Lectric XPress Ebike Review: Budget Commuter with a Premium Torque Sensor
Dušan Ranđelović
2024-08-20Lectric has a history of redefining how much e-bike you can get for your money, and the new XPress model is no exception.
This affordable and feature-packed commuter e-bike offers surprising features for the price, including a torque sensor for smooth power delivery, hydraulic brakes, and a suspension fork for comfort.
With a starting price of just $1000, there’s also the option to upgrade to a larger battery and a more powerful 750W motor for a $300 surcharge. In addition to that, you also get most of the accessories you need to commute year-round, right out of the box.
Whether this is your first e-bike or a long-awaited upgrade to your daily rider, the Lectric XPress seems to be a compelling choice.
Interested in finding out more? Read the rest of our review below to learn all about its strengths and potential weaknesses.
Lectric XPress Main Specs:
- MSRP: $999 – $1,299
- Motor: 500W (55 Nm) or 750W (85 Nm) rear hub (28 mph top speed)
- Battery: 48V, 10 Ah or 14 Ah (500 Wh or 672 Wh)
- Range: 45 or 60 miles
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-Speed
- Brakes: Hydraulic dual-piston disc brakes
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.1″
- Weight: 57 lb
- Payload Capacity: 330 lb
- Sizing: 5’4” – 6’4” (High-step) or 5’2″ – 6’3″ (Step-thru)
Learn More on LectricEbikes.com
Lectric XPress Full Review
By taking a closer look at Lectric’s lineup of ebikes, it’s clear that the XPress has been long in the making. This is the type of ebike that was missing from their offering, catering to the needs of urban commuters and road riders who value speed, practicality and efficiency.
The XPress delivers upon these standards with full-size 27.5-inch wheels, slick road-friendly tires, and a 28 mph top speed. It also boasts a relaxed upright geometry and a suspension fork for additional comfort.
The Lectric XPress fills a missing gap in the brand’s lineup, offering a full-size commuter ebike with a torque sensor, road-ready features, and Lectric’s signature budget-friendly price point.
Lectric offers this ebike with two motor and battery combinations, two frame options, two colors, and great accessories to make your daily commutes easy and fuss-free. Best of all, the XPress is the brand’s first model with a smooth torque sensor.
Most of Lectric’s direct-to-consumer competitors already have similar offerings—for example, Ride1UP’s LMT’D, Rad Power Bikes’ Radster Road, or Aventon’s Level.2—so it was high time Lectric joined the party as well.
The only difference is that Lectric’s XPress comes at a significantly lower price, while offering similar features.
Two Motor and Battery Options
Lectric has chosen to offer the XPress with two motor and battery combinations.
The first one is a brand-new 500W (55 Nm) geared, brushless rear hub unit that is 400% quieter compared to other 500W motors on Lectric models, according to the brand. It comes paired with a 500 Wh battery, offering 45 miles of range. These are not huge numbers by any means, but they are more than high enough for most commuters and recreational riders.
If, however, you want more oomph on your rides, you can pay $300 extra and get a 750W (85 Nm) motor and a 672 Wh battery that offers 60 miles of range. Both versions come with a smooth and natural-feeling torque sensor, as well as a 28 mph top speed.
It’s important to note that the XPress ships as a Class 2 ebike with a thumb-throttle, but you can configure it to comply with all three classes.
Finally, this ebike also comes with a color LCD screen first seen on the Lectric ONE. It makes us happy to see that Lectric is finally parting ways with its outdated monochrome displays.
Aluminum Frame and 80 mm Fork
The Lectric XPress is offered in two unique frame designs, allowing you to choose the option that suits your needs best.
Namely, this ebike is built around an aluminum frame available in high-step and step-through versions, suitable for slightly different rider heights.
The step-through model is ideal for shorter riders with a 5’2″ to 6’3″ height range, whereas the high-step is better for taller riders with a 5’4″ to 6’4″ height range.
The difference in standover height is also significant—29″ on the high-step compared to just 18.5″ on the step-thru.
The XPress also sports a custom Lectric TC Eighty ebike-rated suspension fork that features 80 mm of travel and offers a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Shimano Drivetrain and Hydraulic Brakes
Most ebikes in the $1,000-$1,300 price range come with entry-level Shimano components and the Lectric XPress is not an exception.
Shifting is done by a Shimano Tourney 7-speed rear derailleur that is pretty basic but gets the job done. If you want, you can upgrade to a smoother Acera or Altus rear derailleur for around $35-$40, but that’s not necessary in most cases.
The Lectric XPress features functional Shimano components typical of its price range, with powerful hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping performance.
The 11-28T cassette and 46T crankset don’t offer extremely low gears, so don’t expect to be able to pedal up steep hills without the help of the motor. But, with this gear range, you’ll easily reach and maintain the 28 mph top speed.
On the other hand, the dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors are a nice touch, offering more than enough stopping power even while going at the maximum speed.
Full-Size Wheels and Road Tires
The Lectric XPress is advertised as an electric city and commuter bike, so it makes sense that it comes with a full-size wheelbase thanks to 27.5″ wheels.
When it comes to Lectric, we’re used to seeing compact ebikes with 20-inch wheels, so the XPress is a welcome exception. Ebikes with smaller wheels offer better maneuverability and easier storage, but they struggle to reach and maintain high speeds.
Additionally, larger wheels are a lot more stable at higher speeds and roll over obstacles and potholes with more ease.
The XPress also boasts 2.1″ slick tires with puncture protection. Slime is already installed free of charge, so you can ride without worrying about flats on your morning commutes.
Essential Accessories
Lectric has made us get used to high standards when it comes to accessory packages on its ebikes. Luckily, the XPress lives up to those standards.
This e-commuter is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and practical ride, including lights and a kickstand. For an additional $30, you can also include fenders and a rear rack.
However, keep in mind that the headlight could be better, as it’s not bright enough to ride in pitch-black conditions. If you plan to ride on unlit roads, we recommend replacing it.
The rear light is bright enough, but it doesn’t double as a brake light. This is a standard feature on similar ebikes, so we hope Lectric adds this functionality in the future.
In addition to these accessories, Lectric offers you the option to retrofit additional ones, such as a suspension seat post, comfier saddle, and panniers.
What Can Be Better on the XPress?
Even though the Lectric XPress offers incredible value for the money, there are certain things that can be better.
As mentioned above, the headlight is not bright enough and the rear light does not work as a brake light. These are easy fixes that we hope Lectric will implement.
Next, the base model does not come with fenders and a rear rack, though you can add these for just $30. That’s a pretty affordable price, so we recommend you do it when buying the XPress.
While the Lectric XPress delivers excellent value, it has room for improvement with a brighter headlight, brake light functionality, included accessories, and a more refined frame finish.
Finally, the finish and welds on the aluminum frame are not great. The welds are rough and industrial-looking, while the frame is available in only two basic colors—black and white.
While these are far from dealbreakers, especially on a $1,000 ebike, it would be great for Lectric to address them with future versions of this model.
Other Lectric E-Bikes We Have Reviewed:
- Lectric XPedition Review
- Lectric XP 3.0 Review
- Lectric XPeak E-Bike Review
- Lectric XP Lite Review
- Lectric XP Trike Review
- Lectric ONE E-Bike Review
What’s Our Verdict on the Lectric XPress?
Overall, the Lectric XPress delivers surprising value for a budget-friendly commuter e-bike.
While not flawless, it boasts a smooth torque sensor, capable electronics, and comes with most of the essentials for daily rides.
The option to upgrade to a more powerful motor and battery combo is a useful touch, and Lectric’s range of available accessories is pretty decent.
Some minor shortcomings like the basic headlight and rough frame finish exist, but these are easily justified considering the fair price.
So if you’re searching for a capable commuter e-bike without breaking the bank, the XPress deserves serious consideration.
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