Engwe P20 evaluation: A inexpensive Brompton totally different
Engwe P20: One minute evaluation
The P20 is Engwe’s most refined model to date. The company’s bikes are acknowledged for his or her large and brutalistic design sort, so making a compact e-bike like this will likely appear to be a deviation from its core values. In fact, this e-bike nonetheless seems to be like remarkably Engwe-esque. It’s chunky and durable the place it should be whereas nonetheless that features a surprisingly lightweight assemble for carrying spherical.
Folding the e-bike might be completed in as little as 10 to fifteen seconds due to a couple of easy-to-use clips and the distinctive magnetic adapter system. The latter stops the e-bike from unfolding and is a lot better than the clip design of Brompton bikes. Sadly, it’s not pretty as easy to maneuver as a typical Brompton, nonetheless it’s not far off. If you would like a foldable e-bike with just a bit further vitality than a Brompton, then the P20 is a implausible alternative.
At £1,199, you’ll be hard-pressed to hunt out one thing of such top quality, and with the similar consideration to component, elsewhere. It’s too early to tell whether or not or not the Engwe P20 will make it onto our guidelines of the most interesting e-bikes nonetheless it’s really a robust contender.
| Half | One different P20 |
| Measurement range: | 158 x 120 cm |
| Motor: | 250W Brushless Motor |
| Excessive velocity | 25 km / 15.5 miles per hour |
| Vitality: | 36V 9.6Ah Lithium-ion*1 |
| Administration: | LCD Present |
| E-bike classification: | Class 3 |
| Speeds: | Single-speed |
| Brakes: | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Physique supplies: | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
| Weight: | 22kg (55 lbs) |
| Range: | 62 Miles |
Engwe P20: Worth and availability
- £1,199 / €1,299
- Not on the market inside the US
- On the market from the producer immediately
The Engwe P20 is simply on the market in UK and EU markets. The 250W motor and 15.5mph / 25kph velocity limiter make it road-legal everywhere it’s purchased. There gained’t be a US mannequin as this e-bike is especially positioned for the UK market. In distinction to many alternative Engwe e-bikes, there’s no alternative to enhance the battery.
It’s on the market in black, white or a lovely mint inexperienced, which is the model I examined. The worth is comparable regardless of which colour you go for. Engwe moreover offers a wide range of tools at an additional value, along with a rack bag, bike pump, and lock.
Elephant P20: Design
- Reliable and well-engineered folding mechanism
- Carbon drive belt
- Upright utilizing place
Let’s begin with the folding course of for the P20, which is a five-step operation. That’s achieved by the use of a five-step course of, although I tended to solely perform two of these steps for a lot of folds. The steps comprise adjusting the handlebar, folding the riser, folding the physique, reducing the saddle, and ultimately folding the pedals. As a rule, steps two and three are sufficient, although you may also should make the saddle adjustment whether it is advisable match the e-bike into tight areas.
I wish to not alter the handlebars an extreme quantity of, on account of that entails messing spherical with a clamp mechanism that I don’t take into account would stand the verify of time if it was used normally. I moreover don’t see an infinite revenue in tucking them away any higher than is already the case of their pure place.
The riser rotation mechanism is good and durable whereas allowing for the rider to rotate the riser and handlebars all the way in which all the way down to the doorway wheel. Sadly, there’s no technique of locking the riser into place when the bike is folded. The physique folds in half on the midpoint with a considerably sturdy and durable folding mechanism. Engwe is getting so considerably higher at implementing intricate design choices, and it really reveals on the P20.
One in every of many standouts of your entire design is that the two halves of the e-bike be part of collectively by the use of magnets that are mounted to each wheel. It’s a really ingenious reply that eliminates the need for any transferring components, which could fail over time.
It’s almost unattainable to evaluation a foldable e-bike with out evaluating it to the folding mechanism of the Brompton. With every e-bikes in my possession, I decided to fold one after the alternative and there’s no clear winner. I consider Engwe’s system is simpler to operate and I just like the magnetic catch, nevertheless the Brompton is smaller and lighter and as a consequence of this reality easier to maneuver. I consider all of it comes all the way in which all the way down to what normal e-bike measurement you want, and what your funds is.
Shifting on from folding, the P20 is single-speed, with a long-lasting carbon belt drive and disc brakes. There should not any fundamental effectivity factors with this setup, although you do lose just a bit effectivity with the carbon drive as compared with a metal chain. The 20-inch puncture-proof tires are wonderful for metropolis cruising, nevertheless lack the bulk required for going up and down curbs or off-road. Don’t select it too harshly, though, as this e-bike is conscious of exactly what it is and what it isn’t designed to do.
Elephant P20: Effectivity
- Cadence is simply too extreme
- Excessive velocity of 25kph / 15.5mph
- No suspension
The very very first thing I noticed was how easy it was to rise as much as the very best velocity of 25kph / 15.5mph. That’s on account of vitality of the motor, on the market torque, and the achievable cadence of the single-speed setup.
That is good news inside the sense that it takes minimal effort whereas using minimal battery. The draw again to that’s that it’s very powerful to journey previous 30kph / 18.5mph, on account of the cadence is just too extreme. The experience left me wanting a gear with lower cadence, or three or 4 additional speeds to cycle by the use of. I consider the Brompton 4-speed has it wonderful, although bigger resistance on the P20’s single velocity would even be sufficient.
The issue was considerably noticeable when going downhill, nevertheless the e-bike really bought right here into its private as soon as I used to be nipping spherical flat metropolis streets, on which the P20 is responsive, quick, and a pleasure to journey. Once you’re looking for a simple, good-looking, foldable bike for cruising spherical a metropolis or metropolis, the P20 is among the many most interesting selections I’ve tried.
The motor is completely silent, so at events it feels similar to you’re utilizing an abnormal pushbike. You’re moreover not subject to any sudden jerky actions due to the torque sensor, which picks up the rotation of the pedals utterly. The P20 responds shortly and successfully, so it’s on a regular basis in a position to go if you end up.
As there’s no suspension, and given the size of the tires, you’ll must stay away from off-roading or going up and down too many curbs. That being talked about, I did uncover that the e-bike was remarkably in a position to cushioning almost every bump I threw at it.
The carbon belt is a winner, and I’m an infinite fan of most of those belts on account of they’re a lot much less vulnerable to points with grease or mud. I’m sure we’ve all expert these events of getting our clothes dirty from getting on or off a bike, and that’s all prevented with the P20. The belt ensures to ship 330,000km of distance, although it’s worth noting that carbon belts are normally a lot much less surroundings pleasant than regular chains.
I consider most people will love the P20, although you could, at events, find yourself wanting a further gear or two.
One P20: Battery life
- 100km range
- 36V 9.6A battery
- 5-hour price per battery
The marketed range of 100km is simply achievable in wonderful circumstances, on the bottom pedal assist, and with minimal rider weight. In fact, you’ll be nearer 50km / 30 miles per price. That’s nonetheless higher than ample for a lot of each day commutes, significantly considering that this e-bike is designed for shorter rides pretty than for prolonged journeys.
You’ll solely have the power to attach the one 36V 9.6A battery to this physique, so there’s no option to double the range. Taking part and disengaging the battery could also be very easy due to Engwe’s consideration to engineering an environment friendly clip mechanism.
Eradicating the battery will mean you can price it at home or at work by the day. It moreover reduces the probabilities of the battery being stolen, although there could also be an built-in anti-theft battery lock. Charging from empty to full takes inside the space of 5 hours.
- Battery life score: 3.5/5
Engwe P20: Scorecard
| Class | Comment | Ranking |
| Value | A reasonably priced e-bike, significantly as a result of it is usually discounted. | 4/5 |
| Design | A terrific foldable mechanism that results in a compact transportable e-bike reply | 4.5/5 |
| Effectivity | Low-cost vitality nevertheless let down by the single-speed setup. Additional gears required. | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | First price range although not when working it onerous. | 3.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Moreover keep in mind
| Half | One different P20 | Brompton C Line 12-speed |
| Measurement range: | 158 x 120 cm | 25.3″ H x 23” W x 10.6” D |
| Motor: | 250W Brushless Motor | 250W Brushless Motor |
| Excessive velocity | 25 km per hour | 25 km per hour |
| Vitality: | 36V 9.6Ah Lithium-ion*1 | 300Wh 36V Battery |
| Administration: | LCD Present | Brompton 4 velocity derailleur shifter & 3 velocity hub gear shifter |
| E-bike classification: | Class 3 | Class 3 |
| Speeds: | Single-speed | 12-speed |
| Brakes: | Hydraulic Disc Brakes | Brompton Twin Pivot Calipers |
| Physique supplies: | 6061 Aluminum Alloy | Titanium and Metallic |
| Weight: | 22kg (55 lbs) | From 17.3 kg |
| Range: | 62 Miles | 20-45 Miles |
How I examined the Engwe P20
I rode the Engwe P20 on and off over the course of some months. I rode it spherical metropolis streets, up and down predominant roads, along with alongside my each day 7-mile commute which takes me by the use of the countryside. I coated almost every type of terrain moreover off-roading.
First reviewed: November 2024
