Lectric XPremium Review: An Actually Affordable Mid-Drive Electric Bike

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.

Lectric XPremium shift sensor

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.

The Lectric XPremium comes nearly fully assembled (and folded)!

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.

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    1. We simply posted a review of this article, and are not the actual retailer. However we might be able to help a little. We have been told the XPremium will begin shipping sometime in July (subject to change).

      And it does look like all Lectric models can be purchased with Affirm financing.

  1. I’m looking at E-bikes with a max budget of $2,000, and I will be mainly driving the bike around campus, to the grocery store, and downtown. I am not familiar with the area around my campus, but I believe there are decently steep hills; I was wondering if you could recommend a bike at or below $2,000 that will get the job done but will not want me longing for something better.

    1. The sub $2,000 price point is dense with options. I would recommend looking into Aventon or Rad Power Bikes. They make some awesome ebikes and have a reputation for quality.

      I would also recommend looking into Propella Ebikes. They make some very conventional and lightweight ebikes that are still a bike if the battery dies.

  2. I bought an XPremium bike and took delivery about five weeks ago. Delivery was prompt, and the minimal assembly requires was easy. I just put the handlebars on, aired up the tires, charged the batteries, and I was ready to ride! This is a big bike, and it is much different from riding a regular street bike or a mountain bike. I joke that it has the turning radius of a Greyhound bus! The seating position is ok (I opted for the comfort seat package;) but, the distance from the seat to the handlebars is just a few inches too long for me, and it is not adjustable. The bike shifts smoothly with a little practice, and the throttle is especially handy on corners. After a week of practicing on my hilltop loop, I went down the hill. This was a daunting adventure as my hill is about 200 yards long and very steep, and would not meet modern street incline standards. The hydraulic disc brakes were great, and I felt in control for the whole descent. Coming back up the hill was a challenge! The 500 Watt mid drive motor is just not powerful enough the do the job on its own even in first gear. I must pedal HARD in PA-5 in first gear to get to the top, and I learned early on that you cannot shift gears while going up hill. The shift sensor cuts power to the motor to avoid damage to the drive train, and you come to a stop! Have the bike in the right gear and pedal assist before starting up the hill! I manage to maintain about 5mph on the climb. I live about a mile from my office, and this bike is my “ride” to and from work, so I get to exercise on the hill twice a day – noon and evening. Overall, it is a great bike quality-wise, and with a bigger motor it would be perfect. If I were buying again, I would shop for a mid-drive with at least 750 Watts/1,000 Watts peak output.

  3. Would you recommend this bike for a short rider? I’m sure you have addressed this somewhere, but I can’t find it! I am 5’2″ with only a 27″ inseam. I’m finding it very difficult to compare minimum seat heights, actual distance from seat height to pedal, etc., in order to determine what the best ebike for me would be. I’ve considered the Lectric XPremium, the Lectric XP 3.0, and the Aventon Step-Thru (Sinch.2, Aventure.2) and possibly either of the cargo bikes from both.

    1. The XPremium has a unique cockpit layout, and is a bit stretched out compared to the other models you mentioned. I would check into the step-through XP 3.0 or the Sinch.2. Both of those have a bit “tighter” fits, that I think you would find comfortable.

      If you are very worried about the fit, look and see if you can find an Aventon Dealer near you. That way you could actually sit on some of your listed options prior to purchasing.

      Denago is another brand the has a folding model worth checking into. The Folding 1: https://bit.ly/3CxaLCQ

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