What happens when you put pure pedal power against the electric boost of the XP4? We hit the hills to see how a traditional bike stacks up against one of America’s best-selling eBikes. The results speak for themselves!
See who takes the win...
The Best eBikes for Hills: 750W vs 500W vs Traditional Bike
We wanted to put the Lectric XP4 to the test and really answer the question: How much difference does an eBike make for climbing hills?
The answer: A massive difference.
eBike Speed Going Up Hills
- The Lectric XP4 750 maintained an average speed of just under 20 miles per hour.
- The 500W XP4 dipped slightly, averaging just at 15 miles per hour.
- A traditional bike started strong at 12 miles per hour, but slowed to a crawl as the climb up the hill progressed.
eBike Effort Going Up Hills
This is really where the value of an eBike on big hills comes into play. With a torque-sensor pedal assist, the Lectric XP4 naturally adjusts to your level of effort and provides as much support as you want.
Biking up big hills can really hold people back. Maybe you’ve got a giant hill on your commute to work and you don’t want to show up dripping in sweat, or you’d like to ride leisurely but live in a hilly area.
With a traditional bike, that means intense cardio. With an eBike, you still get the activity and the joy, but the biggest barrier is taken care of by pedal assist.
What to Look for in the Best Electric Bike for Hills
Not every electric bike is built the same. Some are going to handle hills better than others. For a great eBike for hills, you’ll want to look for:
- Torque sensor: eBikes without torque sensors don’t adjust to your level of effort when calibrating pedal assist. This can lead to a herky-jerky ride, which is not what you want powering up a large hill.
- 750W battery: Battery power matters. A lower-watt battery won’t maintain speed, and it will die faster from the energy required.
- Frame that fits your ride: You should feel comfortable and safe in your ride, and choosing the right frame is a big part of that. Look for bikes that offer step-thru and high-step frames, and pick the best one for you.
- Safety certified: Riding safely is always a priority. The Lectric XP4 is certified to UL 2849. Additionally, the XP4's lithium-ion battery is certified to UL 2271.
What About a Folding eBike for Steep Hills?
Folding eBikes are especially popular for city dwellers and commuters who need to be able to fit their bike into compact spaces - whether that’s in your apartment, the back of the car, or under your desk at the office.
eBike riders in hilly cities like San Francisco and Seattle can find great value and performance in a folding eBike for steep hills like the Lectric XP4.
The XP4 comes in a 500W and 750W battery option, giving you plenty of power for taking on the hills and range for a long commute through the city. It’s one-of-a-kind value for the money - starting at under $1,000.
There’s a good reason why Electric Bike Review said the XP4 is “a complete package that rivals eBikes twice the price.”