The Engwe LE20 is an attention-grabbing 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 identical time, it seems to be like a cross between a compact cargo bike and a semi-fat tire hybrid-style bike, with a chunky body, small wheels, and a protracted rear rack. However how does it truly carry out in the true world? After spending a while using and testing it, right here’s what I discovered.
For such an attention-grabbing low-cost, long-range cargo e-bike, you’ll undoubtedly need to see what it’s wish to trip this one.
Try my video assessment under for the total expertise!
Engwe LE20 Video Evaluation
Engwe LE20 2.0 tech specs
- Motor: 750W geared hub motor within the rear wheel
- Prime velocity: 45 km/h (28 mph) on pedal help, 32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle
- Vary: Claimed as much as 160 km (100 mi) on single battery (or twice that with twin batteries)
- Battery: One or two 48V 19.2Ah (920 Wh) batteries
- Weight: 41.5 kg (91.5 lb)
- Max load: 200 kg (440 lb)
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
- Extras: Lengthy rear rack, lovely coloration LED show, built-in head/tail/brake LED lights with flip alerts, 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 clean however robust, 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 will possibly attain 28 mph (45 km/h).
One of many issues I actually appreciated in regards to the trip was the torque sensor. Many finances e-bikes depend on low cost cadence sensors, and to be truthful, Engwe has floated by on cadence sensors previously. Cadence sensors aren’t dangerous per se, however the cheaper ones can really feel further laggy and they’re typically mixed with poor controller programming that ends in lurching and jumpy acceleration. As a pleasant change, the LE20’s torque sensor responds rapidly to enter, giving it a way more pure and intuitive trip really feel. It simply feels extra such as you’re using a motorbike with robust legs, than that you simply’re on a jumpy motorcycle.
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 effectively. For steeper hills although, you’ll normally need 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 value extra and have much less battery, so Engwe begins robust 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 circumstances. In real-world using, utilizing a mixture of throttle and pedal help, I’d anticipate the vary to be nearer to 30-50 miles, which remains to be strong.
For individuals who want extra vary, Engwe gives an non-compulsory second battery, which might theoretically double the vary. When you’re utilizing this bike for supply work or long-haul commutes, that second battery may be price contemplating.
I examined the twin battery model, and I ought to level out that not like most twin battery e-bikes, the Engwe exhibits the cost stage of each batteries on the show. That’s a cool function and can be vital for instances 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 also be very nice. I’d say it has no companies being this good trying on a finances bike, however the colours and format make it very slick look and simply readable.
Cargo and Utility
The LE20 is definitely designed firstly as a cargo e-bike, and whereas it does have a big rear rack, it’s not fairly as strong as conventional long-tail cargo bikes. That stated, the 440 lbs (200 kg) payload capability means it will possibly carry a good quantity, assuming that’s correct. I all the time need to marvel a bit, particularly when finances firms listing the identical or increased weight scores than business leaders corresponding to Tern, who places numerous emphasis on correct weight scores. I’m undecided I’d run it with 440 lb of weight on it daily, however maybe that’s simply me being conservative with an admittedly budget-brand electrical bike.
The lengthy rear rack does provide some good area for mounting equipment corresponding to a baby security seat, although I just like the passenger deck pads that work simply as effectively for youths and adults. Engwe additionally sells varioius storage instances and different cargo equipment. Mine didn’t include footrests, however I believe the usual bundle contains them now.
One main inconvenience that I did NOT like in regards to the cargo design is that the facet panels are so large that they cowl each little bit of uncovered body rail within the again. Meaning I’ve obtained nothing to lash to after I need 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 assessment 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 effectively, because of 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 a minimum of they’re upkeep free and look cool, too!
The step-through body makes getting on and off the bike simple, particularly in case you’re carrying cargo. The seat is decently snug, and the upright using place feels pure.
Nevertheless, at 91.5 lbs (41.5 kg), it’s not a light-weight bike by any stretch of the creativeness! You undoubtedly really feel that weight when maneuvering it round in a storage or parking, and even when using round at low speeds.
At increased speeds, you typically 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 assist you in case you ever need to elevate it onto a motorbike 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 robust stopping energy. Given the load and velocity of this bike, hydraulic brakes are a necessity, and I used to be blissful to see that Engwe didn’t minimize corners right here.
One other main security function is lighting, and the LE20 comes with built-in lights that run off the primary 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 a minimum of make use of that large e-bike battery for the lighting.
The twin-barrel headlights appear loads shiny as a be-seen mild, however don’t anticipate them to solely mild up the trail on a moonless night time with no avenue lights. For visibility although, I don’t assume automobiles will miss you.
Ultimate ideas
For simply $1,295 for the bottom mannequin or $1,595 for the twin battery model, it is a nice worth for a brilliant lengthy vary cargo e-bike.
Sure, it’s obtained some small points. I’d most likely simply take away the rear guards to present me entry to border rails within the rear, although I settle for that they’re a security function and so I’d relatively 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 plenty of cargo area.
The good options like a torque sensor and exquisite show add vital worth on what must 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 loads going for it (even when the battery isn’t as huge). However for $1,295, the Engwe LE20 is certainly compelling as a long-range cargo e-bike.
