Lectric XP vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1 | Fight of the $1K Folding E-Bikes

[@NLbiking]

Should have talked about controllers rather than motors. Motor rating is marketing BS and subjective to whatever they want to say. You can see it in the video. The 500w should have been smoked by the 750w motors but it wasn't and even beat one of them. Ride1Up and Lectric use 20a controllers making their motors peak at 960 with 48v with a 60% rating continuous rating of 576w. The Velotric uses an 18a controller to get 864w peak with the same 48v system giving it a continuous rating of 518w. Although they all have higher peaks due to initial charge levels of roughly 54v. that is not how motor ratings are to be. If you have a true 750w using a controller that is 25a+ you will see a performance difference, these are not real 750w's.

[@FreddyBDiner]

Agreed!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We could definitely start working in more info on controllers. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@abram7144]

so which one do you recommend for $1k?

[@Mark-qv4bn]

I have a class 2 and 3. I don't believe the numbers. My 750 watt hub motor on an 85 pound carbon steel frame, will go 28mph. My 500 watt hub motor is quick too. Forget about peddaling at 28mph.

[@markmcrarland133]

Just ordered a fold one from your link. I was looking at full size bikes but decided I needed a folding bike to get to the second floor apartment. To me the fold one was the winner of this contest. You have the best reviews! $1,200 is a very major decision for me! Thank you for your help. I'm sure that if it arrives in good health I will be happy for several years.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for watching! We're happy to help!

[@deograciafigueroa7801]

I just got the blue veloltric! Nice bike!

[@darreng8583]

Great comparison, all three are good choices. In my 2 cents opinion, the Velotric Fold seems built and tuned for distance riding, since I just read from a comment the controller is limited about 2 amps less then the completion, ( Lectric & Portola ). Also heard from this review they turned down the power to make the battery last longer. From another comment I read in another review the Lectric is about 5lbs heavier @ 64lbs vs the Portola @ 59lbs, reason is loading and unloading the bike will be a pain if it gets too heavy. Someone else said they had a better eBike @ 70+lbs and sold it because of the weight and bought a foldable one. So it seems weight is also a issue. It's good the Lectric is working on there U/L list bikes as well as Ride one Up Portola is. IMO the main drive for eBikes in 2024 is to have them U/L certified so they won't cause fires if over charged. I need to do more research on this eBikes. I heard the Portola from a commend of someone that the 2nd battery would cost $300 vs $500 from Lectric. I keep remembering this video of how hard it is to peddle a eBike with fat smaller tires vs tall thinner tires if your battery dies for distance driving. My long term goal would be to peddle the Sana Ana River bed about 25miles inland one way to Huntington Beach and back. I did that 36 years ago on my 30lb Trek model 800 18gear Mountain Bike, I still have that bike. So it's a major investment to put in $1200 + 300 more for a 2nd battery to do that ride, I guess I will see what happens in the future and it the foldable eBike would fit in my little 2006 4 door Honda Accord.

[@UnKnownn2520]

all these ebikes seem super legit. well made bikes and honestly you couldn't go wrong with any choice. I do have one issue with the review. i think there should have been more categories. some quite important. Now before i begin i won't lie i just purchased the velotric for black friday. But i haven't even received it yet. and my only experience with ebikes are the Citi bikes around nyc. That said, i feel my comment is based on common sense more than rider experience. Velotric was not my first choice nor my 2nd..or 3rd. LECTRIC AND AIPAS was looked at before it. i went through quite a bit of research and wanted to pull the trigger on an ebike and take advantage of the black friday deals. As mentioned, i live in nyc. An ebike just seemed like common sense. with the congestion pricing set to begin, the parking becoming literally unbearable, and the laws that don't protect property rights of home owners, it just feels right getting an ebike. Now, in nyc there are a ton of people..a ton of cars..a ton of..stuff in general. especially now with these curb side seating since covid. space is at a premium and as such, one needs to include SAFETY in his research. The stopping power of the velotric as we see is 2nd to none. Also, id rather have the torque during the ride then during take off. Control is everything to me and a slow takeoff is just better in this city. I'm also a bigger guy, and the WEIGHT CAPACITY was a big reason why i went with velotric over the lectric. 330 lbs just wasn't enough. Im trying to also get into fitness and Velotric actually allows me the ability to do that, yet still have an option of a leisurely day to day way to travel. Lastly, the maintenance. All of velotric ebikes are pretty much water proof and winter proof. So getting caught in the rain or splashing in puddles after it rained isn't something i want to be concerned about. again though, all awesome options. If i was living in a warmer climate with less propensity for cold weather and less hilly, i'd probably go another direction. But my options would be limited.

[@hello-lb3vf]

Great video! I think I'm gonna buy the Portola because it's gear ratio is unmatched. From what I've heard of the reviews online, when going close to 28 mph your ghost pedaling on the Lectric XP 3.0 and Velotric Fold 1. However, the Portola sprocket has a gear that has only 11 teeth. That's essential at high speeds. I am buying the Portola today

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Honestly, they all ghost pedal at 28 mph. We liked the Portola's higher-tier shifter and derailleur though!

[@kenvik-q5t]

Would like to share my riding comparison between Velotric Fold 1 and one of its cheaper major competitors like Ride1Up Portola. Both ebikes I purchased very recently and pedal them about 80 mi each before providing w/ this info. Once I switched Velotric F1 to class 3 e-bike (allowing 28mph when pedal-assisting) most importantly than the max speed is actually how the torque power changed successfully for every PAS level. What happened is described very briefly - every one PAS level even otherwise the not noticeable PAS 1 or 2 increased its power when pedaling, and became so noticeable that I was able to pedal variety of terrains, including very short but steep uphills only using Velotric F1 PAS 1, incomparable advantage over Portola. Later even switched to Class 3 from Class 2 e-bike operation is forcing me going up steep hills especially to switch to PAS4 or 5 in order pedaling to get over the hill without much effort. The same observation is valid comparing Velotric F1 with other cheaper competitors like Aipas A2 and Lectruc XP 3.0 step-thru e-bikes. Being able to pedal practically everywhere without the need to switch to higher more-battery consuming PAS level or throttle - the outcome pedaling and saving more battery from discharge longer than Portola, Aipas A2 and Lectric XP step-thru.

[@Ctrey97]

Should have compared the long-range versions to make it more equal. Doesn't make sense to compare one $1199 bike to two $999 bikes, especially when both of those have long range versions at the same price of $1199. It would have been an equal playing ground. If you were to just compare the $1200 trims of each bike the XP uses a 14ah, Portola a 13.4ah, and the Fold1 uses a 13ah so the ranges would greatly change but the price would actually be equal. My math using your numbers but with the new ah, it would be 38 miles for the XP 3.0, Portola 29 miles, and Fold1 would stay at 22. (Using the highest pedal assist level of course lol) That would move the Fold1 from the best range to actually the worst range but again would actually be an equal comparison and not be skewed for any one company....

[@ElectricBikeReport]

When the Fold 1 was originally released, it was designed to compete with these models, so it was also priced at $999. There's a reasonable chance the prices of the other two bikes will also increase due to tariff changes, though we hope to see them priced at the same level again in the future (or show a greater difference in features to offset the price difference).

[@Dxxb-cz8br]

How easily do they fold and stay folded when loading into a car for comparison? Very important criteria for a folding bike 😊

[@chow-chihuang4903]

The Portola comes with a strap to hold the halves against each other when folded. I think the Fold 1 does also. The XP 3.0 doesn’t, but you can buy or fabricate one that does the same thing.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Correct about the Fold 1.

[@pawpawthebeagle9442]

3:01 I am a member of a fairly large Lectric group on FB, where some have stated that Lectric have switched from preloading their tires with Slime to Flat-Out. Can anyone confirm this, and or if so, give details as to when the switch occurred?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Still on slime last we heard.

[@pawpawthebeagle9442]

@@ElectricBikeReport thank you for your response, and dedication to your work.

[@Mark-qv4bn]

​@ElectricBikeReport I've used slime since 2007, when I started mountain biking. I live by 100's of mile of desert wildernessi, no problems ever. I run 8 ounces of slime in my 2 ebikes each tire. For big flats I put black pepper in slime to fix big holes. It works.

[@pawpawthebeagle9442]

⁠@@Mark-qv4bnblack pepper…coarse, fine, or whole corns?

[@Mark-qv4bn]

Im an over 66 daily rider, except in rain. Ive saved tankfuls of gas, riding my ebikes for shopping, for over 2 years. The store is 1.5 miles away, get a rear rack and saddlebags. Get out i do, yesterday it was 115°. I pedal mostly in PAS 2. RIDE SAFE!

[@lawnmowerman2199]

Thanks Mark! I’m 63 and buying an e-bike for the same reason as you’re currently doing. Curious as to which bike your riding and definitely interested in what lock locks your using?

[@keeponkeepinon76]

This is the exact video I wanted to see get made!!!

[@ElectricBikeReport]

It's been a long time coming! We hope you enjoy!

[@RileyRacing-wl7bu]

Curious you guys didn't talk about the most important thing which is UL certification?? Ride1up is not doing UL2849 and not even legal to be purchased in NYC. Seems crazy to recommend a product that isn't UL2849 in 2024.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for the feedback. We'll add UL certification info to the info section in the overview. At this time, you're correct that the Portola isn't UL 2849 certified, but its battery is UL 2271 certified.

[@RileyRacing-wl7bu]

@@ElectricBikeReport UL2271 does not mean the bike is UL though so I wouldn't imply that is equivalent. UL is important and there is good reason the CPSC has asked companies all the way back in December to go to UL2849 otherwise brands and their fires will shut this industry down. No benefit to only hold Velotric and Lectric accountable to literally safety standards that will keep people safe.

[@FreddyBDiner]

@@ElectricBikeReport Literally, Velotric, Lectric, RadPower, Aventon, Juiced and HeyBike are all UL 2849 certified. It's sketchy that Ride1Up isn't considering the implications and it has been almost two years now.

[@reallifescience2069]

That's a wasted cost. That's why those bikes have cheaper builds and yet charge more. IT's a formality to get a UL2849. IT's not changing the build. The batteries and chargers are UL, why would you want the entire bike? It's a waste of $30,000

[@reallifescience2069]

@@FreddyBDiner no they don't. That's factually wrong.

[@angieamarillo]

I love my Portola! It’s very peppy and does great on hills. I also love having the gears. It’s beautiful and I love their company and customer service. We had two lmt’d bikes by ride1up too but sold mine for the foldable.

[@yerocc]

This video is much appreciated! Any input on how these perform in the winter? I live in a state where winters average 25°F. I plan to bring the battery inside (and wait a while to plug it in as I've been warned), but leave the bike locked up outside my workplace. Otherwise, if it's not too heavy, I will fold it up and store it in the office. Any thoughts on how well it keeps stored in winter and how it performs on snowy streets?

[@norminemralino2260]

I really like the Portola’s specs but ride quality may trump that for me. The fact that the handle bar height is not adjustable on the Portola is a bummer. I was so close to buying the Portola but now I’m leaning towards the Fold. At $999 it should have been an easy choice but with it being $200 more makes it a harder choice.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Ultimately, you can't go wrong with any option, but I think you'll be happy with the Fold if you decide to go for it.

[@deograciafigueroa7801]

@@ElectricBikeReport I agree 👍 I've owned a few bikes 🏍 but I love my new fold 1. Have 2 batteries for it! Smooth as silk 👌

[@DM-fp8uw]

I think the Lectric is starting to look dated, but I’d buy it over the others because their customer service answers the phone and tries to help. If this channel wants to be taken seriously as more than just a paid influencer, it needs to figure out a way to talk about post sale service.

[@thatbionicman]

ummm!! wouldnt comparing the fold and the weight of folders be one of most important criteria? I didnt hear any mention.

[@thatbionicman]

i would prob not buy a folder if i didnt live in the city/had a garage/didnt have to fold it in a small space or climb stairs.

[@AQuestioner]

The Portola is the lightest and smallest when folded at 59 lb, 33'' x 19'' x 29.5''.

[@nickreid9242]

I’m curious about the water resistance of each of the bikes. I’m currently debating between the electric and the portola and I really don’t know which will be better. I plan on using it for school and going between my classes. 2 of them are 2 miles away from each other and I have 10 mins to get between them. I saw online both bikes are rated to IP65 however the portola states in it manual not to use it in the rain. Conversely, the electric’s manual says it’s able to ride in the rain. For my application it’s inevitable that I will be using it in the rain and I’d love to see a real world test between them.

[@nickreid9242]

Additionally, I’m going to be using the bike on the max PAS setting as I really don’t have much time between the two classes. I saw the portola has a better gear ratio but in your opinion which is better for going fast and maxing out the capability of the bike (28 mph)

[@ElectricBikeReport]

At 28 mph, they're all pretty similar in feel. The XP might be a better option as it was able to make the most of its battery charge at higher speeds. It also makes some sense that it could better handle rain since its battery is completely concealed inside/surrounded by the down tube.

[@PlantBasedPartnas]

Excellent review! Very helpful! I'm 6'4" and now I'm considering the XP over the Portola. But I've heard some negatives about the XP's grips and brakes over time. I may even consider the Velotric; this video gave a lot of fodder! Thanks again 🤙🏿💯

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad we could be of assistance! Thanks for watching.

[@davidfranklin2728]

If you factor in customer support, Lectric wins hands down. You always figure nothing will go wrong but if it does, you’ll wish you bought the lectric based on my experience with other brands and lectric

[@reallifescience2069]

I don't know, their neutral reviews on google, yelp and Facebook are a lot worse, indication their CX support is worse. Otherwise there wouldn't be so many angry reviews.

[@alextomtom5531]

@@davidfranklin2728 Ride1up isn’t too bad they get things done.

[@jaliranchr]

Nice comparison report. I was weighing my options between the Portola and the Fold 1. The "we will notify you" for that stunning electric blue Velotric was too long to stay in consideration. I got the Portola, and I'm a very happy 5'3" woman. I have a Lectric Trike for hauling things (surprisingly utilitarian), but the Portola for scooting around town.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Glad you're digging the Portola! Bummer about the Electric Blue Fold though, that color is great.

[@vkeable]

I really like your reviews. On your brand page you recommend biktrix, could you review the kutty lt3? Seems like it would fit in this category but for me with extras I would like, fat tires, suspension, torque sensor. Please advise as I don’t see any recent reviews out there.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Hoping to get that one in soon! We've had talks about further reviews of Biktrix products. Make sure you're subscribed - hopefully we'll have that one in soon!

[@vkeable]

@@ElectricBikeReport Wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to apply. Your sincerity comes through in each review. You have become a trusted resource for me.

[@dmock66]

Excellent video! My only feedback is I wish you also did speed tests in Class 3 mode as well as Class 2.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We thought that might make it go too long. We'll include class 3 in future tests though!

[@dmock66]

@@ElectricBikeReport I absolutely appreciate all the reviews you do. I didn't really start watching your channel until I'd bought an Aventon Level.2 (which I really like) but wish I had sooner. You provide great information and allow "non ebike experts" to make well informed decisions about each model. Just for context - I have two primary reasons for why the Class 3 speeds matter to me: 1) when I ride by myself I like to go faster so I can travel farther in the same amount of time, allowing me more flexibility/options in the routes I ride. 2) I've got friends with ebikes and they're all makes and models. Some have the 27.5 x 4 tires with a strong 750 watt motor and can easily reach 28mph and even eclipse it. I'd like to e able to keep up with them when I join them on rides. ... maybe unecessary - but wanted to 1) thank you for your efforts and 2) provide that context for my request. :)

[@theresejames8826]

Can you do a comparison of bikes similar to lectric express 750w at the price point of $1299?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We're always looking for new content ideas, so we'll add that to the list!

[@deograciafigueroa7801]

My wife just bought me the VELOTRIC FOLD in the blue color. 😍

[@ElectricBikeReport]

That's great! We hope you love it!

[@stevencherry3545]

Very good video and excellent comparison of the three bikes.I was looking at these three and your video helped me pick one for my cousin. Thank you.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Thanks for watching!

[@camrenkunishima5819]

Wait did the lectric go 2mph faster on pas0 than the other two on pas1??

[@AQuestioner]

I wish you compared the unfolded and folded sizes and folding mechanism of these bikes. On paper it seems like Portola is the smallest in dimensions, but I want to see real-life measurements.

[@AQuestioner]

Great review of these 3 though, I watched it repeatedly.

[@denisecastaneda4865]

Can you please let me know what city state trail you where riding in? Its beautiful 😍❤️

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Washington county, UT

[@jayef10]

Should be getting my lectric xp 3.0 tomorrow! I think I made a good choice.

[@myfivestarrealty]

What is the whater resistance

[@ElectricBikeReport]

The XP 3.0 has an IP65 rating, so it is dust-tight and can withstand jetting water.

[@TheRossHarrison]

Where is the Hell Hole Trail located?

[@grawxpert]

Washington, Utah

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Correct :)

[@alextomtom5531]

Glad I went with the Portola I know I made the right choice, why would spend $200 more on the Fold 1 when it can barely make it up a hill? UL certification and dealer support don't matter to me my shop will take care of all repairs so no worries. Portola for the win!

[@markreynolds6341]

The Velotric unlocked performs extremely different. Throttle alone to 28 mph.

[@DM-fp8uw]

The range test needs to be changed. You can’t compare PAS 1 in one bike to PAS 1 in another that is 30 percent faster at PAS 1. The Fold essentially cheated by having a super weak PAS 1.

[@ElectricBikeReport]

This is why we try to highlight one bike being better for those who focus only on distance, while showing that another might be better for those who prefer riding faster.

[@vietl30i]

Fold has battery in the back so it’s better at stopping.

[@Altema22]

Exactly 👍

[@myfivestarrealty]

We ordered 2 lectric ebikes 3.0 step through

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Great choice, we think you'll enjoy them!

[@adampitchardo7640]

Did he mention how much he weighs? I'm pretty sure that factors in. He looks like 200+

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Which test are you referring to? We have a team of riders who do different parts of the testing.

[@Jays94]

Thoughts on the Aipas A2?

[@ElectricBikeReport]

We haven't tested that model, but going by a quick glace of the specs, it's usually somewhat of a red flag when there aren't many details (i.e. brakes and drivetrain). With a relatively small battery, the bike's advertised range seems high, but the motor should be solid enough.

[@DM-fp8uw]

Recent complaints are Reddit is that they aren’t available and after a month of waiting the company offers you a more expensive bike that is.

[@reempire888]

Velotric sucks. Sold my XP 3.0 by mistake and will be buying another one. Wife is happy with her Portola.

[@AQuestioner]

Why does the Velotric suck?

[@reempire888]

@AQuestioner I take that back. Velotric is decent in terms of quality compared to Lectric. But I hate the way they programmed the controller. In fact, the quality is so good I bought one over the black friday weekend. I got an error 24 right out of the box. Contacted Velotric they basically told me to troubleshoot and blah blah blah. Hmm let's see, I paid over over 1k for a brand new bike and expect to fix it right out of the box? Doesn't make any sense. In the end, I fixed it myself. But velotric customer service is a joke they basically told me to return it to Best Buy in so many words.

[@9amStudio]

Lectric is the only one that will fit in the plastic tote. Its the only one that matters

[@mrc1436]

Incorrect the Velotric fits in the same size tote as the Lectric

[@ElectricBikeReport]

What size is the plastic tote?

[@jaliranchr]

All of them will fit in the same size tote.

[@reallifescience2069]

Actually, the Portola folds up smaller than the Lectric.

[@mrc1436]

You left out 2 of the most important points for most customers: 1 - warranty; Lectric 1 year, ride1up 1 year. And clear winner Velotric 2 year 2 - servicing; Lectric no dealers. Ride1 up no dealers, again clear winner Velotric 1000 dealers nation wide (that will service them)

[@ElectricBikeReport]

Good points

[@DM-fp8uw]

It’s not always the length of the warranty, but how well they honor it. Lectric has very responsive customer service.

[@Ctrey97]

You can extend your warranty if you are concerned about it. Lectric also has a whole service network on their website that will service the bike. We also live in 2024 most bike shops work on ebikes even if they are not in their service networks.

[@mrc1436]

@@Ctrey97​​⁠ It costs extra to buy a third party extra warranty and you are incorrect about most bike shops servicing them I am in the industry and can tell you about 10 to 20% of bike shops will service online purchased bikes Velotric bikes offer A 2 year parts and labor warranty much better then anything the other two offer

[@mrc1436]

@@DM-fp8uw​​⁠ most bike shops will not service online purchased bikes Velotric bikes offer A 2 year parts and labor warranty much better then anything the other two offer

[@antonioiniguez1615]

Creating a composite score combining the price, range, speed, features/accessories, and hill test will show you the Fold provides the best value. It actually ranks 2nd out of 39 bikes I calculated the data for. The XP 3.0 ranked 12th and the Portola ranked 21st.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Depends on how you weight the features. My ranking puts the Portola first, XP 3.0 and Fold 1 tied for second out of this group. The speed-based PAS of the Fold 1 dropped it in my ranking, or it’d have beat the XP 3.0.

[@antonioiniguez1615]

@@chow-chihuang4903 I have all the variables equally weighted. My weights within the categories are more complicated

[@AQuestioner]

​@@antonioiniguez1615Could you share your data analysis tool link here?