Today, the choice of electric bicycles is endless, and choosing the right one is becoming more and more difficult. Of course, we all want the best, but the combination of "cheap and high class" simply does not exist. However, this does not mean that there is no choice.
ENGWE P1
Assessment:
What did we like?
What didn't we like?
If you are looking for a compact and inexpensive electric bicycle that could cover a distance of about 40 kilometers on electric power alone, could easily fold and fit in the trunk of a car for a trip to the sea - read on.
ENGWE P1 is one of the latest models in the budget series, for which I did not have high expectations, but after testing it I was pleasantly surprised. So, it is with great anticipation that I share with you my insights - what impressed and disappointed me, and the answer to the question of why this e-bike is not for everyone.
Unboxing
This is my third ENGWE bike to test. Before that, I had to test ENGWE EP2 Pro, Engine Pro 2.0, and now it's time to evaluate the more entry-level model P1. Its complete set is really rich: electric bike, trunk, travel bag, mudguards, phone holder, instructions, set of keys and all the necessary tools for assembling the bike.
Since ENGWE was running a promotion at the time of ordering, I also received a second travel basket as a gift, which can be attached to the seat frame or to the steering wheel. Such additional gifts are pleasing, especially since they can be put to practical use.
First impressions
The ENGWE P1 I tested is matte black with white and orange accents. True, if this color is not to your heart, you can also choose a white or gray version, which, in my opinion, look a bit more modern and stand out more in the environment.
The bike weighs about 25 kg. There is a built-in handle on the frame, by which it is convenient to pick up or carry the bike up the stairs. And while it's not the lightest 20-inch model on the market, its weight is certainly manageable.
The height of the steering wheel is adjustable, and on it you will find all the necessary components. On the left side there is a small LCD screen with on/off and control buttons. Next to it is the classic warning bell and, as usual, behind the handle - a mechanical brake lever.
Unlike the left, the right side of the steering wheel is not so loaded. It has a Shimano 7-level shifter and a rear brake lever. Out of the box, the ENGWE P1 doesn't have a speed lever, but it's included in the kit, and it only takes a few minutes to change and connect. You can also mount a phone holder, but you won't find a USB connection for charging in this model.
A softer ride will be provided by the front shock absorber. Above it is a front light, which, although not very bright, will come in handy in the darker hours of the day. Moving towards the frame of the bike - here we find the handle of the folding mechanism with a fuse. On the other side - the battery charging connection with a protective rubber cover.
The ENGWE P1 cables are routed at the bottom of the frame, and between them there is a slightly more hidden lock, which can be activated by turning the key in the appropriate direction or simply pulling it out. In such cases, when you do not have a socket in the pantry or basement - the removable battery is a huge advantage.
This electric bike has 20*2.3 inch tires covered with quality metal fenders. The front and rear wheels are equipped with cheap mechanical disc brakes, which are prone to squealing, but their effectiveness is relatively sufficient to avoid accidents on the road.
A 250W motor with a torque of 40Nm is installed in the rear wheel. I will share about its capabilities and ability to overcome hills a little later, but to finish the visual inspection of ENGWE P1 - I just have to add that I put the included metal trunk with a red LED rear light on the back. According to the manufacturer, the recommended load of the trunk is up to 25 kg, but in practice it can withstand a higher weight.
Ride quality
The build quality of this ENGWE bike is really not bad. You don't feel any empty spaces, nothing rattles, nothing wobbles while driving, the mudguards hold firmly. The components, although cheap, perform their function without major problems. It should be remembered that this is a budget class model, the price of which does not reach €650.
Depending on the height of the rider, the bicycle seat can be raised to the required height. True, if you are over 180cm (like me), then you will not be able to reach the required height. The tube is too short, which results in discomfort when riding because the legs are not fully extended. Yes, it is possible to purchase a longer tube, but this already adds to the cost.
Well, at least the saddle itself is quite wide and soft. At first glance and the first touches, it looks durable, covered with quality. There were no inconveniences when driving longer distances. A gap is left in the middle of the saddle for better ventilation.
Thanks to front spring shock absorbers and wider tires, potholes and other road irregularities are less noticeable. Basically, the bike is intended for more city riding, but it will also withstand in cases where you want to ride on neater, smoother forest paths.
Electric motor / assistant
In terms of its technical parameters, this baby does not stand out too much from its competitors. Engine only 250W, battery capacity 468Wh (36V 13Ah). Projected maximum developed speed is 25 km/h, it is true, it can be easily "unlocked" programmatically and increased to 32 km/h. This difference in speed is really noticeable and that higher speed is most desired in straight sections.
It is possible to drive in three different ways: without engine assistance (only when pedaling), with the help of an engine assistant while pedaling, or fully relaxed "fully on electricity". A fourth method can be added here, which is not distinguished by the manufacturer: using the speed lever and pressing the pedals.
By selecting the help of the motor assistant, its level can be set from 1 to 5. This means that when you start pedaling, the speed sensor of the bike will be activated and depending on the selected level, the motor will try to reach the speed programmed by the manufacturer.
Performance is primitive as the engine always delivers maximum power. On the other hand, it is not as dangerous as on more powerful models that have 750W-1500W motors. Ideally, all bikes would have a torque sensor, but again it all boils down to the cost of the bike.
The ENGWE P1 electric bike accelerates smoothly and smoothly. During the testing, hills of various steepness were overcome, different road surface was passed. The maximum speed was tested both with a fully charged battery and with a small remaining battery. And speaking of the distance covered - I was pleasantly surprised.
Distance traveled and maximum speed
I was sure that driving on the base only with the help of the engine, I would only be able to reach the 30 km mark, but the ENGWE P1 far exceeded my expectations. The final distance traveled measured with the STRAVA app was even 40.37km! My weight is 85kg, the tires are inflated to 40PSI, and the average driving speed is 24.4 km/h.
When driving on a straight road with a fully charged battery, the speed on the screen reached 33-34 km/h, but according to STRAVA, the real speed was a little lower, around 31-32 km/h. 42.2 km/h was recorded when driving down a steeper hill. record speed. On its part, the motor does not try to brake and does not limit, as the Ninebot MAX G2 electric scooter does.
Before that, I tested the higher-end, more powerful ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 model, which surprised me with its speed retention at low battery levels. The situation is similar with the ENGWE P1 - the maximum developed speed does not drop so dramatically, it remains around 27-28 km/h, even with the 10% battery.
Driving uphill
Small to medium steep hills are no problem for this bike. When driving uphill on the bike path towards the "Ozas" shopping center, which was built between Geležinios Vilkos and Linkmenų Streets, the speed decreased to 20 km/h. The situation is similar when driving to Narbut mountain.
Trying to climb the steeper Želvos st. uphill - this could not be done with the help of the engine alone. I had to use pedal assistance, but it was really not necessary to get tired like with a regular (non-electric) bike.
What we didn't like?
One of the most important things to consider before buying this bike is the height of the rider. If you plan to pedal for a long time and your height is over 180 cm, this bike is not the most suitable option. Unless, of course, you ride with only engine assistance or you have a longer seat tube to do.
At the beginning of testing, I noticed an unpleasant squealing sound coming from the brake pads. The good news is that if the blocks rub more, the unpleasant sound more or less disappears. The bad news is that when driving in the rain or otherwise getting wet, the symphony of screeching starts again.
The ENGWE P1 has reflectors, front and rear lights to ensure you are seen and noticed in the dark. True, the headlight is not very bright. For a greater sense of comfort and safety, we would like the road section to be wider and more brightly lit.
Well, the last thing I could hang on to is the bike screen. It is completely minimalistic, the integrated control buttons are not in a very convenient place, and when driving on a sunny day, information about speed is displayed, and the remaining battery is difficult to see.
Verdict
An electric bicycle is a great and convenient means of micromobility, especially considering the recent tightening and restrictions on electric scooters. The ENGWE P1 is a solid choice that will suit and appeal to those looking for a compact, quality, folding city electric bike at an attractive price.
When you order this bike, you get not only all the necessary accessories, but also a whole lot of accessories: high-quality metal mudguards, luggage frame, travel bag and phone holder. Although the power of 250W does not sound impressive, it is enough to overcome many hills, and with a fully charged battery you can expect to drive about 40-60km.
For those looking for something more powerful, faster, more ergonomic - I would suggest paying attention to other models offered by ENGWE, such as EP2 Pro, X24 or Engine Pro 2.0. Well, if the main priority for an electric bike is its weight - take a look at ENGWE P20.
