REVIEW – This year, I made a goal to be more adventurous. You know, we get one life to… well, you know the rest, no need to get gloomy. Because of this, I’ve made a concerted effort to review items that get me out more. I’ve become a permanent resident in the e-bike world. The market is swelling with so many options, and many of them from a foreign market, which makes sense because these places usually emphasize mixed transportation; biking has been around for a LONG time. That being said, I did start to wonder: did we have something comparable here in the states? My search lead me to the Lectric brand and as it turns out, they’ve been one of the fastest growing state-side e-bike companies since 2019. It also just so happens that they’ve recently released their Xpress 750 High-Step. This bike marks the company’s first torque sensor powered commuter-style model, boasting a 750-watt motor and carrying the dream of getting it’s rider zipping through their city commute or exploring different bike trails. I was so fortunate to be able to review the Xpress. Pop on your helmet and we’ll dive in to see what the Xpress has to offer!
What is it?
As I mentioned above, the Lectric Xpress 750 High Step is a unique entry on the e-bike scene. This model sports a torque sensor, which measures the force being applied to the pedals. Cadence sensors, the other most popular style, measures how fast the rider is pedaling. With the 750-watt upgraded motor, the black high-step model features a solid frame and impressive range (I do want to note: there is a 500-watt base model as well, with a price tag difference of $300). The high-step has straight-across handlebars that gives it a bit of a mountain bike feel, with a color LCD screen, Shimano gear set, right side thumb throttle, and a left side mounted control pad.
What’s in the box?
When you order this, I highly encourage inviting a friend to get it inside (compensated with pizza, of course).
- The 750-watt Xpress High-Step Bike
- The front wheel (it comes in a separate box within the main box for shipping)
- Additional Battery*
- Accessories baggie
- ALL the safety tags
I want to give Lectric all their flowers for being the first shipped e-bike I’ve ever received to use Green Packaging. I could count on one hand the pieces of plastic or Styrofoam used, and that includes the accessory bag.
*This might be promotional, Lectric is known for different specials when ordering their products – this may just have been the one used at the time of shipping this review model.
Design and features
The Lectric Xpress 750 High Step electric bike is a tall framed (72″L x 17″W x 43″H), commuter-style bike suggested for riders of heights between 5’4” – 6’4”. I mention this because the size of the rider usually does have an effect on performance, potentially effecting range. Additional note here: Lectric also has a step-through model in white that has a difference in frame and handle bar style that might be more comfortable for slightly shorter riders.
The Xpress hides its large battery within the frame down tube. It locks in and has a safety release with 2 keys. The battery is also UL 2849 and UL 2271 certified, which is the certification standard for testing against electrical, shock and fire safety for use in an electric vehicle. Also in reading through the online manual, I found the Xpress is IP65 rated which means it an electrical enclosure is dust tight and watertight against light pressure water spray. This e-bike keeps all wires wrapped and hidden; not just aesthetic, but super safe. These features are all nice, but let’s talk about how it feels. It is my first experience with the torque sensor, and it is FUN. My partner said it felt like the difference between driving an automatic transmission car versus a manual transmission car. We found ourselves changing gears and pedal assist levels far more often on this bike than on the other models we’ve reviewed.
The amount of ghost pedaling was nearly zero; the only real exception was when we went down a pretty steep hill.
The advertised range is 60 miles, which I can very easily see this bike getting but this will also depend on the size of the cargo, the rider, etc. I tested this along the neighboring bike trail; an ideal testing site, as the trail is paved with few obstacles. One of my longest rides, as a larger rider, was around 20 miles and the battery indicator was about 1/3rd down. I did notice that once the battery drops to about half way, the drain does happen a little faster, which is pretty standard in most e-bikes.
The Xpress also comes with a cruise control feature that can only be operated with use of the throttle so while it
Setup
I almost skipped this section just because of how easy it is to put the Lectric Xpress 750 High Step electric bike together.
Step one, remove bike from cardboard containment.
Step two, pop on pedals, no tools required.
Step three, attach front tire with the included through axel. DONE! It will still take time to charge the battery but that is progress. Plus, it means that it can fit in a compact SUV – ask me how I know.
Performance
The Lectric Xpress 750 High Step electric bike is such a natural ride, and it is noticeable from the first ride that this e-bike is made from a different mold. Lectric’s torque sensor almost completely eliminates ghost pedaling. It allows for what feels like more fine-tuned control over the speed of the bike. When it arrives by default, the accelerator will get you up to 20 mph starting at pedal assist level (PAL) 3, a very comfortable cruising speed. With a little reprogramming, you can change it to Class 3 mode. Lectric doesn’t include a paper manual (it is 2024 after all,) but they have a very well written and informative manual online that will walk you through any and all programing so you truly get a customized ride.
Once you change the regulated speed to Class 3 the accelerator will get up to 28 mph with the lightest effort. Lectric even shares it’s secret sauce when it comes to the pedal assist so you can determine just how much work you want to put into your bike ride.
I still can’t get over how smooth this ride is. The torque sensor mixed with that suspension fork really gives you the best experience. I’m able to just peddle along my town’s roads at PAS 2 dilly dallying, or eat up a hill using PAS 5 without breaking a sweat. I did also have my partner try a steep grass down hill (that I will openly admit to being too scared to do but someone had to film it for the review) just to see what the Xpress would do. Not only was the ghost pedaling minimal here, but the brakes were fantastic never once giving the feeling of losing control.
What I like
- Easy Assembly; popping on the peddles and one through-axle makes for so many options especially if you don’t have an e-bike rack and want to transport it
- Tires arrive pre-slimed, just to give the rider a little peace of mind and I REALLY like that
- Rubberized coating to prevent chain slapping damage; a sturdy bottom bracket keeps the chain on track
- Torque sensor gives SUCH a natural ride. Consider me a convert.
- 330 lbs. weight limit. It allows for a better range of rider as well as cargo which is very generous.
- Hydraulic brakes that just make sense when you’re able to haul heavier cargo
- YouTube video for assembly. Their videos go into WAY more detail than you need to assemble this bike but watching in preparation saved me from a costly mistake.
- Fair price point. Absolutely a value for what is included.
What I’d change
- The handlebar set up. I had to move the LCD screen off to one side of the handlebars because it’s center placement did not make the USB port at the bottom accessible
- Maybe a little maneuvering in the Green Packaging dept. As you can see, there were a few places where the cardboard must have continuously rubbed against the frame leaving a dull mark in the finish that I can’t get off
- Include Fenders. I can’t stress this enough (possibly because I live in New England and the weather has more issues than Vogue); if you’re going to sell a commuter and the bike will be outside – include the fenders. No one wants to look like a muddy Jackson Pollock rolling up to their destination
- Include a bell. Or a horn. Something for safety
- Make the back light a brake light instead of an always on
Final thoughts
The Lectric Xpress 750 High Step electric bike is a super fun ride that has a premium feel. I would say that if you have a longer commute you’d probably want to swap out the seat for something a little more plush. In fact I think Lectric offers a “comfort package” accessory but my review is strictly that of the stock Xpress. If ghost peddling of the cadence sensors maybe turned you off to an e-bike ride, Lectric heard us and really knocked it out of the park with this torque sensor. I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it again- this is really natural ride. You can customize so much of this to you as an individual. Whether you’re new to e-biking or a seasoned pro looking for an everyday ride to work, the Xpress is going to give you the quality ride you have probably been chasing.
Price: $1299.00
Where to buy: LectricBikes.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Lectric Bikes. Lectric did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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The Real Person!
The Real Person!
Nice write up sir. Bike looks like a great value at that price too. I didn’t really feel like comparing my ebike to this one until I read what you thought was missing from the lectric 750. I do have to say my Juiced Bikes Hyper Scorpion includes all of the things you said were missing and it’s only around $500 more, brake light, fenders, horn, cargo rack, a significantly more impressive headlight (2000lm), front AND rear suspension and 1000w motor with a 70 mile range. The brake light and fenders I must admit are a big deal, (and the cargo ability for me) and the horn, well, I disconnected mine because it’s like the panic button on a car remote, you hit it, embarrassingly, often and likely 50 times more often than when you actually need it. Again, great write up and I especially liked the build ease, it looks very easy to put together.