By far, the most popular budget friendly ebike is the Lectric XP from Lectric Bikes. It came to the market just a couple of years ago, but quickly became a favorite of first-time ebike buyers. Priced at $999, it appeals to many. Also, it’s just a fun, zippy folding bike. The company also has favorable reviews for customer service, which you usually don’t find at the $999 price point. Buzz has been around for a few years, and are best known for their affordable mid-drive ebike, the Cerana. Now they have introduced the Centris which offers a lot for its price tag, and is obviously aiming to be serious competition to the Lectric XP in both price and performance.
If you preorder the Centris today, it goes for $949. The full price is $1199 which is still good considering the Centris features a 500 watt motor and 48-volt system riding on 20″ x 4″ wheels. It also comes with a front and rear rack, 6-speed transmission, front suspension, fenders, front headlight, 2-year limited warranty, and a 10-year limited warranty on the frame.
The Lectric XP also has a 500-watt hub motor and 48 volt system. The newest version, the Lectric XP 2.0 now has front suspension and 20″ x 3″ wheels. It has integrated front and rear lights, 7-speed transmission, fenders, and ships with a rear rack. A front rack is available for purchase. Lectric offers a 1-year limited warranty on their bikes.
So, which bike is the better deal? On paper, they are a toss-up. Both are very approachable bikes with a low step-over height, if you choose the step-thru frame of the XP. The wider tires of the Centris are great for loose soils, better shock absorption, and stability. You don’t lose much of that with the XP’s 3″ wheels, though, but they will provide a more nimble and efficient performance.
Both bikes weigh about the same. The XP 2.0 weighs in at 64 lbs, while the Centris weighs 67 lbs, so neither of the bikes are exactly featherweights. Both have removable batteries that can be charged on or off the bikes. Both have adjustable height handlebars to accommodate different rider heights.
One difference is the top speed of each bike. The XP’s top speed is 28 mph, while the top speed of the Centris is 20 mph. This may make a big difference, depending upon your needs and preferences. I rarely go over 20 mph on an electric bike, so it’s not a deciding factor for me.
Of course, you can only judge an ebike so much by its components. Gear ratio and pedal assistance make the biggest difference on any electric bike. Some bikes are enjoyable to pedal, and others either provide too much assistance or not enough at various pedal assist levels. Unfortunately, you can’t know how an electric bike will perform until you ride them.
Luckily for you guys, I’ll be reviewing both of these bikes and relaying just how well they perform in the real world. Check back soon!
