Pinion gearboxes engineered by former Porsche transmission specialists have long been the gold standard of bicycle drivetrains, typically reserved for boutique European touring bikes costing between $6,000 and $10,000. With the release of the Lectric ONE, Lectric Ebikes disrupts the commuter segment by integrating the Pinion C1.6i 6-speed gearbox with Smart.Shift electronic technology and a Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt for under $2,000 MSRP.
The core technological advantage of the Pinion C1.6i is its sealed bottom-bracket enclosure. All gearing is housed away from mud, rainwater, and road debris, operating in a clean oil bath that requires an oil swap only once every 6,000 miles. With Smart.Shift electronic shifting, a handlebar toggle triggers gear shifts in just 0.20 seconds, and the system can automatically downshift to 1st gear when you come to a stop at a traffic light. For riders exploring other high-performance commuter models, check our Aventon Level 4 review and the Gazelle Medeo T10+ Bosch e-bike.
Providing propulsion is the Stealth M24 750W rear hub motor, capable of delivering 1,310 watts of peak power and 85 Nm of torque. Utilizing Lectric's proprietary PWR (Pedal Assist Wattage Regulation) software and a 96-magnet cadence sensor, power delivery remains smooth across all 5 assist levels up to 28 MPH. To compare mid-drive and cargo capabilities, read our Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 review, the Urban Arrow Breeze cargo e-bike review, and the DJI Avinox & Amflow PL e-MTB review.
Stopping power is handled by dual hydraulic disc brakes paired with 180mm rotors. The frame is fully certified to UL 2849 (drive system) and UL 2271 (battery safety) standards. Compare prices and specifications with our top affordable electric bikes guide, compute installment schedules with our motorcycle and e-bike EMI calculator, compare models using our bike comparison tool, and track breaking stories in our industry news hub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Pinion Smart.Shift electronic gearbox work? +
The Pinion Smart.Shift system utilizes an internal electric solenoid to shift through 6 sealed internal gears in 0.2 seconds. Riders can shift manually via handlebar pushbuttons while pedaling or stopped, or enable automatic shifting based on target pedaling cadence.
What is the top speed and electric bike class of the Lectric ONE? +
The Lectric ONE ships as a Class 2 electric bike (20 MPH throttle and pedal assist) and can be unlocked via the display settings to Class 3 (28 MPH pedal assist) for faster commuting.
Does the Gates Carbon Drive belt require lubrication or maintenance? +
No. The Gates Carbon Drive CDX belt contains carbon fiber tensile cords embedded in polyurethane. It requires zero oil or grease, never rusts, and lasts up to 15,000 miles without stretching.
What is the real-world range on a single charge? +
The standard 499 Wh battery provides 25 to 45 miles of real-world range, while the upgraded 672 Wh Long-Range battery delivers 40 to 65+ miles depending on rider weight and assist level.