Engwe P26 Review – Affordable Commuter E-Bike for City Rides

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The Engwe P26 ditches the usual chunky tires and fold-up dance for something a bit more streamlined, suited for the city streets.

It’s Engwe stepping out of its comfort zone to cater to the everyday commuter looking for an e-bike that won’t weigh them down.

With my fair share of e-bikes tested, and many miles clocked, I’m taking a hard look at the P26 to see if it really delivers what the urban rider needs.

Stick around if you want the inside scoop – no fluff, just straight talk.

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Engwe P26 Review

Engwe P26 is a commuter e-bike that is designed for flat surfaces. It’s the company’s first bike that doesn’t have a folding frame. However, it has other practical features like fenders, lights, a rear rack, a front suspension, and much more.

Due to the different legal requirements, the EU version and the US version of the bike have slight differences. For example, the US version has a more powerful motor and a slightly bigger battery. But we will cover all this in more depth in the following paragraphs.

Engwe P26 Pros and Cons

Unboxing Engwe P26

I slid the box cutter through the tape, the cardboard flaps gave way, and there it was: the Engwe P26, snugly fitted and secured inside.

Everything was neatly packed and compartmentalized to avoid any transit mishaps. As I pulled out the bike, I noted how each part was wrapped and protected, showing care in the packaging.

I found all the essentials you’d expect: the charger, a tool kit for assembly, and a concise manual that promised a no-sweat setup.

The bike itself was almost ready to roll straight out of the box, with just a few tweaks needed to get it road-worthy. When you take the bike out of the box, here’s a list of what you have to do:

• install the handlebar
• install the front light
• install the front fender
• turn the bike upside down and install the front wheel
• install pedals

If you need any help with assembling the bike, take a look at this step-by-step assembling instructions video.

The whole unboxing and assembling experience was straightforward – no frills, just the anticipation of the first ride.

Engwe P26 Performance

Motor and Speed

The P26 has a 250W brushless geared hub motor with 500W peak power. This is typical of most e-bikes in a similar category. Engwe claims their motor has 40Nm of torque, making it perfect for city commutes.

The motor is smaller than Engwe’s first bikes (EP-2 Pro, Engine Pro). However, we tested it and found it quite efficient for its size, as long as you keep to relatively flat terrain.

The US variant is livelier, featuring a 500W motor with 800W peak power.

The EU version of Engwe P26 has a 25 km/h top speed. Actually, the motor is capable of going faster but the speed is limited to comply with legal requirements. However, you can unlock the speed limiter in case you are in a private area or it is allowed to go faster in your area.

In the United States, e-bike laws are less strict. Therefore, the motor of the US version has more power, and a higher top speed (18.6 mph).

Hill Climbing

The P26 is capable of climbing hills up to 7 degrees, which is less efficient than most other e-bikes. Thus, the bike is sufficient for commuters living in relatively flat terrain.

We tested the bike in bumpy terrain and found it a bit wanting. The rear wheel kept bumping up, making the bike lose traction.

Battery and Range

The P26 has a 36V 17Ah battery that provides a 100 km range. The US variant has a 48V 13.6Ah battery with an 86-mile range. Please note that this kind of range is possible in the pedal-assistant mode and not in throttle-only mode.

The e-bike has a built-in battery that users can charge while installed on the bike. Alternatively, the battery is removable, which is helpful to users who want to charge the battery away from the bike.

One advantage of a removable battery is buying one or two extra batteries and increasing your range. If one battery dies, you just take another and double the range.

The battery has a keylock feature that secures the battery to the frame reducing the chances of theft. Note that the battery is quite heavy, and you should be prepared if you remove it from the bike when charging or carrying an extra battery when commuting.

Mechanical Disc Brakes

The Engwe P26 is equipped with 160mm mechanical disc brakes, a common size for city e-bikes, offering a dependable braking response.

The reliability of these brakes is in line with what you need for everyday commuting—consistent and ready to handle sudden stops when traffic throws a surprise your way.

While they provide sufficient stopping power for routine riding, it’s worth noting that these aren’t high-end hydraulic brakes, which can offer finer modulation and require less hand force for braking.

This means that while the P26’s brakes are trustworthy for daily use, in emergency situations, or when navigating steep descents, you’ll want to anticipate your stops and give yourself a bit more leeway to come to a halt.

It’s about riding smart and understanding the limitations of your gear—something every seasoned cyclist does instinctively.

Gearing System

The Engwe P26’s gearing system is straightforward and effective. The 7-speed Shimano Tourney system is quite common for similar cheap e-bikes.

Shifting through the gears is a mostly smooth affair, with the transitions feeling secure and deliberate. It’s not top-of-the-line—there’s an occasional hiccup when shifting under load, which tells you it’s not quite a professional grade.

However, for the urban commuter, it’s more than adequate. You can rely on it to tackle those city inclines and make your way through varied terrain without much fuss.

Engwe P26 Design and Features

Frame

The bike’s 6061 aluminum alloy frame has a unique design, making its front end taller than the rear. The bike combines frames where the front end looks like a downhill bike, and the back end resembles a mixture of trekking and a hardtail bike.

This is advantageous, especially because Engwe designed the P26 for city commutes.

The bike’s frame design is good because it allows riders to adjust the seat to fit various heights, allowing better posture. Additionally, you can adjust the handlebar to make it taller or shorter, depending on your height. You can also lean the handlebars forward or backward to get more comfortable.

The P26 has aluminum pedals with a suitable surface that you can comfortably step on without sliding. Lastly, the e-bike has a solid kickstand to balance it when parked.

Front Suspension

The P26 has a nice front suspension that works effectively when riding the bike over rough surfaces. However, I found the bike a bit uncomfortable when riding over bumpy terrain.

Regardless, Engwe designed their e-bike for urban terrain (most of which is smooth), and it would not be reasonable to judge it for its off-roading capabilities.

Wheels and Tires

The P26 rolls easily with its 26-inch wheels. The tires are 1.95 inches wide and provide enough traction when riding on various terrain.

However, you shouldn’t ride the bike on highly slippery roads or extremely bumpy places because Engwe designed these tires for relatively smooth urban areas.

Engwe’s first e-bikes were all with 20-inch wheels and fat tires. Now, the P26 is the second e-bike with 26-inch wheels (Engwe X26 also has 26-inch wheels). So we definitely see the trend here.

Portability

At 26 kg (57 pounds), the Engwe P26 sits comfortably in the mid-range for e-bike weight—not the lightest out there, but by no means the heftiest. It’s on par with the C20 Pro and significantly less burdensome than the bulkier EP-2 Pro, which is something to appreciate if you’re lugging it up a flight of stairs.

Yet, it’s important to note that the P26’s non-folding design is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it contributes to a more rigid and potentially durable frame structure, which is a plus for consistent riders. On the other, this design does pose some logistical challenges.

You won’t have the convenience of folding it down to slip into the trunk of a car or tucking it away in a closet or under a desk. It demands a bit more planning when it comes to transportation and storage.

If you’re a city dweller or an apartment resident, this is a crucial point to consider. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a trade-off you’ll be making for the sleek, fold-free silhouette of the P26.

Free Accessories

• Lights – The bike comes with lights that you can use to help you navigate at night. The lights are powerful enough to light your way at night and help show your presence to other road users.
• Fenders – Engwe’s P26 comes with metallic fenders to protect riders from mud and dirt when riding in dirty or wet conditions. Also, the fenders protect the bike’s onboard electrical components from water damage caused by splashes.
• Rear rack – The bike has a rear rack that riders can use to carry various cargo. You can also use the rear rack as a passenger seat when riding with a friend. Note that the bike has a 100 kg carrying capacity. So the rear rack is most likely not suitable for carrying another adult.

Engwe P26 Ride Experience

Straddling the Engwe P26 gives an immediate impression of its solid build. The grips feel comfortable in your hands, neither too soft nor too rigid, allowing for a relaxed hold without any strain on longer rides.

As you push off and twist the sensitive half-twist throttle, the bike responds with an eager yet smooth acceleration, a nod to its finely tuned electrical system.

The ride position strikes a natural balance — you sit upright enough to keep an eye on urban traffic, yet leaned forward just so to give you that aerodynamic edge when you need it.

The steering feels intuitive with a responsive handlebar, making navigating through city streets almost second nature.

Each component, from the seat to the pedal placement, works in concert to ensure that the ride is not just about getting from A to B, but about the quality of the journey in between.

Engwe P26 Review Conclusions

Engwes P26 e-bike has relatively good ride quality, primarily because of its frame design and adjustment options. The model has good stability and is comfortable because you have a good riding position.

The bike’s brakes and front suspension are quite efficient. However, you should choose another e-bike to go off-roading.

So if you live in a relatively flat area and looking for an affordable e-bike for everyday commutes, Engwe P26 might be a good option. It’s a great commuter bike priced relatively well.

Engwe P26 Specs

General

Electronics

Bike Details

Jarmo Habakuk

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.