Lectric eBikes has spent the last few years steadily expanding from its original fat-tire folding e-bikes to almost every corner of the affordable e-bike market. Now the company is turning its attention back to the commuter category with the new Lectric XPress Lite, a lighter and more affordable version of its popular XPress2 urban electric bike.
Priced at $1,099, the XPress Lite takes the general formula of the more powerful XPress2 and strips it down to a lighter, more agile package aimed squarely at everyday urban drivers. Lectric describes the new model as prioritizing portability and agility over the heavier performance of the XPress2.
For those who prioritize solid handling over raw power, the smooth, intuitive torque sensor combined with modest but not exaggerated power will feel right at home.
And weighing 20.7kg (45.6lb) without the battery, it’s certainly at the lighter end of Lectric’s lineup, a key feature for those who need to lift the bike into a car or carry it up stairs. It’s not an ultralight e-bike by mainstream bike standards, but for an affordable full-size e-bike with this level of equipment, it’s a pretty manageable figure.
Power comes from a rated 500W rear hub motor that maxes out at 864W and produces just over 61Nm of torque. That motor is mated to an eight-speed Shimano Altus transmission and, more importantly, an in-house designed torque sensor. Lectric also includes its XPerience Switch system, which allows riders to switch between torque sensor and cadence sensor operation.
That last feature is particularly interesting at this price. Torque sensors have become increasingly common on affordable e-bikes, but giving riders the choice between the more natural, bicycle-like response of a torque sensor and the easier, more relaxed operation of a cadence sensor offers the best of both worlds.
While I personally prefer the natural pedal feel of a good torque sensor, those who want to get more thrust out of their motor without having to lean too far into pedaling will appreciate the cadence sensor. This is perfect for anyone with mobility issues who wants to stay active but may not have the same pedaling power as higher-performance cyclists.
The bike can be configured for Class 1, 2, or 3 operation where local laws allow, and includes five levels of pedal assist plus a paddle-style thumb throttle under the bar.
Hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties, while 27.5 x 1.95-inch puncture-resistant street-oriented tires come pre-thinned from the factory. That factory-installed Tire Slime means riders probably won’t even realize how many fat tires they didn’t get, as Slime takes care of sealing tire punctures before they can become a problem.
There’s also a 3.5-inch color TFT display and an integrated taillight with brake light and turn signal functionality.
The biggest compromise seems to be battery capacity. The 7.8 Ah battery has a capacity of 375 Wh and has a range of up to 45 miles (72 km) with pedal assistance, although, as usual, real-world range is expected to depend largely on the level of assistance, terrain, rider weight, speed and other conditions. Both the complete electric bike and its battery have UL certifications, keeping up with ever-evolving requirements and giving riders more peace of mind.
And while it may be a smaller battery than many premium e-bikes these days, the budget-focused $1,099 price tag means riders make up for it with extra value. Lectric has many models with twice the battery capacity of this one, and so the Lectric XPress Lite is probably better positioned for riders who prefer the low-cost, low-weight, high-efficiency approach of smaller battery-powered travel e-bikes. And considering that my commuter e-bike has the same size battery and still gives me a range of around 43 miles (70 km) with pedal assist, the Xpress Lite’s 375 Wh battery will probably still be enough for many riders.
XPress Lite is now available in four colors: Toasted Marshmallow, Pine Green, Glacier White, and Stratus White, and Lectric offers the usual list of accessories, including racks, fenders, saddlebags, a suspension seatpost, a comfortable saddle, mirrors, a phone holder, and more. All color options use the same midframe, striking a balance between rigidity and accessibility with a frame that’s easier to assemble by twisting a leg in the center.
The new model also helps fill another niche in what has become an impressively broad Lectric lineup. The Phoenix-based company first made a name for itself with the popular XP series of folding electric bikes, but has since expanded into cargo bikes, trikes, full-size commuters, lightweight binders, and other models designed for different types of riders. In fact, almost the only type of bicycle that No do is a unicycle, and at this point, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see one land in my inbox.
Diversity of offerings has been one of Lectric’s strengths: Instead of simply making its original bike more expensive and more sophisticated each year, the company has continued to expand at relatively affordable prices.
At the same time, Lectric has leveraged its industry connections and purchasing power as North America’s largest e-bike manufacturer to help launch the new premium e-bike brand, Monarc, offering greater performance and higher quality components that adhere to Lectric’s signature ethos of affordability.
XPress Lite seems like another example of that value diversification strategy. Not everyone needs a monster motor, huge battery, fat tires, or a 70-pound electric bike. For riders who primarily want an affordable vehicle that’s easier to climb some stairs, maneuver through an apartment building, or just pedal around town, cutting weight and price can be just as helpful as adding more power.
At $1,099, the XPress Lite feels like Lectric’s attempt to prove that sometimes fewer e-bikes are actually more.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. Further.
