After getting the Orbital for my Xpedition 2.0 I picked up a couple of milk crates, added the large panniers and loaded it up with cargo to see how it rides.
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| In this video, I’m taking a closer look at the Lectric Xpedition 2.0 cargo e-bike, specifically focusing on how it performs under load. I’ve just received my Orbiter, which is the passenger kit for this bike, and I’m impressed by how solid it feels. The inner handle for kids is a nice touch, allowing this to function as a passenger vehicle that can comfortably fit two or even three small children. For this test, I’ve decided to use the Xpedition 2.0 as a giant cargo e-bike. I’ve outfitted it with two black 14×13 milk crates from Target to maximize the cargo space. The entire cargo area is about 30 inches long and 16 inches across, though the angled sides do reduce the usable space slightly. In addition to the milk crates, I’ve also added extra-large panniers to further increase the cargo capacity.The Xpedition 2.0 boasts what might be the longest cargo e-bike rack in the industry, measuring an impressive 3 feet from the seat post to the end of the rack. This offers a lot of options for cargo or passenger transport.Initially, I loaded the bike with about 104 pounds of cargo, including weights and batteries. However, this proved to be too much weight, making it nearly impossible to operate the kickstand or keep the bike upright. I had to reduce the load to about 60-70 pounds for a more manageable ride.Taking the loaded Xpedition 2.0 out for a ride, I immediately noticed the effect of the added weight. The bike requires more balance and effort to ride, and you can feel the cargo shifting in the back. Despite this, the power delivery is still good, though it does feel a bit more sluggish compared to riding without a load.In terms of speed, I was able to reach about 28 mph on flat ground, though I did notice more shimmy in the bike at higher speeds with the added weight. The front end felt a bit wobbly over 20 mph, emphasizing the need to keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.For the hill test, I put the bike in the highest pedal assist level (5) and tackled my regular test hill. The Xpedition 2.0 performed admirably, maintaining a speed of about 9.5 mph on the main part of the hill, and only dropping to about 7.5 mph on the steepest section. This is quite impressive considering the added weight.On the downhill run, the bike reached a top speed of 36 mph without power, which is noteworthy given the extra load. However, I did notice that it took longer to come to a stop due to the increased weight.Overall, the Lectric Xpedition 2.0 handles cargo well, but I wouldn’t recommend loading it with more than 70-80 pounds. Beyond this, the bike becomes too rear-heavy and difficult to manage. For reference, Lectric states a maximum cargo capacity of 450 pounds, but in my experience, that would be extremely challenging to handle. The Xpedition 2.0 with its dual battery setup is priced at around $1,600, offering good value for a capable cargo e-bike. It’s worth noting that with its 3-foot rack and 30-inch width, this is a substantial bike with a wide profile, so you’ll need some extra muscle to maneuver it, especially when loaded.In conclusion, the Lectric Xpedition 2.0 proves to be a solid choice for those needing a cargo e-bike. It handles heavy loads well, maintains good speed and hill-climbing ability, and offers ample storage options. Just be mindful of the weight distribution and total load to ensure the best riding experience. |