The small well-established world of cheap 20-inch folding electric bikes must take a dim view of Engwe’s arrival on this buoyant market. The brand hitherto known and recognized for its FAT BIKE electric bikes is adding a C20 and C20 PRO series to its catalog.
These electric bikes are folding models with 20-inch wheels which aim to compete in particular with the HIMO brand with its Z20 while offering services close to a FAT BIKE for the C20 PRO.
| Brand Name: | Engwe |
| Model Number: | C20 Pro |
| Gears: | 7 Speed |
| Range per Power: | > 80 km |
| Frame Material: | Aluminum Alloy |
| Wheel Size: | 20" |
| Max Speed: | <30km/h |
| Voltage: | 36V |
| Power Supply: | Lithium Battery |
| Braking System: | Disc Brake |
| Charging Time: | 8 hours |
| Motor position: | Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery Position: | Buiilt-In Battery |
| Battery Capacity: | 36V19.2AH |
| Tire Width: | 20*3" |
| Motor Power: | 250W |
| Display: | LCD Display |
| Body weight: | 22KG |
| Suitable for: | 165-195CM People |
| Maximum Weight | 150KG |
A SEMI-FAT BIKE
For those who don’t know them, the Engwe C20 bikes belong to the family of adult folding electric bikes with 20-inch wheels which aims to reconcile compactness and comfort.
The Engwe C20 exists in two versions, normal and Pro as here in my test. The difference relates to the width of the wheels, 3 inches on the pro against 2.4 on the standard C20 and especially to the capacity of the battery which is huge on the Pro: 19.2Ah! Unheard of that provides twice the autonomy of a 10Ah battery usually used on a good quality electric bike, and here the C20 Normal.
The promise of the Engwe C20 Pro? No less than 150 km in assisted pedaling is announced by the manufacturer! It is of course necessary to put things into perspective because it will depend on the road, your weight, even the outside temperature. In all cases the 100 km will be exceeded.
In the commercial photos I thought the Engwe C20 was a pure designed HIMO brand bike. At the face-to-face reception, I discovered a slightly larger bike halfway between city bikes like HIMO Z20 and all-terrain models like FAT BIKE, a market in which Engwe is the leader.
It’s rather a good surprise for big and strong people looking for a compact and versatile electric bike that’s easy to ride or store and that doesn’t seem ridiculous in use.
The other features are of a good standard, including a spring-loaded mechanical front fork for comfort, a Shimano 7-speed system, a large on-board computer, disc brakes, kickstand and an LED system.
UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLY
No risk that the Engwe electric bike will arrive damaged due to the many protections in the box.
For transport optimization reasons, the assembly must be finalized after receipt, i.e.:
- Mount front wheel
- Assemble pedals
- Attach the handlebar stem
A manual presenting the bike is provided as well as a second dedicated to the on-board computer.
Engwe provided a set of spanners for assembly, but in my case I had to take an open-end spanner thinner than the one delivered from my kit to unscrew the nuts on the front wheel that were too tight.
A BRAND WITH CONSTANT QUALITY
Engwe manufacturing quality level has nothing more to demonstrate. The C20 is also a beautiful product in terms of assembly, finish and components.
The frame is made of aluminum alloy with welds.
The front fork has single spring, non-locking suspensions. They have a possible travel distance of 50 mm.
The cable paths are clean even if they remain partially visible.
The saddle is of good width with a comfortable material.
Its stem is adjustable in height with a traditional lock.
What is less generalized here is the possibility of also adjusting the height of the handlebar stem so as to optimize comfort even for the tallest. The manufacturer announces a possibility of use for people of height up to about 1.90 m which seems consistent to me (I am 1.80 m tall).
The handlebar level, the handles are pleasant material level.
The one on the right has an acceleration function, the famous “pure electric” mode, which unfortunately takes this bike out of the e-bike regulations (standard EN15194).
Pending a change in the regulations (electric balance bikes without pedaling are now authorized) the VAE Engwe C20 PRO must be used off public roads.
I asked Engwe how to deactivate the handle so that only pedal assistance is left. The on-board computer chosen by Engwe, an YL80C allows this, but these menus are not open for configuration.
To return to the handlebars, you have a bell, a Shimano system for very fluid shifting to the thumbs and therefore in a central position, steerable, the on-board computer. Engwe can afford to place it in this ergonomic position because there is a remote control unit that allows you to change modes or control the display.
Battery-powered LED lighting is present at the front.
The bike is equipped with a Shimano 7-speed system.
The motor is placed in the rear wheel.
A BOOSTED 250 W MOTOR
Engwe mounts on its C20 bike a Bafang motor, a recognized brand in the market. The 250W maximum power eventually opens up the prospect of certification.
The Engwe C20 PRO bike tested here offers 5 levels of assistance. These levels of assistance correspond to the electrical power supplied to accompany your pedaling.
They also condition the behavior of the accelerator grip, which is limited to the maximum speed associated with the mode selected.
I rotated the wheel without resistance in suspension to better determine the speed levels. You might be amazed at level 5 which is capable of propelling the bike to 38km/h. In fact, in practice once seated on the bike, you will never reach this speed due to your weight.
On a 20-inch wheel bike with a 7-speed gear block, human pedaling becomes impossible above 25 km/h because you have to grind too much.
The large LCD screen is readable and well thought out. It is possible to view the battery charge level, mode, instantaneous, maximum and median speed, last trip and total distance. Changing the display is done simply using the remote control.
The C20 PRO is very pleasant. The driving position is ergonomic and above all the comfort is there whatever the terrain.
With its 3-inch-wide wheels and telescopic fork, the C20 PRO is at home on dirt roads or bad roads. The sensations approach the one I have with my fat bikes. This versatility of the C20 PRO, halfway between a compact city bike and a Fat bike, is a strong point that sets it apart from the competition.
I have some improvement remarks for Engwe. You have to be careful because the handle assistance works even when stationary. You could inadvertently jump your bike by manipulating the handle while getting off the bike without turning off the assistance. I would have preferred the assistance to only kick in at 6 km/h.
As for autonomy, we have to wait a little longer so that I can confirm the figures allowed by the huge 36V 19.2Ah or 691Wh battery. I have almost no doubt to reach the minimum 120km with a full tank, sorry a recharge.
It takes 6 hours to replenish the huge battery of the C20 Pro. The battery is integrated in the frame as on the Fat Bike series. It is possible to extract it with a key to recharge it or store it outside the bike.
20 inch bikes have become popular because, when they are foldable, they can easily fit in the trunk of a regular vehicle or accompany you on public transport. This is the case of the C20 PRO which measures approximately 100 x 74 x 57 cm folded.
A VERY COMPETITIVE PRICE
Engwe scores points in this new market for 20-inch folding bikes both in terms of service and price. I hope that Engwe will propose an update of its counter so as to comply with the EN15194 standard.
If you are looking to buy this product at the best price, I urge you to read my current good plan: Engwe C20 and C20 Pro, compact folding electric bikes on sale from $600.
Engwe C20 Pro and C20 VERDICT:
A new game in the world of compact e-bikes with the Engwe C20 Pro. While remaining very compact, this model offers wide 2-inch wheels to go almost anywhere and above all a long battery life for a range of more than 120 km. I will also leave a video review of Engwe C20 Pro below, but it is better to use subtitles for understanding.
