I recently rode a pretty radical electric motorcycle to meet up with some friends, and while it’s a topic of interest, of course, one user wasn’t impressed. “Why can’t someone make a normal electric motorcycle that doesn’t look like a sci-fi movie prop?” they asked.
Point taken. The fact is, I regularly look for rare electric motorcycles that feature a technological trend, innovation, or exclusive features. The market now offers what I consider to be an overwhelming number of “classic” electric motorcycles, which look and function much like classic motorcycles but with the added advantages of electric power. And everything is for the good; Most people like familiarity, and I’m all for broadening the appeal of motorcycles of all kinds to get more people to come. I just like to spot the outliers and the quirky stuff.
Recently, electric motorcycle maker Lectric, known for its popular XP folding commuter models and shipping motorcycles, introduced the XPress 500 and XPress 750 motorcycles, the latter of which features a 750-watt rear hub motor. They sent me a 750 for review. The 500 and 750 are the definition of a “regular motorcycle,” but with pedals and electric motor technology discreetly incorporated.
The Lectric XPress 750 allows operation as a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike in the U.S. Pedaling plus motor assist will get it going 28 mph in the flat (Class 3), or riders can use the thumb throttle and skip the pedaling up to 20 mph (Class 2). A torque sensor keeps assist engagement smooth and improves energy efficiency. For hill climbing, the rear hub motor can increase output to 1,310 watts for short periods. My review bike weighed 54 pounds as delivered.
The XPress bikes are based on a traditional dual-triangle frame, and my XPress 750 has a 750-watt hub motor powered by a removable 48-volt 14 amp-hour battery that fits inside the lower frame spar. Hydraulic disc brakes slow the 27.5-inch wheels, and the front wheel rides in a suspension fork with preload and lockout options. The tires are puncture-resistant, and the suspension fork lets riders venture off the pavement to some degree. Still, I would hesitate to call it a mountain bike. While my review XPress 750 is based on a standard frame, Lectric also offers a step-through version.
Seven Shimano gears on the rear give riders hilly capabilities, and a colorful, informative LCD panel on top displays speed, battery charge level, motor strength, kilometers traveled, and more. It also includes a USB-A connector to charge your phone or power a GPS. A small button on the left bar controls how you force the bike, adjust the assist point, and navigate demo metrics.
There’s a bright LED headlight as stock, and Lectric went to the trouble of mounting a VERY bright rear LED tail light on a tall stanchion out back, which I very much applaud in the name of safe riding. Oddly, no bike bell was included. Your buns ride on a suspended seat that is neither too wide or too soft.
Lectric says a full charge will give 60 miles of assist range, likely with assist set close to minimum and much pedaling included. Using throttle alone, climbing hills and other factors, including rider weight, will ultimately determine the usable range. My XPress 750 review bike retails for $1,299; the Lectric XPress 500 with the smaller motor and 10 amp-hour battery is $999.
The Lectric XPress 750 is easy to ride and, with the exception of the thumb throttle and automated pedal assist, handles and operates much like a classic bicycle. In fact, my first kilometers were done with the XPress 750’s electric formula on but with the help option set to 0 (without helping). If you’ve ever ridden a regular analog motorcycle, especially a mountain bike, feel right at home. The riding position is more upright than on a committed mountain bike, but it is not a beach bike either, but is perfectly adapted to urban riding.
Everything on my XPress 750 worked as expected, with the 180mm disc brakes offering adequate stopping power and generally quiet operation. Fortunately, the rear hub motor is also very quiet, with only a slight hum even at maximum effort. The Shimano Tourney 7-speed rear end shifts cleanly, I never got used to the thumb lever/button formula used to convert gears. But it’s never caused any disruption and I see the Tourney setup on many e-bikes so the bugs are effectively solved.
Despite using road tires, I took the XPress 750 to my mountain bike to check the elegance and rode it on a long circuit on flat terrain with the fork engaged. The tyres worked well on dry gravel and gravel, but the fork is poorly damped when the bumps get big.
Overall, the XPress 750 is easy to ride on narrow dirt and gravel trails, thanks to the larger 27. 5-inch wheels and an overall mountain bike stance. The pedals in the inventory are also a highlight, as they feature MTB-style nubs for added connection to your feet.
However, the XPress 750 shines brightest on city streets, offering a drama-free driving experience where drivers focus on the risks around them. The driving reaction is very “neutral” with pedal assistance thanks to Lectric’s use of a forward torque sensor. And just step on the accelerator to circulate without pedaling, it’s fun.
In addition, the perfect sign is highly legible day or night, and the bright LED lights eliminate the darkness of the road and at the same time clearly mark the cyclist in traffic. I used them at all times for maximum visibility in traffic as they run on the main battery and only use a small amount of power. I also rode the XPress 750 with the front forks locked for a purely stiff or “stiff” experience. It’s great to have the option.
Looking for a “plain” or “normal” or “regular” style bike with some electric assist? There are dozens to choose from, but the Lectric XPress 750 gets all the analog basics correct while offering all the benefits of a well-developed e-bike. Plus, it’s from a well-established company that provides service after the sale and offers a wide array of accessories including racks, fenders, locks, and even a headlight upgrade. And if you want (or need) it to wander off the beaten path to go exploring down a forest road or gravel path, it’s up for that as well and can be made more capable off-pavement with some different tires. The price is right no matter which version you choose. Lectric has another winner on their hands with the Lectric XPress 750. Highly recommended.
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