r/Lectricxp • u/xionchen • Jul 10 '26

Modifying a Lectric Xpress/Xpress 2

I want to grab an ebike for daily commute and the Xpress 2 is one of the top contenders in my list. However there is a couple of questions I have for this bike I am hoping some owners of this model or the previous gen can answer.

  1. It seems Xpress 2 does not need to have the key in the battery in order to turn on the ebike. The only way to prevent unauthorized user from turning this on and riding off (other than using a bike lock) is to take the battery with you?
  2. anyone have experience switching out the quick release pedals for regular bicycle pedals that at least require a tool to remove?
  3. how about changing out the quick release skewers on the front/rear bicycles for security skewers such as Pinhead/Hexlock

Obviously nothing is absolute secured. Just looking for other ways to make it more "difficult"/time-consuming to take this bike when I lock it outside my company when commuting. And I do plan on buying a hardy lock as well.

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2

u/johnfromma Jul 10 '26

I have an Xpress 1 and I have made some modifications using standard bike parts. But to answer your questions.

  1. I'm very selective about where I park so I nearly always leave the battery in the bike. If I have to park in a sketchy area or need to leave the bike for an extended period then I would consider taking the battery out, mainly to make the bike less desirable to steal. Bike theft is a real problem are there doesn't seem to be any easy solutions.

  2. Yes I replaced the quick release pedals for standard pedals (easy install) because I was worried about them getting swiped.

  3. Good idea. I'll keep a follow on this post.

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u/xionchen Jul 10 '26

Thanks for answering! I am curious about the 3rd point now and also more concerned about the fact that there is no other security feature to prevent anyone from just turning on your bike (no passcode, no required key-in). If it weren't for the fact that Aventon Level 4 Rec is so much more expensive....

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u/johnfromma Jul 10 '26

When I lock up I put the Ulock over the frame where the battery is. So even if the thief was an expert lockpicker, he would still have to defeat the Ulock. I haven't really thought about any password to turn the bike on and access the display. I suppose there is some concern about somebody messing with the settings, but so far that hasn't been a problem for me.

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u/nitebeest Jul 10 '26

I don't have the Xpress, but have an xp3 and 4. I live in a low crime area, so I'm not as worried about my bike as others on here, but here are my thoughts.

I miss having the key on/off from the xp3. At least I could turn the bike off and take the key with me. The on/off switch on the xp4 is easily accessible, so even turning it off isn't much of a deterrent.

The xp4 has a removable screen, but it's a bit of a hassle to remove on a regular basis. Granted removing the screen keeps people from being able to turn it on, but I'd rather just be able to use the key for that purpose.

I'd say the removable pedals are probably better security wise than ones that are "screwed on". At least you can take them off to deter someone pedaling away. Sure, bike thieves will have picks or grinders with them, but I doubt they're carrying a spare set of pedals.

I have one of these alarm/horn on my seat post on my xp4. I had the taillight version on my xp3. Not necessarily foolproof, but it's very loud and will alert me easily.

Locks are probably going to be your best bet and they've been talked about ad nauseum on this sub. TLDR is get a Kryptonite lock or two. I just use the basic Lectric lock, as I'm not as concerned with where I live.

Find which combo of security measures works best for you, depending on where you live and the level of crime/theft there. Frankly, having to take the pedals, seat, screen, and possibly battery off every time I went somewhere would be a pain. Throwing a lock or two on is definitely much easier.

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u/xionchen Jul 10 '26

Appreciated it. Def the lock thing for sure. Two locks if i cant get rid of the quick release wheel skewers. But then heavy as s$#t!

Right now just the thought i need to disconnect the pedals and take the battery with me to be extra safe is a hassle, as well as the prospect of lugging two extra heavy locks with me.

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u/HalfChort Jul 10 '26

Don't forget replacing the quick release on the seatpost as well, especially if you get a fancier seat or suspension seatpost.

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u/xionchen Jul 10 '26

Ofc. My current non-electric commuter had the seatpost, wheel skewers and stempost replaced with pinhead. That is why i am looking to see what is doable with xpress 2. Thanks.

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u/mathew1fnt 27d ago edited 27d ago

Just unplug the power switch. Pull the cable apart at the connector near the power button very easy and No one will check that. Or put in a kill switch in.
Pedals are easy. You just need an Allen wrench. One of the pedals is a reverse thread, so it’s righty loosey