Xpeak High-Step Electric Bike Review: What's The General Consensus On Xpeak High-Step E-Bikes?

Selecting the perfect electric bike might feel like a bit of a minefield – there’s a rather daunting number of brands and specifications, riding styles and VFM/bling ratios to consider. In a market space that has seen no shortage of bikes or brands arrive offering the very same choice, Xpeak has found an identity in the high-step e-bike space, that traditional ‘pond-skipping’ shaped frame that is snapped up by riders who crave a mix of old-school throwback with modern electric power. Well, if you’re here, then you’re probably asking an important question: Is an Xpeak high-step e-bike a good fit for me? I wrote this extensive review to help separate the signal from the noise, so that you get a good understanding of the actual products offered by the brand, their real-life performance and everything you need to know to make a well-informed choice. We will take a look at what it actually feels like to be on the back of the Xpeak, what the Xpeak does best, and how to address every question any potential buyer may have.

Introduction to Xpeak High-Step E-Bikes

Xpeak has designed its product mix to meet the needs of different kinds of riders, from city or light trail riders. The cross-bar frame makes this a very strong bike, yet very classical in design. Here’s the full rundown of their high-step e-bike collection for 2020:

Xpeak Stryder Series

Xpeak Ranger Series

Xpeak UrbanPro H1

Xpeak Commuter H2

Xpeak Trailblazer HT Series

Xpeak Adventurer H7 Pro

Beyond the catalog and into the world. To get a feel for what Xpeak brings to the table, we examined two of its most popular models: the UrbanPro H1, a city-oriented commuter, and the Trailblazer HT, which is geared for a wider array of terrain. Our test, though, is based entirely around user experience — how it feels, what it sounds like, what we see and observe in the saddle.

UrbanPro H1

The UrbanPro H1 is in almost perfect balance and feels agile yet stable from the first few pedal strokes, and makes for a rapid and exciting ride. The first thing you feel when you swing your leg over the high-step frame is this... solidity, a feeling of the bike being attached to you. In populous quarters, it means nimble handling. Its hub motor feels predictable and provides solid power delivery. It’s not snatchy off idle but delivers a solid, reassuring shove that gets you going in a timely fashion without delay. Weaving through traffic felt agile, and the bike’s geometry is designed to keep you active and forward-leaning — it’s comfortable for rides up to an hour. The digital screen is clear and readable even in bright sunlight, to provide you with real-time data. What we really liked were the little touches: the brakes were really responsive and gave plenty of stopping power, the gear changes were snappy, and the build quality felt solid, with no worrying creaks or rattles. There are none of the compromises like places to put your commuter Samsonite on this thing; it looks and feels like a bike that is intended for commuting.

Trailblazer HT

Now to the Trailblazer HT, and the vibe here turns rougher, reflecting the vehicle’s tougher mission. The "HT" stands for hardtail, which means the bike's front forks have suspension, and they quickly justify their use on any surface less than perfect. Bouncing down broken pavement, cobblestones and even light gravel trails, the suspension did a good job at absorbing vibration, so I never felt as though I were in danger of developing dead hands or arm pump. Its wider, more knobbly tires offered a substantial bump in grip and stability over the UrbanPro’s slicker commuter tires. Put the Trailblazer HT on a packed dirt trail, and it felt perfectly at home. It felt like the motor had been retuned for even more torque, and I was able to get up some small, steep inclines noticeably more easily. Now you feel more like the commander of the trail than a passive passenger. The high-step nature of the frame, which may not appeal to some people on technical terrain, wasn’t an issue here but on the contrary, it added to my sense of being in command of a path through a twistier section. The overall feel is one of multipurpose; it’s a bike for the Monday-to-Friday commute, and it’s also a bike that won’t hesitate to take you on a weekend adventure through the park or down a forest service road.

Understanding the Xpeak Advantage

If you’re still on the fence about an Xpeak, there are a number of factors to consider beyond a test ride. That’s what dictates the long-term satisfaction, and whether or not the tool will meet your expectations. Let's see, first of all, the basic philosophy behind Xpeak design. Their iconic high-step frame is part of their mystique. Pair this type of design with a step-through frame, and you have a bike that can withstand stronger forces and provide better handling at higher speeds. If you’re a heavier rider or are going to lug cargo, that stiffness is a great thing. Secondly, let's look under the hood and see how they've specified things. Xpeak tends to outfit its bikes with decent, standard parts that most of the industry uses, for example, Shimano groupsets for the drivetrain and Tektro for the brakes on several models. This is a good thing, as it means that servicing and obtaining replacement parts should not only be easy, but also cheap. Current battery systems are usually cleanly integrated into the down tube, which protects the battery and ensures optimal weight distribution. What’s more, the batteries are removable for easy off-bike charging and added security. Finally, think about the ecosystem. Is there a good selection of various rear racks (solid and sturdy), fenders that offer full coverage, or integrated lighting systems from Xpeak themselves? A robust collection of accessories signals that the brand has considered the entire user experience from purchase to every day use. A potential buyer should also check out what the company’s warranty covers and what type of customer support is available, both of which are essential for peace of mind with any big purchase of an electric bike. The value proposition for Xpeak at large actually looks pretty solid – no frills, just a solid electric bike and a classic, high-performance frame design.

A Versatile Alternative: ENGWE EP-2 Boost

Xpeak has become known for its timeless high-step frames, and for some riders, the possibilities that lie elsewhere on the electric bike market have more value due to potential ultimate portability and unique power systems. For those buyers, an offering like ENGWE is an excellent alternative, especially with its EP-2 Boost Fat Tire Foldable Electric E-Bike. This is a model that is designed to be versatile and user-friendly. The main advantage as a folding electric bike is the fact that it’s so compact when folded (99 x 55 x 75 cm), which means it is particularly simple to store in your apartment, ship in your car’s trunk, or allow on public transit. But its appeal extends well beyond folding. The Torque Sensor: The EP-2 Boost steps it up another level with the addition of a torque sensor, a more advanced feature that makes your ride buttery smooth and completely intuitive by calculating your pedaling power and matching the motor's power output precisely. The highlight, though, is the “Boost” button. A push of the button releases the motor’s entire 55 N.m of torque, giving you immediate thrust especially good for climbing hills or jumping off from a stop light. The bike is made to be rough and rugged, with 20 x 4.0 fat tires and a one-piece crank, which can take on the chin everything from smooth-as-glass asphalt to rough-and-tumble, sand and gravel trails. Let’s not forget you’re also covered in the safety and practical department with 180mm dual disc brakes, a whopping 150kg load capacity, and a high-capacity 48V 13Ah removable battery that gets an amazing 120 km* range. Meet the ultimate do-everything bike for the modern urban explorer that loves to commute, roam and store without compromise, the ENGWE EP-2 Boost, a feature-packed city bike for the urban explorer of today.

Xpeak Model Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need to Know About the Xpeak High-Step Electric Bike

How far will an Xpeak e-bike go?

It’s what people ask most frequently, and it’s one of the most significant questions. The advertised range (e.g., «up to 90 km») is based on ideal conditions: lightweight rider, flat surface, non-windy, and with the pedal assist level at its minimum (PAS 1). In reality, provided it has been set up correctly, you should achieve 60-75% of the absolute maximum figure. Weight, terrain, pedal-assist level and other factors will also impact range, such as: several or steep hills, wearing a heavy backpack or load, strong headwind or a lot of stops and starts, to name just a few. One can expect to ride 85 – 110 km per charge on mixed use with less worry on the ever-common “Did I charge last night?” daily commute. (Based on an Xpeak 48V 13 Ah battery)

What is the impact of the high-step frame on the ride? Is this the best bike for me?

The high-step (or cross-bar) frame, after all, is the iconic bicycle frame design for a reason. The triangular shape of a step-through frame can't compete with the inherent strength and soul of a Fuji frame. For a rider, it means a more consistent and confident feel when the bike is loaded or ridden at higher speed in the corners. Power transfer is greater, so more of your pedaling energy actually goes toward moving the bike forward. Perfect for confident riders who want on- and off-road performance and stability with a more engaged riding position. It may not be the best solution for riders who are less mobile, or for people who will be frequently starting and stopping in city traffic where a step-through design can be more efficient.

What about assembling and maintaining Xpeak e-bikes?

Xpeak e-bikes come approximately 85% pre-assembled. The rest of the assembly is typically adding the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and seat. This is typically an easy task for anyone with basic mechanical skills, and takes 30-60 minutes with the tools provided. In other words, for maintenance, you’re looking at a regular bicycle with an electrical system tacked onto it. Routine maintenance should involve air in the tires, clean, wax-based lubricant on the chain, and visual brake pad wear inspection. The electronics (motor, battery, controller) are also engineered to be maintenance-free. The big trick is to take care of your battery: keep it in a cool dry place, don’t let it get too deeply discharged and don’t leave it sitting around fully charged (for long periods).

Can you ride an Xpeak high-step on steep hills?

Yes, although with different degrees of performance depending on the model. A model with a standard hub motor, such as the UrbanPro H1, is intended to help you on moderate urban inclines, and it will feel far easier. For seriously steep or long hills, a high-torque motor, such as a Trailblazer HT, will be much more capable. How much power the motor delivers also – measured in wattage – is a poor reflection of its hill climbing potency in comparison to its torque rating in Newton-meters (Nm). Combine the motor’s power with your pedaling using the bike’s gear system, and you’re good to go up most any hill you’d come across on roads or light trails.

Is an Xpeak e-bike worth the price?

Value is a mix of price, performance, and quality. Xpeak carves out a niche among them. They aren’t cheap, budget-conscious disposable e-bikes and they are not high-end, premium machines with boutique components. They're meant to be sturdy and dependable. What you’re buying here is a solid frame, a reliable motor and battery system from established companies, and good-quality components that are very effective and easy to service. So when you purchase an Xpeak, you are buying a long-lasting and practical electric bike that puts ride experience and stability ahead of flashy but arguably unnecessary details. For those looking for classic design and solid performance, Xpeak is definitely an investment worth considering.

In the end, the Xpeak high-step series makes a very strong and steady case for riders looking for a traditionally styled electric bicycle with contemporary performance.