Notably, Arizona-based Lectric Ebikes has achieved another milestone. The unveiling of the Lectric XPress marks another milestone for the manufacturer, now the top seller of electric bikes in North America, as they expand their product lineup with a new model poised to dominate the competition.
The Lectric XPress mirrors its predecessor, the Lectric XP 3.0, at an identical price point of $999, yet offers a full-size commuter tire diverging from the company’s popular folding fat-tire electric bike.
With its 27.5 x 2.1-inch city tires, this bike is designed for the daily commute, boasting a range of sought-after features that make it stand out from the crowd. These include a custom suspension fork, torque sensor, thru-axle front wheel, and built-in lighting for added safety at night. Additionally, riders can stay informed with the color LCD display screen, while hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. The bike also sports a 7-speed transmission and an easily removable battery, making it the perfect choice for those who want to ride in style and convenience.
The bicycle offers a multitude of options, extending beyond the fundamental distinction between step-through and step-over frames. Riders have the flexibility to customize their experience by choosing from a range of motor energies and battery capacities.
This entry-level e-bike features a reliable 500W continuous-rated motor, paired with a 500Wh battery providing a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge, utilizing a 48V, 10.4Ah powertrain. The upgraded e-motor features a robust 750W continuous-rated motor, paired with a capacious 672 Wh lithium-ion battery (48V, 14Ah), enabling riders to cover distances of up to 60 miles (100 km) on a single charge. The e-bike’s various styles are certified by UL 2849, a standard that comprehensively covers the entire e-bike system, encompassing the motor, battery, charger, and all electronic components integrated into the bike.
While the upgraded motor and battery model is priced at $1,299, this exclusive pre-launch offer provides incredible value, featuring a complimentary spare battery, effectively giving riders two 672 Wh batteries with a total range of over 120 miles (200 km).
Although the 500W motor produces 55 Nm of torque, its performance is moderate rather than exceptionally powerful. Cruising along beachside routes or navigating through flat urban areas is a breeze. With its powerful 750W motor delivering a robust 85 Nm of torque, this e-bike boasts enhanced acceleration and impressive hill-conquering capabilities. The notable aspect is that the power output of the two motors significantly escalates to heights of 1,092 watts and 1,310 watts, respectively.
Eco-friendly fashionistas’ pride boasts Class 3 speeds of up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers per hour), featuring intuitive trigger-style thumb throttles and advanced torque sensors for seamless control. The torque sensor harmonizes seamlessly with Lectric’s PWR pedal-assist system to deliver a wattage-based setup providing a pedal assist output that almost all riders find more comfortable than the typical, jerky pedal assistance found on many budget-friendly e-bikes available today.
The company’s entry into the urban commuter e-bike market marks another milestone in Lectric’s strategic expansion, following successful forays into cargo e-bikes, journey e-bikes, electric trikes, premium commuter e-bikes, and lightweight folding e-bikes – all achieved at significantly lower prices than its competitors in the North American market.
The essence of Lectric’s corporate identity, as succinctly summarized by Co-Founder and CEO Levi Conlow:
“Our secret to success lies in crafting e-bikes of exceptional value and quality, priced precisely at a point where customers feel valued without being taken advantage of, thus fostering long-lasting connections.”
Electrek’s Take
Effectively, that’s it. The latest contender for budget-conscious commuters has arrived in the market, staking its claim as the reigning champion of affordable e-bikes. While many riders have successfully employed the Lectric XP 3.0 as their daily commuter e-bike, the company has since introduced a dedicated commuter model designed to more specifically meet the demands of this type of riding.
The Lectric XPress offers everything most value-conscious commuters require, doing so at a remarkably affordable price. For just $999, this bike offers an extraordinary value with the inclusion of a suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a torque sensor. While considering alternatives for my bike, I’m willing to overlook the conventional option of placing a thumb throttle in favor of the more intuitive half-twist throttle. The main drawback is the limited palette of color options available. The step-over model comes exclusively in black, while the step-thru model is only offered in white. While I’d appreciate additional color options, I acknowledge that Lectric’s existing approach to SKUs may make it necessary to limit palette choices to streamline product availability.
Designed to fill the void left by its predecessor, the RadMission e-bike is reborn as an effortless and economical urban commuter, reviving the original’s intention from years past. While Rad may have offered some limited choices, Lectric’s approach is indeed far more comprehensive, providing users with a plethora of alternatives to suit their unique needs and preferences. While the drawback of increased weight may be noticeable – the RadMission’s successor tips the scales at a substantial 57 pounds (26 kilograms) – this extra bulk is unlikely to deter most riders, as few will ever need to lift their e-bikes.
Although I might have preferred to see racks and fenders supplied as standard features, the RadMission surprisingly omitted both from its initial package, leaving the kickstand as a separately available option. So, by comparison, I suppose we should be pleased that we’re getting a kickstand this time.
One undeniable advantage is significantly greater diversity. The option to upgrade to an exceptionally powerful motor offers an intriguing added value feature, enabling flatland riders to save hundreds while still allowing hilly terrain riders the flexibility to unlock enhanced climbing capabilities and accelerated performance. Does the desire for extended range warrant an investment in a higher-capacity battery, or should riders prioritize cost savings and opt for a more modest 500 Wh option?
While all signs indicate a highly encouraging outcome. While it may not compete with commuter e-bikes in terms of price, it’s not designed to. Lectric’s core focus is providing e-bike enthusiasts with styles that deliver remarkable value for their money, and the Lectric XPress embodies this philosophy perfectly.
