The Engwe LE20 is an fascinating tackle the cargo e-bike format. It’s marketed as a budget-friendly utility e-bike that may deal with hauling groceries, gear, or perhaps a passenger. On the similar time, it seems like a cross between a compact cargo bike and a semi-fat tire hybrid-style bike, with a chunky body, small wheels, and an extended rear rack. However how does it truly carry out in the true world? After spending a while driving and testing it, right here’s what I discovered.
For such an fascinating low-cost, long-range cargo e-bike, you’ll positively wish to see what it’s prefer to trip this one.
Take a look at my video overview under for the complete expertise!
Engwe LE20 Video Evaluation
Engwe LE20 2.0 tech specs
- Motor:Â 750W geared hub motor within the rear wheel
- High pace:Â 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal help, 32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle
- Vary:Â Claimed as much as 160 km (100 mi) on single battery (or twice that with twin batteries)
- Battery:Â One or two 48V 19.2Ah (920 Wh) batteries
- Weight: 41.5 kg (91.5 lb)
- Max load:Â 200 kg (440 lb)
- Brakes:Â Hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
- Extras:Â Lengthy rear rack, stunning shade LED show, built-in head/tail/brake LED lights with flip indicators, fender set, kickstand
Energy and efficiency
The Engwe LE20 is powered by a 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1,300W), and I’ve to say, it packs extra punch than I anticipated. With 75Nm of torque, acceleration is easy however sturdy, particularly when utilizing the throttle. On flat terrain, it simply cruises at 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle alone, and with pedal help, it might attain 28 mph (45 km/h).
One of many issues I actually preferred in regards to the trip was the torque sensor. Many funds e-bikes depend on low-cost cadence sensors, and to be truthful, Engwe has floated by on cadence sensors prior to now. Cadence sensors aren’t unhealthy per se, however the cheaper ones can really feel additional laggy and they’re usually mixed with poor controller programming that leads to lurching and jumpy acceleration. As a pleasant change, the LE20’s torque sensor responds shortly to enter, giving it a way more pure and intuitive trip really feel. It simply feels extra such as you’re driving a motorcycle with sturdy legs, than that you simply’re on a jumpy bike.
Testing the bike in Florida, I didn’t have a lot of an opportunity to do any actual hill climbing efficiency checks, buts with 75 Nm of torque and good energy, I’ve to think about that it’s going to deal with average inclines nicely. For steeper hills although, you’ll often wish to pedal together with hub motor-based electrical bikes like these for the reason that motor can’t drop into decrease gears like a mid-drive.
Battery for days… and days
The LE20 comes with a 48V 19.2Ah battery, which is kind of respectable for a cargo e-bike at this worth level. Most cargo e-bikes price extra and have much less battery, so Engwe begins sturdy there. The corporate claims a 109-mile vary, however as with all e-bike vary estimates, that’s within the lowest help setting with preferrred situations. In real-world driving, utilizing a mixture of throttle and pedal help, I might count on the vary to be nearer to 30-50 miles, which continues to be strong.
For individuals who want extra vary, Engwe gives an optionally available second battery, which might theoretically double the vary. Should you’re utilizing this bike for supply work or long-haul commutes, that second battery is likely to be value contemplating.
I examined the twin battery model, and I ought to level out that in contrast to most twin battery e-bikes, the Engwe reveals the cost degree of each batteries on the show. That’s a cool characteristic and will probably be necessary for circumstances the place you may need forgotten to cost one of many batteries. You’ll immediately comprehend it once you see one is sort of full whereas the opposite is approaching empty.
The show can be very nice. I’d say it has no companies being this good trying on a funds bike, however the colours and format make it very slick look and simply readable.
Cargo and Utility
The LE20 is actually designed initially as a cargo e-bike, and whereas it does have a big rear rack, it’s not fairly as sturdy as conventional long-tail cargo bikes. That stated, the 440 lbs (200 kg) payload capability means it might carry a good quantity, assuming that’s correct. I all the time should surprise a bit, particularly when funds firms listing the identical or increased weight scores than business leaders resembling Tern, who places numerous emphasis on correct weight scores. I’m unsure I’d run it with 440 lb of weight on it day by day, however maybe that’s simply me being conservative with an admittedly budget-brand electrical bike.
The lengthy rear rack does supply some good area for mounting equipment resembling a toddler security seat, although I just like the passenger deck pads that work simply as nicely for youths and adults. Engwe additionally sells varioius storage circumstances and different cargo equipment. Mine didn’t include footrests, however I feel the usual bundle contains them now.
One main inconvenience that I did NOT like in regards to the cargo design is that the aspect panels are so huge that they cowl each little bit of uncovered body rail within the again. Meaning I’ve bought nothing to lash to once I wish to carry cargo. I did a mail run and had a pair packages that I wanted to hold again with me, and ended up having to safe them to the rack by tying off to the derailleur guard, of all locations. Clearly that’s not preferrred, and I want Engwe had left us a bit extra body rail to work with.
You’ll be able to see my jury-rigged rigging within the video overview above. It really works, but it surely’s not preferrred from a cargo standpoint.
Trip consolation and dealing with
For a cargo bike, the LE20 rides fairly nicely, due to its entrance suspension fork and 20×3.0-inch tires. The smaller wheels make it extra maneuverable in tight areas, however in addition they make bumps barely extra noticeable in comparison with a larger-wheel cargo bike. I all the time want smaller wheels on cargo bikes although, since I’ll take the decrease heart of gravity over the higher rolling consolation. And the semi-fat design of the 3-inch tires provides again some consolation to the combination. The forged wheels are additionally a pleasant addition, even when they’re most likely a bit extra inflexible than spoke wheels, however no less than they’re upkeep free and look cool, too!
The step-through body makes getting on and off the bike straightforward, particularly when you’re carrying cargo. The seat is decently comfy, and the upright driving place feels pure.
Nonetheless, at 91.5 lbs (41.5 kg), it’s not a light-weight bike by any stretch of the creativeness! You positively really feel that weight when maneuvering it round in a storage or parking, and even when driving round at low speeds.
At increased speeds, you usually don’t discover the additional weight, and naturally, one of many advantages of an electrical motor is that you simply don’t have the identical weight penalty as a standard bike. However lordy lord enable you to when you ever wish to carry it onto a motorcycle rack or carry it up a flight of stairs.
Brakes and security options
Braking is dealt with by 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes, which provide sturdy stopping energy. Given the burden and pace of this bike, hydraulic brakes are a necessity, and I used to be completely happy to see that Engwe didn’t reduce corners right here.
One other main security characteristic is lighting, and the LE20 comes with built-in lights that run off the principle battery. This isn’t precisely a technological feat, however some e-bikes nonetheless use lights with their very own separate batteries, so I’m glad to see we no less than make use of that huge e-bike battery for the lighting.
The twin-barrel headlights appear a lot brilliant as a be-seen gentle, however don’t count on them to solely gentle up the trail on a moonless night time with no avenue lights. For visibility although, I don’t assume vehicles will miss you.
Remaining ideas
For simply $1,295 for the bottom mannequin or $1,595 for the twin battery model, it is a nice worth for an excellent lengthy vary cargo e-bike.
Sure, it’s bought some small points. I’d most likely simply take away the rear guards to provide me entry to border rails within the rear, although I settle for that they’re a security characteristic and so I’d slightly simply appear them a bit smaller. And it’s heavy as all get out. However at this worth, you’re getting some severe efficiency and many cargo area.
The great options like a torque sensor and delightful show add important worth on what needs to be an in any other case unremarkable bargain-priced electrical bike, so this one truly stunned me in a great way.
I’m not saying there aren’t higher choices on the market, and the Lectric XPedition 2.0 for simply an additional $100 has lots going for it (even when the battery isn’t as large). However for $1,295, the Engwe LE20 is unquestionably compelling as a long-range cargo e-bike.
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