Lectric has officially done its magic again with the XPress ebike.
The Phoenix-based brand has jet again humbled competition in the value-to-money race by releasing a $1,000 electric commuter bike with full-size wheels, a torque sensor, two motor options, and Class 3 capabilities.
Not long after shaking the industry’s standards with the budget-premium ONE ebike, Lectric is doing it one more time by filling a gap in the full-wheel size e-commuter market.
Even though the XPress offers a well-rounded package, it’s definitely not without flaws, which is to be expected in the budget-friendly price range.
In this detailed review, we’ll give you the full picture so you can make an informed decision on whether or not the Lectric XPress is a good fit for your needs.
Contents
Lectric XPress Spec Overview
The Lectric XPress is a road-oriented commuter with 27.5″ wheels, commuter accessories (such as fenders, lights, and a kickstand), and a Class 3 capable electric motor.
Its 27.5″ wheels and sleek road tires support a streamlined aluminum frame with a coil suspension fork, which is the gold standard on budget commuter ebikes.
The Lectric XPress is a Class 3 commuter ebike with 27.5″ wheels, a torque sensor, powerful motor options, hydraulic brakes, and a complete accessory package – ready to ride right out of the box.
What sets Lectric apart is the choice of two motors and batteries, both of which come with a torque sensor. You can choose between a 500W or a 750W rear hub motor, depending on your needs for power and assistance. The torque sensor works beautifully with either motor and makes the ride smooth and natural.
As is common for Lectric ebikes, the XPress also boasts hydraulic disc brakes, a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a ready-to-commute accessory package. This means you don’t need to spend any more money after getting it, except to charge the battery.
Key Specifications:
- Motor: 500W (55 Nm) or 750W (85 Nm) rear hub
- Battery: 48V 10.4 Ah or 14 Ah (500 Wh or 672 Wh)
- Range: 45 or 60 miles
- Top speed:Â 28 MPH (Class 1, 2, or 3)
- Weight capacity:Â 330 lb
- Weight: 57 lb
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed
- Brakes: Dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.1″
- Accessories: Lights, kickstand, optional fenders and rear rack
Learn More on LectricEbikes.com
Detailed Lectric XPress Review
Motor and Battery
The XPress is Lectric’s first ever ebike with a torque sensor. This is a feature that we felt was missing on the brand’s previous models, especially on the recently released ONE. Luckily, the XPress is righting this wrong by offering smooth, responsive and natural-feeling assistance.
The torque sensor is controlling one of the two available rear hub motor and battery combinations, with a $300 price difference.
You can get a 500W rear hub motor paired with a 48V 10.4 Ah (500 Wh) battery or a 750W motor combined with a 14 Ah (672 Wh) battery. The former delivers 55 Nm of max torque, while the latter offers 85 Nm of torque. This difference will be particularly noticeable on steep climbs and when accelerating from a complete stop.
The smaller 500 Wh battery promises a 45-mile range, whereas the larger 672 Wh battery will last for around 60-miles of riding, according to Lectric.
Another big improvement on the XPress is the addition of a full color LCD screen, which means Lectric is finally walking away from monochrome displays.
Frame and Fork
The Lectric XPress is built around a standard aluminum frame available in two versions—High-Step and Step-Through.
The high-step model fits taller riders in the 5’4″ to 6’4″ range and has a 29″ standover height. On the other hand, the step-through model is more suitable for shorter riders with a 5’2″ to 6’3″ height range and a much lower 18.5″ standover height.
What we like about this frame is the sleek downtube battery integration which makes the XPress look like regular bike. The battery is locked with a key and can be easily popped out for charging or replacement. What we don’t like are the rough industrial welds, but this is a common sight on similarly priced ebikes.
The fork offers coil suspension with 80 mm of travel, which is ideal for commuting and road riding. However, keep in mind that coil forks can feel a bit springy under heavier riders, but they work great for those under the 200 lb mark.
Talking about weight, the XPress weighs just 57 lb with the battery and has a 330 lb maximum load capacity. The maximum rider weight is also 330 lb, which is definitely up there with the best ebikes for heavy riders.
Drivetrain and Brakes
When it comes to the drivetrain, there’s not much that will impress you. We wouldn’t say that Lectric cut any corners in these areas, but the choice of parts is underwhelming.
Namely, the XPress comes with a Shimano Tourney 7-speed rear derailleur, which is the cheapest you can get. It works well for recreational use, but Altus or Acera would provide much smoother gear shifts.
On the other hand, we love that this ebike has hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors. This means you’ll be able to stop on a dime when needed and control the braking force in other situations. For comparison, mechanical disc brakes offer much less modulation (control) and are not great for emergency braking.
All in all, there’s nothing unusual here considering the $1,000 price tag, as you’re essentially getting what you’re paying for.
Wheels and Tires
The Lectric XPress is built for road riding and urban commuting. That’s pretty obvious when you take a closer look at the wheel and tire combo.
Most Lectric’s models come with smaller 20-inch wheels and tires, but the XPress rolls on larger and more efficient 27.5″ wheels and sleek 2.1″ tires.
The tires are puncture-resistant and even come with slime pre-installed at no additional cost. That means you’ll be able to set off on your morning commute without worrying you’ll be late because of an unexpected flat tire.
The larger 27.5″ wheels are also a lot more stable than 20-inch wheels, especially at higher 28 mph speeds and when going over curbs or potholes on city streets.
Accessories
In Lectric’s recognizable fashion, the XPress comes equipped with most accessories you’ll need for daily use. If you’re looking to commute or ride on a regular basis, you’re basically all set right out of the box.
The list of accessories includes front and rear lights, and a kickstand, but for just $30 you can also add metal front and rear fenders and a 30 lb payload rear rack.
Even though these accessories are very practical, the lights could be better. The front light is not that bright so it’s not suitable for riding on completely unlit roads at night, whereas the rear light does not have brake light functionality.
Therefore, we recommend investing in a handlebar-mounted headlight or replacing the existing battery-powered unit for nighttime rides.
Final Thoughts About Lectric XPress
For the price tag, the Lectric XPress is an absolute steal! It’s a feature-packed, road-ready, comfortable commuter that won’t break the bank.
The standout feature here is definitely the responsive torque sensor, something Lectric fans have been expecting for years. It adds a smooth, intuitive feel to the power delivery, especially paired with the available motor options.
The Lectric XPress offers phenomenal value for its price, boasting a responsive torque sensor, road-ready design, and comfortable ride, making it perfect for budget-minded commuters new to the ebike world.
Like any budget-tier ebike, you’ll find a couple of corners cut to keep the price down – for example, the Tourney shifters aren’t the best. But for casual commuters, errand runners, and those looking to dip their toes into the ebike world without spending a small fortune, the XPress delivers outstanding value.
It’s everything we’ve come to expect from Lectric, and then some.
Buy on LectricEbikes.comLectric XPress
$999 - $1,299
Pros
- Two motor and battery options
- Torque sensor
- Class 3 capabilities
- Great range
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Rough welds
- Shimano Tourney derailleur
- Underperforming lights
