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.
Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike Zebra
E-bike assembly from 112.7 with Check availability
All Himiway bikes are covered under our manufacturer’s 2-year all-inclusive warranty for the original owner against all manufacturing defects (All free Accessories are not covered by warranty service). Himiway has over 300 dealerships in the United States. All dealerships provide free diagnosis and free maintenance services to customers.
For non-quality issues, customer may ask for product replacement or return within 15 days after received it. A 10% processing fee will be applied but we can prevent it for the customer if a replacement order is received. The customer is also responsible for the return shipping cost of 150. Himiway will provide a return shipping label, and the designated carrier will collect the return package. The customer may also choose self-return or arrange the return shipment by himself.
Currently, we only provide FREE shipping to the lower 48 states in the US. And we DO NOT ship to PO BOXES or APO.
The top speed of all Himiway bikes is up to 15.5 MPH, which is legally required in the US.
48V 20Ah Samsung/LG Lithium-ion Battery
With the 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG Lithium-ion Battery, the single range of the Himiway Zebra can go up to 80 miles per charge. The 960Wh capacity provides a 60-mile range on pure electric power. Wires are all built in the frame which can reduce 95% of the mechanical failure in extreme weather condition. over, it will maintain 80% capacity after 1000 charges.
750W Gear Hub Motor With Upgraded Inner Ring
Himiway 750W gear hub motor has a larger inner ring which performs great in high temperature resistance and heat dissipation. No matter what difficult riding conditions you are facing, the newly designed motor will bring you the most stable and comfortable experience.
High-end Hydraulic Disc Brakes
The high-end hydraulic disc brakes provide more efficient and smoother braking, reduce riders’ fatigue, and perform with the same braking power all weather conditions, including in the rain.
Updated 6061 Aluminum Frame
Himiway uses higher-quality materials for the frames, which brings stronger triangle stability, 3 times thicker and sturdier than other competing frames on the market. The load capacity is greatly enhanced, and we promise a 10-year frame damage replacement service. In addition, the Zebra’s frame has a reserved fork opening distance, providing the possibility of upgrading from 4.0 inch tires to 4.8 inch tires.
Water Bottle Battery
Hi Alan, As promised, here is the first of many pictures that we will send you. Truly, this folder is one of the best investments I’ve made! I have been wanting one for quite a while, so after much research, I ordered one for my birthday. My husband and I were traveling on our very first LONG (three-month) road trip in our new-to-us motorhome, so you delivered it promptly to one of our destinations, Omaha.
My son and husband put it together…no real project. EASY! After my husband took it for a spin, he had to have one, also! We ride them daily and absolutely LOVE it! We even have contests to see how fast we can unfold them to ride. (Obviously, here we treated ourselves to a ride to the local Estes Park, CO, brewery!)
“Woody” W.
To the ladies and gentlemen at Greenzone: I am attaching some photos from our recent trip to Italy. Four of us packed our Greenzone bikes. We had a terrific time riding around Rome, Florence, Padua, and other cities. The bikes performed flawlessly and were no problem to set up or repack. In Rome we got from our hotel to various sites faster than cabs. Wherever we went, people were interested in our bikes and wanted to know where to buy them. Especially because they pack in regular luggage without airline surcharges, we will be taking them on all of our trips.
David B.
Hello GreenZone, My name is David B. and I live in San Diego, California. I am a retired person, but I have very active life. I purchased a GreenZone bicycle 20” Premium Edition. I have included pictures taken yesterday on the beech of Mission Bay in San Diego. I am enjoying my new bike. It has cool looks, everybody likes it. It’s really easy to ride, it has great maneuverability and it’s easy to brake, stop and stand on both feet at any moment, which is especially valuable in the crowded beech or park situation. Most importantly for me, I can fold it in seconds and put in the trunk of my car and then bring it to any place, unfold it in seconds and enjoy pleasant riding with convenient shifting of 7 speeds. I also ride it around my neighborhood for exercise, small chores and just sheer pleasure.
Lots o’ Luv, Catskills Pete
Hi GreenZone, just wanted you to know how much I love your bike.
I’m legally blind but have a small vision field and my world has been too narrow, but now, very carefully, I’ve been able to open my world incredibly with your bike. I’ve been biking in safe and low populated areas like Riverside Park in NYC and at my cabin in upstate NY.
These photos are from my biking around the Ashokan Reservoir which is about 12 minutes from my cabin. This reservoir provides most of the water to NYC and I feel as though I am in Switzerland….
I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I am……I try to bike everyday and when I’m back in NYC, I’ll take a photo of my bike with the George Washingto Bridge in the background. So thanks SO VERY MUCH for my new life…
Bob Ann
Just wanted to add to the testimonials that we are very pleased with our folding tandem bike.
What a great way for a husband and wife who want to cycle together to get exercise and tour interesting places. Attached is a photo of us with our bike at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, Florida.
Everywhere we go people ask where we bought the bike and we are happy to promote GreenZone Bikes
Turris
25-45 miles depending on rider weight, terrain, incline, level of assist, etc.
Frame
Lightweight Alloy Frame with internal protected locked electronics
Comfort
Frame geometry components built for “the most comfortable ride ever”
Service Support
Seasoned Bike Mechanics Offer Expert Technical Support and Friendly Customer Service.
1-Year Warranty
Every Ride1UP eBike Comes With a Warranty Against Manufacturing Defects. Terms Apply
30-Day Returns
We’re Confident That You’ll Be Thrilled! If Conditions Are Met, Send It Back For a Refund. Terms Apply
Free Shipping
On All Bikes to Contiguous 48 States. 100 Direct Shipping to Canada. Exclusions Apply.
DIMENSIONS AND SIZING
- ST Frame Dimensions:
- Height range 5’1″-6’2″
- Stand-over height 23″
- Handlebar reach 15.5″
- Handlebar height 44.5″
- XR Frame Dimensions:
- Height range 5’6″-6’4″
- Stand-over height 30”
- Handlebar reach 15.5″
- Handlebar height 43″
WHAT’S INCLUDED
60 Lux Front Headlight to See and be Seen in Low Visibility Conditions
Handlebar Mounted 2.2″ Dual-Tone LCD Display. Customizable Pedal Assist (PAS) Settings and Advanced Metrics for Intelligent Riding Feedback.
Kenda K1227 27.5×2.4″ Anti-Puncture Brown Side Wall Tires. High Performing and Reliable for all surface riding.
Alloy Front Rear Fenders to Keep You and Your Bike Clean
Heavy Duty Adjustable Chainstay Kickstand. High Load Capacity for Extra Support and Stability.
Two Keys for the Removable Integrated Battery System. Theft Protection Design. Battery Anxiety Begone!
Shipping Information
Bike Will Arrive 85% Assembled (electronics are pre-assembled). Basic Assembly Steps Are Required.
Bikes In Stock Ship In Under 24 Hours. Email Tracking Provides Transit And Delivery Estimates Once Shipped. Package Size is 53″x10″x27″ and approximately 70lbs.
FAQ’S
Can I test ride a bike?
We are a direct-to-consumer company both in pricing and strategy. You will generally pay a premium for the ability to test ride through a dealer. However, our bikes have been thoroughly tested by top reviewers such as Electric Bike Review, Electric Bike Report, Cycling Weekly, Clean Technica, Electrek and many others who have published their reviews on YouTube. Additionally, we are now supporting an independent network of owners offering their bikes for demos. Learn more here Locations
What can I expect ordering a bike from Ride1Up?
This article will explain all about what to expect when ordering a bike from us. Ordering With Us
Can I upgrade the battery on the e-bike?
Unfortunately the 12.8ah battery pack is the largest available that will fit this bicycle frame.
Can I switch the handlebars to another model?
No, you cannot switch the handlebars on our electric touring style bike. The variations you see on the site are the only options available.
Can you ship to _?
We only ship our electric bikes within North America. The Continental United States is FREE. Hawaii and Alaska are 400. Shipping to Canada is 100. We are not responsible for any additional tariffs charged by your local government which often-times are applied after importing. Unfortunately, we are not able to ship our bikes directly to Europe. You can use a shipping forwarder like ShopUsa.com to reach your country.
Are the bikes water-proof?
The bikes are not water-proof, they are water-resistant, rated IP-65. While we do not recommend leaving the bikes out in the rain or riding in the rain or other hazardous conditions due to personal safety, the bikes can handle water exposure.
What Is the Best Electric Bike for Long-Distance Touring?
The newly launched Turris is in the running as a top-rated adventure touring-style e-bike. It has an advanced, high-spec design engineered for comfort touring, with a powerful array of components and a robust Class 3 motor that can carry up to 300 lbs and make it easier to travel up steep gradients on the road or into strong headwinds.
E-bikes created especially for touring are a great choice, with Zoom 180 mm disc brakes for stopping power at speed. Still, the hybrid functionality makes this model adaptable enough for touring, recreational cruising, and commuting.
What should you look for in a long-distance electric touring bike? We recommend an e-bike with an ergonomic gel saddle for comfort, excellent suspension for bumpy routes, and a smooth, high-performance pedal assist function.
The best electric touring bike needs sufficient gearing to traverse steep climbs and maintain decent speeds on flatter routes. The Turris comes as standard with a 46T Prowheel Alloy Chainring and Shimano seven-speed shifters alongside a sensitive cadence sensor, which boosts pedal assist when necessary by switching between assist levels.
What Is the Difference Between a Touring Bike and a Hybrid Bike?
Touring bikes are workhorses designed to cover greater distances and carry all your kit with you. While a touring bike is ideal for longer rides and cycling excursions, an electric hybrid takes it a step further. The frames on a electric bikes tend to be sturdier and more rugged to increase the weight capacity, and these bikes are faster because they are built for open-road rides with the most powerful hill-climbing gears.
A standard hybrid refers to mixed-use MTB and touring bikes, with a trade-off in aspects such as tire thickness, weight, load-bearing capacity, and comfort. Hybrids often have different tires than bikes designed for touring since they are partly intended for off-road terrain.
Adventure touring e-bikes like the Turris provide a comprehensive solution, with the ergonomics, intelligent design, and durable components that mean one bike ticks every box. The Turris is built for adventure, with a more vertical upright seated position to avoid stress and fatigue in your shoulders and back after a long day in the saddle, and features Kenda K1227 touring tires with a wider diameter that can handle rougher terrain, smoother roadways, and cycle paths.
What Are the Advantages of a Touring E-Bike?
One of the reasons a touring e-bike is so popular is that riders can travel faster and further, completing tours and tougher rides quicker and making longer courses more accessible if you’re limited on time or wish to reduce fatigue or incorporate longer, more demanding excursions into your adventures.
As an indication, a rider who covers a lot of distance per day on their touring bike could add twenty miles per day with a touring e-bike. Hydraulic lockout suspension forks absorb every lump and bump, ensuring you have the ease of an e-bike with the design specificity of a touring model, as well as the ability to ride safely and smoothly on the roads–a win-win for every rider!