Lectric ONE Belt-Drive Commuter E-Bike Review
The Lectric ONE is the most interesting e-bike Lectric has ever made. It replaces the traditional chain and derailleurs with a sealed Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive belt — automotive-grade drivetrain components that eliminate chain maintenance, greasy fingers, and mid-ride gear skips entirely. Electronic shifting lets you change gears while stopped at a red light (impossible with a traditional drivetrain). The compact 20-inch wheel frame folds for storage. At $2,999, it's a bold price for a Lectric product, but the drivetrain technology justifies it. This is the commuter for riders who want to ride daily without ever thinking about maintenance.
Score Breakdown
Why the Drivetrain Matters
Traditional e-bike chains stretch, skip, rust, and need regular lubrication and replacement. Derailleurs get knocked out of alignment. These are the most common maintenance headaches for daily e-bike commuters. The Lectric ONE eliminates all of them.
The Pinion gearbox is a sealed, internally geared hub containing 9 speeds in an oil-bath enclosure. It's the same technology used in high-end European touring bikes and costs $1,000+ as a standalone component. The Gates Carbon Drive belt replaces the chain — no grease, no rust, no stretch, rated for 10,000+ miles of maintenance-free riding.
Electronic shifting (no cables to stretch or adjust) lets you shift through all 9 gears instantly, even while standing still. At a red light, you can downshift to your starting gear before the light turns green — something impossible with a traditional drivetrain.
Who This Is For
Daily commuters who ride 5+ days per week in all weather and don't want to deal with chain maintenance. Riders who've owned traditional bikes and grown tired of the upkeep. Anyone who values the long-term cost savings of a maintenance-free drivetrain over the lower upfront cost of a traditional chain bike.
Alternatives
If you want smart features over drivetrain innovation, the Aventon Level 3 ($1,799) offers 4G GPS at $1,200 less. If you want the cheapest possible folding e-bike, the Lectric XP4 750 ($1,099) delivers the basics at one-third the price.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W geared hub motor |
| Battery | 480Wh, integrated |
| Range | Up to 40 miles |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (Class 2) |
| Tires | 20" × 2.4" |
| Gearbox | Pinion P1.9 (9-speed sealed) |
| Drive | Gates Carbon Drive belt |
| Shifting | Electronic (push-button) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc |
| Weight | ~62 lbs |
| Frame | Folding |
| Warranty | 2-year comprehensive |
Check Current Price — Lectric ONE
$2,999 with free shipping
View Product →Marcus has tested over 45 electric bikes across commuter, mountain, cargo, and folding categories since 2020. A daily e-bike commuter covering 15 miles round-trip in all weather, he evaluates every bike from the perspective of real-world ownership, not spec-sheet comparison.