Did I get ripped off buying a Lectric e-bike?
Posted by Medium-Bee3525@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 72 comments
I recently bought the new Lectric xp4 750W motor for $1,300. However recently I've started seeing extremely similar ebikes on amazon. The most similar by far has been the Jasion EB7 ST Electric Bike with a 1200W motor for less than half the price. To me it looks like a copy and paste with very minimal differences. Besides Lectrics great customer service, is there anything going for it or did I waste a bunch of money on a name? Thanks in advance for taking time to read!
Suitable_Voice_5432@reddit
Don’t buy Lectric. Battery died second year and they are asking me to pay for a new $300usd battery. Infuriating.
Suitable_Voice_5432@reddit
Don’t buy Lectric. Battery died second year and they are asking me to pay for a new $300usd battery. Infuriating.
VolumeSubstantial241@reddit
Bought electric one ebike got it on May 11th 2 Days later the price dropped $500 talk to customer service they said there was nothing they could do horrible company do not buy a bike from them
gravelpi@reddit
You did spend some money on QA processes, so it's less far likely the bike is going to fall apart.
FigNinja@reddit
Or catch fire. They are among the lowest price brands to offer UL listed batteries.
Possible_Loss_767@reddit
Are there instances of e-bike batteries catching fire?
whattteva@reddit
9 months late into this, but I live in NYC and battery fires are common enough that most bigger apartment buildings start banning non-UL certified batteries.
Also, there have been a few high profile fires that made it to the 10 0'clock news because it killed a few people.
TL;DR: Yes, ebike batteries do catch fire.
FigNinja@reddit
There aren’t great stats out there. Googling various articles, in New York City alone, they had 267 ebike/escooter battery fires in 2023 causing 150 injuries and 18 deaths. They now require UL certified batteries. California’s requirement for them goes into effect in 2026. Transport for London has banned all but folders on the tube because of fires. Some apartment complexes and HOAs are banning them or requiring certified batteries because their insurance companies require it. Battery fires aren’t new. You’ve likely seen news stories about fires from ecigarettes, phones, and laptops with some notable recalls. Ebike batteries are much, much larger so the potential for deaths, grievous injuries, and extensive property damage are that much greater.
Possible_Loss_767@reddit
Yeah, I remember in 2016 the cheap hoverboard batteries were catching fire as well. The early escooters were notorious for it too maybe?
I do think batteries today have come a long way, and the difference between a company like lectric’s batteries and your off-brand bike is negligible (a lot claim UI certified but who knows). I’m sure there’s no stats on origins or specs of bikes that catch fire: it’d be interesting to see. I actually would expect more instances from a large city like NY - most folks charging and safety habits aren’t great either. A bad battery is a bad battery though, good to be aware with any ebike.
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
Oh awesome! I didn't know that :)
genesRus@reddit
No to rag on you OP, but you'd probably go through life with less buyer's remorse and anxiety in general if you did your due diligence before your purchase rather than after. Especially on multi-hundred dollar and up items, I strongly recommend doing this beforehand. Then once you make your decision, you can feel confident you made the best decision for you with the information you could reasonably gather at the time and just be happy with the things you purchase so you can actually enjoy them.
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
You're absolutely right however I did a lot of research before buying this bike. I did not notice the look alike bikes until a little after I purchased
Jaydee7333@reddit
Yep, their products are shit. Welcome to the club. Nothing but issues
SafirHafez@reddit
You didn’t get ripped off. You paid for quality welds, quality parts and good customer support. Enjoy your ride
Blunttack@reddit
What? There’s way more expensive bikes too. Do those people think they got ripped off because they didn’t buy Lectric? What an odd thing to need validation for.
AttentionHelpful3996@reddit
I don’t think they are looking for validation because he bought a bike that is more expansive than another. I think they are wondering if the one they bought was the exact same bike as other brand that cost less because it looks exactly the same. And then paid more for a different brand. Which is a fair question to ask.
Blunttack@reddit
I mean… an e-bike looks like an e-bike? That can’t possibly be surprising. My SO’s Level 2 looks shockingly similar to the 3 and 1. And the Pace for that matter. Two wheels, handle bar, only so many different frames and forks - bound to be similarities.
AttentionHelpful3996@reddit
🙄
Blunttack@reddit
lol. Well right? Pretty basic stuff. It’s a bike.
AttentionHelpful3996@reddit
Blunttack@reddit
At least your memes are at a higher level than OPs self esteem.
AttentionHelpful3996@reddit
All cool memes aside, It’s honestly just sad that people need to insult/make fun of/ demean people because they ask a question.
Blunttack@reddit
That’s what you think. I think its as or more sad that people turn to strangers to make choices for them, vs having the mental fortitude to stand strong on their own.
Level_Sign2523@reddit
How are you suppose to learn about this shit if your a novice. You do your own research , you go on different sites and you make a choice. Wtf is having the mental fortitude got to do with anything?
Blunttack@reddit
Worrying about getting ripped off. That’s what mental fortitude is… didn’t think that needed explaining.
Level_Sign2523@reddit
Yeah and motherfu...s take advatantage of timid souls and the naive. They walk in like a sore thumb
Blunttack@reddit
A leading manufacturer does that? lol. Cmon man.
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
AttentionHelpful was 100% correct with his comment. There are so many ways a bike could be different, but when the folding bike has the same exact folds, the same latches in the same location, it made me wonder if both bikes came from a factory in China and one had a more expensive name slapped on the side of it
Level_Sign2523@reddit
I was watching a very well ebike report that stated like on Amazon the no name guys just buy in bulk and sell them with zero customer service. Stick with the manufacturer
AttentionHelpful3996@reddit
I have one of those bikes, I had the same question. Hope you like it as much as I like mine so far! And either way, we don’t need to insult people just because we don’t understand the reason someone is asking a question. Not asking for validation.
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
Yeah so far I'm loving it! And you're absolutely right, no need for that here :)
Hot_Block_9675@reddit
You bought a re-branded generic Chinese e-bike with different graphics and a lot of marketing hype - and paid roughly double for it. It's doubtful the Jasion EB7 actually HAS a 1200W motor.
Just like Chinese led flashlights - that advertise 10,000 lumens (and produce MAYBE 1000) - the Chinese are masters at lying, cheating and stealing. They laugh about it since their business culture is fucking you in the ass without any lube.
I've heard nothing but horror stories about Lectric customer service lately. Blame it on the state of the ebike industry with a lot of players going out of business lately. Many are hanging on by a thread.
Think about this for a second: Why would an 800 lb. gorilla like Yamaha (the company that INVENTED the modern ebike in 1993) pull out of the North American ebike market completely and dump over 40,000 ebikes at cost?
Because the US market has been overrun by Chinese garbage that caters to unsophisticated and immature US consumers who care ONLY about price.
Level_Sign2523@reddit
Lectric is done with china for theyre frames and tarriffs. They are now made ( frame only) in Cambodia
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the reply, that's actually a really good point and well said. However the Lectric CS was great to me, the charger they sent was broken so the same day I reached out to CS they shipped a new charger and threw in the $149 fast charger for free. No doubt others didn't get as lucky though
SeattleResident@reddit
This is an older thread but I'm gonna reply. I got the XP3.0 long range when it was on deep discount for Memorial Day. My first ebike. I got it specifically for the price but also peace of mind for the battery. Since it's UL certified it is far less likely to start a fire if you're using the official charger from Lectric. I live in an apt so fires are a serious risk. Got a fire bag to always put my battery in when I fold the bike to put in my coat closet. Won't fully stop the 8 pound firebomb but can at least give me a chance to grab it and throw it over my balcony.
The super cheap bikes you see on Amazon are typically not certified. They cause a lot of the fires you hear about. There's a reason why you don't see the city scooters blowing up all the time and it's due to the batteries they use. Certification matters.
Level_Sign2523@reddit
Lectric kept there cost down on frames built in Cambodia and only 10% tarrif as oppose to chinas large tarriffs
RepresentativeHuge79@reddit
No you didn't get ripped off. The lectric is a much better quality bike
Level_Sign2523@reddit
100%
HomeAutomationSmarts@reddit
No, you did not get ripped off. Electric stands behind their bikes. Tried getting customer service from Jason especially after your warranty is out. I have a Heybike cityscape 2.0 and there are zero parts in stock available for purchase on their website. Can’t say the same about electric. I’ve had a couple issues and they sent me parts. No questions asked. Electric also put in superior parts like the motors and forks flushing, plus their batteries aren’t gonna light on fire
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
Thanks! That makes me happy to hear!
Safe-Spot-4757@reddit
That’s what separates the shit brands from the good brands. Customer service. Pretty much every cheap e bike company is impossible to get in contact with. Source: mechanic
Possible_Loss_767@reddit
For the same one year warranty? Most problems will be after that anyway.
Safe-Spot-4757@reddit
Nah you are completely wrong. Sure warranty is gone but you literally can’t get in contact with the majority of cheap brands. Also most nice brands have a lifetime warranty for frame and for specialized at least the motor and battery have a 2 year warranty and if parts go bad during that warranty period you get a new 2 year warranty. What cheap company is matching that?
HomeAutomationSmarts@reddit
Lectric is in AZ and can be reached on the phone. They have parts.
Safe-Spot-4757@reddit
I said majority, lectric, rad power, and ride1up are decent communication
Hoodwinkers4@reddit
So what would you recommend for a first time buyer? Mostly using it to cruise around town and some gravel/dirt basic roads and trails. I’d like something with a little speed and capability to hold groceries in the back maybe.
Safe-Spot-4757@reddit
Honestly I’m gonna recommend marin, giant, specialized, ride1up, radpowerbikes, and aventon.
The first 3 are definitely much higher quality and will have a lot more coverage of the bike, also more pro shops set up for them so higher likely hood of getting spare parts in a timely matter
For the latter 3 they are good but I wouldn’t say the best all around but they make solid e bikes and the companies talk to us and work with us
This is just with my experience with what bikes have been more manageable to deal with, I’m sure there are more brands that are good.
MickyBee73@reddit
Lectric are pretty well made e-bikes, and as a company they have a very solid reputation...
You did pretty good I'd say 🚲⚡👍
HomeAutomationSmarts@reddit
I bought 3: 1XPedition 2.0 and 2 XPeak 2.0 LR they are great
Possible_Loss_767@reddit
Same awful front forks in all of these bikes, customer service or not. What I’m wondering is, what support does lectric offer after their one year warranty?
HomeAutomationSmarts@reddit
Redditors commonly state they have received free parts after warranty quite often. Not necessarily motors but controllers, bms, etc. They have the part when it goes bad.
kchelouati@reddit
I got the Jasion and love it.
nrgins@reddit
No, you didn't get ripped off. We bought a quality bike at a reasonable price. Those bikes that are 50% of the cost have a 50% chance of malfunctioning. Trust me: you made the right decision.
Itsatinyplanet@reddit
This is a stealth advertisement. Boycott these jerks for polluting reddit
Xistential0ne@reddit
I don’t know if you got ripped off. But here is something I do know. I am an audiologist. All day every day patients ask me “I got these hearing aids from so and so for 4000 or 5000 or 6000. I saw ones on Amazon (or at Costco) that look exactly the same for 1/2 to 1/3 the price. Did I get ripped off?”
Hell no they didn’t. Looking the same is not the same as comparing the build inside, the components inside and the tech inside.
I betcha it’s similar with e-bikes.
possibly_on_meth@reddit
That depends on what you value for your money.
They are decent bikes for the money(depending on your values of course). It will be reliable for on road use. Not that fast and cannot going downhill trails but gets the job done for a lot of people's requirements.
But for me personally I got the XP4 750 on a ebike grant. It's nice and reliable.
But say if you value speed over all else or offroading it's not the best value for money.
I value speed and off-road ability and none of my eBucks have been a good value for me My first did a hub motor downhill bike and I fried two controllers.
I then upgraded it to a BBSHD and again have fried two controllers (one with a shunt mod).
My frustration over working on these e-bikes that keep frying themselves not having much power has led me to be about to buy a QS 273 20,000 watt stealth bomber steel frame. Yes I am going to bring it on downhill mountain biking trails and yes I know it's dangerous and I could die but whatever life's not that great anyways so.
Otherwise-Bid-4952@reddit
If Lectric is so top-notch, then why are a lot of people complaining about motor and controller issues on the XP4's? Some are even complaining about C.S. being not too helpful? This past week alone, I have seen so many complaints on both YouTube and here about issues with the XP4's that I have lost count. I almost ordered 1 until I saw all the complaints with some saying Lectric needs to do a recall on them.
Hot_Block_9675@reddit
EXACTLY.
Darkest_Depth@reddit
Some of that will be legitimate issues. However, most of it is simply any number of degenerates who think that if they don't like something for any reason that they must do their best to make it look as bad as possible. The problem is in figuring out which is which.
Otherwise-Bid-4952@reddit
Then why are there so many videos of the problems?
Darkest_Depth@reddit
Refer back to the first part of my reply. "Some of that will be legitimate issues". It's mainly a problem of mass manufacturing I think, with how many parts are made they can only really quality control a few of them so it's possible for very large numbers of defective parts to be sold. It could also be a local situation.
Neat_Clothes_248@reddit
Amazon bikes are kinda sketchy so you went with a better brand.
But just me personally I would always get a bike from a bike shop. Your bike is being shipped and a lot of them have defects or broken somehow. Bike shops put together the bikes and make sure they work before you buy them
Also your local bike shop wont do work on your lectric bike at least any electric components
SynapticDampener@reddit
Depends on who you are. If youre not very mechanically inclined, using the bike for communting, then no you didnt get ripped off. If you bought the bike to go fast and joyride, and dont mind having to troubleshoot and tinker, then yes.
Different needs for different people. Like you said, lectric stands by their product, so you will have excellent after sales service.
BodSmith54321@reddit
No you didn’t get ripped off.
foolsjoke2321@reddit
Yes they essentially are just drop shipping the bikes from the same Chinese suppliers and putting their stickers on it
Blazalott@reddit
The xp 4.0 isn't even made in China. Lectric shifted some new models to Cambodia for production.
Laserdollarz@reddit
You paid for access to customer service and probably a few higher quality components.
Reelair@reddit
From what I've heard, most ebikes are made in just a few places. Companies contact them, choose the parts and components they want on their bike. Kind of like ordering off a menu and checki g off boxes.They make up a name, and slap it on the bike they just created.
It sounds like Lectric chooses some better components than the cheaper bikes, and gives better support.
Once I figured this out, I decided to build my own ebike. A good, used hybrid frame, a Bafang BBS02 motor and a battery. Got an amazing bike for about $1700 CAD
Flat_Review2501@reddit
No, Lectric stands behind their products. You did good, enjoy your bike and ride safe
Medium-Bee3525@reddit (OP)
Thanks for letting me know, I'm relieved to hear it!
zachsilvey@reddit
The XP4 750 has a significantly larger battery, better brakes, a stronger motor (regardless of how Jasion markets theirs), a higher quality drivetrain, and good after-sale support.
GrouchyMushroom3828@reddit
I’m wondering the same about hey bikes.