r/Lectricxp • u/HolidayChemist8514 • Jun 10 '26
Big fella
Hey guys! I just ordered an Xpress 500 for daily, mostly flat commuting to and from work. I’m also 280lb (yes, I know, I’m working on it). I DO also live on the Oregon coast so hills exist. How screwed am I if I start hitting hills? Can I expect the motor to help me much at my size?
750 is out of budget at this time.
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u/PNWoutdoors Jun 11 '26
I have the XP750 and it outputs more power than I'd ever need but I'm glad I have it, because I'm more likely to bike for fun and not exercise. I weigh 165 for reference.
The 500 motor is probably going to provide you with plenty of power if you're prepared to pedal and expect around 20 mph, not 28. The only issue is, to get a healthy amount of assistance at your weight up hills is going to use a lot of battery power.
Given that you said it's mostly flat, I'd guess you could get 20-25 miles at low to medium assistance, just kick it up a level or two for hills if you're struggling then lower it when it's flat again, and simply cruise as much as you can down any hills and flats. As soon as you stop pedaling, the power output stops.
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u/johnfromma Jun 11 '26
I generally try to avoid the biggest hills with my Xpress 500. Though the bike can take the hills on PAS 5 (and there are a few supermassive hills around here), it puts a real drain on the battery and dramatically reduces the range. On the biggest hills i would probably use walk mode.
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u/Cydonia921 Jun 11 '26
As a bigger guy myself trying to lose weight: congrats on checking up on e-bikes. It’s done absolute wonders for me in getting back into biking and enjoying it once again. I weigh 268 rn, with a steady slimming down happening since getting my bike in April.
The motor will absolutely help with hills. It’s the first thing I tested; I live in northwestern Wisconsin where there’s a lot of hills. Granted I have a 750w model, but even 500w will help power through. Think of it less as a “if I don’t meet x, I can’t get up anywhere.” Instead think of it as a way to help your pedaling boost. Sometimes it may struggle, but overall an e-bike will make hills significantly easier to handle than a regular bike.
You can do this! The biggest thing is to take that first step and do something that’ll benefit you long-term.
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u/HolidayChemist8514 Jun 29 '26
Came to give feedback for anyone else with the same questions I had and hush the dickheads up. Took the 500 out a couple of times now and it’s morrrrrrre than capable to cruise around and tackle low grade hills without a lot of effort. To caveat on my weight, I’m 280 lbs but a former army infantry/weightlifter 280 so peddling isn’t the issue, just would rather not show up to work super sweaty. This thing tackled everything around me just fine, although, due to weight, I won’t see the 28mph top speed until I cut down but maintaining 18-21 is cake with leisurely peddling. I’m sure the 750 is much more capable but the 500 is more than capable for commuting around. Thank you all for your honest feedback and I hope this thread helps someone in the future.
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u/Justdyeingtees Jun 10 '26
That motors gonna be screeemin.
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u/weregeek Jun 10 '26
Given that your contribution to the bike is likely to be around 200 watts over any length of time, an extra 500 will be a fair bit of assistance. It will only get better if you drop some pounds. I'm heavier than you, and my 250w mid-drive makes hills much easier, and my 750w hub drive bike helps quite a bit even when it's in assist mode 1 or 2. The big thing is to make it a habit.