ENGWE L20 Review: Great off-road electric bike
The ENGWE L20 is a formidable electric bike designed for riders seeking thrilling adventures on challenging terrains like snow, sand, or dirt. As part of the ENGWE brand’s release of two electric bikes, it’s essential to distinguish the L20 from its counterpart, the L20 SE, which is a versatile city and country fat bike. Today, we focus on the L20 model, which promises an unmatched off-road experience with great comfort and power.
At first glance, the ENGWE L20 stands out with its sturdy build and aggressive design. Its 20″ wheels and impressive 4″ tires make it well-equipped to handle rugged landscapes and provide excellent traction, ensuring a smooth ride even in the most challenging conditions. The bike is powered by a 250W motor, but reports suggest it might deliver even more power, making it a potent force when traversing off-road trails.
With a 48V 13Ah battery, the bike boasts an impressive claimed autonomy of up to 60 km on full electric mode. Additionally, in assistance mode, the bike can extend its range up to a remarkable 140 km.
The ENGWE L20 electric bike is purpose-built to handle the most challenging terrains with ease. Its impressive specifications and off-road capabilities make it a top choice for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. So, if you’re ready to conquer the wild and explore the great outdoors like never before, the ENGWE L20 is waiting to be your ultimate off-road fat bike companion.
ENGWE L20: Video Review
| Specs | ENGWE L20 |
| Motor | 250W Brushless Motor |
| Tires | 20 x 4.0 Fat Tires |
| Battery | 48V13Ah Lithium-Ion Battery |
| Max Speed | 25KM/H |
| Max Mileage | 140KM |
| Maximum Climbing degree | 10° |
| Charging Time | About 6.5H |
| Brake | 160mm Front & Rear Disc Machine Brake |
| Transmission System | Shimano 7 Gears |
| Display | LCD Display |
| Weight | 74.8lbs (34KG) |
| Payload Capacity | 264lbs (120KG) |
| Dimensions | 173 x 60 x 114 cm |
| Material | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
Assembly
Before you can embark on thrilling journeys, there’s the small matter of assembling the bike.
Upon unboxing the ENGWE L20, riders will find all the necessary components neatly packed inside. The assembly process involves attaching the stem, front wheel, seat, pedals, front mudguard, and front luggage rack. While the bike comes with the required tools (keys) to complete the assembly, it still demands a bit of patience and technical know-how.
On average, it takes about 45 minutes to complete the assembly, but experienced bikers might accomplish it much faster.
The inclusion of English documentation with the bike is helpful as it provides detailed instructions and guidelines for assembly. Following these instructions carefully can ensure that each component is correctly installed, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable riding experience.
Design
The ENGWE L20 is a stocky model with 20-inch wheels and an open frame, otherwise known as step-thru. Unlike traditional bikes, the open frame of the L20 allows riders to easily mount and dismount without having to lift their leg over the frame.
The ENGWE L20 comes equipped with an efficient battery-powered lighting system, both in the front and rear, including a stop function for added safety. However, it doesn’t feature turn signals like some of its competitors. The wide handlebar, measuring 71 cm, provides ample space to add a smartphone holder for navigation or entertainment during rides.
The electronic counter, a Yolin YL81C model, is positioned to the left of the handlebar and offers various functions to assist riders during their journey. Though its black and white display may seem simple, it provides essential information such as instantaneous speed, average speed, maximum speed, assistance level, total and partial mileage, and battery level in five segments. The mode change buttons under the screen may not be the most ergonomic, but they get the job done.
The ENGWE L20 features normal handles, and the right one includes an inert accelerator part, adhering to regulations. However, with a bit of manipulation, riders can activate the accelerator, though it’s still prohibited in many regions. The accelerator can be helpful in various situations, such as getting started, assisting in challenging transitions like climbing hills or crossing intersections, and providing support in case of fatigue or difficulty in pedaling.
The bike’s gearshift system is a reliable seven-speed Shimano SIS, ensuring smooth and precise gear changes. Additionally, a small mechanical bell is conveniently integrated into the right brake for added safety and alerting others on the road.
The 250W electric motor is located on the rear wheel, paired with a shock-proof Shimano Tourney derailleur. The bike’s sturdy construction is further emphasized with spoke disks, metal fenders, and a rack for carrying essential items during rides. The tires, branded Chao-Yang, ensure excellent traction on various terrains.
Craftsmanship and product quality are hallmarks of the Engwe brand, and the L20 exemplifies this reputation. The bike’s solid and well-made construction is evident in the clean welds and impeccable coloring and markings. The cables are neatly sheathed and routed under the bike, giving it a clean and streamlined appearance.
With the inclusion of metal components and the battery, the ENGWE L20 weighs approximately 34 kg. While this might make it slightly heavier than some other e-bikes, it contributes to the bike’s stability and durability, ensuring it can handle challenging off-road adventures with ease.
ENGWE L20: Comfort and performance
The ENGWE L20 Electric Fat Bike is designed to offer a comfortable and powerful riding experience, making it an excellent choice for off-road adventures. The bike comes with a wide and cushioned saddle that ensures a pleasant ride, even on rough terrains. The saddle’s springs further enhance the comfort, absorbing shocks and vibrations to reduce fatigue during long rides.
At the front, the L20 boasts a lockable and adjustable fork suspension, adding an extra layer of comfort and control. The suspension can be set according to the rider’s preferences and the nature of the terrain, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride on bumpy trails.
The bike’s wide tires play a significant role in enhancing comfort on the trails. With their excellent traction and ability to absorb impact, riders can confidently navigate through various terrains without the need for a rear damping system.
The braking system of the ENGWE is reliable and efficient, featuring mechanical disc brakes with a 16 cm plate. These brakes offer responsive stopping power, allowing riders to maintain control and safety, especially on challenging downhill sections or sudden stops.
The ENGWE L20 Electric Fat Bike offers three riding modes to suit different preferences and needs:
Pedaling Alone without Assistance: For those who enjoy a traditional biking experience, the L20 allows riders to pedal without any electric assistance.
Assisted Pedaling: In this mode, the 250W motor kicks in to provide support to the rider’s pedaling efforts. The bike offers five levels of assistance, allowing users to choose the desired power level and maximum speed. The assistance is progressive, ensuring a smooth and natural riding feel.
Full Electric Mode with Throttle Grip: The bike can also be ridden in full electric mode, where the motor propels the bike without the need for pedaling. Riders can activate the throttle grip to control the speed effortlessly.
The 250W rear wheel motor offers an impressive torque of 50N.m, making it capable of climbing most hills effortlessly with moderate pedal pressure.
By default, the ENGWE L20 adheres to the legislation, limiting the maximum speed to 25 km/h. However, like many electric bikes, it can be unbridled to exceed this speed in assistance mode. Unlocking the bike’s speed can be easily accomplished through a few quick manipulations on the counter:
Press the + and – buttons simultaneously on the control module to access the configuration menu.
The screen displays P1. Press the + key until P3 appears. By default, the value is set to 25 km/h.
Press the power button to authorize the modification of the value, and use the + or – buttons to adjust it to the desired speed.
Validate the new speed setting with a short press on the power button.
Make a long press on the power button to exit the configuration.
After completing these steps, the bike will operate at the newly set speed level in assistance mode.
Battery
The ENGWE L20 comes equipped with a robust 48V / 13 Ah battery, offering an impressive capacity of 624 Wh. This battery outperforms its counterpart, the L20 SE, which features a slightly smaller 561 Wh battery. The additional power provided by the L20’s battery contributes to its increased performance, even though the bike is slightly heavier.
When it comes to claimed range values provided by manufacturers, it’s essential to approach them with a dose of skepticism. ENGWE advertises an impressive 100-115 km range in assistance mode, but real-world conditions often lead to different outcomes. Various factors like rider weight, terrain, selected assistance level, and weather conditions can significantly affect the actual range.
In tests conducted with a rider weighing 80 kg, on roads featuring steeply sloping segments and using maximum assistance throughout, the L20’s battery managed to cover around 60-65 km. While this result may vary for individual riders, it offers a practical point of comparison with other bikes from the ENGWE brand.
The battery is cleverly positioned behind the seat post and securely locked with a key, preventing unauthorized starting or extraction. To remove the battery, the saddle can be tilted using a handle, making it easy to take the battery with you when you park the bike. This added security measure ensures that without the battery, the electric bike is less attractive to potential thieves.
Charging the battery is a straightforward process that can be done at home or the office, even when away from the bike. A full charge typically requires 6 to 7 hours, allowing riders to prepare the battery overnight or during the workday for extended adventures the next day.
ENGWE L20: Conclusion
In summary, theL20 electric fat bike from ENGWE boasts numerous positive features and offers an enjoyable riding experience. However, there are a couple of drawbacks that are worth considering.
Starting with the negatives, the bike’s weight stands out as the primary concern. Weighing more than 30 kg, the L20 can become quite challenging to maneuver, especially if the battery runs out during a ride. Additionally, the fact that it is not foldable limits its portability, making it less convenient for transport in the trunk of a car.
Despite these drawbacks, the ENGWE L20 surprises and impresses with its powerful performance. Although it comes equipped with what seems like a modest 250-watt motor, the bike proves to be ultra-responsive and powerful on the trails. Riders can enjoy the thrill of an off-road adventure, thanks to the motor’s capabilities.
While the bike meets standard approval to legally ride on roads, what makes it even more exciting is the option to activate the accelerator and increase the maximum speed. This feature allows riders to have fun with the bike, pushing its limits and fully experiencing its power.
The ENGWE L20’s versatility is another significant advantage. Whether riding in the countryside, on sand, mud, or paths, the bike performs admirably in various terrains. Additionally, it seamlessly transitions to urban environments, providing a comfortable means of transportation for daily commuting.
Furthermore, the L20’s practicality extends to its design, featuring two luggage racks that allow for convenient grocery runs or carrying essentials during outdoor excursions. With the addition of a baby seat, the bike becomes a reliable mode of family transport, catering to various needs.
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