Lectric eBikes announced a lighter, less expensive model for its full-size commuter lineup on October 13, 2026. The new Lectric XPress Lite pares back the more powerful XPress2 with a rigid fork, smaller battery and lower-output motor, then packages the result in an approximately 51.6-pound city bike priced at $1,099.
The headline number is 45.6 pounds with the six-pound battery removed. That makes the XPress Lite 14.4 pounds lighter than the XPress2 when both bikes are measured without their batteries. It is a meaningful reduction for a rider who regularly maneuvers a bike through an apartment hallway, carries it up a short flight of stairs or simply wants something more responsive in stop-and-go traffic.
This is not a stripped-down single-speed, however. The XPress Lite combines a 500-watt rear hub motor with an eight-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, a torque sensor and Lectric’s switchable cadence-sensing mode. It can also be configured as a Class 1, 2 or 3 ebike where local law permits.
At the reporting cutoff on October 14, Lectric was accepting preorders, with shipping scheduled for the week of November 2. The bike is offered in Toasted Marshmallow, Glacier Blue, Pine Green and Stratus White.
A Lighter Lectric XPress Built for City Riding
The XPress Lite uses a new mid-step frame with full-size 27.5-by-1.95-inch slick tires and a rigid aluminum fork. That combination points to a more traditional city-bike experience than Lectric’s compact folding models, while the lower top tube should make mounting easier than on a conventional high-step commuter.
Its Stealth M24 hub motor is rated at 500 watts nominal, 864 watts peak and 61.2 Nm of torque. Power comes from a 48-volt, 7.8Ah battery—roughly 374Wh—with a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 45 miles. As always, that maximum will depend on terrain, rider weight, weather, assist level and throttle use.
Lectric is making ride quality the centerpiece of the launch. The company says its custom motor programming reduces power-delivery lag and produces its smoothest assist response yet. That is a manufacturer claim, but the hardware behind it is promising. A torque sensor can vary motor support according to the rider’s effort, while Lectric’s XPerience Switch lets riders change to cadence sensing when they prefer more consistent assistance with less physical input.
The bike also includes five assist modes—Eco, Tour, Sport, Sport+ and Turbo—plus a left-side thumb throttle and a removable 3.5-inch TFT color display with a USB-C charging port. Other commuter-friendly equipment includes hydraulic disc brakes, a headlight, a rear running and brake light, integrated turn signals, puncture-resistant tires with Slime sealant and quick-release pedals.
The XPress Lite is certified to UL 2849, while its battery is certified to UL 2271. Lectric lists a 275-pound payload limit, a rider-height range of 5 feet 4 inches to 6 feet 4 inches and assembly time of less than five minutes.
XPress Lite vs. XPress2: What Do You Give Up to Save 14 Pounds?
The XPress Lite is best understood as a more focused alternative to the XPress2, not a direct replacement. The XPress2 starts at $1,399 and carries a 750-watt motor that peaks at 1,310 watts, a suspension fork and a larger battery rated for up to 60 miles. It also supports a higher 330-pound payload.
By comparison, the XPress Lite costs $300 less and drops 14.4 pounds before the batteries are installed. The tradeoff is less motor output, 15 fewer miles of claimed maximum range, no front suspension and a 55-pound reduction in payload capacity. A rear rack and fenders are available, but they are optional accessories rather than part of the XPress Lite’s streamlined base configuration.
Those compromises make sense for the intended rider. Someone tackling steep hills, carrying heavier cargo or regularly covering long distances may still be better served by the XPress2. A rider whose commute is relatively short and paved may benefit more from the Lite’s lower weight and simpler chassis than from the XPress2’s extra muscle.
|
Specification |
XPress Lite |
XPress2 Commuter |
|
Price at reporting cutoff |
$1,099 |
$1,399 |
|
Weight without battery |
45.6 lbs. |
60 lbs. |
|
Nominal motor |
500W |
750W |
|
Peak motor output |
864W |
1,310W |
|
Claimed maximum range |
45 miles |
60 miles |
|
Front fork |
Rigid aluminum |
80mm suspension |
|
Payload capacity |
275 lbs. |
330 lbs. |
The Missing Middle Between the XP Lite 2.0 and XPress2
Lectric now has “Lite” versions of both its signature folding platform and its full-size commuter platform, but the two bikes solve different problems.
The XP Lite 2.0 remains the more portable option. It folds, uses 20-inch wheels and weighs 49 pounds with its standard battery installed. Its 300-watt nominal motor, 28 Nm of torque, single-speed drivetrain and cadence sensor keep the design simple and affordable. That makes it attractive for RV owners, travelers and riders who need a bike that fits into a small storage space.
The XPress Lite is slightly heavier as a complete bike and does not fold, but it offers considerably more motor torque, an eight-speed drivetrain, full-size wheels and the choice between torque- and cadence-sensing assistance. In other words, it gives up compact storage in exchange for a more conventional bicycle layout and broader everyday performance.
That makes the XPress Lite the logical middle ground in Lectric’s lineup. It is more substantial and road-bike-like than the XP Lite 2.0, yet lighter, cheaper and less heavily equipped than the XPress2. For riders who enjoy pedaling and want assistance to complement the ride rather than dominate it, this may be the most interesting of the three.
Early Testing Supports the Range Claim, but This Is Still a First Look
Top5ebikes has not tested the XPress Lite, so we cannot independently judge Lectric’s “smoothest ride” claim. Early third-party testing does provide some useful context, however.
Electric Bike Report recorded 22.4 miles in the highest assist setting and 42.2 miles in the lowest, results that came reasonably close to Lectric’s 45-mile maximum estimate. Its testers also described the handling as responsive and the braking performance as average to somewhat above average among the city and commuter ebikes they compared.
That does not answer every ownership question. Long-term reliability, real-world performance across a wider range of rider sizes and the experience of living with the smaller battery will take more time to evaluate. It does suggest that Lectric has made a deliberate set of tradeoffs rather than simply removing parts to reach a lower price.
Our Take on the Lectric XPress Lite
The most noteworthy thing about the XPress Lite is not that it is the lightest ebike Lectric sells—it isn’t. Its value is that it brings the brand’s stronger commuter-bike features into a package that is much easier to handle than the XPress2.
A 500-watt motor, 61.2 Nm of torque, eight mechanical gears and switchable torque or cadence sensing should leave enough performance for typical city riding without turning the bike into another 65- or 70-pound machine. The rigid fork and smaller battery are real compromises, but they are also the decisions that make the lower weight possible.
At $1,099, the XPress Lite looks particularly well suited to riders accustomed to traditional bicycles who want electric assistance without the heft and visual bulk common to value-oriented commuter ebikes. Riders who prioritize folding portability should still look at the XP Lite 2.0, while those who need maximum power, range or payload capacity will find more of it in the XPress2.
On paper, the XPress Lite fills the gap between those two platforms unusually well. The bigger question is whether its refined motor programming and rigid chassis deliver the natural, nimble ride Lectric is promising. That will require independent saddle time to settle.
Lectric XPress Lite FAQ
How much does the Lectric XPress Lite weigh?
Lectric lists the bike at 45.6 pounds without its six-pound battery, for an approximate complete weight of 51.6 pounds. Weight added by optional racks, fenders or bags is not included.
How fast does the XPress Lite go?
The XPress Lite can be configured as a Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 ebike where permitted. Its maximum assisted speed is 28 mph in Class 3 configuration, while throttle operation is limited to Class 2 speeds.
Is the Lectric XPress Lite available now?
As of October 14, 2026, Lectric was accepting preorders at $1,099 and listed shipping for the week of November 2. Availability and fulfillment dates can change, so buyers should confirm the latest status before ordering.
Is the XPress Lite better than the XPress2?
It depends on the rider. The XPress Lite is lighter and $300 less expensive, while the XPress2 offers a stronger motor, suspension, more range and a higher payload capacity. The Lite makes more sense for relatively short paved commutes and riders who prioritize handling; the XPress2 is better suited to hills, longer rides and heavier-duty use.
