A folding e-bike like the JANOBIKE E20 might be the perfect solution if you’re seeking for a good, reasonably priced entry-level electric bike or if you need to be able to store or charge your electric bike in a corner of your workplace or apartment. The price range is almost ideal for putting your toes into the e-bike waters, and it’s not as scary as some bigger e-bikes may be.
The JANOBIKE E20 E-Bike advertises itself as having extra-large tires, a strong electric engine, and the ability to fold up into a portable size.
The JANOBIKE E-Fatbike offers some pleasant surprises despite its low price. In this test, we make it obvious what it offers, how enjoyable it is to drive, and what considerations should be made.
It’s vital to keep in mind that your own habits, needs, and goals will play a big role in determining whether a certain bike model is a good fit for you before I get to the evaluation of this newest e-bike.
An e-bike that is perfect for me – a man who works from home, lives on acreage at the end of a dirt road, enjoys a little speed and thrills, and almost never loads his bikes into cars, trucks, or trailers – is probably not going to be perfect for someone else who might live in a big city, a small apartment, or who frequently has to carry their bike upstairs, in a trunk, or into an office.
| Product | Electric Bicycle |
| Model | E20 |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Product Weight | 35kg |
| Package Size | 148 x 30 x 71cm |
| Wheel | 20 Inches |
| Max Load | 200Kg |
| Mileage Range | Assisted 60-70km |
| Recommended Speed | 25Km/h |
| Brake | Front and Rear Oil Brakes |
| Variable Speed | 7 speed |
| Damping | Front Fork Spring Shock Absorption |
| Tire | Chaoyang Fat Tire 20 x 4.0 |
| Battery Capacity | 12.8AH |
| Hall Brushless Motor | 48V1000W |
| Battery | Lithium Battery |
| Motor Rated Voltage | 48V |
| Seat tube Height | 60-90cm |
| Charging Time | 6-7H |
| Certificate | CE |
JANOBIKE E20: Design and Build Quality
The Chinese manufacturer primarily focuses on e-bikes with extremely wide tires. The JANOBIKE E20, often known as a “E-Fat bike” or “E-Fatty,” is not only eye-catching but also promises to have excellent traction in virtually any climate and on any surface.
The e-bike was shipped in a standard cardboard box, safely packed. No additional expenses, such as customs or import charges, were spent because it was supplied straight from the EU warehouse (Poland) through the official JANOBIKE store. It simply took a couple days to ship.
The folded e-bike had to be unpacked by releasing the numerous zip ties holding it in the package and taking off the padding. If you have the strength, you can now hoist the e-bike out of the box. When folded to 148 x 30 x 71 cm, the electric bicycle still weighs about 35 kg, which is quite a little.
It took me a moment to feel at ease riding the E20 because I usually ride mountain bike-style frames with a more forward-leaning posture rather than an upright posture like many city bikes and cruisers have. In my case, the road is a dusty, bumpy road for the first half mile or so before I hit pavement. It was also a little weird riding the bike because of the 20-inch wheels, smaller frame, and slightly taller handlebar stem, though I quickly got used to it.
At least virtually, since the vehicle cannot move until the pedals are engaged. The pedals may then be conveniently folded for transportation, so this process only needs to be done once. Even though the tires are already inflated, you should double-check it before you start driving. A quick brake inspection is also crucial. On my test device, these were a little too weakly placed. The brakes can be readily adjusted and provide good traction.
The bike’s 1000-watt geared hub motor in the rear wheel provided more than enough power to propel me up hills and into high gears, with the lowest pedal assistance level being adequate for a man of my size (120 pounds) on flat terrain and the highest pedal assistance level capable of speeds up to about 22 miles per hour.
The process of further mounting or unfolding the folding bike only takes a few quick and easy steps. Here, just unfold the e-bike with the folding mechanism on the center bar and secure with the safety device, straighten the folded handlebars, and then align the saddle. The JANOBIKE E20 expands to 165 x 55 x 120 cm when unfolded. It isn’t much smaller than a regular bicycle.
Due to the bike’s smaller frame, wheels, and other components, I wasn’t initially confident in its stability on rocky roads or even off-road trails. However, after a few forays off the beaten track, I realized that my concerns weren’t justified because the four-inch fat tires and front suspension fork greatly improved the ride. The bike is more than sufficient for most city riding and the occasional heavily used bike route, but I doubt I’ll be blasting downhill, catching air, or hitting some technical singletrack on it anytime soon.
The e-bike can be folded back in the other direction just as rapidly as it can be unfolded. The folding e-bike is not held together when folded by any mechanism. The folded electric bike rests steadily on the ground without the chainrings contacting it because of a support. The frame has a handle that makes lifting simpler. The electric folding bike barely fits in a small car’s trunk.
The twist-grip throttle on the E20 folding e-bike is superior to the thumb throttles found on many other e-bikes in my opinion since it allows you to more easily manage the bike’s power. However, your experience may differ.
Given the pricing range, the JANOBIKE E20’s material selection and level of finish deserve praise. The welds are clean but a little bit rough. After several test drives, there was no discernible rattle, drag, or squeak. The folding mechanism, which is securely fastened even after being unfolded numerous times, is the same. Be mindful of the 150 kilogram maximum load capacity.
The E20’s folding feature enables it to be folded down to a size that is roughly 30″ wide by 32″ tall and about a foot or so across, making it small enough to fit into most car trunks, or “frunks,” or into a closet or a room corner. I can now see the use case for folding bikes as I haven’t before when comparing this feature of the JANOBIKE bike to standard (non-folding) e-bikes, which can take up a lot of space in a room—and which can not fit into a trunk at all.
As always, style is a question of personal preference, particularly when it comes to the distinctive JANOBIKE sticker on the frame. There should be a hue that works for everyone among the five options. The cable management on the handlebars is the only thing that detracts from the overall aesthetic. The cables may be seen sticking out of the handlebars before they finally vanish right above the fork. Visual means of solving this were available.
JANOBIKE E20: Motor and Driving
The lack of German road permission is a significant issue that deserves to be brought up. The 1000W motor’s excessive power, an unbraked speed of more than 25 km/h, and the throttle grip, which transforms the electric bike into a little e-moped, are the causes of this. It can appear substantially differently in other nations. Make important to educate yourself with local laws before you get behind the wheel.
The throttle on this bike is an interesting feature because it seems to be controlled by the pedal-assist level you have chosen. For example, if you are using level 1 pedal-assist, the throttle will only increase the bike’s speed to the speed that level 1 allows. On other e-bikes I’ve ridden, the throttle has the full power range available no matter what level of pedal-assist is currently selected. For instance, on my RadWagon (which also has a twist-grip throttle), the motor swiftly ramps up to its maximum power when I crank it all the way toward me, however if I simply crank it a little bit, the bike will only move forward slowly.
The JANOBIKE E20 is a true performance beast thanks to its 1000 watt rear-wheel drive system. The e-bike readily pulls off due to the strong torque of 80 nm.
The wheels on the E20 are unique compared to all the other e-bikes I’ve ridden where the rubber meets the road. They aren’t conventional wire-spoked wheels; rather, they are more akin to motorcycle or BMX-style wheels in that they are made of aluminum and have six rigid “spokes,” preventing the need for (or even the possibility of) wheel truing in the event of an accident.
There are dozens of additional settings here as well, but if you don’t know what they do, you should avoid using them. The user manual describes which setting does what.
Returning to the bolt-on design of the wheels, you will need a tool along with a flat repair kit and a pump in case you have a flat tire. I used to experience this pretty frequently out here in goat head country before switching to tire liners and tire slime. However, it’s also possible that most people take their flat tires to a bike shop rather than attempting to replace them themselves. This is excellent for local bike shops, but it could also leave individuals stranded and in need of transportation.
In actuality, the e-bike can only be controlled by the pedals when it is turned off. The pedal aid mode level 1 is automatically selected when the e-bike is turned on, and this mode delays turning on the motor for around three seconds after mounting. In the advanced settings, the torque sensor’s sensitivity can be changed.
The greatest speed you can achieve on a straight line is around 40 km/h if you change the PAS to position 5 parallel to the gears. With an 85 kg body weight, I was still able to measure this speed. The JANOBIKE E20 may allow lighter people to accelerate up to 45 km/h. The PAS will come to an abrupt stop after you stop pedaling. The PAS is immediately stopped by braking.
The broad 20 x 4-inch tires on the JANOBIKE E20 guarantee a comfortable and secure ride. The foldable bike is suitable for riders up to 1.95 cm in height. The e-bike travels smoothly and pleasantly on difficult terrain despite having only front fork suspension. The JANOBIKE e-bike has developed for tours through the forest, on farm roads, and on city streets. The lockout can be used to lock the suspension depending on the circumstance. Longer travels can be taken in comfort on a bicycle saddle with a center recess.
JANOBIKE E20: Battery and Range
The 48V 12.8Ah battery for the bicycle fits inside the frame and may be taken out for security or charging. It is rated to provide “50+ miles” of electric assistance. Similar to the specifications of EV batteries and their range between charges, it truly all depends on your unique circumstances. That range will be quickly reduced by a series of steep hills, a bigger rider, or someone who always uses the throttle and pedals sparingly.
I will now wrap up my discussion of battery and range. Since the range is greatly influenced by driving habits, driver weight, and regional considerations, it is usually challenging to quantify. With throttle operation, the test range was, on average, 45 km. This holds true in every situation with a body weight of roughly 85 kg and a primarily flat terrain. In PAS mode, a little wider range is ticklable. Here, up to 60 kilometers is a reasonable value.
The e-bike battery may theoretically be charged without being taken off. The charging connection can be accessed through a tiny hole in the frame. It is more practical to take the battery off and charge it independently from the bicycle, though. The charging process takes about six hours.
JANOBIKE E20: Conclusions
The JANOBIKE E20 is the greatest e-bike I’ve tested so far and has completely won me over. The lock’s poor placement, the lack of fixation when folded, or the obtrusive cable routing from the handlebars to the fork are all valid issues, to name a few.
Positive impressions, however, are more prevalent. The JANOBIKE E20 has surprisingly strong handling even over difficult terrain because of the wide tires. Real mountain bikes have much better handling qualities, but we also have a small, folding e-bike in front of us that we need to keep in mind. Apart from the lack of street permission in Germany, the JANOBIKE E20 comes with a strong recommendation!
Overall, the JANOBIKE could work well as a commuter bike or grocery delivery vehicle, especially given its affordable price of $1069, as well as the fact that it can fit in places where few other e-bikes can.
Sup my niñjaaz, putchall funky butts a 60v 25ķ b’ñő⁸
Can I ride my Janobike through rain?