“ That is a mulct - looking east - bicycle . ”
My friends and family had the same first reaction to the Engwe M20 that I did . But appearance is subjective , and the M20 is a economic value - loss leader based on documentary measures . At full lean monetary value , it ’s a steal for a double - suspension e - bicycle with dual battery , and with Engwe ’s frequent deduction , it can be a steal .
The M20 is n’t the fastest e - bike you could buy , and at 104 pounds with two batteries installed , it ’s certainly not the lightest . However , if you ’re looking for splendid note value in an e - bike that ’s easy to ride with a better - than - ordinary range of mountains , put the M20 on your list .
The power you need
The M20 has a 48V brushless rearward hub motor with 750 watts of uninterrupted power and 1,000 watts of peak output . maximal torsion of 55 Nm is sufficient for typical riding but not great on steep incline .
Engwe ships the M20 configure in Class II mode , limiting the tycoon - assisted focal ratio to 20 miles per hour with either pedal power assistance or throttle controller with the right hold ’s full - twist accelerator pedal .
Even though it looks roughly like a small motorcycle , the M20 is n’t a torquey , high - performance e - bike .
I used Engwe ’s display screen door control push button to modify the e - bike to Class III mode , which increases the power thin out - off layer to 28 miles per hour . I never visualize 28 mph on the M20 ’s display , but it was consistently easy to maintain 24 to 26 miles per hour riding on pavement .
You could theoretically exceed these speed limit by pedal faster , but I doubt many citizenry will do that . Engwe scab the M20 for passenger from 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall . I ’m 5 fundament 8 inches tall , decently in the heart of the intimate height range , but I found pedaling ill-chosen and uncomfortable because my knees rose too eminent . A motorcycle - dash bum means there ’s no adjustment . The Engwe has a basic Shimano 7 - f number gear bent , but I did n’t use it because I did n’t feel like pedal this bike .
Road-ready with dual suspension and two headlights, too
The M20 has adjustable front fork and a single rear air shock mounted under the seat in a configuration Harley - Davidson would call a soft tail . I limit the front fork to the softest riding position . They soak up more than the rearward shock , but you ’ll appreciate even a piddling give when you polish off a speed bump or curb compared to a fully strict rearward frame-up .
Deflating the 20 - column inch diam , 4 - inch - wide juicy tires below their maximal pompousness helped meliorate the ride by taking vantage of tire sidewall turn . The camel - colored seat is attractive but astonishingly hard and did n’t sum to riding comfort . The backside angles toward the front , which can put you in contact with the back of the battery shell , especially during hard stops .
The M20 ’s front and rear disc brakes worked fine in moderate and emergency stops , but they ’re mechanically skillful rather than hydraulic . The 160 millimetre disc rotors are really the barren minimum you ’d need for a bike that hit 28 mph — 180 mm rotor and hydraulic actuation would be a big advance .
The M20 ’s vertically mounted dual LED headlights are unique in my experience : one is a daytime running light , and one is a full - light headlamp . Each Christ Within can be set separately , and a handlebar electrical switch film between the two when darkness flow . The rear taillight glows brighter when you brake , just like a car . It ’s a safety feature we appreciate , but we wish it also had reverse sign and a stiff motor horn .
E-bike riding impressions
It may look like a small motorcycle , but the Engwe M20 is more of a comfortable , cursory cruiser than a high - execution e - bike like theAriel Grizzly . When I had a choice , I ’d often break up the M20 for shortsighted trips or running errands . The handlebar are high enough , and the three - point geometry of the seat , pedals , and handlebars was just right for me to ride comfortably in an just place .
With many e - bikes , if you curve the accelerator or move the pedal a little , you get the full torque in an all - or - nothing , binary king delivery . The Engwe is more relaxed , with a short slowdown when you wrench the throttle . The lag is foresighted with pedal assistance , which could be annoying if you otherwise assume that drive hard on the pedals will assist you move out cursorily from an intersection .
ride on 20 - column inch mag wheel , the 4 - inch - wide fat tires have a slightly knobby tread that is reasonably smooth on paving and riding on grass or hard - pack dirt roadstead and paths .
I request the two-fold - battery configuration for this review , but the Engwe M20 is also available with a single 48V 13Ah lithium - ion battery at a $ 300 savings . Engwe claims each battery is well for up to 47 miles of range , which may be if you utilize the lowest pedal aid style and do n’t ride faster than 10 to 15 mph .
In real life , however , with frequent throttle exercise , the batteries in all likelihood allow for 50 % to 60 % of the blackleg range . With all - purpose einsteinium - bikes such as the M20 , the reach is more significant than acceleration or the top fastness , so take the dual battery configuration is not just desirable ; it ’s more prudent than having a single battery . A single 2 adenylic acid courser come with the bike , so it will take about 6.5 hours to charge up each battery to full from empty . If you depend upon the M20 regularly , buy a second charger from Engwe ’s website will be a estimable idea .
Engwe M20 options and accessories
Engwe offers a mountain range of options and accessories for the M20 . The picture above shows the M20 with optional double mirrors and a smartphone holder mount on the handlebar . I also establish an optional rear rack with a handy rack bag that spread out with water - resistant pannier bag on each side and a rainwater cover . The pannier are n’t large enough for a week ’s Charles Frederick Worth of groceries , but you could load down a few mean solar day ’ worth of supplies or a change of clothes and other necessary for a short slip .
Cost-effective comfort
The Engwe M20 with three-fold bombardment is an attractive e - bicycle with power , range , and essential components for comfy casual cruising or fun rides . As I mentioned in the introduction , even at its $ 1,500 list cost , the M20 is a bargain , especially with the convenience of two batteries and the proportional comforter of its three-fold - abeyance setup .
This is n’t the right choice for mount lead riding , off - route bashing , or competing with the debauched eastward - bike in town , but if you want a mop up - expressive style due east - bike for solo or group drive , the M20 is an excellent choice . You might consider theJuiced Bike Scorpion X2as another cursory riding candidate or theLectric XP 30for even greater value for your money . Still , neither of those bikes has the Engwe M20 ’s cool cabin cruiser styling , three-fold batteries , or full suspension .
