Affordability and mid-drive aren’t words we often see together when it comes to electric bikes. But leave it to none other than Lectric to push the boundaries in what you can expect out of an electric bike. Introducing the Lectric XPremium from Lectric priced at just $1,799 for preorders ($1,999 regular price). Check out our Lectric XPremium video review below or read on for our written review.
Lectric XPremium Review
Lectric XP 2.0 vs Lectric XPremium and Lectric XP Lite
To understand the Lectric XPremium it’s important to understand where it fits into the Lectric lineup. The Lectric XP 2.0 (our review) was released in 2021 and struck a chord with consumers for its value for the price. At $999 it became one of the top-selling ebikes in North America. Just when we thought Lectric was walking the line of what was possible price-wise with the XP 2.0 the company launched the Lectric XP Lite in April 2022 (our review).
Both the Lectric XP 2.0 and Lectric XP Lite utilize hub drive motors located in the rear wheel. The major differences between those bikes are the tire size, battery size, front suspension, and the accessories included. Check out this video to learn more about the Lectric XP Lite versus the Lectric XP 2.0. These models differ pretty significantly from the new Lectric XPremium. Let’s dig into it.
Mid-Drive Motor, MASSIVE Battery and Display
The Lectric XPremium is a completely different animal starting with the motor. The TruckRun 500-watt nominal, 800-watt peak mid-drive motor is mounted by the pedals and drives the chain directly, allowing you to take advantage of the gears with the motor. Boasting 140 Nm of max torque, it is plenty capable of taking you up the steepest of hills.
The TruckRun team has over 10 years of experience in the motor industry but is still a relatively new company. These motors have been used on other ebike brands such as Rambo ebikes and on the Priority Current.
To prevent unnecessary wear on the drivetrain there is a shift sensor that cuts power to the motor while shifting. Power is delivered to the motor with 5 levels of pedal assist and a torque sensor. The more power you put into the pedals, the more power you can expect from the motor. Most riders find a mid-drive motor to be a more natural riding experience, more conducive to getting a workout than hub motors. Though a right-hand twist-grip throttle is available if needed.
Now this wouldn’t be a “premium” ebike if it just had a mid-drive motor. Lectric included not one, but two 48V 10.4 Ah batteries for a total capacity of 20.8 Ah (998.4 watt-hours). The batteries drain simultaneously and Lectric includes two 2 amp chargers so you can charge them up at the same time. One battery is hidden in the downtube and the other is located behind the seatube. Lectric notes a range of up to 100 miles though that’s going to be only possible in the lowest pedal assist mode providing plenty of human power.
The Lectric XPremium sports the same monochrome display and controls found on all of the other models. It’s is easy to read during the day and we like that the current speed is displayed in large text.
Top Speed and Cruise Control
Lectric ships the XPremium as a Class 2 electric bike which equates to a top speed of 20 mph while using the throttle or pedaling. In the advanced settings of the display (see the user manual), you can increase the top speed.
One unique feature of the bike is cruise control. While using the throttle you can hold the pedal-assist down button to engage cruise control. “Cruise” will be displayed on the LCD screen notifying you are in cruise control. It will hold you at the current speed until you hit the brakes.
Lectric XPremium Components
One of the main upgrades on the Lectric XPremium is the Zoom hydraulic disc brakes paired with 160 mm rotors. They perform well and are a brand we are seeing more often electric bikes. Motor cutoffs on the brakes immediately cut power to the motor when applying the brakes.
For gearing, the XPremium has a 12T-32T rear freewheel with a front 58T double-sided chainring. In the cockpit is a 7-speed Shimano thumb shifter which is paired with an entry-level Shimano Tourney derailleur.
Lectric went with CST BFT 20″x4″ fat tires on the XPremium, making this ebike capable of off-road riding. An 82mm front suspension fork increases comfort (the Lectric XP 2.0 front suspension only has 40mm of travel). View the full Lectric XPremium specifications.
XPremium Accessories
Much like the Lectric XP 2.0, the Lectric XPremium comes with paint-matched metal fenders. Also included is a rear rack with a larger than average capacity of 35 kg (77 lbs). A front rack, front basket and rear basket are available with their cargo package for $149. For added comfort, you can add the comfort package for $99 which includes a giant seat and suspension seatpost.
Something Lectric started doing with the Lectric XP Lite is offering Slime pre-installed for tire protection. They have partnered with Slime and every Lectric XPremium will have slime pre-installed. Tire sealant is a necessity if you live in an area with goat heads and is nice insurance even if you don’t – plus no mess for owners to install. Integrated front (185 lumens) and rear lights are also included for increased visibility. Check out the full accessories offered on the XPremium.
You may also want to check out the accessories we put on the Lectric XP 2.0 or for even more options, our full ebike accessories list.
Dimensions, Sizing, Weight and Maintenance
On to sizing. The Lectric XPremium is a one-sized fits most ebike. As you watch the video above note that I’m 6’ tall with a 32” inseam and the seat is in its highest position. I felt comfortable on the bike though if you’re much taller you may want to pay close attention to how you might fit on this ebike.
Lectric states the XPremium will fit riders from 5′ 2″ – 6′ 5″. As always Lectric does a great job making their ebikes accessible to shorter riders and the XPremium is no different – plus you get the nice step-thru design on the XPremium. The Lectric XPremium has a max payload capacity of 330 lbs.
The Lectric measures 41 x 22 x 32.5 inches when folded (74 x 25 x 48 inches unfolded) though keep in mind it’s a heavy ebike at 75 lbs. If you’re looking for something lighter check out the Lectric XP Lite. Because the bike does fold, Lectric ships the bikes nearly fully assembled making them easy to assemble. In addition, the Lectric XPremium is IP-65 rated for dust and water resistance.
Conclusion
Lectric went from one model with the Lectric XP 2.0 to three with the XP Lite and XPremium. The Lectric XPremium is a solid entry point into an entry-level mid-drive electric bike and Lectric continues to surprise with its price points. You simply won’t find many mid-drive ebikes at $1,799, or even at the regular price of $1,999. We’re excited to see the response from customers and keep tabs as Lectric continues to grow. Learn more about the Lectric XPremium.