Lectric eBikes has spent the last several years steadily expanding from its original folding fat-tire e-bikes into just about every corner of the affordable electric bicycle market. Now the company is returning its attention to the commuter category with the new Lectric XPress Lite, a lighter and more affordable version of its popular XPress2 urban e-bike.
Priced at $1,099, the XPress Lite takes the general formula of the more powerful XPress2 and pares it down into a lighter, more nimble package aimed squarely at everyday city riders. Lectric describes the new model as prioritizing portability and agility rather than the heavier-duty performance of the XPress2.
For those who prioritize a solid ride over raw power, the intuitive and smooth torque sensor matched with modest but not over-the-top power will feel right at home.
And at 45.6 lb (20.7 kg) with the battery removed, it certainly lands on the lighter end of Lectric’s lineup – a key feature for those needing to lift the bike into a car or carry it up stairs. It’s not an ultralight e-bike by conventional bicycle standards, but for an affordable, full-size commuter e-bike with this level of equipment, that’s a fairly manageable figure.
Power comes from a 500W nominal rear hub motor that peaks at 864W and produces just over 61 Nm of torque. That motor gets paired with an eight-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and, importantly, an in-house-designed torque sensor. Lectric also includes its XPerience Switch system, allowing 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 ability to choose 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 oomph out of their motor without having to lean too hard into the pedaling will appreciate the cadence sensor. That’s perfect for anyone with mobility issues who wants to remain active but might not have the same pedaling strength as higher-performance riders.
The bike can be configured for Class 1, 2, or 3 operation where local laws permit, and includes five pedal-assist levels plus an under-the-bar, paddle-style thumb throttle.
Hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties, while the 27.5 x 1.95-inch puncture-resistant street-oriented tires come pre-Slimed from the factory. That factory-installed tire Slime means that riders likely won’t even realize how many fat tires they didn’t get, since the 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 rear light with brake-light and turn-signal functionality.
The biggest compromise appears to be battery capacity. The 7.8 Ah battery packs in 375 Wh of capacity and is rated for up to 45 miles (72 km) of range on pedal assist, though as usual, expect real-world range to depend heavily on assist level, terrain, rider weight, speed, and other conditions. Both the complete e-bike and its battery carry UL certifications, keeping up with ever-evolving requirements and adding more peace of mind for riders.
And while it might be a smaller battery than many premium e-bikes these days, the budget-focused $1,099 price means riders are making up for it with extra value. Lectric has plenty of models with twice as much battery capacity as this one, and thus the Lectric XPress Lite is likely positioned more for riders who favor the low-cost, low-weight, high-efficiency approach of smaller battery commuter e-bikes. And considering my daily driver e-bike has the same sized battery and still nets me around 43 miles (70 km) of range on pedal assist, the Xpress Lite’s 375 Wh battery will still likely be plenty for many riders.
The XPress Lite is now available in four colors – Toasted Marshmallow, Pine Green, Glacier White, and Stratus White – and Lectric offers the usual laundry list of accessories, including racks, fenders, panniers, a suspension seatpost, comfort saddle, mirrors, phone mount, and more. All color options use the same mid-step frame, striking a balance between rigidity and accessibility with a frame that is easier to mount by swinging a leg through 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 its name with the wildly popular XP folding e-bike series, but has since expanded into cargo bikes, trikes, full-size commuters, lightweight folders, and other models designed around different types of riders. In fact, just about the only type of bike they don’t make is a unicycle, and at this point, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see one land in my inbox.
A diversity of offerings has been one of Lectric’s strengths: instead of simply making its original bike more expensive and more sophisticated every year, the company has continued branching outward at relatively approachable price points.
At the same time, Lectric has leveraged its industry connections and buying power as the largest e-bike maker in North America to help launch the new premium e-bike brand, Monarc, offering higher performance and higher-shelf components that stick to Lectric’s signature affordable pricing ethos.
The XPress Lite feels like another example of that diversification-for-value strategy. Not everyone needs a monster motor, huge battery, fat tires, or a 70-pound e-bike. For riders who primarily want an affordable commuter that’s easier to carry up a few stairs, maneuver through an apartment building, or simply pedal around town, shaving weight and price can be every bit as useful as adding more power.
At $1,099, the XPress Lite looks like Lectric’s attempt to prove that sometimes less e-bike is actually more.
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