Engwe P20 Folding E-Bike Review: A Rough Ride for Forgiveness?

The Engwe P20: A Budget-Friendly Folding E-Bike That’s Good… On Paper

The Engwe P20 is a tempting proposition. Priced at €1,099 (around $1,190), it promises a compelling combination of folding convenience, belt-driven efficiency, and hydraulic disc brakes – all while offering a modern, attractive design. But with this budget-friendly approach, does the P20 deliver on its promises or fall short of expectations?

On paper, the P20 ticks all the boxes for a compelling e-bike:

• Folding design: The P20 folds down quickly, making it easy to transport on trains or store in a car. While Engwe claims a 10-second folding time, that’s a bit ambitious, with realistic folding times closer to 20 seconds.
• Belt drive: Replacing the traditional chain, derailleur, and cassette with a belt drive promises a smoother, cleaner, and more maintenance-free riding experience. This is a significant benefit for city commuters who want to avoid oil stains on their clothes and regular upkeep.
• Torque sensor: The P20 integrates a torque sensor into its belt drive, which aims to provide intuitive pedal-assisted power that automatically adapts to your efforts.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: Powerful and responsive, hydraulic disc brakes offer increased stopping power and control, crucial for safe urban riding.
• Modern design: The P20 boasts a stylish design that sets it apart from many budget e-bikes.

But, as with many affordable products, the P20 reveals some shortcomings under real-world use.

A Suboptimal Torque Sensor:

The torque sensor on the P20 falls short of expectations. It suffers from a noticeable delay, particularly when starting from a standstill or encountering inclines. This delay translates to a less intuitive riding experience and requires more effort from the rider.

This is likely due to the combination of the unbranded 250W rear-hub motor with its limited 42Nm torque and the P20’s single-speed design. Instead of relying heavily on the motor and battery, the bike prioritizes extending range by shifting some of the burden to the rider. While manageable on moderate slopes, the P20 may disappoint users who frequently encounter challenging hills.

Pedaling Limitations:

The P20’s single speed and limitations with its pedal assist make it challenging to ride at higher speeds. The optimal riding speed sits around 23km/h (14mph), after which the rider’s legs start spinning too quickly for comfortable pedaling.

Reaching the P20’s legal maximum speed of 25km/h (15.5mph) requires significant effort, and exceeding that limit (with a software unlock, which is achievable on many e-bikes) becomes impossible due to the rapid leg action required.

While the P20 does include a throttle lever, which is uncommon in Europe, it unfortunately suffers from a similar delay, making it less responsive than the pedal assist. Despite these limitations, it does eventually reach speeds beyond the European limits.

Weighing In on the Price:

It’s important to acknowledge the P20’s affordable price point. At $1,190, it’s significantly less expensive than many premium e-bikes that often cost upwards of $3,000. However, for this price, you’re inevitably sacrificing some quality and performance.

Engwe P20: A Balancing Act of Strengths and Weaknesses:

Despite the shortcomings mentioned above, the P20 does offer several noteworthy strengths:

• Solid Brakes: The hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power and control, ensuring a safe riding experience.
• Durable Construction: The P20 is built for durability with a rugged frame and components.
• Spacious Geometry: Despite being foldable, the P20 has a comfortable riding geometry that feels stable and prevents the steering from feeling overly twitchy.
• Decent Range: The 346Wh battery provides a reasonable range, especially when relying primarily on the pedal assist. While heavy use of the throttle will drastically reduce range, the P20 can comfortably cover a good distance with efficient riding.
• Practical Extras: The P20 includes valuable extras such as fenders, a rear rack, a kickstand, integrated lights, and a brake light, all at no extra cost.

The Verdict:

The Engwe P20 is a mixed bag. While lacking the refined performance of more expensive e-bikes, it offers a compelling combination of affordability, folding convenience, and practicality. Its shortcomings can be overlooked for riders prioritizing a budget-friendly option for urban commutes or who seek a foldable that doesn’t compromise fully on the traditional bike experience.

Ultimately, the P20’s value comes down to individual needs and priorities. If you’re a demanding rider seeking the top-of-the-line features and performance, the P20 might not meet your expectations. However, for commuters on a budget who value convenience and practicality without sacrificing basic riding quality, the Engwe P20 might prove to be a worthy companion for their daily commutes and urban adventures.

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