ENGWE P26 Review: Affordability With Performance

The Engwe P26 is available in two versions for the European and American markets. The EU version has a 250W hub motor fueled by a 36V 17Ah (612Wh) battery, while the US version is a bit beefier with a 500W hub motor backed by a 48V 13.6Ah (653Wh)  battery. 

The torque output of the EU and US versions is 40Nm and 45Nm respectively. Now, 40Nm for 250W is very normal, but it’s weird that the 500W version only claims to have 45Nm. During my testing, the 500W felt like a proper 500W. It had way more push and it was about 11kmh faster than the EU counterpart. Cheers to the Americans, they will have more fun for a lesser price tag!

Both versions have 3 riding modes: throttle, cycling, and a 5-level cadence-based pedal assist. The modes can be easily switched by the LCD instrument. At mode 0, it’s a regular bike, and modes 1-5 let you fine-tune the motor assistance in accordance with your needs.

The acceleration of the 250W P26 felt mild on the throttle mode, but it was really fast when I switched to the pedal assist mode. I was in fact quite impressed with how zippy it was at PAS 5. Also, it is worth mentioning that the PAS 5 works like cruise control, as the bike maintains a constant top speed as soon as you activate it.

The 500W US version wasn’t mild even in throttle mode. It accelerated way faster and was much more zippier. 

The top speed of the Engwe P26 was pretty decent for both versions. The EU version easily reached a top speed of 30.1km/h (18.7mph), with the rider weight being 135 lbs. Now it may not sound particularly impressive to US folks, but don’t forget that the EU caps the maximum speed for e-bikes at 25km/h (15.5mph). 

Also, considering that it’s only a 250W motor with 40Nm of torque, it was not too shabby. The US version could hit 26.2mph (42.2km/h) – almost approaching the Class 3 limit of 28mph (45km/h). However, the top speed on both versions was achievable only at full charge. Every time a battery bar drops, the speed decreases by 2km/h. When the battery was about to drain completely, the speed dropped to 6.2mph (10km/h), but it’s kind of normal for e-bikes.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Engwe P26’s hill climbing ability, especially that of the EU version. I was initially worried that I’d have to pedal quite a bit (considering how hub motors suck at that), but when I tried the throttle mode, I felt it was more than adequate.

Even though the bike wasn’t fast, for a 250W motor, it exceeded my expectations and did pretty well on inclines. The 500W US version performed even better, as it’s backed by a 48V supply and not 36V. I was able to effortlessly climb hills with a gradient of 10 degrees. Overall, I think the Engwe P26 is a solid choice for anyone who needs to tackle mild inclines during their daily commute.

During my testing, I was able to get 64.7km (40.2 miles) of range on the EU version on PAS 5. This was while riding on city paved roads with almost no incline and in average wind conditions, with the rider weight being 135 lbs. On the US version, I was able to squeeze 30.1 miles (48.5km) on a single charge on PAS 5. 

I have to say, I was really impressed with the tested range of both versions (considering the battery size). Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the terrain and conditions you ride in, but in my experience, the P26 should be more than sufficient for most people’s daily commutes.

The ride quality of the Engwe P26 was really smooth. The steering was nimble and agile, which made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. I had no trouble weaving through traffic, navigating busy city streets, or taking tight turns, but I did have to slow down a bit to maintain control… as the turning radius is larger than that of 20 inches!

The power delivery, however, was lagging at times due to the cadence sensor. There were instances where the power still kicked in after I stopped pedaling, which was a bit frustrating. But for the most part, the bike performed well and got me where I needed to go. 

Also, it’s important to note that during high-speed riding, particularly with the US version, users may experience some discomfort. Since the bike is capable of reaching very high speeds, I’d recommend users wear glasses to prevent discomfort to the eyes.

Additionally, due to the skinny tires, the bike can become shaky at times… These vibrations can be especially noticeable during high-speed rides and may cause discomfort for some users. For instance, after three hours of usage, I felt significant discomfort in my hip, wrist, and spine.

As for the saddle, I didn’t find it soft. It does not provide enough cushioning and can be too uncomfortable on longer rides. To alleviate this issue, I’d suggest users upgrade the bike’s seat or invest in a cushioned seat cover to reduce discomfort during longer rides.

The P26 is equipped with 160mm dual mechanical disc brakes from Wuxing, which isn’t a particularly famous brand. However, I found the braking performance to be very good. It didn’t feel unreliable. The braking was quick and responsive… and I felt confident coming to a stop, even at high speeds and on wet roads.

The only issue I found with the brakes is that they were a bit stiff. But, to be honest, I’ve had worse!

The P26 comes with a front mechanical spring fork, which provides a decent amount of suspension for city riding. It is adjustable and lockable to suit your riding… and it did a somewhat great job at absorbing bumps and potholes during my testing.

The P26 has a sleek and stylish design. The alloy frame looks great and has a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The internal wiring gives the bike a really clean look and helps prevent any clutter on the handlebars or frame.

One feature I particularly like is the semi-integrated battery, which is hidden within the frame. This not only looks great but also helps protect the battery from theft.  The hidden battery also makes the bike look more like a traditional bicycle, which is a huge plus for me.

In terms of the welding, it could be a bit more uniform. However, it’s worth noting that this is an affordable commuter e-bike, and the welding is actually not bad given the price point. 

The P26 has a hardtail MTB frame, that strikes a good balance between comfort and efficiency (not factoring in the uncomfy saddle though). 

One thing that helped with the comfort was the adjustable seat and handlebars. Being able to adjust the riding posture to my convenience made a big difference, especially during longer rides. I was able to find an ergonomic riding position that didn’t put too much strain on my back… and it somewhat compensated for the saddle.

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.

As I mentioned before, the P26 features a semi-integrated battery that is hidden within the frame, but still removable. I found this to be a great feature as it makes it easy to remove the battery for charging. The battery case can also be locked and unlocked, which is a nice touch for added security.

In terms of charging time, the EU version of the bike takes about 8 hours to charge from empty, while the US version takes about 6 hours. Eight hours is too much and I wish Engwe had provided a fast charger to reduce the charging time for the EU version!

The P26 features both a front headlight and a rear brake light, which are essential for riding safely at night. The headlight has a 2W power output, which is bright enough to illuminate the road ahead, while the rear brake light provides added visibility to other road users. 

The P26 also has a backlit LCD display that is large and easy to operate. The display is visible even in daylight, which is nice, and provides all the essential ride information including your speed, battery level, distance covered, and assist mode.

The Engwe P26 has 26×1.95″ MTB tires from Chaoyang that provide a good grip on both wet and dry surfaces. I found the tires to be sturdy and durable… and capable of taking on undulated surfaces.

The P26 has an IP2 waterproof rating, which is not the best but still provides some level of protection against rain and splashes. However, it’s worth noting that the bike is not fully waterproof and should be kept dry as much as possible.

The frame, battery, motor, controller, and LCD are covered for 12 months, while the drivetrain components are covered for 6 months. Please refer to Engwe’s official site to know the exact warranty coverage period for any specific component.

The EU version comes with a rear rack and dual fenders… which is great! The rear rack is sturdy and can support a decent amount of weight, making it perfect for carrying groceries or other items during your commute. The full-length metal fenders are also a nice addition, as they help keep you and the bike clean and dry in wet conditions.

The US version of the bike does not come with these accessories (which kind of sucks), but they can be easily added on if desired. Both versions also have a mechanical bell, but frankly speaking, it seemed pretty useless to me.

Is the Engwe P26 fit for a heavy rider?

The Engwe P26 has a load capacity of 220lbs (100kg), which may not be suitable for heavier riders. 

What’s the recommended rider height for the P26?

The Engwe P26 is suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5.0-6.8ft (155-210cm). Thankfully, both the seat and handlebar are height adjustable. 

How much does the Engwe P26 weigh?

The US version weighs 53.3lbs (24.2kg), while the EU version weighs 57.8lbs (26.2kg) due to the added weight of fenders and a rear rack. 

How to unlock the throttle on the Engwe P26?

You can unlock the throttle on the Engwe P26 by following these steps:

1. Turn off the power.
2. Press the right brake level and twist the throttle simultaneously.
3. Turn on the power. 
4. The LCD screen will light up. Let it stay on for 10 seconds.
5. Release the brake and throttle, and the throttle will be unlocked.

The same method can be used to disable the throttle.

How to unlock speed on the Engwe P26?

The Engwe P26 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 +- button on the LCD meter for more than 3 seconds to enter the system menu.
3. Press and hold the – key and i key at the same time to enter the next setting interface LD.
4. Press the – key to select the LS interface, then press the i key to enter the speed setting interface.
5. Adjust ‘25’ to the desired speed limit in km/h.
6. Now, long press the i key to save and return to the instrument interface.

Is it legal to unlock the throttle on the P26?

Unlocking the throttle is not legal on public roads in the EU, and you can only use the unlocked bike on private property. Please note that it’s your responsibility to ensure that you’re complying with local laws and regulations.

After spending some time with the Engwe P26, I have to say that it’s a decent ebike, but not without its drawbacks. The cadence sensor is not very responsive, the 220lbs load rating is inadequate, the weight is a bit on the heavy side, and the EU version has a long charging time… but the bike performs well in most situations. 

It is suitable for city riding and can be a great option for those looking for an affordable ebike that can handle the daily commute.

When comparing it to other budget commuter ebikes in the same price range, the Engwe P26 stands out due to its winning combination of performance, style, and comfort. The sleek alloy frame and semi-integrated battery provide a clean, modern look, and the additional accessories that come with the EU version, such as the rear rack and full-length fenders, add even more value to the bike.

Overall, while it may not be perfect for challenging terrains or for long distance riding, the Engwe P26 is still a solid choice as a budget-friendly and reliable ebike for daily commute or casual city riding. It is a great entry-level ebike for short commutes with excellent value for money!