Lectric XPeak eBike Wobble | Comparing Step-Thru's

[@EBikeBuilder_]

Great Job pointing out these 🤨 design flaws! 👍 They are advertising this bike as an E-MTB certified to the highest qualifications. Now they are telling people, “Don’t use that basket or rack, its dangerous”. WHAT?! 😂 It’s fundamentally not okay, lol. great job, you have the bike and are able to articulate and demonstrate these problems perfectly 👍 Lectric needs to recall the Step Through ⚠️ Major League Dangerous Oversights 😅

[@wawalker1]

Lectric should stop selling this model and replace those sold. Your points are valid. I own an Aventon Pace 500.2 step through with none of those issues.Thank you for your videos.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks for the support. They are scrambling to offer solutions, but I think in the end, they will have to recall them.

[@southernebiking]

Honestly, I don’t think you have to convince anybody of this. Lectric blew it on this plain and simple. They tried to attract a new market, i.e. Emountain bikers. I have said all along, how they respond to this will determine how they do moving forward as a business.

[@EbikeReviews]

I agree completely. Sometimes things just don't go right, I get that. But how they respond is going to be critical. So far its been, remove the baskets and lock out the fork. But, its a brand new problem and they probably need a hot minute to figure it out.

[@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop]

This is one of your very best videos, Richard. I consider it a public service. Well done! 😊 Phil

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks Phil.

[@rickh1142]

The angle of the fork is what may be causing the instability problem. It is often referred to as rake in the motorcycle world. This may also be why the pedal is so close to the front tire. The rake is much greater on other bike frames, which would cause a tilted back angle of the fork tube.

[@EbikeReviews]

Good observation. I will look into that.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

The term for bike design is trail. Rake of the fork is one factor that affects trail. Trail is a compromise between nimbleness and stability. Seems on the XPeak, it also puts the tire too close to the pedals. You could try shorter cranks as most cranks for US market bikes are 170 or 175mm, which are too long for most riders. It may be enough to avoid the tire touching your feet. Start at 20% of your inseam and adjust until comfortable from there. I find 160mm feels good for my 32in inseam. 165mm is acceptable but not as comfortable. You’ll likely need to raise your seat to achieve good leg extension. Frame flex means they didn’t design or build in enough rigidity. They could tackle that with wider tubing, thicker walled tubing or additional gusseting where the downtube meets the seat tube and the down tube meets the head tube.

[@jsa4864]

Interesting video. I haven't experienced the same issues you have, which may in part be due to my height 5'4"; and even though I'm not the lightest person, I still cannot duplicate your issues.

[@IMBruceECLECTIC]

Still watching...so far..Great analysis...not an engineer but the narrower tube.....would give me pause....

[@Mark-qv4bn]

Same.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

I've followed some RV and van dwelling KZbin channels and Facebook groups for awhile. Lectric was pushed very strongly on those sites because it was believed that other ebike companies were ripping people off. That Lectric was superior quality for less money. Those groups were major factors in Lectric's success. I think with the problems I've seen discussed in numerous places that it may turn a lot of people off to ebikes. Getting burned on $1000 might keep people investing in $1800 or $2500 for a bike that has been very well reviewed by a number of respected reviewers.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Keep people FROM investing.

[@richarddietzen3137]

Their $999 XP series has been fine. I have the XP2.0 stepover.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

It's hit or miss with them. A lot of people never have a problem but quite a few do. I'd rather go with a company that has a reputation for quality even if I have to pay twice as much than to risk having problems due to either cheaper components or quality control issues.

[@Xterraforce]

I suspect it's a combination of problems with the XPeak but just based on symptoms it sounds like the main issue it likely the head angle. Coming from the sport and dirt bike motorcycle world we call the condition head shake and can range from annoying to scary to an all out tank slapper, a term used when it's so bad it rapidly turns from lock to lock, almost "slapping" the gas tank with the handlebars. It's a competitive market where everyone is constantly in search of the perfect balance of stability and quick handling. There's a very fine line between getting it right or making a bike that's almost unridable. We're talking fractions of a degree of head angle. Getting frame geometry and just the right amount of frame flexibility is also part of the equation along with other factors but once those are close, head angle is the final fine tuning point that makes or breaks it.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@f8fbcrb]

Thanks, great info. glad I decided to wait on buying one.

[@charlesdomingue9625]

Awesome video. Definitely explains most of the xpeak problems. Lectic definitely is trying to put band aids instead of recalling the step through. I am like you I don’t think I should have to modify are take things off things that were sold to be compatible with it to try to get it right. the only real fix is to recall the bike and change the Design.

[@EbikeReviews]

It may take them some time to figure it out, but I am sure they will have to recall them. If not, I would expect a class action lawsuit. They are unsafe.

[@jimjr9143]

I do not understand . I own the lectric 3.0 and it rides great . No issues . For this Xpeak it seems like no one really tested this ebike at all before they produced and sold it. I was thinking about suggesting this to my step father but no way . Lectric needs to stop selling this right away . Lawsuits just waiting to happen .. they need to make sure to test the next version before selling it .

[@paulbouldin6677]

Love you're comment 'its my heartburn!" I think it is going to be a major loss for Lectric. I own the Lectric trike. It had some flaws that the company worked out and made improvements. I have experienced that death wobble on some other ebikes I've owned. Come to find out the headbolt that secures the handle bar to the front wheel was loose. I tightened it and bye bye shake. I also considered on XPeak smaller crank arms and/or smaller diameter front wheel/tire??

[@WyomingRider]

Great video. Not sure what they can do about the front wheel being so close other than maybe an angled front fork. With the frame issue since it has those mounting points on the frame maybe they can make a brace that could be bolted on. Would no longer be a step thru, but might help the stability.

[@satchsmith9734]

Great review and being honest.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks, I try to be.

[@Bobster986]

It the rake in the front forks. Angling them outward more world resolve the wobble problem and it would move the wheel further away from the pedals. I’d return it back to Lectric if I were you. 🤨

[@freevideos051]

I think you are right that e bike is unsafe. That steering wobble is unsafe and the tire is too close to your foot.

[@quintonhudson6490]

Great review lectric loss Credibility With me and other customers. This is a bad look. Always love your honest reviews.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thank you!

[@JJSpanky]

My new xpeak does the same thing. First time I got on it with the baskets, the ride was unstable and terrible. With all the baskets off it still wobbles.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks for sharing. I see no solution for Lectric accept to recall the step-thru's.

[@rolandgadue4351]

Sounds like the angle and thickness of the tube need to be changed. I believe the angles are the key. to this issue.

[@EbikeReviews]

I think so also. After they produced the first test models, 35 changes were made. We don't know what that was, but I did hear the angle of the seat post was changed. I suspect the down tube was also. Its too light. Its a smaller battery, skinnier down tube, there just isn't enough weight in the center of the bike. That what I am thinking.

[@rolandgadue4351]

I agree we do not know what changes they made to the bike. I have not heard of any issues with the regular frame or pedal clearance. With all the changes maybe that is why there is a delay in the shipment of the bike @@EbikeReviews

[@technocrat7971]

Bad design the down tube is not stiff enough. You could fit a chain wheel with shorter crank arms to help with the clearance problem but a 152mm crank arm is only going the give 1 inch more clearance. They do make chain wheels with tiny 127mm crank arms but there pretty rare so could be a game finding one

[@EbikeReviews]

agree, thanks!!!

[@GarysE-BikeAdventures]

Well done, I’m going to put my rear rack on and put my battery packs on not wired but just on so I can see if where is a problem, if there is it my be a problem with me. Looked like my Deer shaking before I put my damper on.

[@DrCarlLadd]

Great review Richard. I liked the way you described each one and analyzed Lectric's flaws. During the stability sections it looked as though the Troxus was actually more stable than the Mooncool. Just curious why you prefer the Mooncool as your go-to bike.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

Re the pedal distance to front tire issue, this is not an issue on crank forward frame bikes. Poor design.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

The Lectric Weeble Wobble. When you like your ride shaken, not stirred.

[@greggrobinson2769]

They should put a recall on this. Before somebody gets hurt

[@Xterraforce]

They probably will. Unfortunately a recall involves the government which is a slow process. They experienced that when they wanted to recall the cable operated brakes on the XP 3.0. In that case they were able to start sending out the new hydraulic brakes to people who contacted them to request them a few months before they were given permission to announce an official recall. You'd think it would be a simple and fast process with an unsafe condition but unfortunately that isn't the case.

[@greggrobinson2769]

I see they are still available on. Website

[@EbikeReviews]

I hinted at the idea in another video a couple of days ago. I suspect they will.

[@reflectivesunlight]

Just finished riding mine for the first time and am very disappointed. Its been a long time since ive ridden a regular bike so i was excited to enter this new version and ride with my dog but with the wobble it makes me feel totally inexperienced riding a bike and makes me worry about mine and my dogs safety. I emailed the company heres to hoping i didnt get screwed out of a thousand bucks.

[@EbikeReviews]

They agreed to my request for a refund and they pay for shipping. Keep your box.

[@timsteele8063]

I've got an xpeak high step and it's great love it.. no wobble no problems and a lot of fun .

[@kenjones1283]

Do you think the tension of the spokes are either to tight or loose, I've found this to be a problem on a normal mountain bike, they sometimes change after some heavy riding, and check the spoke tension and some of the spokes had become looser. Just a thought maybe a spoke issue, Also would like to see a review of the Maxfoot MF30 2024. Thanks for all your great reviews, it's great to see your unbiased views. Keep up the good work'

[@FubarMike]

I wonder how now one had the wobble or foot hitting wheel experience during the press event last year? They took those pre release bikes on some pretty gnarly stuff.

[@EbikeReviews]

They made 35 changes to the XPeak between that event and shipping them out. We don't know what all the changes were, but on another channel it was said that the angle of the seat tube and the downt tube were changed. So its possible that contributed to it.

[@cellsafemode]

they didn't test with the front fender. they didn't test with cargo baskets. they didn't test on hard flat roads. with occasional bumps /sidewalks. in addition to who knows what actually changed and what effect those changes had.

[@trsdamocles]

I'm not really sure if it's really the weight on the front that's causing it, I think it's more of the weight on the back end with the Rider and the basket. I think the front end gets light and squirrely. The Honda CBR 929 had a similar problem which they called head shake and you could put a steering damper on it to alleviate the problem. I got a wallke h6st which is way bigger than your bikes and I have some head shake and that's a mid battery e-bike which is very heavy on the rear. I also think handlebar height has a little bit to do with that shake. If it's too high it may cause it. Maybe if the center of gravity is more over the seat it may cause it. Criss crossed added a back rack battery to one of his bikes and it caused a little bit of head shake. I'd say do a test and put the front basket on and add weight in it and see what happens.

[@Poindogindustries]

It is 100% a problem with not enough weight on the front tire. I loaded up the front rack with about 15 pounds of stuff and that negated a lot of the wobble (as long as the rear basket was empty) There’s just no excuse though. I got a ride1up after returning my Xpeak and I can literally sit on the passenger seat and ride the bike fine, it’s obviously not stable but no death wobble like the Xpeak with a few pounds worth of basket.

[@Joker058]

It's still odd that the cables on the XPeak are out in front of the headlamp like that.

[@EbikeReviews]

Yeah, it really is.

[@Mark-qv4bn]

I don't like wires blocking the headlight. The wires aren't properly wrapped at all. I have to have things done correctly on my ebike.

[@onoomy]

They are going to ship me another that they said don't wobble. Will see how it goes.

[@EbikeReviews]

I have heard that from a few people now. I am still waiting to hear what they are going to do for me. They don't know I am a KZbin creator. I have not told them who I am. Just waiting patiently like everyone else.

[@IMBruceECLECTIC]

Great job! Thorough....you probably opened yourself to liability by letting someone ride that Lectric Bike.....

[@EBikes420]

Hey Richard, off topic but what is your take on this article "Community leaders in Key Biscayne Florida have approved a 60-day ban on e-bikes following a woman's death in a collision this week." ?

[@EbikeReviews]

Hey Joe, thanks for the question. I was kicking around the idea of making a video today about it. In short, its tragic what happened. But, its a typical knee jerk reaction by inexperienced leadership. You don't willy nilly make laws, change laws without first apply some common sense. The kid may have been going to fast. But they collided on a dark street and the woman was not wearing a helmet, the kid was. Does something need to change on the island, probably. News articles make it sound like its the wild west for ebikes. So it sounds like there are either no laws at all, or the laws they have are not being enforced. Either way, banning all mobility devices for 60 days is not the answer.

[@EBikes420]

The older lady should have been wearing a helmet, it saves lives. And what's worse is I read that the ban will become permanent after 60 days. This is not right, for someone like myself, I use my e-bike for everything. It's my main source of transportation. @@EbikeReviews

[@richarddietzen3137]

Sue them. It won’t stand up.

[@cellsafemode]

person gets injured and dies while not wearing minimal personal safety equipment that is basically mandatory everywhere else. Florida wants to ban the guy they hit instead of address no helmet. i think it's typical Florida crap. more concerned with attacking change than doing what would be logical because it plays to a base that is addicted to fear. ebikes make sense in too many practical ways for it to ever go away now. they are inevitable.

[@EBikes420]

@@cellsafemode Yes, I don't understand it either, my son would Not be here today if he wasn't wearing a helmet when he was a kid with my friends kid and their bikes. We were just talking about this today because of this ban issue

[@tommurray2653]

Tks for the honest review. The flaw is this design should have been seen and tested out in the pre-production phase. AND redesigned befire production ever started. Now the only GOOD recourse is to recall all unsold stock and buyback all bikes that have been sold period. This will be cheaper in the long run for Lectric compared to litigation after a fatality and lawsuit occures. Hopefully they will do the right thing to protect the brand. They have a good repution to look after. Have a nice day. Tom up in Canada in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border.

[@EbikeReviews]

Agreed.

[@kendallestock2021]

I have the step-thru….small basket on the rear….and I do NOT have the wobble at all. 40 plus miles. Are there other riders out there who have NOT had the death wobble? Did I just get lucky?

[@EbikeReviews]

Lectric says not all Xpeaks are affected. I have heard from many that says they are fine.

[@onefreelife]

I have a lectric 3xp stepthrough. I havent experienced wobble. Why are some people experiencing wobble, not others??

[@MichaelMatthews-gu5gz]

Richard what if they put shorter cranks would that be better?

[@EbikeReviews]

Its a good idea in theory, it would increase the distance to the wheel. But, I bet it would feel really awkward to pedal.

[@MichaelMatthews-gu5gz]

Maybe your right, what if you put shorter fenders on, maybe that might work.

[@chow-chihuang4903]

Try cranks 20% of your inseam for starters. You want good leg extension but not too much knee flex. Too long cranks can cause knee, hip and lower back pain as well as less control when standing on the pedals due to too wide a stance for your legs. Shorter cranks may be just enough to clear the front tire. The only downside is you will have to raise your saddle to get good leg extension.

[@bodurango]

I put a Cane Creek Hellbender 70 Visco head dampener (top only) on my new Lectric Xpeak Step Thru. I put 40 lbs in the rear basket and rode up to 20 MPH. Virtually no wobble. This MAY be a solution. Important note: I do not have a front basket, and did not use one during my test.

[@EbikeReviews]

Thanks, my buddy Gary over at Gary's ebike adventures made a video about it. It does seem like a great solution.

[@HectorSilvas-gq8gd]

Very little people know about lectric's past, they used to sell e-skateboards, but had many issues and complaints, i believe they actually abandoned ship, ditching the product and disappeared, not long after rebranded (but they kept the name Lectric) to ebikes. Small chance it would repeat seeing as they are well known now, but hope they dont abandon this prosuct and customers who purchased it. Certainly will be a financial disaster for them

[@169Tomh]

Just bought Lectric speaks one of each step over came with messed up derailer sending a new one but a hassle great bike for the money

[@cgonzo1233]

Gary, what is the crank pedal distance ( length) on all three bikes?

[@jeromewaites5364]

Send it back wait till they fix the problem to rebuy. That’s crazy

[@EbikeReviews]

That's my plan. I heard today that they have said its only a few that are affected so they are offering some people the option to swap them out. I think I will wait before getting another one.

[@cellsafemode]

returning is done at your expense. and you won't have a refund accepted unless it's returned in the original packaging. plus there may be a restocking fee. according to their return rules.

[@EbikeReviews]

Typically yes. You buy it and don't like it they are going to stick it to you. Your better off just selling it locally. In this case, its defective. It would be very bad for them to tell customers they have to pay to ship it back. @@cellsafemode

[@cellsafemode]

​@@EbikeReviews as long as they have some instruction on riding it that shifts the blame onto the customer, i don't see a recall happening. and they've already made that argument in the email.

[@charlesdomingue9625]

I hope that is true. They are still telling a lot of people that they are not taking returns. I hope they rethink it.

[@badabing8884]

Are these all hub drive motors on these step thrus? I have a mid drive on my Gazelle U C380 HMB and don’t have any problems with wobbling or turning corners and catching my feet on the fenders.

[@nm4698]

Lectric XPeak ST really dropped the ball on this bike.

[@coopsmusicvision]

i put the hellbender 70 headset on my xpeak stepthru . no difference, it still wobbles bad. do not buy this bike!