2024 Engwe L20 2.0

Engwe L20 2.0

Overview

    The Engwe L20 is a budget folding electric bike that has a 52 volt system to help it stand out from the crowd. It is a class 3 electric bike, which means that it will throttle to 20 mph and pedal assist to 28 mph. It was introduced at $799.00 but should increase to $999.00. Let's take a look at the L20, the good and the bad.

Seat folded up for easy battery removal

First Impressions

    The set up of the L20 is pretty simple. It comes mostly put together, other than the fenders and front headlamp. The manual is clear, concise and easy to follow.  Once on the road, you find the L20 to be similar to other small folding electrics. I, personally, find these small 20" tire'd bikes a little awkward and prefer a 26-29" tire. What you do find is that it is very nimble, with very quick turn in. The acceleration is excellent, courtesy of the 52 volt system and it climbs hills with breaking a sweat. The seat is the standard Engwe saddle and is comfortable. The grips are ergonomic and soft. I'm, personally, not a fan of partial grip throttles but that is what you get. It works fine. The headlight is just okay. It has working brake lights, which is always appreciated but no turn signals. There is no horn but there is a bell. There are two luggage racks. The brakes work well and braking distance is limited more by the tires than the 180 mm mechanical disk brakes. 

    As I've Pointed out, this is a class 3 bike and will throttle only up to 20 mph. It maintains that speed consistently. I've noticed a slight 1-2 mph discrepancy with the speedometer on the bike. My gps says 20 when the bike says 21 mph. Pedal assist keeps the bike at 28 mph while in level 5.  The Handle bar and seat have plenty of adjustment and should fit a wide range of body sizes. Front suspension has damping adjustment and a lock out. There is no rear suspension but there is a suspension seat post. 

Rear rack and brake light

    My biggest gripe about the L20? The battery bar is inconsistent with the actual state of charge. Voltage sag can cause the battery bar to show empty even when the bike is 50% charged leaving you unsure of your range. There is no way to show the battery voltage, so you are always just guessing about when you're going to run out of range. I've taken it on a hard 12.7 mile ride and had 45% range left, but only knew by using a volt meter, afterwards. Of note, there is a long-range battery option available if you plan on using it for long trips but, in my opinion, this is best a short distance bike. That said, it is a very pleasant short distance bike.

Specs

• Price - intro 799 increase 999

• Price - intro 799 increase 999

• Spec 750 nominal 1125 peak 75Nm torque

• 52v13Ah 6.5 hour charge

• Upgrade battery 48v 16 Ah currently $379 giving extra 30 miles throttle assist, level 1 and 99 miles pedal assist level 1

• Level 3 assist

• 68 lb

• Max load 264 lb

• Shimano 7 speed

• 180mm mech brake

• Range 28 mile throttle 1 84 mile pedal assist 1