Engwe markets its M20 as an affordable alternative to the Super73. The Engwe M20 mimics the famed California Cafe Racer’s design. In addition to the cool frame design, the M20 has the option of adding a second battery and comes with dual headlights.
The e-bike falls under the class 3 e-bike category for the US market. However, it exceeds the EU’s legal specs for regular e-bikes.
A few advantages of the M20 are that it is inexpensive, fast, and has an extended range for users who would love an extra battery. Additionally, it has throttle-only riding. But we will cover everything in more detail later.
Electric Wheelers is reader-supported. Although we independently research and test products, we may receive a commission on purchases made from our chosen links. Read more…
Engwe M20 Review
Motor: 750W | Top Speed: 28 mph | Max Payload: 265 lbs | Battery: 2x624Wh | Max Range: 90 miles
To Whom This Bike Is Built For?
The Engwe M20 e-bike is a perfect fit for the modern commuter looking to navigate the city streets in style. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about doing so with flair.
Seniors looking to stay in tune with contemporary trends will also find this e-bike appealing. It offers a blend of modern tech with ease of use.
However, for the die-hard cycling enthusiast, the M20 might fall a bit short of delivering that authentic cycling experience. Speaking from personal experience, at 191 cm tall, I found the pedaling stance a tad awkward.
But here’s the silver lining: with the throttle at your fingertips, you don’t always need to pedal. Just twist, cruise, and enjoy the sheer joy of the ride.
Engwe M20 Pros and Cons
Engwe M20 Unboxing and First Steps
The moment the courier delivered my Engwe M20 e-bike, I was taken aback by the compactness of the package. It was so neatly sized that it effortlessly fit into the elevator, a pleasant surprise for such a robust piece of machinery. At first glance, one might easily mistake it for anything but a full-sized e-bike.
Upon opening the box, I was greeted with a really neat and tidy setup. The e-bike was wrapped up in thick foam and strong cardboard, ensuring its pristine condition during transit.
Assembly was relatively straightforward. The primary tasks involved attaching the front wheel and setting up the handlebar. However, unwrapping the protective cushions and getting everything in place did consume a good hour of my time.
A small hiccup in the process was discovering the battery in a completely drained state. So, before I could embark on my maiden voyage with the Engwe M20, a battery recharge was in order.
All in all, the unboxing experience was a blend of excitement and anticipation. It’s clear that Engwe has put thought into the packaging and presentation of the M20, ensuring that the bike reaches its new owner in impeccable condition.
However, after setting everything up, I took the bike to a local bike shop so a professional could fine-tune braking and gearing systems. These things tend to go out of place during a long transport, so I suggest you do the same.
Engwe M20 Performance
Motor and Speed
The M20 has a powerful 48V 750W brushless motor with a peak power of 1,000W, and the company mounts the motor on the rear cast rim wheel. The rear rim lacks spokes removing a common maintenance concern for high-power hub motor electric bikes.
The M20 has an advertised top speed of 28 mph (or 45 km/h).
On paper, it promises a top speed of 28 mph, which translates to about 45 km/h. Given my weight, around 90 kilos, I pushed it to a respectable 42 km/h. Not quite the max, but close.
The rider’s weight and other environmental factors like terrain and gradient affect an e-bike’s top speed. There is a chance that the M20 didn’t reach its marketed 28mph because of my weight. However, the chances are that this will be the standard top speed witnessed by many riders.
For those of you in the United States, this places the M20 in the class 3 e-bike category. But a heads up for my European friends: this bike might not be street-legal everywhere. Many European countries cap e-bikes at a 25 km/h speed limit.
Set Your Own Speed Limit
However, you can limit the speed of the bike by yourself. There are 5 speed levels you can switch from the display. The first level allows you to go for about 22 km/h and with 5th level I got about 42 km/h.
I tested out how the bike performs in different speed modes. You can see my testing from the previous link.
Full-Twist Throttle
Now, a feature I found interesting is the full twist throttle. It activates the motor from a complete standstill.
A word of caution here: be gentle with it. The acceleration can be pretty sharp.
Battery and Range
The Engwe has a 48V 13Ah Lithium-Ion battery, but users can purchase dual batteries for added range. Engwe states that their bike has a 34.17-mile (or 55 km) on electric mode and a 47-mile (or 75km) range on PAS mode 1. The dual battery option adds more range to the bike.
While a single battery is relatively sufficient (especially if you plan to traverse shorter distances), dual batteries are even better. They double the bike’s range to 90 miles (or 151 km) on the lowest pedal assist.
Range Test of Engwe M20: My Experience
During my recent range test of the Engwe M20, several factors came into play that are worth noting. Firstly, the weather was far from ideal; I was battling against strong winds and the temperature hovered around a chilly 10 degrees Celsius (50F).
My weight, at around 200 pounds (90 kg), also played a role in the bike’s performance. For the majority of my ride, I used speed levels 2-3, primarily due to local regulations that cap e-bike speeds at 25 km/h.
It’s essential to remember that factors like weight, weather, and pedal assist levels can significantly impact the bike’s range. If you’re lighter or riding in warmer conditions, you might see better results.
Despite these conditions, I was impressed to find that I could cover just over 40 km (25 miles) on a single charge. While the battery didn’t run out entirely, there was a noticeable drop in speed towards the end of my journey.
An important point to highlight is that I relied solely on the throttle mode throughout the test. Given all these factors, the Engwe M20 showcased a commendable performance in terms of range, and I’m eager to see how it fares in more favorable conditions.
Dual Disc Brakes
Moving on to the brakes. The M20 has 160mm rear and front mechanical disc brakes providing reliable stopping power. The brakes stop the bike pretty quickly.
Now, considering the bike’s weight and its potential speed, my personal preference would lean toward hydraulic brakes. They just offer that extra bit of responsiveness and stopping power.
However, if the mechanical brakes are set up correctly, they do the job and provide enough stopping power to keep you safe on the road. If you break hard enough, the wheels could easily lock.
7-Speed Shimano Gearing
The M20 has a standard 7-speed Shimano Tourney gearing system. For those familiar with bike components, you know that this is one of Shimano’s most basic options.
But here’s the thing: for many riders of the M20, the throttle will be the main attraction. So, the gears might not matter much.
That said, if you’re in the mood to pedal, you’ll find that even in the 7th gear, you can’t quite pedal fast enough to approach those top speeds. These gears are more suited for a smooth start and cruising at a moderate pace.
Engwe M20 Design and Features
Frame and Geometry
The M20 is made with 6061 aluminum alloy with a motorcycle design. The bike’s frame is a bit cramped (it could have been a little bit longer). However, testing the bike proved its length to be sufficient. The bike has front and rear fenders (metal) protecting riders from debris and water.
The bike has good cable management, which is clean except for a small part on the front. You can see the headlight cables connecting before trailing off into the frame. This can be problematic. However, I managed to hide these connecting joints inside the headlight, so it’s not a huge issue.
Engwe designed their M20 in three colors: black, green, and white, providing buyers with a sufficient color variety to choose from.
The M20 weighs 76.7 pounds (or 34.8kg) which is light for most people to move around. However, it’s not the kind of bike you can easily bring up the stairs or take to public transport. It’s too bulky for that.
When you hop on, you’ll notice the ride position is upright, giving you a clear view of your surroundings. One thing to keep in mind is that the saddle height is fixed, so you won’t be adjusting that.
Dual Suspensions
The M20 has dual suspension with a rear shock and an adjustable front shock. The bike’s suspension is sufficient for most terrain and provides a good riding experience on bumpy surfaces.
The front adjustable shocks improve handling on rough terrain, minimizing the stress transferred to users. The rear suspension, while more basic, does its job, offering that extra bit of cushioning on rougher terrains.
Wheels and Tires
The bike has all-terrain fat tires (20” by 4”), perfect for most riding conditions. The tires feel nice and smooth when riding, providing a comfortable riding experience. Additionally, the tires handle pretty well when turning.
Now, something unique about the M20’s wheels is the absence of spokes. Traditional spoked wheels distribute tension and support the bike’s weight. Without spokes, the M20’s wheels are likely designed to be sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear.
On the flip side, if there’s damage, you might be looking at replacing the entire wheel rather than adjusting or replacing individual spokes.
It’s an interesting design choice and one that sets the M20 apart.
Double Headlights
The M20 boasts double headlights in the front and a braking light at the rear.
These aren’t just for nighttime rides; the headlights stay on in daylight mode, ensuring you’re visible at all times. And when you do switch them on fully, they illuminate the path ahead brilliantly.
The bike also has bright brake lights that help keep riders safe when riding in traffic.
Additional Features
Beyond the core features, the M20 comes packed with some noteworthy extras. For those looking to extend their adventures, there’s an option to purchase an additional battery for $300, effectively doubling your range.
But what about the accessories that are included in the base price?
For wet conditions, the M20 has got you covered with its fenders. If you’re using this bike to commute to work, you’ll appreciate not having to deal with water splashes on your clothes during those wetter days.
For when you’re taking a break or parking up, there’s a robust kickstand. Given the weight of the M20, having a sturdy kickstand is essential, and this one holds up the bike with ease.
And lastly, there is a display that shows you the speed, battery level, and mileage.
Price and Availability
Among other similar e-bikes, the M20 is rather affordable. The single-battery version costs about $1,200 and the dual-battery version you can get for about $1,500.
However, definitely check out our buying links, because I have often seen the bike discounted to $1,000 or even slightly under it.
Engwe sells their ebikes on their own online stores. However, there are different websites for different regions. So depending on your location, choose the correct website:
Are There Alternatives?
When you are choosing a moped electric bike, there are actually quite a lot of options. One of the most famous moped e-bikes is Super93, but it is from a completely different league price-wise.
Let’s name some other popular choices:
- RadRunner Plus – Similarly priced, but in my opinion, doesn’t look as cool as the M20. Doesn’t have a dual-battery option. But has an adjustable seat.
- Ride1UP Revv 1 – Looks extremely good and comes also with two batteries. However, the price is much higher than M20.
- Electra Ponto Go! – Has a much longer wheelbase and can accommodate a passenger. But the Ponto Go costs almost 2 times more than the Engwe M20.
Engwe M20 Review Conclusions
To sum it up, it’s clear that this e-bike brings a blend of style, functionality, and performance to the table.
From its moped-inspired design to its impressive speed and solid range, the M20 stands out as a reliable companion for both daily commutes and leisurely rides.
Whether you’re a modern-day commuter, a senior looking to embrace the e-bike trend, or someone simply seeking a fun ride, the Engwe M20 has something to offer.
Thanks for joining me on this review, and until next time, ride safe and stay charged!
Engwe M20 Specs
General
| Bike Name | Engwe M20 |
| E-Bike Class | Class 3 |
| Availability | United States, Europe, UK |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
Electronics
| Motor Type | Rear-Hub Drive |
| Motor Power | 750W |
| Top Speed | 28 mph |
| Battery | Dual 48V 13Ah (1248Wh Total) |
| Range | Up to 90 miles |
| Display | LCD |
Bike Details
| Dimensions | 40.9″ x 21.5″ x 33″ |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Frame Size | One Size |
| Frame Type | Moped-Style |
| Recommended Rider Height | 5’0″ – 6’8″ |
| Frame Colors | Black, White, Green |
| Fork | Front Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Rear Shock |
| Gearing | 1×7-Speed Shimano Tourney |
| Brakes | Front and Rear Mechanical Disc |
| Wheel Size | 20″ |
| Tires | 20″ x 4″ Fat Tires |
| Weight | 77.7 lbs (35 kg) |
| Weight Capacity | 265 lbs (120 kg) |
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
