I took my Lectric Xpress 750 watt, 14ah ebike for a real world range test. Here’s what happened.
Today, I’m taking you through a comprehensive range test of the Lectric Xpress e-bike. This particular model is the 750-watt version with a 14 amp-hour battery, though there’s also a 500-watt, 10 amp-hour option available for about $999. The 750W version I’m testing costs a couple hundred bucks more.
What sets the Xpress apart is its stealthy design. It looks like a regular bike, making it perfect for riders who don’t want to draw attention to the fact they’re on an e-bike. I’ve made a few upgrades to mine, including folding pedals, a new seat, an electric seat post, a phone mount, and a cup holder. I’ve also added a stem riser to raise the handlebars for a more comfortable ride.
For this range test, I conducted a two-day experiment. On day one, I joined a group ride covering about 27 miles on flat ground. I started with a voltage of 54.6 and ended at 49.3, using roughly 30% of the battery capacity. I rode mainly in pedal assist level 3 (PAS3) during this portion of the test.
Day two focused on real-world conditions, tackling a mix of hills, inclines, and declines around my neighborhood. Starting at 49.1 volts (about 68% battery), I aimed to reach 50 miles total. However, the varied terrain proved more challenging for the battery.
After 12 miles of hilly terrain on day two, the battery was nearly depleted, with the voltage dropping to 43.0 and the battery indicator blinking red. This brought the total range to 39 miles. I managed to squeeze out one more mile, bringing the final tally to 40 miles.
It’s worth noting the significant difference in battery consumption between flat and hilly terrain. While 27 miles of flat riding used only 35% of the battery, 12 miles in hilly conditions drained the remaining 65%. This real-world test demonstrates how terrain dramatically affects an e-bike’s range.
The Lectric Xpress comes with a torque sensor, providing a more natural riding experience and a better workout. It has a top speed of 20 mph, though I comfortably cruised at 18 mph. The bike feels steady and comfortable, especially after raising the handlebars.
Based on these results, I estimate the 10 amp-hour version might achieve around 30 miles of range. Remember, factors like rider weight, terrain, and weather conditions can all impact an e-bike’s range.
Overall, the Lectric Xpress offers a good balance of performance and stealth for riders looking for a traditional-looking e-bike. While it may not hit the manufacturer’s maximum range estimates, it provides a solid 40 miles of real-world use, making it suitable for most commutes and recreational rides.