Lectric has been a disruptive force in the ebike industry, known for delivering high-quality electric bikes at remarkably affordable prices. Interestingly, Lectric’s first model was a commuter-style ebike with a traditional diamond frame, much like the XPress 750. Now, years later, they have come full circle by reintroducing this classic design with a more polished look, showcasing how far they’ve come. With a diverse lineup, Lectric now has an ebike for most use cases, ensuring there’s a model for nearly every rider.
In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the components, performance, and overall value of the XPress 750 to see how it stands up against the competition.
Our Lectric XPress 750 Review
Interested in how the XPress 750 compares to its sibling? Check out our in-depth review of the Lectric XPress 500. For more insights, explore all of our Lectric electric bike reviews.
Lectric XPress 750 Video Review
XPress 750 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Motor: 750W rear hub motor peaking at 1,310W, offering class-leading performance.
- Torque Sensor: Provides a natural and responsive riding experience uncommon at this price point.
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: 180 mm rotors ensure reliable stopping power even at high speeds.
- UL Certified: Both the bike and battery are UL certified (UL 2849 and UL 2271), ensuring high safety standards.
- Easy Assembly: User-friendly setup process (see this video) with excellent customer support.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive price of $1,299 without compromising on essential features.
Cons:
- Accessories Not Included: Fenders and rear rack are optional extras.
- No Front Mounting Points: Limited options for attaching front accessories like baskets or racks.
- Basic Drivetrain Components: Shimano Tourney derailleur and thumb shifter are entry-level.
- Firm Saddle: May require an upgrade for riders seeking more comfort.
XPress Bike Overview
Models and Pricing
The Lectric XPress series offers four models to cater to different rider preferences:
- XPress 500 Base Model: Equipped with a 500W motor.
- XPress 750 Upgrade: Features a 750W motor and larger battery for an additional $300.
- Frame Options: Both models are available in High-Step (black) and Step-Thru (white) configurations.
The XPress 750, priced at $1,299, is designed to deliver high performance without breaking the bank.
Frame and Design
Instead of releasing different sizes, Lectric offers two frame options: a high-step and a step through, which accommodate most height ranges. However, those who are even shorter, might still want to consider the Lectric XP 3.0.
- High-Step vs. Step-Thru:
- High-Step: Flat handlebars, fixed stem, stand-over height of 29 inches, suitable for riders 5’4″ to 6’4″.
- Step-Thru: Swept-back handlebars with an adjustable stem, lower stand-over height of 18.5 inches, suitable for riders 5’2″ to 6’3″.
Both models support riders up to 330 lbs and weigh approximately 57-58 lbs. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and desired features. Many riders prefer the step-thru frame for its increased accessibility, along with the more upright riding position provided by the swept-back handlebars and adjustable stem. If you’re not specifically set on a traditional diamond frame with the top bar, we recommend the step-through option.
Components
- Motor and Battery:
- Motor: 750W rear hub motor peaking at 1,310W with 85 Nm of torque.
- Battery: 48V 14Ah (UL2271 certified), integrated into the frame with a removable design.
- UL Certifications: The bike’s electronics are UL 2849 certified, and the battery is UL 2271 certified, meeting high safety standards.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors for strong and reliable stopping power.
- Suspension: Front suspension fork with 80 mm of travel, preload adjustment, and lockout feature. Most suspension forks on affordable ebikes are pretty basic but the XPress suspension fork felt a bit higher quality than most.
- Tires: 27.5″ x 2.1″ Chaoyang Arisun tires with K-Shield puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. Slime is pre-installed to help prevent flats.
- Drivetrain: Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur with an 11-28T freewheel and a 46T front chainring.
- Display and Controls: New color LCD display with customizable settings, including pedal assist levels and power output.
XPress 750 Performance
Motor and Riding Experience
The standout feature of the XPress 750 is its powerful motor combined with a torque sensorโa rarity at this price point. The torque sensor responds intuitively to the rider’s pedaling effort, providing a smooth and natural riding experience. Acceleration is swift, and the bike easily reaches its top speed of 28 mph in Class 3 mode.
We believe longtime Lectric fans will still be pleased with the assist, even though it uses a torque sensor. Itโs tuned to provide an exciting ebike experience, delivering more power with the same pedal effort compared to other torque-sensor ebikes. That said, in lower pedal assist levels, riders can still enjoy a good workout.
Pedal Assist and Throttle
- Pedal Assist Levels: Five levels, allowing riders to choose their preferred level of assistance.
- Throttle: Responsive and powerful, but maximum speed is tied to the selected pedal assist level in pedal assist levels 1 & 2 (though this can be changed).
- Customization: Through the LCD display, riders can adjust settings like speed limits and power multipliers (P8, P11 and P22 settings), tailoring the bike’s performance to their preferences.
XPress P Settings Explained
The following settings are key for customizing your ride, but for more details, you can refer to Lectric’s online manual.
- P8 – Speed Limit Setting: This setting controls the maximum speed of the bike, allowing you to set a speed cap, Class 2 (20 mph) or Class 3 (28 mph). These settings read 32 km/h and 45 km/h in the display and the bike comes shipped as a Class 2 ebike. The throttle will always stop at 20 mph.
- P22 – Assistance Level: This setting manages the motor’s behavior in PAS levels 1 and 2:
- 0: The motor’s speed is limited in PAS 1 & 2 (stock setting).
- 1: The motor’s speed is not limited in PAS 1 & 2.
- 2: The motor’s speed is limited in PAS 1 & 2, but the throttle can deliver maximum power, with a maximum amperage of 20A for the XPress 500 and 24A for the XPress 750.
- P11 – Multiplier Toggle: This setting adjusts how much power is delivered with the same pedal input for each pedal assist level (PAS 1-5):
- 0: Standard power delivery with multipliers of 0.2, 0.8, 1.5, 3, and 5.
- 1: Increased power delivery with multipliers of 0.5, 1.5, 3, 4, and 6.
Hill Climbing
In hill climb tests, the XPress 750 excelled, maintaining strong power output even on steep inclines. Remarkably, during our test, the bike maintained a minimum speed of 16 mph on a substantial hill, which is impressive for an ebike at this price point. The torque sensor ensures that additional rider effort translates into more assistance from the motor, making uphill rides less strenuous even while pedaling. Compared to other torque sensors on hills, it’s easier to get power from the motor while pedaling on the XPress.
Battery Life
The 48V 14Ah battery offers an average range, providing up to 60 miles under optimal conditions (pedal assist level one and minimal throttle use). Real-world range will vary based on terrain, rider weight, and assist level.
Components and Accessories
Brakes and Safety
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Provide excellent stopping power, essential for a bike capable of high speeds.
- Motor Cutoffs: Integrated into the brake levers, immediately disengaging the motor when braking.
- UL Certifications: The bike and battery meet UL 2849 and UL 2271 standards, respectively, ensuring high levels of safety and reliability.
Lighting
- Front Headlight: Powered by the main battery, offering sufficient illumination for night riding.
- Rear Light: Mounted on the frame but not brake-activated.
Comfort and Ergonomics
- Grips: Ergonomic locking grips reduce hand fatigue.
- Saddle: Sleek but firm; riders may consider upgrading for added comfort or adding a suspension seatpost.
Assembly and Support
Lectric’s bikes are known for their easy assembly, with clear instructions and a design that simplifies setup. The company offers robust customer support, including a call center based in Phoenix and partnerships with bike shops across the United States.
Conclusion
Lectric has managed to deliver a bike that offers exceptional performance without compromising on quality or dramatically increasing the price. With their diverse lineup, now more than ever, they have an ebike for most use cases. The XPress 750 is likely to become a popular choice for commuters and recreational riders alike, especially those who appreciate the natural feel of a torque sensor and the convenience of a powerful motor.
While it has some limitations, such as the absence of included fenders and rear rack, these are minor trade-offs considering its overall value. The UL certifications add an extra layer of confidence in the bike’s safety and reliability.
For riders seeking a high-performing commuter ebike at an affordable price, the Lectric XPress 750 is hard to beat. Its combination of power, customization, and support from a reputable company make it a strong contender in its category.
Have questions or want to share your experience with the Lectric XPress 750? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Note: Always check the manufacturer’s website for the most current specifications and available accessories.