Engwe M20 Review: Engwe Strikes Again!

The Engwe M20 has a 750W brushless motor that peaks at 1000W and is backed by a 48V power source. The bike features a throttle as well as five levels of pedal assist to suit different riding scenarios. Now before you get carried away by these fancy numbers, just know that during my testing, I found that the bike’s performance did not match its claimed 1000W peak power output. 

The motor did provide ample assistance, and I was able to achieve a top speed of 25.6mph. The cadence sensor ensured a somewhat smooth power delivery. Guess you can either have that or throttle and as you’d probably know, I’m all rave for throttle!

The acceleration of the Engwe M20 e-bike felt satisfactory. During my first test ride, I found that the bike was able to reach a top speed of 23mph relatively quickly, within just 13 seconds. But after that, it was challenging to achieve further acceleration. I mean, it took me around 7 more seconds to hit 24mph. My colleague, however, who is lighter was able to achieve 25.6mph on level ground.

It’s worth noting that I weigh 150 lbs and I tested the bike on asphalt pavement with a slight uphill gradient in windless conditions. All in all, it was easy to pick up a reasonable speed and the acceleration felt steady. 

As for the top speed, I was unable to go beyond 25mph on flat or uphill terrains throughout my test ride. Even on downhill riding, I could just hit 27mph and not the usual Class 3 speed of 28mph. My colleague was able to get to 25.6mph.

The Engwe M20 claims an impressive 1000W of peak power, which is sure to appeal to riders looking for a high-performance electric bike. However, it is essential to note that the motor’s torque rating is just 55Nm. Let me discuss some e-bike basics regarding ‘torque’ and ‘watts’ to clarify what I’m saying.

Contrary to what some manufacturers may have you believe, the watt and voltage figures on an e-bike motor are not necessarily a reliable indicator of its overall performance. These figures only indicate the amount of power the motor can produce, but they do not tell you anything about how efficiently that power is used to turn the wheels. 

Torque, on the other hand, is a better measure of that. It shows the force an e-bike motor can generate to turn the wheels… and that’s what helps you at hills. Also, don’t forget that peak power is just momentary, it’s the nominal power that is sustained throughout the ride.

So, while Engwe M20’s claimed 1000W peak power output is undoubtedly impressive, its relatively low torque rating of 55Nm means that it may not be the best choice for riders who plan to undertake daring adventures… by getting a wrong idea from the ‘1000W’ figure. The bike performs just like any other 750W bike and is reasonably capable at hills. Also, don’t forget that the low torque is more of a hub vs mid thing.

The Engwe M20 e-bike comes standard with a 48V 13Ah (624Wh) battery, but you can get the optional spare battery of equal capacity to double the juice. During my testing, I was able to travel just 20 miles on PAS 5 before running out of power on the single-battery M20. 

The range is kind of disappointing and falls way short of the manufacturer’s claimed figures but, given the bike’s price point, some tradeoffs may be expected. Also, who’s stopping you to upgrade to the dual battery option?

The ride quality of the Engwe M20 e-bike was excellent. Thanks to the combined action of the 4” fat tires, giant saddle, and dual suspension, there was no noticeable jerkiness during my testing. The steering and cornering were nimble and the bike was easy to maneuver through tight spaces. The power delivery was also quite responsive, and I felt no lag during acceleration.

The weight distribution of the bike was also impressive. It was well-balanced, which contributed to its overall ride stability. It’s worth noting that the tires of the M20 have a knobby tread, which makes them more suited for off-road use than on paved roads. The saddle (though very large) was not particularly cushy. But it was still way better than what we often find on regular bikes.

The Engwe M20 e-bike is equipped with 160mm dual mechanical disc brakes from Wuxing. While the brakes are functional and get the job done, they feel a bit mediocre given the bike’s weight, the intended off-road use, and the overall speed. During our testing, I found that the bike came to a halt from an initial speed of 25mph in around 12-13 meters.

The braking performance of the bike could have been improved with the use of hydraulic disc brakes, but it’s no surprise that a bike at this price point does not come with them. Thankfully, the brakes featured power cut-off levers, which helped increase the braking efficiency.

The Engwe M20 has mechanical suspension in both front and rear. The front fork has decent travel, but the rear shock is so stiff that it can barely be called a suspension at all. The result is that the rear end of the bike doesn’t absorb bumps and shocks as well as it should, making for a less comfortable ride. 

So overall, the suspension on the Engwe M20 electric bike feels just ok. While the front suspension is adjustable to suit your weight and riding style, it’s not enough to make up for the poor performance of the rear shock. Luckily, you have bumpy fat tires to make up for that.

The M20 comes with the Shimano Tourney 7-speed system. Shifting gears was fairly smooth but at high speeds, I found myself just ghost-pedaling. Overall, the transmission system felt a bit useless for the bike’s intended purpose as a high-speed electric moped. 

The single battery version (48V 13Ah) is priced at $1,299, however, an early bird discount of $150 is available, bringing the price down to an incredibly affordable $1,149. The dual battery version with 48V 26Ah (1.25kWh of energy) is priced at $1,599. It also has the $150 early bird coupon, which brings the price down to a more than reasonable $1,449.

The Engwe M20 offers a great value for money, especially when you consider that it is a dual-suspension electric moped (with features like cast rim wheels and dual headlamps), and that the bike is well-built and from a fairly well-reputed brand.

The Engwe M20 electric moped is available in three different color options: black, white, and green, giving the bike a sleek, modern, and adventurous feel respectively.

The frame of the bike is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, which is known for being lightweight. However, the bike is quite heavy, weighing in at 76.72lbs (34.8kg). Surprisingly, the bike also has a poor load rating of just 265lbs (120kg), which means it won’t be suitable for heavier riders.

With a minimalist moped-style frame, a giant leather-covered saddle, and one-piece rims, the M20 does turn a head or two. The design feature I liked the most is M20’s dual headlamps, which dramatically increase its road presence. The bike does not have internal wiring, which can affect its overall aesthetic appeal for some riders, but all wires are neatly packed. Likewise, the welds also look better than expected. 

The frame geometry and riding posture on the M20 is quite decent. The adjustable handlebar helps fine-tune the riding posture for individual preferences, but it is not height adjustable, which could be a limitation for some riders. Likewise, by nature of its design, the saddle position cannot be changed.

The 48V 13Ah lithium-ion battery pack is removable, and you can get an optional extra battery of the same capacity to double the range. The battery is lockable for added security, and charging time is around 5 hours. One thing I don’t like is the placement of the optional battery.

In terms of portability, the Engwe P26 is a bit on the heavy side. 

The EU version of the bike weighs in at 57.8lbs (26.2kg), while the US version weighs 53.3lbs (24.2kg). This makes it a bit difficult to carry around. That being said, the bike is still portable enough to be transported on a car or in a bike carrier. 

One thing to note is that the bike’s rated rider load is 220lbs (100kg), which is a bit low compared to other commuter ebikes. This means that heavier riders may need to be careful when riding the bike to avoid putting too much strain on the frame or components.

The Engwe M20 electric bike has two 5W headlamps at the front and an integrated brake light at the rear. The lights are bright enough to provide adequate illumination at night, making it safer for riders to navigate through low light conditions… and the dual headlamps just look awesome, to say the least.

The M20 e-bike has a 60x40mm LCD screen that is clearly visible in daylight, and shows all essential information including speed, distance, and battery level. The LCD is backlit, which makes it easy to read in low light conditions.

The M20 comes with 20×4.0” fat tires with a knobby tread for better traction on different types of terrain. The brand is Chaoyang, which is a well-known manufacturer of bike tires. Besides boosting capability, the tires also help with suspension and overall ride comfort. They ensure adequate stability and cushioning on bumpy roads as well as on rugged off-road tracks.

The frame, battery, motor, controller, and LCD are covered for a full year… and the drivetrain components, such as the chain, cassette, and derailleur, are covered for six months. While this coverage period is slightly shorter than the other components, it is still a generous warranty that should provide adequate protection for riders. I’d suggest readers consult Engwe’s official website for more coverage details. 

The M20 electric bike comes with full-length fenders, which are useful for protecting the rider from getting wet or dirty when riding through muddy or wet terrain. You also have a sturdy kickstand and multiple reflectors. 

The Engwe M20 has an IP2 rating, which means it is resistant to water droplets that fall vertically to the bike’s surface at a 15-degree angle or less. This rating may not be enough for riding through heavy rain, so riders should take extra precautions to protect the bike’s electronic components from water damage.

Overall, the Engwe M20 offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. While it may not boast the power and torque you’d expect from a true 1kW e-bike, it still provides good performance, including on hills. It can access most trails and is a versatile option for those who like to venture off all sorts of beaten paths. The ride quality is very good, with nimble handling and good weight distribution… and the bumpy fat tires contribute to a smooth and comfortable ride. 

One of the things I like about this bike is its affordability. The $1,299 single-battery version ($1,149 for early birds) is a great option for someone who is on a budget but still wants to experience the joy of riding an electric moped. Additionally, the dual battery function is a useful feature that provides extra power and extended range to those who can throw in more bucks. Another thing I appreciate is the inclusion of fenders, which are useful for keeping mud and water off the rider.

Yes, there are some areas that could be improved. The brakes are mediocre and not suitable for the bike’s intended use, which can be a safety concern. In terms of styling, the bike looks plain and lacks any significant design flair that would make it stand out from other bikes in the category. The bike is also heavy and still has a poor load rating… the waterproof rating isn’t great either. But when you factor everything, especially the budget tag, the M20 comes out as a great addition to the electric moped industry!

If you’re looking to compare options, here are two main alternatives for the Engwe M20 fat tire e-bike in a similar budget range. 

Engwe M20 vs Ouxi V8

The Engwe M20’s main competitor, the Ouxi V8, comes in at a slightly lower price (that’s when you ignore the early bird discount) and has a larger battery as well as a higher load capacity. But it does not come with dual suspension, has a smaller motor, and weighs even more than the M20. Also, Engwe is an established brand… and don’t forget the dashing dual headlamps!

Engwe M20 vs Macfox M20X

The Macfox M20X is an even more budget-friendly option for those who desperately want in on the moped thing… but it lags behind the M20 in every feature except for one. The M20X weighs 66 lbs and can haul a maximum of 300 lbs. And that’s pretty much it. For the downsides, it has a very small battery and misses as basic a thing as a 7-speed transmission.

Here’s a brief comparison of these three electric bikes.

Is the Engwe M20 fit for a heavy rider?

The Engwe M20 can support just 120kg (265 lbs) of load, which means it won’t be suitable for heavier riders. This load rating is one of the worst in class.

How much does the Engwe M20 weigh?

The Engwe M20 e-bike weighs 77 lbs (35kg), which is too much on the heavier side.

What’s the recommended rider height for the M20?

The Engwe M20 is suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5.0-6.8ft or 155-210cm. Also, it is important to note that neither the seat nor the handlebar is height adjustable.

How to unlock the throttle on the Engwe M20?

1. Turn off the power. 
2. Press the right brake lever and turn the throttle simultaneously.
3. Turn on the power. 
4. When the LCD screen displays ‘22,’ release the brake and throttle.
5. Increase the gear/ power mode to PAS 5, the throttle will be unlocked.
6. The same method can be used to disable the throttle.

How to unlock speed on the Engwe M20?

The Engwe M20 comes with a preset speed limit of 25km/h (15.5mph). To unlock its speed, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the power and set the gear/ PAS mode to 0.
2. Hold down the + and – button on the LCD meter for more than 3 seconds to enter the system menu.
3. Adjust the gear/ PAS mode, so that it shows the speed limit. 
4. Press the power key. The page will be switched to the setting parameters page.
5. Now, press the + or – keys to adjust the speed in km/h, and long-press the power button to save your settings.

• Motor: 750W, 1000W peak
• Max speed: 28mph
• Max climbing: 10°
• Riding modes: 3 (Cycling/ Throttle/ Pedal Assist)
• No. of assist levels: 5 
• Battery: 48V 13Ah (+ Optional 48V 13Ah)
• Max Range: 34 miles (55km) on electric mode 1 and 53 miles (86km) on PAS mode 1
• Charging time: 5 hrs
• Brakes: 160mm dual mechanical disc
• Suspension: Dual mechanical suspension
• Frame material: 6061 aluminum alloy
• Max load: 265lbs (120kg)
• Transmission: Shimano 7-speed system
• Display: Color LCD
• Tire size: 20×4.0” all-terrain fat tire
• Rider height: 5.0-6.8ft (155-210cm)
• Product weight: 76.72lbs (34.8kg)
• Gross weight: 89.29lbs (40.5kg)
• Product size: 40.9×21.6×33.0” (104x55x84cm)
• Package size: 56.2×11.8×27.5” (143x30x70cm)