Best electric bikes 2023 for every kind of rider
If you’re looking for the best electric bikes, there are a lot to choose from, with electric motors and batteries added to a wide range of bikes to add extra power.
Electric road bikes will come with dropped handlebars and favour low weight, whilst electric hybrid bikes will come with flat bars, wider tyres and accessories to aid commuters – such as mudguards and lights. Electric folding bikes are useful if part of your journey involves train travel or you’re short on space.
Here at Cycling Weekly, we’ve reviewed bikes from these three categories and there are links to our more detailed reviews for each bike in this guide. Our testing involves a range of routes and ride lengths and our highly experienced team of testers understands what makes a good bike and what to look for in the best electric bikes.
Electric bikes can be expensive, but there are options too if you’re looking to keep costs low with starting from around 1,000: check out the best budget electric bikes. If you’re into tinkering with your bike, you might also want to look at the best electric bike conversion kits as an alternative to buying a completely new electric bike.
Women may benefit from female specific components on the best women’s electric bikes, and if you’re venturing off-road, check out the best electric gravel bikes.
If you’re looking for the best electric mountain bike though, follow this link to head over to our sister publication MBR which specialises in mountain biking.
Top picks
Here’s a quick look at our top choices from the best electric bikes, including a folding option.
The Specialized Turbo Vado is designed for fast urban riding but with its suspension fork and wider tires it can also handle rougher roads.
There’s a lot of clever tech in the aviation-inspired Gocycle G4i, with a neat folding mechanism, lightweight frame and decent mileage from its internal battery.
The Giant Fastride’s neatly integrated battery and quality spec make it a great option for the commute, with wide gear range and hydraulic disc brakes.
If your e-bike riding heads off-road, the Neo Carbon Lefty has front and rear suspension and a powerful Bosch motor to help you up the hills.
The Cento1 Hybrid takes Wilier’s race bike pedigree and inserts a rear hub motor in a stealth package that keeps the bike’s performance and doesn’t add too much weight.
The classic Brompton with the same folding mechanism, but with a front hub motor and battery housed in a neat removeable bag.
Our pick of the best electric bikes
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best Electric Hybrid bikes
Electric hybrid bikes are the fastest selling style. Their flat bars, usually wide tyre, and commute friendly fittings. such as mudguard mounts and rack mounts. make them extremely practical machines.
The motor can be housed in the rear hub, or at the cranks, and the torque will vary. low torque models offer a natural pedalling assistance, but high torque versions will move off the lights more quickly.
Reasons to avoid
The Ribble Hybrid AL e is a road-going hybrid bike that’s equally at home on gravel paths and trails, with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring upright riding position, so great for returning or newbie riders.
For us, we think the bike is one of the best looking hybrids we’ve ever come across, with the design hiding away the motor incredibly well, although we were a little sad that adjusting the seat post left behind scratch marks. The fully loaded package includes fenders (mudguards), lights and a rear rack making it perfect as a daily commuter or for ditching the car when going to the store, although we did find these a little rattily on test.
The Ebikemotion motor delivers its power smoothly and efficiently and offers long-range in between charges, making the Ribble far more than just an A to B bike.
Understandably it doesn’t perform in the same way as the Canyon Grail:ON in terms of fast and tight torque, but tap along and it will tick over nicely, taking the top off any strenuous rides.
With all the added extras as standard and classy looks, the Ribble Hybrid AL e is a great electric bike for the money.
Reasons to avoid
A fun ride that’s great in urban environments but also provides a confidence-inspiring ride on rougher terrain is what the Specialized Turbo Vado is all about.
If you’re after a bike that is fully integrated with lights, fenders and rack (27kg capacity) as well as security (on the App removable battery using a key), then this represents a straight forward choice. Only the weight, and to a lesser degree cost, need consideration.
We found the 70Nm/250W custom-tuned motor applies power seamlessly and powerfully as soon as you push down on the pedals. Range is excellent too. 95-130km / 60-80 miles should be easily attainable using the default settings of Sport’ and ‘50% power’. There is an Eco mode as well as Turbo, so if you’re careful you can expect much greater range.
It is a heavy machine at 60lbs/ 27kg, so not easy to lift, so anyone needing to navigate steps in or out of the bike’s storage place will need to take this into consideration, but aside from that we found the Specialized Vado Turbo to be a joy to ride.
Reasons to avoid
We absolutely loved zooming around on the speedy Ride1Up Roadster V2 with its five levels of power assist. If you’re anything like us and are more used to training and racing on standard road bikes it can easily become your guilty pleasure. it’s fantastic fun to ride.
The bike was so quiet, even on level 5, convincing onlookers that our tester had to be some kind of super Hero to ride so fast up 15 per cent climbs. The only downside. in common with other e-bikes that only assist when you’re pedalling. was where there was a requirement for a hill start, the cranks had to be turned over in order to get the motor to engage, creating a pregnant pause at the lights, before vavavooming off.
The claimed 24mph maximum assisted speed (in the US) needs input from the pedals to reach on the flats, but without a doubt it’s noticeable downhill, where other bikes, such as the Wilier Cento1Hy Ultegra Di2 e-bike auto assist would cut out and slow you down.
This extra speed also puts the bike into a class 3 e-bike, meaning that it doesn’t meet EAPC rules in the UK, but that’s by the by as US brand Ride1Up doesn’t currently ship there.
If you are in a country lucky enough to be shipped to: the US, Canada and Mexico, then it’s a great option and one that has a very high fun-to-dollar ratio.
Ride1Up is a direct-to-consumer brand. check out the Roadster V2 on its website here.
Reasons to avoid
The Canyon Precede:ON is an efficient automatic transmission city bike that performs well in multi-terrain settings whether for utility or for leisure purposes thanks to a powerful motor and control panel.
With built-in accessories such as lights, mudguards, rack and kickstand all the trappings are there to make for a comfortable ride with style straight out the box. All these add ons however do make it one of the heaviest e-bikes on the market, even heavier than the Specialized Turbo Vado.
We really loved the Canyon Grail: On and it’s great to see the Precede:ON also be kitted with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, although ideally we would love to see a little more juice in the battery to support the other impressive spec.
With everything you need straight out the box, including navigation system and lights, it’s the easiest way to swap driving/ public transport for a bike, but it is at the higher end price tag wise. There are a couple of models to choose from, which also takes the cost down a touch, but with a six year guarantee, it could be a savvy investment.
The only other point to note is that Canyon has a direct sales model, so you’ll have to buy directly from the brand here.
Reasons to avoid
The Giant Fastroad E Pro is another road-going hybrid bike with flat handlebars to promote a comfortable ride position for even the rustiest of riders, in fact we enjoyed riding this great electric hybrid road bike so much we gave it a Cycling Weekly Editor’s Choice Award.
The tyres provide plenty of squish and the ability to go lightly off-road. However on test we found the aluminium frame and fork quite stiff, which will suit those used to a traditional road bike’s feel and riders looking for a speedy commute, but worth bearing in mind if you’re used to a softer hybrid feel.
We really liked the bike’s integration of the battery, which can often be a design factor forgotten about on hybrid bikes. We were also really impressed to see the spec on the FastRoad, with hydraulic disc brakes and quality Shimano shifting, with a compact chainset and wide range cassette at the rear to provide plenty of gears for the hills all making an appearance.
A great electric hybrid bike for a fair price that will have a lot of appeal to lots of different riders.
Reasons to avoid
With its 36V battery, which should give around 70 miles of juice, hooked up to a mid-drive motor, we found that the Volt Infinity electric bike gave a nice balanced feel to the bike.
Shimano provides the power in the form of 8-speed Alfine Di2 hub Shimano Steps, the highly regarded motor and e-bike specific groupset.
Three different assistance modes will let you get the most out of that battery and the display mounted on the front will make it easy to keep track and we loved that the torque sensor picked up when we were flagging and gave us a little boost to help us along our way.
Previously similar to the Carrera Subway E, it’s had a bit of a make over and it’s now much more visually integrated than the previous model that we tested, although it’s still without a quick release rear wheel, making investing in the best puncture-proof tyres or inner tubes a shrewd investment.
The only real downside is the one size fits all. Great if it does fit you, not so much if it doesn’t.
Best Electric Folding Bikes
Folding electric bikes are practical if you have a train journey forming part of your trip or are low on space. Being small, the battery and motor can represent a large percentage of the weight, so the FOCUS is often on reducing this as much as possible.
Mileage on folding bikes is often low, since they’re typically used to ride to and from train stations, so battery range isn’t always a major consideration.
If you are considering going for a folder, you might find our buying guide page dedicated to helping you find the best folding bikes a useful read.
Reasons to avoid
We absolutely loved the Brompton Electric bike when we took it out for a spin, finding it to be the perfect bike for commuting in traffic and then stowing well out of the way post-ride.
The brand is considered by many as the gold standard of folding bikes, and the Brompton Electric is clearly cast from the same mould.
As typical with any Brompton bike, the brand has taken full control of the engineering, so everything from frame to motor has been designed in house. Brompton however has called upon the experiences of Williams Advanced Engineering when it comes to the motor, developing a bespoke lightweight removable battery and motor.
As you would expect when a team of Formula One engineers get under the bonnet of the Brompton Electric, the small, but perfectly formed motor has excelled, delivering power smoothly, safely and exactly when you need it.
The frame is the usual Brompton high standard, and while one size, keeps the ability to choose handlebars, seatpost heights and even saddle widths. There are six speeds, giving you plenty to play with when you hit a hill.
Whatever your final set up, you can rest assured as to the bike’s foldability, which is one of the reasons why Brompton stands out from the folding bike crowd. Its folded footprint is one of the smallest out there: 565mm high x 585mm wide x 270mm long (22.2 x 23 x 10.6). This means it’s highly portable and capable of stowing in the smallest of spaces, although be warned, due to the independent motor and battery pack, you’ll find yourself with two hands full, so best to invest in a rucksack for your other belongings.
On test we felt this was an absolute dream of a bike, in fact, we went as far as calling it a transport gamechanger. If you’re worried by the 17kg-plus weight, there’s now the Brompton Electric P Line bike, which uses lighter frame materials to drop the claimed weight down to 15.6kg.
Reasons to avoid
The G4i is a solid choice for a commuter, with the option to add many accessories such as mudguards (fenders), a front and rear pannier rack, integrated lights, lock holster and a travel case.
The design folds in half, so that you can push it on its wheels rather than needing to carry it, or you can fully fold it into a compact package. There’s built-in rear suspension, concealed cabling and a fully enclosed drivetrain.
It features a discreetly integrated USB port on the handlebar, enabling owners to charge their phone or other small devices from the bike’s battery when not in use. although we found the quality of the integrated phone mount didn’t quite match that of the bike itself. The same goes for the LED display, which we found to be rather basic. although the information it provides is useful.
It’s also likely to be pretty low-maintenance given that the drivetrain is completely enclosed. This makes sense, given that commuting year round usually means cycling in the wet at some point. The G4i utilizes a Shimano Nexus 3 speed internally geared hub. With 1” of elastomer suspension and 2.35” wide tyres, it is one of the more comfortable small wheelers. Single-sided wheel attachment means you don’t even have to remove the wheel, should you puncture one of the 20” wheels.
The 500W (250W in the UK/EU) G4 electric motor and 375Wh Lithium-ion battery is claimed to provide a range of up to 80km (50mi), but the most we managed to get out of it was just 44km (27mi). To be fair, that was in one of the more ‘assisted’ modes and I always had the daytime running lights on. and the city of Bath is well known for its brutally steep hills.
The bike is available from 17.6kg / 38.8lbs. However, as the weight is centred low on the frame, this at least makes the ride more stable. The folding mechanism has been improved since previous versions and can be quickly collapsed into a small package. Gocycle says this can be done in as little as ten seconds; we found it was closer to 20.
Bosch e Bike batteries
Bosch batteries are an efficient, long-life energy source. Thanks to their enormous mileage, long service life and intelligent battery management system, Bosch lithium-ion batteries are among the most modern on the market. Bosch eBike batteries combine low weight with ergonomic design and simple handling. The battery management system of the high-quality lithium-ion batteries detects potential sources of error and protects cells from overloading. There’s a suitable rechargeable battery for every requirement and every type of eBike; whether it’s the rack variant, frame battery or the integrated solution. The DualBattery is perfect for tour riders, long-distance commuters or cargo riders. The combination of two Bosch batteries delivers up to 1,250 Watt hours.
Four battery positions
Frame battery
Sporty dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the center of gravity to ensure optimum weight distribution.
Frame battery
Sporty dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the center of gravity to ensure optimum weight distribution.
Rack battery
Comfortably convenient: On step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to safely mount and dismount.
Rack battery
Comfortably convenient: On step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to safely mount and dismount.
Integrated battery
Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.
Integrated battery
Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.
Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver even greater range. Ideal for tour riders, long-distance commuters and cargo riders.
DualBattery
Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver even greater range. Ideal for tour riders, long-distance commuters and cargo riders.
PowerPacks
The versatile power source: PowerPacks from Bosch come in a variety of types. Frame batteries are close to the bike’s center of gravity. This has a positive effect on riding behavior. The rack variant is ideal for step-through models (only available in Bosch eBike system 2), offering greater freedom when mounting or dismounting. Charging is very simple in both variants: For charging with a Bosch charger, the PowerPacks can be easily removed with just one hand movement or conveniently charged on the bike itself. The high-quality, long-lasting eBike batteries from Bosch have high energy density with a compact size and light weight.
Battery – variants for the Smart system
New PowerPack 545
Go that extra distance: The PowerPack 545 is your ideal companion for excursions and city trips. You’ll never be caught short – even on last-minute diversions or unplanned uphill climbs.
New PowerPack 545
Go that extra distance: The PowerPack 545 is your ideal companion for excursions and city trips. You’ll never be caught short – even on last-minute diversions or unplanned uphill climbs.
New PowerPack 725
power and stamina: The PowerPack 725 is the perfect choice for longer tours or more demanding rides. It is ideally suited to Cargo Bikes or speed eBikes with higher energy requirements.
New PowerPack 725
power and stamina: The PowerPack 725 is the perfect choice for longer tours or more demanding rides. It is ideally suited to Cargo Bikes or speed eBikes with higher energy requirements.
Battery – variants for Bosch eBike system 2
PowerPack 300
The ideal companion on short, high-speed tours: The PowerPack 300 rack and frame battery variants for Bosch eBike system 2 are suitable for everyday use and short distances.
PowerPack 300
The ideal companion on short, high-speed tours: The PowerPack 300 rack and frame battery variants for Bosch eBike system 2 are suitable for everyday use and short distances.
PowerPack 400
Go further: The power of the PowerPack 400 (as a frame or rack battery version) means you can spontaneously explore new routes, visit friends or run errands.
PowerPack 400
Go further: The power of the PowerPack 400 (as a frame or rack battery version) means you can spontaneously explore new routes, visit friends or run errands.
PowerPack 500
Perfect for long journeys: A PowerPack 500 is the same size as and only slightly heavier than a PowerPack 400 but extends the range for longer trips. Available as either frame or rack batteries.
PowerPack 500
Perfect for long journeys: A PowerPack 500 is the same size as and only slightly heavier than a PowerPack 400 but extends the range for longer trips. Available as either frame or rack batteries.
Filter options
- PowerPack 300
- PowerPack 400
- PowerPack 500
- PowerPack 545 Frame
- PowerPack 725 Frame
- System
- Mounting type
- Voltage
- Capacity
- Energy content
- Weight, frame battery/rack battery
- Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
- Compatible with DualBattery
- Compact Charger
- Standard Charger
- Fast Charger
- 4A Charger
Unfortunately the selected combination is not available.
PowerPack 300
PowerPack 400
PowerPack 500
PowerPack 545 Frame
PowerPack 725 Frame
approx. 5.5 lbs/approx. 5.7 lbs
Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
50% charge: Approx. 2 hours 100% charge: Approx. 5 hours
PowerPack 300
PowerPack 400
PowerPack 500
PowerPack 545 Frame
PowerPack 725 Frame
approx. 5.5 lbs/approx. 5.7 lbs
Dimensions, frame battery/rack battery
50% charge: Approx. 2 hours 100% charge: Approx. 5 hours
PowerTubes
For the highest demands in terms of performance and aesthetics: Bosch PowerTubes have the power to drive any ride and, thanks to their compact size and minimalist design, can be integrated within the eBike to ideal effect. There are two versions which are installed directly by the manufacturer, depending on the eBike model; horizontal or vertical. The sophisticated technology ensures carefree riding enjoyment: A safety catch prevents the batteries from falling out, while still allowing them to be removed with ease. Bosch offers three integrable lithium-ion batteries variants in the Smart system and in the Bosch eBike system 2, which cover all areas of application with different energy contents.
Battery – variants for the Smart system
New PowerTube 500
Elegantly integrated within the frame and the smallest PowerTube in the battery portfolio for the Smart system: The PowerTube 500 is the perfect match for minimalist lightweight eBikes.
New PowerTube 500
Elegantly integrated within the frame and the smallest PowerTube in the battery portfolio for the Smart system: The PowerTube 500 is the perfect match for minimalist lightweight eBikes.
New PowerTube 625
With the PowerTube 625 you have found the perfect fit for your eMTB adventures and longer trekking tours.
New PowerTube 625
With the PowerTube 625 you have found the perfect fit for your eMTB adventures and longer trekking tours.
PowerTube 750
The strongest and most robust PowerTube is made for long and demanding trail adventures. With this battery on board no mountain is too steep and no path too long.
PowerTube 750
The strongest and most robust PowerTube is made for long and demanding trail adventures. With this battery on board no mountain is too steep and no path too long.
Battery – variants for Bosch eBike system 2
PowerTube 400
The PowerTube 400 for Bosch eBike system 2 brings your stylish lightweight city bike up to speed and ensures carefree riding fun.
PowerTube 400
The PowerTube 400 for Bosch eBike system 2 brings your stylish lightweight city bike up to speed and ensures carefree riding fun.
PowerTube 500
The PowerTube 500 makes it easy for trekking and eMTB bikes to tackle long distances and the battery integrated in the frame provides a clean eBike look.
PowerTube 500
The PowerTube 500 makes it easy for trekking and eMTB bikes to tackle long distances and the battery integrated in the frame provides a clean eBike look.
PowerTube 625
Ready for any adventure: The PowerTube 625 for Bosch eBike system 2 lets you take on long and mountainous tours and offers plenty of power for maximum range and elevation.
PowerTube 625
Ready for any adventure: The PowerTube 625 for Bosch eBike system 2 lets you take on long and mountainous tours and offers plenty of power for maximum range and elevation.
Filter options
- System
- Mounting type
- Voltage
- Capacity
- Energy content
- Weight
- Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
- Compatible with DualBattery
- Compact Charger
- Standard Charger
- Fast Charger
- 4A Charger
Unfortunately the selected combination is not available.
PowerTube 400
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 750
Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
50% charge: Approx. 2.5 hours 100% charge: Approx. 6.5 hours
PowerTube 400
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 500
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 625
PowerTube 750
Dimensions, horizontal battery/vertical battery
50% charge: Approx. 2.5 hours 100% charge: Approx. 6.5 hours
DualBattery
No journey is too long: DualBattery is the perfect solution for tourers, long-distance commuters, cargo riders and eMTB riders. The combination of two Bosch batteries delivers up to 1,250 Wh and can be installed in almost any battery combination from the manufacturer. The system switches intelligently between the two batteries both during charging and discharging. This ensures that both batteries are charged and discharged evenly, significantly increasing their service life. Depending on what is planned, a single battery can also be used.
DualBattery is only available for Bosch eBike system 2.
PowerPack 300 and PowerTube 400 don’t work in any combination with DualBattery.
Maximum service life
The ecological footprint of an eBike is determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. That’s why we do everything possible to maximize their service life and to ensure proper disposal. You can find more on the subject of batteries in our battery guide.
Maximum service life
The ecological footprint of an eBike is determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. That’s why we do everything possible to maximize their service life and to ensure proper disposal. You can find more on the subject of batteries in our battery guide.
Awards and test wins
For more than 10 years, Bosch eBike systems has been delivering innovative eBike drive systems that offer the best performance and quality. Numerous awards and test wins confirm this and allow us to pursue our daily work with pride.
Engwe M20 eBike review – moto, more range
REVIEW – The last 4 years have been pretty epic as far as personal electric vehicles go. The sheer quantity of electric bikes and scooters available is staggering which can make it tricky to find that one model that will be the perfect fit for you. Smaller moped-style bikes have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and the one-size-fits-most design. Engwe has a brand new one called the M20 and I was able to get an early look.
What is it?
The Engwe M20 eBike is a moto-inspired, Class 3 ebike eBike with pedal assist, throttle, 4″ fat tires, dual-suspension, and can be equipped with either 1 or 2 batteries depending on your range needs.
Hardware specs
Motor: 48v 750W (1000W peak) hub motor Battery: 48v 13Ah Lithium battery (1 or 2 can be mounted) Charge Time: ~ 5 hours per battery Frame: 6061 Aluminum Suspension: Front and rear suspension Tires: 20 x 4.0 All-terrain Fat Tires Lights: Dual headlights and rear brake/running light Display: Color LCD Display/Controller Gears: 7-speed Shimano system Braking: 160mm front rear mechanical disc brakes w/ motor cut-off sensors Throttle: Full width twist throttle Torque: 55 N.m Max Incline: 10° Speed: 28MPH (45 KPH) max speed (Actual speed varies w/ rider weight and terrain) Mileage: Up to 45 miles (pedal-assist only in mode 1) | Up to 30 miles (throttle only in mode 1) Weight: ~68 lbs without battery | ~77 lbs with 1 battery | ~86 lbs with 2 batteries Limits: Max load ~265 lbs | Rider height 5′ – 6′ (Engwe states up to 6’8″)
Design and features
The Engwe M20 eBike has a great look to it that just asks to be ridden.
It’s available in 3 different colors; White, Green or Black.
And additionally, can be ordered with two batteries if you want to double your range.
Up front, there are dual headlights that can be aimed individually. They have low running lights and a control switch by the left hand to toggle on the high beam.
On the right hand are the full-size throttle, 7-speed shifter, and your rear brake which has a sensor that cuts power to the motor when used, even if the throttle is still open.
The Engwe M20 eBike’s front wheel is mounted to a triple clamp suspension fork, providing a smooth ride and also preventing the steering from turning too far where the headlights might hit the frame.
At the top of the triple clamp fork, you have a red compression adjustment knob to tune the fork’s feel.
Here’s the whole cockpit. The small square in the center of the bar is my addition. That’s a Peak Design handlebar mount for their Mobile phone cases. Great, secure mount for your phone if you need GPS to get where you’re going.
The lights and horn are handled by 2-button remote mounted just to the right of the grip. As for the eBike settings, they’re all handled by the display which has three buttons. The power button is just above the battery icon on the top edge of the display. Just under the display on the left side are and – buttons. Pressing those increase or decrease the assist level from 0-5 (0 being no assist and 5 being max assist). Additionally, if you press and hold the – button the bike will slowly roll itself forward to help carry its own weight as you walk up hills. Just keep it pressed as long as you need the assist.
At the rear, you’ll find a very visible tail light that illuminates any time the bike is on and pulses brightly when the brakes are engaged. You can also see the rear swingarm in this shot heading up to the shock mounted under the seat.
Here’s that up close. The black perforated box under the seat hides the motor controller along with the horn’s speaker.
The Engwe M20 eBike’s rear derailleur comes with one of those protective cages around it. I’d recommend leaving it in place just due to the increased weight of this bike. A tip over to the right side could damage the derailleur pretty good. The mag-style wheels look good and are plenty strong.
As for the battery, it installs by sliding onto a modular rail and then locks in place with a key on the left side.
On the right side is a power switch along with the input barrel jack for charging the battery, and an output USB which you can use to charge up your phone or other USB-powered device. Both of those ports have rubber port covers to help keep moisture out.
Setting up the Engwe M20 eBike
Assembling a bike isn’t all that hard. Just take your time, follow the instructions, and hit up the manufacturer’s website (and maybe Google) if something doesn’t make sense. As was evidenced by the beat up shipping box up above, and this repeated photo here, transit can take its toll, so there’s a lot of protective packaging and cable ties that need to be removed.
The M20 assembly was pretty standard including…
- Installing the handlebars into the stem and tightening the 4 bolts
- Installing the front fender
- Adjusting position of the brake levers and shifter for hand size and reach
- Adjusting the display for visibility and the light/horn remote for reach
- Installing the front headlights and electrical connection (a little fussy, but easy enough)
- Inflating tires to proper levels
- Checking brakes and adjusting shifting
- Plugging in the battery to get an initial full charge
Installing the front wheel was interesting just because of how wide the fork is for the fat tires it’s running. As a result, the front axle had some spacers that need to be installed correctly. In the below photo, you can see the long spacer goes on the non-brake side in order to properly center the wheel and have the disc brake rotor properly align with the caliper. Photo is taken facing the front of the bike. The small bent tabs fit into retention holes as you’re installing the wheel.
Checking the tire pressure was a slight surprise. The rear tire needed about 20 psi to get up to spec, but the front was over-inflated by about 15 psi which was a little alarming.
The last item was switching the display from Metric to Imperial. To enter the settings mode, hold down both the and – buttons then press and hold the power button as well until the display enters a mode where you see P1. Use the /- buttons to navigate to P4 and press the power button to adjustment mode. Again use the /- keys to adjust. 00 is Metric, 01 is Imperial. Press the power button again to back out, or press and hold the power button to save all setting adjustments and power off the display.
Another setting you may want to enable is P7 which lets you set a power-on password that has to be entered for the bike to work. Super useful if you want to prevent someone from taking your bike for a spin. The two included keys are just for locking the battery to the bike, not preventing the use or physical locks that prevent moving the bike.
Performance
The M20 is straight-up, super fun to ride. Select the assist level from 1-5 after powering up and off you go. The low seat makes it easy to put your feet flat on the ground. The handlebar angle can be adjusted to help with reach and a comfortable riding position. The big 4″ tires have plenty of traction and together with the dual suspension, smooth out any rough roads nicely. The pedal assist has a momentary pause before engaging and a slight punch when it engages after which it feels nice and smooth. Similarly, you can just twist, sit back and smile as you cruise along.
The seat height and fore/aft position are fixed which is part of why the bike looks so cool. I’d confidently say that if you’re between 5 and 6 feet tall, this will fit you pretty well. Over 6 feet, pedaling can be awkward as your knees rise above your seated position. I definitely fall into that category, but that’s where the throttle comes into play.
The suspension is going to work better for you if you weigh a little more. I’m around 215 lbs and could feel it working, but wouldn’t call it plush. There doesn’t appear to be all that much adjustment outside the one dial on the fork. There’s also no damping on the return so if your wheels leave the ground, you’ll hear and feel the suspension shoot back out full force. Lowering the pressure in the tires will absorb the smaller stuff and help the suspension FOCUS on the larger bumps.
I did have an issue with how the battery was secured. It’s mounted on the bike prior to shipping and there may be a customs ruling or other regulation type reason for that but regardless, as I was setting up the bike, I noticed that the battery was leaning to the right side. It was also wobbly when moving the bike. After using the key to remove the battery and look at the mount I found the problem.
It is held onto the bike’s down-tube with 3 bolts. This is a relatively normal installation other than the choice to use Phillips head screws. However, these were a little loose, and tightening them up didn’t really solve the issue, so I removed them to take off the mount and get a closer look.
Here you can see that each of the 3 screw bosses are proud by about 2mm. Again, relatively normal for mounting a water bottle cage, but not for balancing an eBike battery that weighs 9 lbs. Even if these were flush, you’d be balancing a flat-bottomed battery mount on a round tube. To solve the problem, I knocked out a quick design file and sent it to the 3D printer. Voila! A platform that matched the tube diameter and sat flush with the top of the screw bosses (in a matching white even). I was limited on the print bed size, so the front boss is still working that original way whereas the lower two are handling the support. I’ll end up printing a pair to support the full length, but this absolutely created a rock solid foundation.
What’s interesting is that they got this scenario right for the optional 2nd battery location. Here you can see that the top tube has a nice flat spot for securing the battery mount. I supposedly have a 2nd battery on the way so I’ll update this post with images of that mount and battery installed when it arrives.
I found this to look a little unfinished without a battery so I installed the storage case they sent along. It’s the perfect size for lunch runs down the hill to Jersey Mike’s. It fits a little awkwardly though so ultimately I ended up finding an old Timbuk2 shoulder strap pad that fit well after removing the padding. You can see that in the lead photo and some others as I promptly forgot that it wasn’t a stock item.
Another issue I ran into was the throttle. Both it and the matching grip on the left side felt good in the hand, but I noticed that when I twisted the throttle, it did not spring back to the neutral position. That could create a very dangerous situation.
After removing the throttle and looking closely, I found that there is no inner sleeve isolating the throttle from the handlebar surface. Basically, if the silver clamping collar is tightened and not perfectly square to the handlebar, the throttle is able to drag and bind internally. It could also occur if installed too far onto the bar where the inside end of the throttle/grip is contacting the end of the bar. The solution was sliding the throttle on until it stopped and then backing up about 1mm before clamping nice and square. It’s worked properly since then. Just always test before riding by twisting and making sure it snaps back.
I also noticed while riding the Engwe M20 eBike that the throttle has a delay in engaging the motor. Diving further into this off the bike, the throttle drives the motor almost immediately so what I noticed was the effect that my weight has on the torque and getting the bike moving. One of the biggest power draws is getting the bike moving from zero. If you pedal to start (or at least pedal and twist the throttle) you’ll get moving quicker.
Hill climbing is the other place that comes into play. The bike has to work a lot harder the more weight it has to move. I definitely need to pedal up hills in addition to the throttle or the speed will keep declining. Overall that’s not a big deal as the bike’s assist is definitely noticeable.
If you’ve got big hills or testing the weight limits of the Engwe M20 eBike, I’d highly recommend picking up the 2nd battery as well as I’m definitely getting less than the specified range. Keep in mind Engwe has listed those using assist level 1. We all know that’s an unlikely scenario when you have 4 more settings to choose from. I’ll know a bit more when I can play around with 2 installed, but doubling the range almost has no downsides other than adding some weight. The top tube position also gives it a bit of a moto gas tank feel which further adds to the look they’re going for.
I’d also recommend upgrading the brakes if you’ve got big hills. These mechanicals aren’t bad, but the rotor size is small and extended hills are going to have you squeezing pretty hard.
Speaking of weight, that round tube behind the seat is an awesome grab handle for moving the bike around or lifting it up onto a bike rack. If you do throw it on a rack, take a second to remove the batteries as most eBike racks aren’t rated above 65 lbs per bike tray and regular racks can be far below that.
What I’d change
Final thoughts
Overall, the Engwe M20 eBike is really fun and a great way to get around. The assist levels are great and with the included throttle you can just keep rolling. I can see this being really popular with teens getting to and from school as it would hit the sweet spot of range and rider weight. Nice work Engwe. Looking forward to more bikes like this.
Pricing: 1299 – M20 (13Ah – 1 battery) | 1599 – M20 (26Ah – 2 batteries) Where to buy: Engwe and Amazon Source: The sample of this product was provided by Engwe.
Replacement Electric Bike Batteries Guide
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A good e-bike battery should last for hundreds of cycles. With average use, this means several years. Eventually, electric bike batteries need to be replaced as their life cycle comes to an end.
You can tell when a battery is nearing the end of its life when it does not provide you with much range. Some high-quality batteries that come on the top e-bikes such as a Bosch battery have a battery management system (BMS) integrated into the battery that actually tells you the current capacity and also how many charge cycles it has gone through.
But no matter what type of battery you have you’ll sooner or later be asking yourself the all-important question: how can I replace my e-bike battery?
Down below Electric Bike Report dives into this question and more in greater detail.
Are E-bike Batteries Interchangeable?
In general, the answer is no – you should only replace a battery with one that comes from the same manufacturer and is of exactly the same spec.
The reason is that the original e-bike or kit manufacturer has the responsibility to ensure that the battery pack, charger, and e-bike all work safely together, and using a ‘non-original’ replacement pack potentially introduces all sorts of uncontrolled risks.
It’s a little more complicated than this in some situations. For example, some Bosch batteries of different capacities are explicitly made to be interchangeable and there will be many instances where an original supplier and/or manufacturer of the e-bike cannot be traced or has gone out of business – in such cases we look at your options below.
As an important side note: you should always, if possible, use a charger that comes from the original manufacturer too. The one that comes with your battery should sync up well and not overload the battery. Pairing your battery with a different charger adds in risk of malfunction during charging.
Let’s first look at the basics of getting a replacement battery for your e-bike, then we will look at some of the major manufacturers of e-bike batteries and some of the main e-bike manufacturers to see which common battery types are still replaceable. Let’s consider the options for replacement in terms of desirability.
Where Should I Go to Get a Replacement E-Bike Battery?
On this last point it may help to note that there are a couple of manufacturing standards for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes. Although it’s not a legal requirement, it may be that one of the standards is actually marked on the battery itself.
The standards are BS EN 50604‑1 and UN38.3, the latter required for lithium-ion battery transport by air, sea or land. Just because these standards are not marked on a battery doesn’t mean it does not comply with them – but it is a reassuring sign if a battery does bear one or both of these marks.
Note that using a replacement battery that does not come from the original manufacturer (whether a dealer is involved or not) may void the warranty of your electric bike or kit. Check with the e-bike or kit company to understand what their policy is regarding the use of aftermarket replacement batteries.
Replacement Batteries from Original Manufacturers
Bosch E-Bike Batteries
Only Bosch manufactured batteries will be used on any new Bosch e-bike – this has always been the case and so it makes advice on interchangeability a little more straightforward than with the likes of Shimano and Brose who have both allowed the use of third party batteries with their mid-drive motor systems.
There have been four basic designs made by Bosch over the years (good online overview here):
- Rack mounted batteries: PowerPack in 300, 400, and 500 Wh versions which are all interchangeable with each other.
- Down tube mounted batteries: PowerPack in 300, 400, and 500 Wh versions, current versions of which are all interchangeable with each other.
- Frame integrated batteries: PowerTubes in 400, 500, and 625Wh versions, with the 400 and 500 units being interchangeable with each other. The 625Wh may be retrofittable but it needs a compatible frame with a big enough space to house it (400 and 500 units are the same physical dimensions but 625 is bigger). 500 and 625 Wh units are used on the Dual Battery system to give a capacity up to 1250Wh.
- Frame Integrated ‘Smart’ Option batteries: This is a new 750Wh option for 2022 and will be only compatible with 2022 e-bikes that feature the Bosch ‘Smart’ system and will not be compatible with other Bosch e-bikes that are ‘non-Smart’. Similarly, other types of PowerTube batteries (400, 500, and 625Wh versions) will not be compatible with e-bikes featuring Bosch’s ‘Smart’ system.
Some third-party batteries compatible with Bosch systems are available as detailed in the section below.
There are some suppliers of batteries that will fit older models, in some cases dating back to 2011 when the Bosch e-bikes first entered the market, for example, The Holland Bike Shop in Europe sells some batteries compatible with much older Bosch-powered models.
Shimano E-Bike Batteries
Shimano produces its own brand batteries for use on their systems, but you may also find new e-bikes powered by Shimano motor systems with batteries manufactured by their licensed partners Darfon and SMP. These third party batteries are not interchangeable with any Shimano batteries.
Shimano’s current range includes rack-mounted, downtube-mounted and frame-integrated batteries from 418Wh to 630Wh. You can see a brief overview with detailed links to each battery on offer here.
It’s important to note that each battery model has a limited number of specific battery mounts it will work with, so it is important to replace an old battery with one that is compatible with the mount on your e-bike. You can check out detailed compatibility info here and here.
Shimano says that ‘the oldest current battery we have is the BT-E6000 and the corresponding battery mount BM-E6000. These are compatible with all five of our current drive units (DU-EP8/E8000/E7000/E6100/E5000), but not earlier systems. For reference, DU-E8000 is the oldest in that list – it was introduced in 2016.’
Brose E-Bike Batteries
The only battery listed on Brose’s own website is a 630Wh frame-integrated option.
However, Brose systems are widely used by other manufacturers who also spec own-brand or third-party batteries. These include the likes of the widely respected battery manufacturer BMZ and well-known brands like Scott and BULLS.
For example, Specialized’s ‘full power’ range use Brose-based mid drives and a range of their own brand frame-integrated batteries. Although information on interchangeability is scarce, a Specialized FAQ page, in response to the question ‘Can I increase range by using the 604Wh aftermarket battery in any Turbo Vado/Como?’ says yes, all Vado batteries are cross-compatible as long as you are running the latest firmware (by implication so are Como and Turbo full power batteries are cross-compatible too).
The above appears only to address compatibility on current Specialized models and battery availability for older models appears a bit more complex with lots of debate online over the matter.
The fact that the latest Specialized e-bike batteries contain a Bluetooth chip to communicate with the latest Mission Control App certainly suggest both backward compatibility and availability of third party batteries will be very limited. Current e-bike batteries available from Specialized can be found here.
Yamaha E-Bike Batteries
Yamaha has integrated, rack-mounted and frame-mounted options ranging between 400Wh and 600Wh but information on backward compatibility is rather hard to find. Their systems appear on Haibike models and in the US on their own brand models too.
Giant use Yamaha motor systems but apparently have their own brand of battery – the EnergyPak range. The standard EnergyPak comes in rack-mounted and frame-integrated options whilst the Smart Compact variant allows for faster charging.
Finally, there is the Giant EnergyPak Plus, for use with the Smart Compact – a range extender style battery that fits onto the frame and effectively increases the capacity of the main Plus battery.
Giant’s Service web page states that there are EnergyPaks with 300, 360, 400, 500 and 625Wh capacities and also states ‘Giant EnergyPaks are interchangeable’.
Fazua E-Bike Batteries
This lightweight German-made system uses a frame-integrated 250Wh design and there have been two types of battery, Battery 250 and Battery 250X, the latter having the ability to be switched on and off remotely.
The latest Fazua Evation 250X battery is compatible with all Fazua electric bikes from 2019-22.
GRIN and Cytronex E-bike Kit Batteries
Canada’s GRIN is a true expert in producing a wide variety of e-bike kits. Whilst they do several designs of batteries, one of their best options from a replaceability point of view is their own brand LiGo batteries.
LiGo batteries are very unusual in being modular so that you can easily connect together as many as you like to increase or decrease battery capacity at will. They are particularly suitable for lightweight and folding bikes (I use them on a GRIN Brompton kit) and also for those who want to air travel with e-bikes as the individual battery units are only 98Wh and so are generally allowed on passenger aircraft (disconnect them from each other for travel and reconnect them on landing to make a useful e-bike battery).
The design has been around for several years and is backward compatible.
The UK’s Cytronex produces both European and US spec lightweight kits which use a unique own-design of ‘bottle battery’.
Cytronex says all their lithium bottles are compatible forwards and backward from the first version in 2017. They have different firmware for the new Bluetooth variant but both this and the non-Bluetooth version allow you to use the new 2-way – 5 level Boost Button or the previous one-way 3 level button.
In fact, if you have old and new kits on two bikes you can switch the bottle between both and it will recognize the two different button types automatically.
E-bike Manufacturers Own Brand Batteries
There are hundreds of e-bike manufacturers in the more budget space so it’s way beyond the scope of this guide to cover the options for each one; rather we’ll take a look at a couple of the market leaders.
Rad Power Bikes E-Bike Batteries
Rad Power Bikes first started producing e-bikes for the North American market in 2015 and now claims to be the US market leader. Their website lists several replacement batteries and their current lineup of bikes uses one of two battery designs.
There is the External Battery Pack (with the option for the smaller pack specific to the RadMission) which is compatible with all 2018 and newer model ebikes except the RadRover 6 Plus and RadCity 5 Plus, which use the Semi-Integrated Battery Pack.
Rad Power Bikes does offer legacy options for bikes older than that 2018 ‘cutoff’ and although some of these legacy batteries are currently out of stock Rad says they have plans to restock them.
The battery packs are consistent across their main sales areas of Canada, US and Europe.
The Rad Power website has a great filter system so you can track down the compatibility of what batteries are in stock against all current and previous models, right back to the original 2015 RadRover. All e-bike manufacturers’ websites should provide this service!
Pedego E-Bike Batteries
A longstanding US manufacturer with a clear set of battery specs for current models here. However, there doesn’t appear to be any info about legacy batteries or backward compatibility.
Interestingly, and it seems uniquely amongst the mainstream manufacturers, Pedego have recently introduced a serviceable battery (pictured above) – designed to be easily maintained at the local Pedego store. It features a rear light, brake light and indicators to boot.
Batteries for Out-Dated Motor Systems
There are a number of older motor and battery systems that are either not used or little used these days but there are still some suppliers out there who may be able to help out and if you are in this position a bit of internet research might just turn something up. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.
BionX E-Bike Batteries
BionX operated between 1998 and 2018 and were once one of the leading e-bike system manufacturers in North America, with the likes of Trek and Kalkhoff using their systems.
There are still limited stocks of spare parts available here and there, including batteries, for example on this Ohm webpage.
Heinzmann E-Bike Batteries
German company Heinzmann had a great reputation for quality and produced the now obsolete Classic system and the newer Direct Power system. At various times both were available as kits or fitted to off-the-peg e-bikes.
In the UK Electric Vehicle Solutions are the main stockist of complete Direct Power kits and of spare parts for the Classic system.
What About Non-removable Frame Integrated Batteries?
A relatively small number of e-bike batteries are incorporated into the frame and not designed to be removed by the rider – they must be charged on the bike. Whilst perhaps inconvenient for some, the system has the benefit of a sleeker and simpler design and keeps the battery cells well-protected.
The Ebikemotion X35 system is one example of the most common lightweight systems out there to feature a frame-enclosed battery.
When it comes to replacing these batteries, to be clear, our official advice is that this is a job for the dealer, or expert shops to do only.
DIY in this area can get tricky in a hurry. Looking into service options to replace batteries in an integrated system is something to consider before purchasing the bike.
Third-Party Replacement E-Bike Batteries
For some older batteries – or even some current ones – there may be manufacturers other than the so-called OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who made the original batteries. These third-party companies are not recognized by the original e-bike manufacturers so if possible it is always best to go back to your dealer or the manufacturer directly to source an original battery.
However, third-party batteries may be a solution where no original batteries appear to be available.
There are a growing number of companies that provide third-party batteries and here we take a look at a couple of the bigger operations.
Please note that on e-bikes that are still in their warranty period, replacing the battery with one from a third-party manufacturer will most likely void the warranty.
FTH Power has a good amount of experience in the electronics business and has diagnostics and assembly capabilities. They look to have good stocks of popular far eastern battery brands such as Reention (used by the likes of Juiced and Surface 604) and Hailong. They also have this handy battery/model finder to see if they have batteries for your particular model of e-bike.
Third-party battery provision (and recelling services) appear to be bigger business in mainland northern Europe than in the U.S. It makes sense, this is where e-bikes have been around much longer and where the average value of e-bikes is higher. The need to keep older bikes going longer is greater. For example, Heskon is a major supplier of replacement batteries to dealers and Fiets Accu Revisie is the part of Heskon that sells direct to customers.
The UK’s Electric Transport Shop network offers battery diagnosis (refundable against a replacement battery or recell if required). The ETS says they also have stocks of Battery Management System chips that can be used on certain packs, usually on older e-bikes.
The ETS also says ‘There are so many shapes of e-bike batteries now that we cannot guarantee that we have cell packs to fit them all and it is usually cheaper to buy a factory-built replacement than to hand-build a replacement pack in the UK so we usually recommend buying a battery from the original supplier if the diagnosis proves that’s what is needed. If their supplier is no longer available to supply a replacement pack in this instance we will help people find a suitable replacement or as a last resort we will offer to wire in an alternative pack which may be in a different position on the bike.’
What Should I Do With My Old E-bike Battery?
If at all possible the ideal solution is to take it back to the dealer you bought it from who will send it on for recycling.
In the US the industry is in the midst of setting up its own recycling scheme. It was organized by People for Bikes and will be directly coordinated under the auspices of Call2Recycle. There will be a network of battery drop-off locations from the nation’s roughly 3,000 independent bike shops. Manufacturers and retailers can sign up here.
The batteries will be sent on to ‘processing partners’, four of which are domestic and two of which are foreign—one in South Korea and one in Belgium.
The consortium brands are funding the recycling service, which will be free to riders; of course, consumers will still have to pay for replacement batteries. There are also plans for a consumer-direct mail-in recycling option in the summer – EBR will keep you posted on its development.
There are already such ready-made recycling networks in mainland Europe and the UK is just beginning to establish such a network.
This guide to replacement electric bike batteries hopefully covered the basics of what is out there for you. It’s certainly just the tip of the iceberg though. If there is anything else that wasn’t covered here, let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below and we’ll update this guide with the info our readers are looking for!