Engwe P20 evaluation: A inexpensive Brompton totally different
Engwe P20: One minute evaluation
The P20 is Engwe’s most refined model thus far. The company’s bikes are acknowledged for his or her big and brutalistic design mannequin, so making a compact e-bike like this will likely appear to be a deviation from its core values. If truth be told, this e-bike nonetheless appears 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 could possibly be achieved 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 significantly better than the clip design of Brompton bikes. Sadly, it’s not pretty as easy to maneuver as a typical Brompton, however it’s not far off. If you want a foldable e-bike with a bit of additional power than a Brompton, then the P20 is a unbelievable alternative.
At £1,199, you’ll be hard-pressed to look out one thing of such prime quality, and with the similar consideration to ingredient, elsewhere. It’s too early to tell whether or not or not the Engwe P20 will make it onto our guidelines of the best e-bikes however it’s undoubtedly a strong contender.
| Ingredient | One different P20 |
| Measurement fluctuate: | 158 x 120 cm |
| Motor: | 250W Brushless Motor |
| Prime velocity | 25 km / 15.5 miles per hour |
| Power: | 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) |
| Fluctuate: | 62 Miles |
Engwe P20: Value and availability
- £1,199 / €1,299
- Not accessible inside the US
- On the market from the producer instantly
The Engwe P20 is just accessible in UK and EU markets. The 250W motor and 15.5mph / 25kph velocity limiter make it road-legal all over the place it’s purchased. There gained’t be a US mannequin as this e-bike is especially positioned for the UK market. Not like many various Engwe e-bikes, there’s no alternative to enhance the battery.
It’s accessible in black, white or a surprising mint inexperienced, which is the model I examined. The price is similar no matter which shade you go for. Engwe moreover affords a wide range of tools at an additional worth, along with a rack bag, bike pump, and lock.
Elephant P20: Design
- Reliable and well-engineered folding mechanism
- Carbon drive belt
- Upright driving place
Let’s begin with the folding course of for the P20, which is a five-step operation. That’s achieved through 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, lowering the saddle, and eventually folding the pedals. As a rule, steps two and three are sufficient, although you might also should make the saddle adjustment if you must match the e-bike into tight areas.
I favor to not modify the handlebars an extreme quantity of, on account of that features messing spherical with a clamp mechanism that I don’t think about would stand the check out of time if it was used generally. I moreover don’t see an unlimited revenue in tucking them away any higher than is already the case of their pure place.
The riser rotation mechanism is nice and durable whereas allowing for the rider to rotate the riser and handlebars all the best way right down to the doorway wheel. Sadly, there’s no method 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 loads higher at implementing intricate design choices, and it really reveals on the P20.
Certainly one of many standouts of the complete design is that the two halves of the e-bike be part of collectively through magnets which may be mounted to each wheel. It’s a really ingenious decision that eliminates the need for any transferring components, which could fail over time.
It’s nearly 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 imagine Engwe’s system is simpler to operate and I actually just like the magnetic catch, nonetheless the Brompton is smaller and lighter and subsequently easier to maneuver. I imagine all of it comes all the best way right down to what complete 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 are not any important effectivity factors with this setup, although you do lose a little bit of effectivity with the carbon drive compared with a metal chain. The 20-inch puncture-proof tires are glorious for metropolis cruising, nonetheless lack the bulk required for going up and down curbs or off-road. Don’t resolve 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 just too extreme
- Prime velocity of 25kph / 15.5mph
- No suspension
The very very first thing I noticed was how easy it was to face as much as the very best velocity of 25kph / 15.5mph. That’s on account of power of the motor, accessible 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 troublesome 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 extra speeds to cycle through. I imagine the Brompton 4-speed has it glorious, although higher resistance on the P20’s single velocity would even be sufficient.
The problem was considerably noticeable when going downhill, nonetheless the e-bike really received right here into its private after I used to be nipping spherical flat metropolis streets, on which the P20 is responsive, quick, and a pleasure to journey. For many who’re in quest of a straightforward, good-looking, foldable bike for cruising spherical a metropolis or metropolis, the P20 is no doubt one of many best decisions I’ve tried.
The motor is completely silent, so at events it feels akin to you’re driving a standard pushbike. You’re moreover not subject to any sudden jerky actions due to the torque sensor, which picks up the rotation of the pedals fully. The P20 responds quickly and successfully, so it’s on a regular basis capable of go when you end up.
As there’s no suspension, and given the size of the tires, you’ll want to stay away from off-roading or going up and down too many curbs. That being said, I did uncover that the e-bike was remarkably capable of cushioning nearly every bump I threw at it.
The carbon belt is a winner, and I’m an unlimited fan of those sorts of belts on account of they’re a lot much less vulnerable to points with grease or grime. 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 averted with the P20. The belt ensures to ship 330,000km of distance, although it’s worth noting that carbon belts are usually a lot much less surroundings pleasant than regular chains.
I imagine most people will love the P20, although it’s possible you’ll, at events, find yourself wanting an extra gear or two.
One P20: Battery life
- 100km fluctuate
- 36V 9.6A battery
- 5-hour value per battery
The marketed fluctuate of 100km is just achievable in glorious conditions, on the bottom pedal assist, and with minimal rider weight. If truth be told, you’ll be having a look at nearer 50km / 30 miles per value. That’s nonetheless higher than adequate for a lot of every day commutes, notably considering that this e-bike is designed for shorter rides pretty than for prolonged journeys.
You’ll solely be succesful to attach the one 36V 9.6A battery to this physique, so there’s no option to double the fluctuate. Collaborating and disengaging the battery could possibly be quite simple due to Engwe’s consideration to engineering an environment friendly clip mechanism.
Eradicating the battery will let you value it at dwelling or at work by means of the day. It moreover reduces the chances of the battery being stolen, although there’s 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 | Score |
| Value | A reasonably priced e-bike, notably as a result of it is normally discounted. | 4/5 |
| Design | An excellent foldable mechanism that ends in a compact transportable e-bike decision | 4.5/5 |
| Effectivity | Low cost power nonetheless let down by the single-speed setup. Further gears required. | 4/5 |
| Battery Life | Respectable fluctuate although not when working it exhausting. | 3.5/5 |
Buy it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
Moreover take note of
| Ingredient | One different P20 | Brompton C Line 12-speed |
| Measurement fluctuate: | 158 x 120 cm | 25.3″ H x 23” W x 10.6” D |
| Motor: | 250W Brushless Motor | 250W Brushless Motor |
| Prime velocity | 25 km per hour | 25 km per hour |
| Power: | 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 Steel |
| Weight: | 22kg (55 lbs) | From 17.3 kg |
| Fluctuate: | 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 every day 7-mile commute which takes me through the countryside. I coated nearly every type of terrain apart from off-roading.
First reviewed: November 2024
