but I wish they were standard equipment.

Lectric does not classify the One as a folding e-bike, but it is compact. When storing or transporting the bike, you can unlatch the stem and fold the handlebar down to the side, remove the seat with a simple clamp, use the key to remove the battery, and quickly remove the front wheel without tools. The One even has quick-release pedals.

As mentioned above, I initially thought the auto-shifting Pinion Gearbox was a good idea for riders who don’t favor throttle use with e-bikes. I have changed my mind, for this e-bike anyway. Lectric’s 96-magnet (many have only 12 magnets) cadence sensor with its Pedal Assist Wattage Regulation (PWR) responds quickly to reach the maximum power level for each pedaling assistance setting.

The 85 Nm of torque and 1310 watts of peak power are almost instantly accessible with pedal assistance. The throttle response felt subjectively slower, because you’re limited to 20 mph using the throttle. After only a few rides, I stopped using the throttle most of the time.

The Lectric One is worth the extra cost.

The Lectric One isn’t a high-speed e-bike, but it does a superlative job of getting around town in a sprightly manner. I did miss front fork and rear suspensions, but when I stuck to paved roads, the ride was smooth.

Like every major e-bike company, Lectric has developed a wide range of accessories and upgrades. I’d recommend any frequent rider purchase a set of mirrors and a Comfort seat to soften the ride. You can also choose from many racks, bags, panniers, and cargo boxes, as well as locks, upgraded lights, extra batteries, and chargers.

If you’re a city commuter, the Lectric One is an excellent choice, especially if you regularly use the e-bike. The One’s easy operation and maintenance are its greatest advantages, plus it’s fun to ride. The $2,199 starting price often comes with various accessories and upgrades, which can also save money. Other recently reviewed e-bikes to consider for commuting include the Velotric Discover 2 and the Aventon Soltera.2, which both cost less than the Lectric One. Still, they are larger and have conventional gear shift systems and drive chains. The Lectric One is worth the extra cost.