We don’t need to spend any time spelling out Lectric’s pedigree in the budget-friendly e-bike manufacturing space. Several micromobility news outlets have featured their bikes repeatedly, including us! We've featured the Lectric XPLite 2 and the Lectric Xpress together and separately in several of our articles. So when one got an upgrade and the other got a refresh, we had to take a look!
The Lectric XPress Lite
The latest addition to Lectric’s expanding lineup of affordable electric bikes is the $1099 Lectric XPress Lite. It features a quiet but powerful 500W rear hub motor that is paired with a modest 374Wh battery. This combination can get you up to 45 miles on a full charge. This bike is a spiritual successor to the XPress 2 line, which is available as either a cruiser or commuter.
The Lite is about 15 lbs lighter and can handle about 50 lbs less, but both can hit a top speed of 28 mph. The Xpress Lite also features a dual-sensor set-up, with both torque and cadence sensors. This makes the power delivery super intuitive and is identical to the XPress 2.
In essence, the XPress Lite keeps all the creature comforts of the XPress 2 while meeting the needs of a lightweight commuter in urban settings, where range anxiety is mild but space and weight matter more. The Lite has a full hardtail frame, with no front or rear suspension. It also features an 8-speed drivetrain, like the XPress 2. However, our favorite upgrade is the light marshmallow-colored frame, which sets the bike apart from all its companions in the non-modular Lectric lineup. But how does the modular lineup shift with the release of the new XP Lite 3?.
The Lectric XP Lite 3
The XP Lite line is what shot Lectric to mainstream success and fame. This lineup of foldable electric bikes is super competitively priced at $799. It permanently changed the way foldable electric bikes are priced and sold to customers.
The XP Lite 3 features a 49 lb folding frame, the same 500W motor as the XPress Lite, and delivers up to 80 miles of range at a top speed of 20 miles per hour. We don’t know the exact battery capacity yet, but an 80-mile range should be plenty for the daily commute and the occasional weekend adventure.
Compared to the XP Lite 2, which also featured a similar range, the XP Lite 3 has a slightly bulkier frame but a similar payload capacity of 275 lb. Like the XP Lite, you can choose between a standard metallic chain drive and the upgraded Gates carbon belt drive. You can choose between four newly launched colors and a series of new accessories, like a rear rack.
The best part? The updated XP Lite 3 is still priced at exactly $799, the same as the XPLite 2. The biggest upgrades include the reinforced folding latch for stable modularity, quick-release pedals for easier storage, integrated rear turn signals, and a bright 3.5-inch display for live telemetry.
Is it worth it to upgrade?
Unlike traditional updates and refreshes, the answer here might not be an immediate yes. For one, the XPress Lite isn’t really an upgrade, but rather a lateral shift for a different use case. If you invested in any commuter you bought straight off Amazon, then our answer is an immediate yes. Buy the XPress Lite; it is far more reliable, with a much better-established supply chain for service issues.
If you're upgrading from an XPLite 2, consider holding off on the XP Lite 3. The features are nearly identical, with similar ranges and drives. If you need a display, telemetry, and more storage, consider investing in more affordable accessories instead of buying a new bike, especially if your old bike is under 4 years old. If your bike is older than that, or you feel you’re spending unreasonable amounts on the service and upkeep of your existing foldable commuter, the XPLite 3 is an excellent entry point.
