Lectric XPress 500 Review | What More Could You Ask For?

The XPress 500 Step-Thru did a solid job in both portions of our Range Test (described above). The bike’s results, shown in the graphic above, were relatively average compared to similar commuter e-bikes we tested with 500-watt motors. With averages of 29.8 and 54.9 miles, the XPress fell slightly short, but as always, context is everything.

With a 499-Wh battery, the XPress 500’s capacity is lower than many of its peers (commuters average 648 Wh at the time of writing), so the small difference in results wasn’t unexpected with the difference in capacity.

Also, let’s be real—this smaller battery size helps to keep XPress’s price lower than many of its peers too!

Capacity aside, the XPress proved more efficient than we expected based on its motor and battery specs. With a 500W motor and 499-Wh battery, we expected its PAS 5 test would last about an hour with roughly 18.5 miles of range. Thanks to its torque sensor, the bike gave us an extra 10 miles and 33 minutes than we banked on.

Not only do the XPress 500 ST’s results line up well with other commuters we’ve tested, but on a more practical level, the bike showed it can handle the demands of a long daily ride to work and back—even when using a high-assist level.

Of course, riding in Class 3 mode may yield less range than we achieved, and using higher assist settings regularly in hilly areas will also reduce range. With that in mind, I found myself usually riding in PAS 2 or 3, so most riders doing the same should be able to enjoy multiple rides or commutes before recharging.

As shown in the graphic above, the XPress 500 ST did an excellent job in both portions of our Hill Test (also explained above). When compared to other commuter e-bikes with hub motors, the XPress was 17 seconds faster than the 1:44 throttle average and 9 seconds faster than the current 1:21 max-assist average.

We attribute the bike’s success solely to the strength of its motor. Its torque output of 55 Newton meters is nothing out of the norm, but its 500W motor’s peak of 1,092W is above average when compared to similar models. This wasn’t unusual, however, as Lectric often prioritizes quick, easy hill climbing by speccing powerful motors with lots of pep.

In my experience, even the lower power levels of PAS 2 or 3 felt extremely capable of handling small and medium-sized hills. Except in extreme situations, I would not expect a need to use the highest assist settings.

Ultimately, the XPress 500 ST showed that its throttle and PAS can conquer monster hills without breaking a sweat!

Using the testing method above, we determined the XPress 500 ST’s average stopping distance to be 21’2”, which is above average when compared to similar e-bikes we’ve tested. The average for the commuter category at the time of writing is 22’4”, so the Xpress stopped 1’2” shorter/faster than most.

There was no clear reason why the XPress did so well. A few major factors influence this test, including the brake system, the bike’s weight, and the width and style of its tires. At 61 lbs, the XPress 500 is relatively average, and its 27.5×2.1” Chaoyang Arisun tires are not uncommon on similar bikes we have tested.

This left the brake system as a potential contributor; with 2-piston calipers and 180-millimeter rotors, it seemed fairly standard, but neither the levers nor the calipers show a brand. They did resemble others we’ve seen from Tektro, however, so if such a reputable manufacturer makes the system, this might play into the bike’s results.

However, the bike’s test results speak for themselves; the XPress 500 ST performed extremely well. Lectric could improve the rear caliper so it’s mounted to allow for full contact of the brake pad against the rotor, but regardless, we felt comfortable and safe when braking.

Many factors influence the comfort and ride feel of an e-bike; we combine these for the sake of discussion into a section called Ride Quality. In general, the XPress 500 ST’s ride quality was excellent, though one small area could be improved.

The bike is offered in a single frame size, though as mentioned above, it is also available in a high-step frame with a slightly different rider height range. While the ST frame fits riders from 5’2” to 6’3”, the HS frame can accommodate those between 5’4” and 6’4”.

The bike’s height range made sense with its range of adjustability. At 5’11”, I fall near the top end of the XPress ST’s height range. Thanks to its adjustable quick-release stem and extended seatpost, which offers 12” of saddle height, I was able to find a comfortable riding position with proper leg extension and a comfortable handlebar height/reach.

I found the ride to be extremely comfortable due to a combination of the bike’s riding position and its contact points. With an upright seating position, I enjoyed the comfort of its custom saddle and ergonomic handlebars/grips with no strain on my back or wrists. The Dutch-style handlebars suited the bike’s feel and style while granting relaxed handling.

At its price of around a thousand dollars, the XPress 500 ST is functional but expectedly basic. The only bells and whistles included are the headlight and tail/brake light, though Lectric offers a variety of useful, optional extras for a nominal price.

A benefit of the bike’s relatively feature-light component package is ease of use. The cockpit layout is uncluttered, with a central color display, a small control panel on the left handlebar, and a throttle and shifter on the right. We generally appreciated its straightforward interface, though we felt it would benefit from a couple of small changes.

I found that shifting could be somewhat awkward due to a combination of the bike’s shifter and its throttle lever placement. Instead of an over-the-bar thumb shifter and right-thumb throttle, we recommend Lectric switch to a below-the-bar trigger-style shifter with a left-thumb throttle for easier and more comfortable shifting.

Depending on its pedal assist setting, the XPress 500 ranged in feel from natural (like a non-electric bike) to extremely powerful. This is also an added benefit of the bike’s torque sensor; riders wishing for a fast and thrilling ride can pedal hard. A slower, more relaxed pace might suit those seeking a casual, leisurely ride.

Overall, we were highly impressed with the bike’s feel—especially considering its price.

We had high hopes for the XPress, primarily because it was Lectric’s first torque-sensing e-bike. Now that we have had the chance to ride and test it, we can confidently say we’re not disappointed.

There are often compromises with $1k e-bikes, but the XPress 500 ST delivered on all fronts! In our performance tests, it had average to above-average performance, which is rare at this price point. We think it’s even more impressive considering that the bike’s motor and battery can be upgraded at a few hundred dollars’ added cost.

The only (admittedly minor) point of critique we identified concerns the ergonomics and comfort of shifting and using the throttle; we’d prefer a trigger-style shifter with the throttle lever moved to the left handlebar.

Otherwise, we happily recommend the XPress 500 ST as a leisure bike or a daily ride to the office. Riders using the bike for commuting regularly may want to add some of Lectric’s optional accessories like a cargo rack and/or fenders, but we found the base model highly capable right out of the box.

We think the XPress will satisfy budget-conscious shoppers seeking a full-size e-bike at an affordable price. Thanks to its customizable speed settings and its torque sensor, the bike is highly adaptable to different riding styles. With its powerful and peppy motor, it feels energetic and capable of climbing even some of the most challenging hills out there!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Lectric XPress 500 ST down in our comments section.