Engwe EP-2 Pro Review – Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike

engwe ep-2 pro featured image

I’ve thoroughly tested the Engwe EP-2 Pro across varied terrains, confirming its standout status. It’s more than an e-bike; it’s a testament to clever design and powerful performance. With its impressive folding mechanism, it easily shifts from an off-road champion to a compact commuter’s ally.

Fat tires tackle rough ground with ease. Its design isn’t just for looks – it delivers a reliable and invigorating ride.

Popular? Yes. But it’s the practicality for daily use and the thrill for adventure that sets it apart. Dive in as I unpack the features that earn the EP-2 Pro its acclaim.

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Engwe Electric Bike Overview

Here’s a video review of the Engwe eBike EP-2 Pro and down below you can find full specs and a detailed written review.

By the way, the video review of Engwe EP 2 Pro was the first review we published on the Electric Wheelers YouTube channel. Interestingly, our video was very well received by viewers and has been viewed over 120,000 times to date.

The video of Engwe EP-2 Pro is one of the most popular videos on our YouTube channel.

Fat-tire folding e-bikes are becoming more popular every day. It’s like getting 3 different bikes in one:

  • Fat bike
  • Folding bike
  • Electric bike

Main reasons why people buy this kind of bike:

  • 1 bike suits the whole family
  • Versatility – You can use an Engwe bike for off-roading, commuting between work or school, or going to a grocery store
  • Affordable
  • Fun to ride with

Engwe EP-2 Pro Specs

General

Make:Engwe Bikes
Model:EP-2 Pro
Price:$1,200 $899
E-Bike Class:Class 3
Warranty:1-Year Warranty
Availability:United States, Europe
Model Year:2021

Electronics

Motor Type:Rear-Hub Drive
Motor Power:750W
Top Speed:28 mph (45 km/h)
Battery:48V 12.8Ah, 615Wh
Battery Chemistry:Lithium-Ion
Charge Time:6 Hours
Min Range:30 miles
Max Range:50+ miles
Display:LCD Display with Battery Level Indicator, Speedometer, Pedal Assist Level, Odometer, Tripmeter

Bike Details

Weight:70 lbs
Weight Capacity:330 lbs
Dimensions:66″ x 45.6″
Folded Dimensions:30″ x 32″
Frame Material:Aluminum
Frame Size:One-Size
Frame Types:Mid-Step, Folding
Frame Colors:Black, Orange, Gray, White, Aqua
Fork:Oil Suspension, with Adjusting and Locking Features
Gearing:1×7-Speed Shimano Tourney
Brakes:Mechanical Disc
Wheel Size:20″
Tires:20″ x 4″ Fat Tires
Accessories:Kickstand, Front and Rear Lights (Brake Light), Rear Rack, Bell

To Whom?

The Engwe EP-2 Pro is designed with a dual purpose in mind, catering to both the daily commuter and the weekend trail enthusiast.

It’s a fitting choice for those who value versatility in their rides. Urban dwellers will appreciate its foldable design for easy storage in tight spaces and the convenience it offers for mixed-mode commuting.

engwe ep2 low seat vs high seat
Min Seat Height: 32 inches. Min Handlebar Height: 45.6 inches (bottom left image)
Max Seat Height: 40 inches. Max Handlebar Height: 52 inches (bottom right image)

Photo: Electric Wheelers

On the other hand, adventure-seekers will be drawn to its robust fat tires and powerful motor, which are perfect for tackling rugged paths and steep inclines.

So whether you’re navigating the concrete jungle or exploring off the beaten path, the Engwe EP-2 Pro is engineered to enhance the experience for riders who demand flexibility, comfort, and performance in one package.

Engwe EP-2 Pro Performance

Battery & Range

The Engwe EP-2 Pro boasts a robust power pack (615 Wh) that is both smartly integrated into the frame for sleek aesthetics and designed for practical versatility.

Engwe’s official statement suggests a range of over 45 miles per charge, yet real-world conditions often dictate a more conservative estimate.

Through rigorous testing, it’s been observed that a range of 45 kilometers (~28 miles) is a more realistic expectation when one cycles through various speed settings and factors in diverse riding conditions.

615Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
Photo: Electric Wheelers

The charging duration is commendably efficient – a full recharge cycle takes about 6 hours. This is relatively swift, ensuring your e-bike is ready to go when you are, without excessively long wait times.

For those who prefer not to bring their entire bike indoors, the battery’s removable design comes into its own. It detaches with ease, allowing for convenient charging in any location, from office to apartment – a feature that proved particularly useful during my personal testing.

To enhance security, the battery is equipped with a key lock, preventing unauthorized removal. This means you can confidently park the EP-2 Pro in public spaces, knowing that the battery is safeguarded against theft.

Motor

The aggressive torque on the motor lets you clearly feel it when the motor kicks in. The 750W at 80Nm on the rear wheel of the bike offers a smooth power transition and the speed builds up very quickly, while also letting you ride at a fixed speed effortlessly.

750w folding electric bike rear hub motor
Engwe EP-2 Pro 750W rear-hub motor. Photo: Electric Wheelers

However, it’s crucial to discuss the nature of the bike’s cadence sensor system. Unlike more nuanced systems, this sensor functions more like a binary switch; it’s either activated or not.

This on-off dynamic means the motor does not modulate its power output based on pedaling intensity. As a result, riders may find that the bike surges forward with full motor assistance even during light pedaling, leading to a riding experience that might feel less natural or fluid compared to systems that offer graduated assistance based on pedal pressure.

half-twist throttle on the right handlebar
EP-2 Pro is equipped with a half-twist throttle. Photo: Electric Wheelers

This characteristic is particularly evident when starting from a standstill or during low-speed maneuvering, where the immediate engagement of the motor can feel somewhat abrupt. While this makes for a zippy ride that can be exhilarating, it does require a period of adjustment to smoothly integrate the motor’s response with one’s cycling style.

Understanding this aspect of the motor’s behavior is essential for riders who prioritize a ride quality that closely mimics traditional cycling. While the motor’s responsiveness is excellent for those seeking a powerful boost, it may take some time for riders to acclimate to the binary nature of the cadence sensor system.

Different Riding Modes

  • Pedal Mode – It lets you pedal the vehicle like a regular bicycle.
  • Throttle Mode – You don’t need to pedal in throttle mode. Simply enjoy the speed and power of your bike.
  • Pedal-Assist Mode – The motor kicks in when you start pedaling. You can control the degree of assistance the bike gives you. You get the natural riding feel but the motor does most of the work.

5 Levels of Pedal Assistance

This Engwe eBike comes with 5 different levels of pedal assistance.

When getting yourself an EP-2 Pro, try lower levels first. As mentioned before, the torque is quite aggressive and it can be unsafe if you are not familiar with it.

Higher levels mean the motor gives more aggressive kicks. When in level 4 or 5, the motor does most of the work. You still need to create a pedaling motion or keep the throttle engaged unless the motor stops working.

the display of Engwe EP-2 Pro
Photo: Electric Wheelers

I have tried out all those different pedal-assistance levels:

  • Level 1 – Very low assistance. The motor assists you up to ~6mph (10km/h)
  • Level 2 – Motor assistance up to ~10mph (16km/h)
  • Level 3 – Motor assistance up to ~13mph (21km/h)
  • Level 4 – Motor assistance up to ~16mph (25km/h)
  • Level 5 – Motor assistance up to ~24mph (38km/h)

Mechanical Disc Brakes

The bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes that are built to deliver sufficient stopping power, ensuring a secure halt even in urgent situations.

Proper adjustment of the brakes is key; when tuned correctly, they provide a responsive deceleration and can even bring the wheels to a lock if a strong force is applied.

engwe ep-2 pro fat tire e-bike
The brakes of the bike have 160 mm rotors. Photo: Electric Wheelers

It’s worth noting, though, that the brakes can produce a squeaky noise, particularly when they are new or if the bike has been ridden in dusty or wet conditions. This noise is often due to the alignment of the brake pads or the presence of debris on the brake discs and is a common trait among many disc braking systems.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the rotors and properly bedding in the pads, can significantly reduce the occurrence of these sounds and improve the braking experience.

Mediocre Gearing System

The Engwe EP-2 Pro comes outfitted with a budget-friendly Shimano Tourney gearing system. It’s a staple in the entry-level e-bike market due to its reliability and straightforward functionality.

While the Shimano Tourney provides an adequate range for general riding conditions, it’s geared more towards moderate speeds.

shimano tourney derailleur on engwe ep-2 pro
Shimano Tourney derailleur on Engwe EP2 Pro. Photo: Electric Wheelers

The gear ratio on the EP-2 Pro is on the lower side, which implies that at higher speeds, especially when the motor is giving its full support, pedaling can become less efficient.

This means that when you’re trying to push the bike to its top electric-assisted speed, you might find yourself spinning the pedals with less resistance and less impact on acceleration.

This isn’t a setback for casual riders or those using the bike for its intended purpose—comfortable commuting and moderate terrain exploration. However, for those looking to maximize pedaling efficiency at higher speeds, it’s an aspect to be aware of.

Engwe EP-2 Pro Design and Features

Build Quality

engwe ep 2 pro on the forest trail
A perfect environment for the Engwe EP-2 e-bike. Photo: Electric Wheelers

Engwe EP-2 Pro seems very well built. It has a solid aluminum frame with strong construction.

Although the bike is heavy and it is not good to carry it for a long time, it’s still nice that there is a carry handle. It’s good to use it if you want to lift the bike to the trunk. Also, it’s convenient to use this spot for locking the bike.

The bike also has a chainring and derailleur protector. The chainring protector is extra-useful when the bike is folded.

Engwe EP-2 Pro is suitable for heavy adults. Max payload capacity is 330 lbs.

High payload capacity also means that you can carry some stuff on it. For example, use the rear rack and bring home some groceries.

Sometimes the joints of a folding bike tend to be loose and unsafe. It’s not the case here.

All the folding joints of Engwe EP-2 Pro are very sturdy and tight. You don’t have to worry about something getting loose when riding.

Related: Best Folding Electric Bikes

Fat Tires and Suspension Make the Ride Comfortable

The Engwe EP-2 Pro’s 4-inch wide fat tires are a true highlight, especially when paired with its responsive oil suspension fork.

This dynamic duo excels at smoothing out the ride across diverse terrains, from the jarring irregularities of cobblestone streets to the unpredictable nature of gravel paths.

The tires, a standout feature on this electric mountain bike, are securely fitted onto robust 20-inch wheels. This combination is key to providing superior traction and a cushioned ride, ensuring that you experience less fatigue and more enjoyment during your adventures.

engwe electric bike suspension
Photo: Electric Wheelers

Despite the smaller wheel size, which traditionally could lead to stability concerns at higher speeds, the EP-2 Pro’s fat tires compensate by offering increased contact with the ground, which results in better grip.

Yet, it’s wise to maintain a cautious approach when navigating at speed over rough terrain; the physics of smaller wheels means they can react more suddenly to bumps and ruts, potentially affecting stability.

For added safety and performance, consider adjusting tire pressure to match your riding conditions—a lower psi for softer, more absorbent rides off-road, and a higher psi for efficiency on the asphalt.

Efficient Lights

rear light, front light engwe ep 2
Photo: Electric Wheelers

Safety during low-visibility conditions is paramount, and the Engwe EP-2 Pro ensures you’re well-prepared with its powerful 48V LED front lights.

I have been in the dark many times while riding this bike and I can confirm that these lights illuminate the road quite well.

The rear light of the EP-2 Pro is equally impressive with its intuitive stopping feature. This built-in intelligence shines brighter when you apply the brakes, signaling to those behind you that you’re slowing down.

The tail light remains operational and can signal braking even when the main lights are turned off, offering an extra layer of protection.

Portability

Folding fat tire electric bike Engwe ep-2 pro in the trunk of a sedan car
I easily managed to fit Engwe EP-2 Pro into the trunk of Škoda Octavia. Photo: Electric Wheelers

The foldable alloy frame and the handlebar make it super portable. By portable, I mean it takes up very little space when folded.

It’s convenient and practical to travel with and can be easily stored in the trunk of your car. It is ideal for those who are going to the mountains or simply anywhere they want.

However, if you need to carry the bike daily for several flights of stairs, then it’s not this kind of portable. You definitely don’t want to haul this bike in your hand for a long time because it’s quite heavy.

LCD Display

The handlebar of engwe ep 2
You can toggle between different assistant levels via the display. Photo: Electric Wheelers

The display is quite big and bright enough to read from even under direct sunlight.

Navigation of the menu is easy. Display controls are on the left side of the handlebar and there are 5 buttons:

  • plus (+) – increase riding mode to upper level
  • minus (-) – decrease riding mode to the lower level
  • on/off – turn the motor on and off
  • lights – turn on/off the lights
  • info (i) – toggle between menu items

Ride Quality

saddle of engwe ep-2 pro
Photo: Electric Wheelers

I think this e-bike is perfect for small commutes. It has a very comfortable saddle and front suspensions plus fat tires making it easy to ride in all kinds of terrain.

Also, this bike comes with great maneuverability due to its cleverly designed length and width. Its wheelbase is just about right and it’s easy to ride through even the tightest entrances.

However, the geometry of this bike is not meant for ultra-long commutes. At least for me – when riding with it for several hours, my back gets tired.

Reasonable Price

The bike is affordable and totally worth the money. While folding electric bikes start as low as 600 dollars, the best-selling bikes usually go up to $2,000. The EP-2 Pro is rather on the lower side of this price range and still delivers incredible features for its cost.

Engwe often offers huge discount campaigns and the price can even be under $1,000.

Engwe EP-2 Pro Cons

Although it is a great bike overall, there are some drawbacks.

Heavy

The pictures give the impression of a small bike with a lightweight appearance due to its folding mechanism. In reality, it’s actually quite heavy and large, weighing around 70lbs.

However, it’s an electric fat bike, so this is quite the weight one should be expecting.

No Remaining Mileage Indicator

The display doesn’t show the remaining mileage. It just shows how many bars the battery has left. And it is not 100% accurate.

I had the following situation:

When I started the ride, the bike was in pedal-assist level 5 and the battery had 5 bars left.

After riding for a couple of minutes, I suddenly noticed that only 3 bars were left. After turning it into speed-mode 3, the display showed me 4 bars of battery. At the same time, I had no idea how many miles I could get.

But this is no issue if you test more and get more familiar with the bike.

Messy Cables

The cables can mess up a bit when folding and unfolding. After folding it again, the cables may be at a position that affects the front brake lever.

Some riders occasionally find the brake levers too tight. But it can be fixed by moving the cords from side to side.

Alternatives to EP-2 Pro

Engwe EP2 Pro in the foreground and Freego EV, Docrooup DS2, Radpower RadMini 4, and Lectric XP 2.0 in the background.

As mentioned before, these 20-inch folding electric bikes are super popular these days. There are many comments below our YouTube review, where people say that they have a very similar bike with a different name on it.

Some examples of very similar bikes:

Engwe EP-2 Pro vs Lectric XP 2.0 vs RadMini 4

Radmini 4 on the left, Engwe EP2 Pro in the middle and Lectric XP 2.0 on the right.

Although these bikes look very similar, it turns out there are quite a lot of differences between them.

But first, let’s see what commonalities they have:

RadMini 4Engwe EP-2 ProLectric XP 2.0
Motor TypeRear HubRear HubRear Hub
Torque80 Nm80 Nm80 Nm
Gears777
Charge time5-6h6h4-6h
Range45+45+45+
BrakesMechanicalMechanicalMechanical
Wheel Size20″20″20″

All 3 are equipped with a rear hub motor, which provides 80 Nm of torque. Also, you can ride about the same distance with each of them. The same story is with charging. It takes about 6 hours to get the battery recharged.

Also, you can expect very similar stopping power because they all have mechanical disc brakes.

Engwe EP-2 Pro, Lectric XP 2.0, and RadMini 4 Differences

RadMini 4Engwe EP-2 ProLectric XP 2.0
Price$1,499$950$999
Motor750W750W500W
Max Speed20 mph28 mph28 mph
E-Bike Class232/3
Battery Capacity672Wh615Wh460Wh
Tires20×3″20×4″20×3″
DerailleurShimano AltusShimano TourneyShimano Tourney
Weight67lbs70lbs63lbs
Max Weight275lbs330lbs330lbs
Fork Travel80mm70mm50mm
Fits Riders4’10” – 6’2″5’2″ – 6’5″4’10” – 6’3″
Folded Dimension41″ x 22″ x 28″30″ x 32″37″ x 18″ x 27″

As we can see, one of the main advantages of Engwe is the price. It is slightly cheaper than Lectric and quite a bit cheaper than RadMini. At the same time, the overall build quality is not worse.

On the positive side, it is worth mentioning that Engwe has a good top speed, solid payload capacity, and wider tires.

On the other hand, Engwe EP-2 Pro is heavier than its competitors. Compared to RadMini, Engwe has a cheaper derailleur system and less travel in the fork. Also, RadmMini has more energy capacity in its battery.

Where to Buy Engwe EP-2 Pro

Engwe sells its bikes directly to consumers on its own website. That’s why they can have such affordable prices.

Here are the links to get yourself an EP-2 Pro electric mountain bike at the best price:

Engwe EP-2 Pro Review Conclusion

Overall, I really like the bike. There are no reasons to regret that I bought it.

If you want a convenient commuter bike for getting to work or school or going shopping, the Engwe EP-2 Pro would be a perfect match for you.

Bike components are not of the highest level of quality but they will do the needed work and it can help to keep the price of the bike down.

Related: A Complete Overview About the Engwe Brand

This stylish bike definitely will draw some attention.

9 thoughts on “Engwe EP-2 Pro Review – Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike”

  1. If the bike was ever in need of repair or parts, how would you go about that? Do you recommend repair shops?

    1. If the bike still has a warranty, then you should contact the seller first. They will tell you how to repair. If the warranty period is over, I would use some local repair shop. Most bike components are very common and every repair shop should be able to make the repairs.

    1. I have not ridden with Fiido M1, so I can’t give you totally unbiased opinion.
      But let’s compare the specs.
      Engwe has a much more powerful motor – 750W vs 250W. Engwe also has a higher top speed.
      Same story about battery – 615Wh vs 450Wh in favor of Engwe.
      However, Fiido is a bit more lightweight. It weighs 25 kgs and EP-2 is about 32 kgs.

      Thanks for the question and I hope I did help a bit.

  2. I’ve seen different reviews and some say the bike comes fully assembled, just needs to be unfolded. Others say put together in a few hours. Which is correct?

    1. If you don’t want to use the motor, you can just turn it off. Then you can use the bike as a regular one.

      Also, you can just use the pedal-assist level 1. Then the motor helps you only when speed is really low. When you pedal faster, the motor stops assisting you.

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